Real Estate Broker

Welcome To North Carolina Real Estate Commission News Update Effective April 1, 2006 Gov. Easley Signs Historic Real Estate Licensing Bill On September 14, Governor Easley signed legislation making the most significant changes ever in the Real Estate License Law. Soon, salesperson licenses will be converted to (provisional) broker licenses, license applicants will be required to complete more real estate education, and persons wishing to become brokers-in-charge of real estate offices must have additional training and real estate experience. At its September meeting, the Real Estate Commission recognized the following persons and organizations who were instrumental in the passage of the legislation: • Representative Julia Howard who, with Representatives William Culpepper and Harold Brubaker, sponsored the legislation and who advocated for it on the House Floor and in committee; • Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand who sponsored a companion bill and spoke for the legislation on the Senate Floor; • North Carolina Association of REALTORS® which used its considerable resources to promote the legislation; and the Commission’s 2004 Broker-in-Charge Advisory Committee which conceived and recommended the legislation to the Commission. Commission Chairman Rick Watts concluded the proceedings by remarking that, as a result of this important legislation, “Real estate consumers will soon be served by more knowledgeable agents, and North Carolina’s real estate licensing program will be restructured to meet the needs and demands of the 21st century marketplace.” For more information about the changes in the North Carolina Real Estate License Law, please click on the following links: Summary of Changes to Real Estate License Law and Frequently Asked Questions Proposed Commission rules effective April 1, 2006 New Publications Two new publications from the Real Estate Commission are now available. Real estate licensees and interested persons may now purchase the Broker-in-Charge Guide a reference publication covering the administrative and supervisory responsibilities of brokers-in-charge of real estate offices. The 104-page volume, which serves as the text for the Broker-in-Charge course, is newly re-designed, will be updated as needed and may be purchased at a price of $10 either here on the Commission’s website or with publications order forms. Also now available is the latest addition to the Commission’s popular series of “questions and answers” brochures - Questions and Answers on: Real Estate Closings . Designed to answer many of the questions frequently asked by purchasers about residential real estate closings, the pocket-sized publication covers such topics as loan commitment letters, property inspections, title insurance, deeds, homeowner associations, and closing statements. Memo to Brokers-in-Charge The Commission has published a memorandum to all Brokers-in-Charge describing the advantages of an all broker office. To view the memo in its pdf form, click here . Trust Account Compliant Software Vendors List Now Available A list of vendors of software that the Commission has found to be "substantially" compliant with Commission rules and the Trust Account Guidelines can be found by clicking here .

House Rent

Expat Singapore - Houses In Singapore For Rent Search this site Searching for aroad or building? Basics Before Coming Culture Shock Expat Tips General Info Once You're Here Setting Up Singapore Dining Singapore Life Travel Resources Careers Expat Friends Links & Resources Message Board Schools & Childcare Products & Services All Car Rental Financial Services Legal Services Furniture & Decoration Fine Wines Housing International Movers Serviced Apartments Travel Professional Maid Services ExpatSingapore About Us Advertise With Us Archived Articles E-letters Email Us Events Photos Register Search our Site Bookmark Us: Hold down Control and press D Home Register Message Board Resources About us Houses In Singapore For Rent Click here to see Apartments for rent Click here to see Rooms for rent Relocation Services Click Here EXPAT HOUSING - Your Real Estate Contact If you are interested in advertising on our site, please Email us for rates and details. For a more up-to-date listing on houses available for rent, please go to the Message Board Setting Up home in Singapore? We can help you. As we are associated with the Expat Singapore website, we will ensure your interests are looked after, and that your housing needs are best met. Tell us when you are arriving, when you'd like to view or rent the property, your budget as well as what you'd like - house versus apartment, number of rooms, facilities, preferred location, etc - and leave the rest to us. Our associates, prequalified real estate agents, will be in touch with you directly once initial contact has been made. For monthly rentals above S$2500.00 on a two year lease or above S$5000 on a one year lease, there is no charge for services. Otherwise the agency fee payable by the tenant to the real estate agent is 2 weeks' rent. Special note : Several of our realtors have given us feedback that expats seeking housing go to different agents at the same time. We do not encourage this as this not only causes confusion but often upsets all parties concerned - the agents, landlords, and ultimately the tenants themselves. You may choose not to use any of our recommended agents, but if you do, kindly cooperate and be considerate to these service professionals. Thank you. For any queries and/or assistance with viewing of any of the properties, including many more not listed here, please contact us Telephone : 65 - 6226 6062 If you are interested in advertising on our site, please Email us for rates and details. ***** Holland Road houses for rent Nice and quiet neighbourhood. Off Holland Road and very close to Holland Village. 1. 2-storey semi-detached. Newly renovated. Land size 4,800 sqft; built-in 2,800 sqft. 4+1 bedrooms. Asking S$5,000. Immediate. 2. Single storey bungalow. Charming. A little old-world style. Huge garden. Land size about 8,600 sqft; built-in 2,500 sqft. 4+1. Asking S$8,000. Immediate. 3. Off Grange Road. Very convenient to Orchard Road. Modern 3-storey semi-detached. Land size 2,200 sqft; built-up 3,000 sqft. 4+1+1. Asking S$7,000.00. Immediate. Enquiries and viewing appointments : please call (+65) - 6226 6062 or Email us Bungalows near American school 3 Unit Bungalows with Swimming Pools For Rent in the American School vicinity - yes, walk to and from school! 1. 2 units Classic-Styled Bungalow dwellings. 2. 1 unit Modern design, brand new Bungalow. Location : Right by the American School. Description. a) Approximately 8,000 sqft plot; 8000 sqft built-up for the 2 units Classic designed bungalows, with in-ground swimming pool. b) Modern brand new unit is about 11,500 sqft plot, 5,700 sqft built-up, with in-ground pool. All houses well fitted out, fully air-conditioned, cabled. 3. Price : a) Classic designs : S$13,000 per month; b) Modern design : S$16,500 per month. 4. Availability : Immediately. Please Email us or call (+65) 6226 6062. House near American / Canadian school Location : Upper Bukit Timah, in quiet residential neighbourhood. Conveniently located near shopping mall, banks, food places and French School. Description : Plot Size 7000 sqft; Built-up 4400 sqft. 4+1 rooms, with huge garden (front and back). Newly and completely renovated, like new. Asking : S$6,000.00 pm, partially furnished. Availability : Immediately. Contact: Email us or call 65-6226 6062. East Coast semi-detached house Location : Siglap, East Coast. Very convenient to city centre. Close to amenities and beach. Description : Beautiful 2-storey semi-detached house with garden. 3+1 rooms, Plot size : 2800 sqft; Built-Up space : 4,000 sqft. (Lots of space!) Asking : S$5,000.00 pm negotiable. Availability : Immediately. Contact: Email us or call 65-6226 6062. Huge East Coast townhouse for rent Location : Brand new townhouse in East Coast, right by the Tanah Merah MRT (4 minutes from condo entrance!). Description : 4 levels, 4 bedroooms, 2800 sqft of space! 2 covered basement car-park lots. Partially furnished but property comes with many electrical appliances eg overhead projector with home entertainment system, huge television set. Asking : S$3,500.00 pm negotiable. Availability : Immediately. Contact: Email us or call 65-6226 6062. Conservation shophouse: home and office One of only 5,000 units in all of Singapore. Full of History; built during Singapore's early founding days. Houses for rent: conservation shophouse, Balinese-style terrace house 1. Emerald Hill 3-storey, fully restored shophouse with roof terrace and car porch. 4 + 1. Very rarely available. Built-in: 5,000 sqft Rent: Asking S$16,000 2. Makepeace Road Beautifully landscaped, Balinese design, corner terrace house. 3 + 1 + 1 with gazebo. Charming. Land: 3,300 sqft Built-in: 3,400 sqft Rent: Asking S$9,000 These properties are available immediately. Please email Email us or phone 62266062 for further information. ***** More houses for rent 1. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve a) 3-storey semi-detached house. 4 + 1, pool. Brand new. Land: 2,220 sqft Built-in: 3,000 sqft Rent: Asking S$10,000 b) 3-storey detached bungalow. 5 + 1, pool. Brand new. Land: 4,400 sqft Built-in: 5,150 sqft Rent: Asking S$15,000 2. Kheam Hock Road, off Bukit Timah 2.5-storey bungalow, 6 + 1, pool. Rent: Asking S$15,000 3. Thomson Road a) Huge bungalow, Windsor Park. 5 + 1, pool. Land: 25,000 sqft Built-in: 7,000 sqft Rent: Asking S$28,000 b) Semi-detached, Springleaf Garden. 4 + 1. Land: 3,600 sqft Built-in: 2,800 sqft Rent: Asking S$4,500 These properties are available immediately. Please email Email us or phone 62266062 for further information. ***** Bungalows, semi-detached and terrace houses for rent 1. Gallop Road - bungalow Land: 15,000 sqft Built-in: 5,000 sqft 4 + 3, pool, beautiful garden. Rent: Asking S$15,000 2. Leedon Park - bungalow Land: 20,000 sqft Built-in: 11,000 sqft 6 + 2, pool, huge mature garden. Rent: Asking S$30,000 3. Andrew Road - bungalows (2 units) Land: 17,000 / 13,000 sqft Built-in: 5,000 sqft Both houses come with outhouse, patio and garden. Rent: Asking S$15,000 / S$11,000 4. American School vicinity, walk to school! a) Bungalows for rent with pool, 5 + 1. Land: 11,000 sqft Built-in: 5,000 sqft Rent: Asking S$13,000 b) Terrace houses for rent, 4 + 1. Land: 2,000 - 3,200 sqft Built-in: 3,000 - 3,700 sqft Rent: Asking S$5,500 - S$7,000 5. Sunset Drive (off Holland Village / Bukit Timah) Land: 6,750 sqft Built-in: 5,600 sqft 4 + 1, with pool. Rent: Asking S$11,000 6. Bukit Timah (2 units) a) Semi-detached house, brand new. 4 +1. Land: 4,400 sqft Built-in: 3,500 sqft Rent: Asking S$7,500 b) Bungalow, 4 + 3. Land: 10,000 sqft Built-in: 5,500 sqft Rent: Asking S$11,000 These properties are available immediately. Please email Email us or phone 62266062 for further information. ***** West Coast bungalow for rent Description: 11,500 sqft bungalow on hilltop. 4 + 1 bedrooms plus 3 bathrooms, swimming pool (regularly maintained) and patio. Fully furnished. Location: Pasir Panjang, West Coast Availability: Immediate Rent: Asking S$5,500 Contact: 62266062 or Email us ***** Bungalow House for Rent Almost new, beautiful 3-storey bungalow house, 6+1 rooms with built-in wardrobes, 4 bathrooms, high ceiling living hall (7m), 2 jacuzzi bathtubs. Big masterbedroom. Approx. 5000 sq.ft with aboveground pool. Located in bungalow zone, 50m away from quiet playground, walking distance to East Coast Park, 400m from Kembangan MRT. Price : Asking $11K, partially furnished. Available now. Contact : email us or 62266 062 ***** House for rent at Woodgrove View, Century Woods, next to American school Location: Woodgrove View, Century Woods. 1 minute walk to American school. Large American Community. MRT station and Supermarket within walking distance. Price: S$5,500 Size: 3,200 sq ft built-in, small garden in the front yard. 5 airy bedrooms plus family room with high ceiling. Features: 3 Storey Corner Terrace House. Brand new, fully aircon and partially furnished. Quality finish. Availability: Immediate. Contact: Email us or at (+65) 6226 6062. ***** The Best of Century Woods Phase 2 Location : Woodgrove Walk (adjacent to Singapore American School). Just 1 minute walk to American School. Large and friendly American community. Price : S$7,500 per month. Size: 5 bedrooms plus 1 maid's room plus extra family room. Built in spacious 3,400 sq ft. Features: Brand new 3-storey corner terrace. High ceiling with unique alcove design (not standard feature to all units). Fully air-conditioned. Beautiful garden. Autogate. Morning sun. Partially furnished. Availability: Immediate Contact: Tel: 6226 6062 or email: email us ***** House for rent at Woodgrove View at Century Woods Location: Woodgrove View, Century Woods. Next to American School in Woodlands. Large American Community. Price : S$7.000 Size: Cosy 5 bedrooms plus family room and courtyard. Built in 3,200 sq ft. Features: Intermediate 3 Storey Terrace House. Brand new, fully aircon and partially furnished. Availability : Immediate. Contact: 6226 6062 or email Email us ***** House for rent: a life of luxury awaits you Location : Brandt New 4 Storey Cluster House with full condo facilities and 24 hours security, located 5 mins away from Tanah Merah MRT station, 10 mins to Bugis Junction & City Hall where the Central Business District offers the most cosmopolitan lifestyle. Ideal for nature lovers as is only 5 min drive to East Coast Beach where the famous "Lagoon Seafood Centre" is located. Description : Fully Furnished with five designer bedrooms with full panel of wardrobes, IDD line, SCV, night table with lamps. Master bedroom & living facing swimming pool & greenery. One large living/dinning area & one basement family hall. 2 patios, and 1 large veranda, 1 utility room, 1 store room & washer. See Photos Size : 3,000 sq ft. Price : S$ 4,000.00 per month Available : Immediate Contact : 6226 6062 or email at Email us ***** The following houses were advertised here and rented. They have been placed here so readers know what kind of accommodation Singapore offers. ***** House for rent at Holland Grove Location : Holland Grove vicinity single storey semi-detached, 10 minute walk to Henry Park Primary School and Jelita Cold Storage. Quiet residential area Price : S$5,000 per month. Size: Land 4,069 sq. ft. Built in approx. 2,300 sq ft. Features: Car porch, large living and dining, study, kitchen, 3 bedrooms. Fully air-conditioned. Autogate. Mature garden. Partially furnished. See Photos Availability: Taken Contact: 6226 6062 or Email us ***** House for rent off Grange Road Location : Jalan Kelawar (off One Tree Hill), 3 min from Orchard Road. Description : 3 bedroom, 2 story house, front garden with 2 fish ponds, outhouse, BBQ. Price : S$6800 per month negociable. Availability : Taken Contact : 6226 6062 or email at Email us ***** Semi-Detached House at Siglap Description : Modern and well constructed house in the East Coast for rent. Clean lines, functionally laid out, bright and spacious. There are 5 + 1 + 1 rooms. Fully equipped kitchen with all the appliances to make it your home. Location : Off Siglap Road. 10 minutes by car to CBD Price : S$5,500.00 per month Size : Approx 3,600 sq ft land ; 4,200 sq ft built-in. Availability : Taken ***** House For Rent at Garlick Avenue Location : Bukit Timah vicinity, double storey bungalow house with swimming pool in one of Singapore's finest residential areas. Quiet neighbourhood. 10 mins drive to Orchard Road. Land area : 10,475 sq ft Built-in : 3,853 sq ft Rooms: 4 rooms with attached bathroom Features : High celing, fully air-conditioned. Well kept garden. Partially furnished. See Photos Price : $ 8,000 per month, negotiable. Availability : Taken ***** House for rent at East Coast Location : East Coast vicinity, 3 storey S/Detached, 5 mins to airport, 15 mins to city centre, Quiet neighbourhood. Price : S$5500 per month, negotiable depending what is needed. Size : Built-in 3111 ft2. Features : Large living & dining, Very large master bedroom + 4 bedrooms + 1 maid's room, 6 toilets, Fully air-con, Full kitchen, Car porch, Autogates, Alarm system, Wardrobes Available : Taken ***** 29 Kelulut Hill Location : 29 Kelulut Hill, Off Seletar Hills Type : 2-Storey Intermediate Terrace House Price : S$3,500 /pm (negotiable) with partial furnishings Size : Land: 1,884 sqft / Built-in: 2,151 sqft Features : 4 Bedrooms + 4 En-Suite Bathrooms; Maid's room; Brand New; Autogate; cul-de-sac. Quiet residential area; yet walking distance to shops and amenities. Photos available Availability : Taken No 36, Jalan Merah Saga Location : No 36, Jalan Merah Saga Singapore 278111 Type : 2 storey semi-detached house Price : S$15,000 /pm (negotiable) with partial furnishings Size : Land: 3770 sqft / Built-In: 2500 sqft Features : 5 Bedrooms + 3 Bathrooms + Huge Dining Room Photos available Availability : Taken 31 Nim Green Location: 31 Nim Green, Off Seletar Hills Type : 2-Storey Semi-Detached Price : S$3,500 /pm (negotiable) with partial furnishings Size : Land: 4500 sqft / Built-in: 3520 sqft Features : 3 Bedrooms + 3 Bathrooms + 1 Store-room Photos available Availability : Taken House Also For Sale At S$2.5 million 75 Neram Road Location: 75 Neram Road, Off Seletar Hills, (Near American School) Type : Brand New 2 1/2 Storey Detached Bungalow Price : S$15,000 /pm (negotiable) with partial furnishings Size : Land: 6000 sqft / Built-in: 5500 sqft Features : 6 Bedrooms + 5 Bathrooms + 1 Study-Room + 1 Store-Room + Huge Attic Photos + Floor Plan available Availability : Taken Back to Products and Services About Us | Advertise With Us | Email Us | Missing Links | Register | Search General Info | Getting Here | Starting Up | Once You're Here | Enjoying Singapore | Eating in Singapore | Message Board | FAQs | Products & Services | Links ExpatSingapore Jurong West Post Office P.O. Box 1033 Singapore 916432 Tel: (65) 6226-6062 All pages © ExpatSingapore 1997 - 2005

Buy House

Checklist for buying a house Get up to 4 MortgageOffers. When Banks Compete, You Win! Your House Buying Checklist Oneof the most important things you can do is to make a checklist as you search for, find and buy a home. By keepingon top of your game-plan at all times you will greatly increase your chances of success. To save time, bookmarkthis page and refer to the following checklist frequently. Follow the links, print out this checklist and let itincrease your house buying effectiveness. House Buying Checklist Be an informed buyer. There are well over 150 pages of information hereas well as links to much more information. Numerous guides are available on specific subjects. Our Bookstore had additional recommendedreading. Gather as much information as you can. You can keep up-to-date by subscribing to our free newsletter and by visitingthe What's New page. Want more information on the process of home buying? Get the Home Buyer's Defense Guide andget 6 free bonuses. Buying your firsthome ? See the page devoted to first time home buying . Familiarize yourself with the mortgage process. Have mortgage questions ? Need a few mortgage tips ? See the sections devoted to those subjects. Begin the application process by getting prequalified and preapproved from a Mortgage Lender. Do this first. Your Agent will need your mortgage qualification, and it will significantlystrengthen your offer when you find a home. At Lending Tree , you can submit a quick andeasy application, and within 2 business days get up to 4 offers from lenders so that you can compare terms and rates . Get your financialpicture in focus as soon as possible. Since it is an importantcomponent, be aware of your credit situation. You can get a free copy of your credit report or, see the credit center for additional resources for getting your credit report. The best time to work on your budget is before you move. Want to maximize your financial picture? See the section devoted to budget hints . Wondering about how much time is needed to buy a home? See the sample homebuying timeline . Find an Agent that you trust. It is important to do this before you go rushing off looking for homes or you may end up with norepresentation. See the Agency and BuyerAgent pages for important discussions regarding "who representswho." Looking to find an Agent? Click here to choose an Agent in your area .You can compare backgrounds, experience and more. Thinking about doing it on your own? See the section on buying on your own for things watch for. Determine your housing needs and wants to determine what typesof houses you should be considering. Familiarize yourself with the various types of housing available: Single family , townhouse ,and condo . If you are planning on buying or building a new home, see our section devotedto building a house including house building tips , resources and howto find a contractor . Have general questions about buying a home? See the questions homebuyers ask page. Still have a question about a Real Estate term or its definition? See our Real Estate Glossary . A question on a mortgage term? See the Mortgage Glossary . House Hunting Time! First, see the article devoted to finding the right home . Then,make a scorecard for each house to help you keep track of the properties you've seen. Familiarize yourself with howto set a value on a house . This can save you a great deal oftime and helps to avoid disappointment. When you find an acceptable house, write an offer . Familiarize yourselfwith how offers become contracts . Need examples of offers and contracts available for your state? See FIndLegalForms.com Negotiate your best deal using the information you have acquired. If you haven't already done so, apply for a mortgage loan . Arrange for homeinspection . Protect yourself and do not skip this step! Learn about homewarranties and what they cover. Compare and secure homeownersinsurance . Since homeowners insurance is a long term expense,getting the best deal here brings savings that continue. Arrange for closing agent or attorney. Make all final preparations for closing . Make movingplans . If you plan to use a moving company, make comparisonsand reserve time now. Secure final loan approval and commitment from the lending institution.If you have done your "up-front" work, this should be one of your easiest steps. Do a final walkthrough of the house. Final closingand settlement . Let us know what you liked or disliked about thisweb site! Move to your new home and begin enjoying it--you deserve it! Subscribe to the Home Buyer's Information Center newsletter Get Your Credit Score Compare Mortgage Offersat LendingTree.com COMPARE Mortgages Agents Insurance TheHome Buyer Defense Guide with 6 FREE BONUSES Searchfor Agents Anonymously Free Credit Report Find Homes at Bargain.com RECOMMENDED READING TheHome Buyer Defense Guide with 6 Free Bonuses Home Buying For Dummies (you won'tbe after reading this book!) 10 Steps to Home Ownership Simple, concisestep-by-step guide HOME | Your Checklist | To-Do Lists | Agents | Mortgages | Questions | Finda Home | Inspections | Research | More Links | Bookstore

Home equity for the

MSN Money - Home equity for the holidays MSN Home Hotmail My MSN Sign In Money S earch MSN Money: Help Home News Banking Investing Planning Taxes My Money Portfolio Loans Insurance Banking Home My Accounts Bill Pay Mortgages/Loans Services Credit Reports Financial Tools Track your bills Resources Decision Centers Home Buying Guide Home Financing Your Credit Rating Financial Privacy Better Banking Credit Card Smarts Bankruptcy Guide Commentary Index Related Links Manage Debt More on Budgeting Print-friendly version Send this to a friend See where rates stand Calculate your debt burden here Find a home-equity loan Find books on home buying Find It! Article Index Finance Q&A Tools Index Site Map Recent articles by Bankrate.com: • Mortgage rates hit 18-month high , 11/2/2005 • Best deal? Go to the source , 10/27/2005 • When it pays to stay single , 10/24/2005 More... The Basics Home equity for the holidays advertisement Borrowing from a home-equity loan for holiday spending is tempting because of the lower rates and tax-deductible payments. But theres a huge risk involved. By Bankrate.com This season, many consumers will charge against the home for the holidays. They will use home-equity debt to pay for gifts and travel. Some will do it directly, paying for presents and airline tickets with charge cards tied to home-equity lines of credit. More will do it indirectly, by using equity to pay off credit-card balances that end up as bloated as a turkey-sated family. Home-equity debt traditionally has been spent on investments that bring some kind of return -- renovating houses, paying for college, starting small businesses. More recently, as consumers have become more clever about using debt, equity loans are seen as a cheaper, smarter way to consolidate debt and pay for such items as cars and furniture. But gifts and airline tickets to visit family? Believe it or not, bankers and consumer advocates agree that there are times when it's appropriate to pay for something so fleeting by charging it against the roof over your head. It's not exactly wise to go into debt to pay for presents, but if you're going to do it, you might as well do so as inexpensively as possible. Find a loan that's right for you at the Loan Center Debt for gifts "Don't let these things be excuses to be in debt. That's the issue," says Anthony Hsieh, president of Home Loan Center, an online lender based in Orange County, Calif. If you listen long enough to AM radio, you are likely to hear a holiday-themed sales pitch for these loans, which allow you to borrow money and use the accumulated equity in your home as collateral. Generally, it takes two to four weeks to get access to the money after you apply. Home-equity loans, also known as second mortgages, come in a lump sum. You repay them with equal monthly payments at a fixed rate for a specified period. Related news and commentary on MSN Money • Gift cards are not gifts • 15 worst holiday gift ideas • The fine art of holiday tipping: why, who and how much • The 13 worst holiday spending blunders • 12 rules for regifting without fear • 10 low-cost gifts from the heart Home equity lines of credit, or HELOCs, on the other hand, work like credit cards. Instead of getting a lump sum, you start out with a credit line and can draw up to the credit line's limit. During the first years of the account, the minimum monthly payment covers only the interest on the balance. The rate is variable and usually is tied to the prime rate. The tax deduction On both kinds of equity debt, the interest you pay is deductible from your federal income taxes in most cases. That's the key, Hsieh says. If you decide to take some time to pay off your holiday debt, why not do it with tax-deductible interest? "Is it irresponsible to dig into equity (to pay for gifts?)" Hsieh asks. "Yes. But if you're going to get into debt and you're disciplined enough to pay it off in a predetermined time, there is an advantage to using a HELOC because the interest is deductible." Rudy Cavazos of Money Management International , a national, nonprofit credit-counseling agency based in Houston, agrees that buying things with low-rate home equity debt "beats using that credit card" with higher rates and no tax-deduction. But he's not sure every consumer understands all the differences between regular credit cards and cards tied to HELOCs, including the biggie: "You're placing your home on the line as security, as collateral, for these funds." No walking away from equity debt Sure, the HELOC has a lower rate and the interest is tax-deductible. But the regular credit card is unsecured, meaning that the balance is not backed by collateral -- so the debt can be wiped clean in some bankruptcies. Not so with a card tied to a HELOC. If you buy your godson a Christmas gift with your HELOC, you are pledging your house as collateral. You can't walk away from the debt, even in bankruptcy. This important point might not be stressed at the time of the loan application. That's why Cavazos recommends that consumers get some kind of loan counseling before they take out home-equity loans or get HELOCs. Consumer credit counseling agencies, such as MMI, often hold workshops or do one-on-one education for people who get home loans of all kinds. Cavazos hears radio advertisements all the time that urge listeners to use home equity as a way to consolidate debt "or improve their lifestyle in some way. That's all good, but you have to remember to educate yourself before you enter into these types of financial tools." When it comes to gifts and holiday travel, the best financial tool is to stay away from debt in the first place. Instead, use the financial tool that can't be beat: a savings account. Editors' choice Don't get scammed by your mover Safeguard your Social Security number 5 ways to tap into the onshore drilling boom Your checkbook just became obsolete Turn $1 a day into $67,815 Readers' choice Ratings Top 5 Articles 9.30 Zombie debt collectors dig up your old mistakes 9.24 Keep thieves out of your bank account 9.22 Credit reports now free for entire U.S. 9.19 10 ways to avoid outrageous hospital overcharges 9.17 Tax breaks for Katrina victims -- and all of us View all top rated articles More Resources · E-mail us your comments on this article · Post on the Your Money message board · Get a daily dose of market news S earch MSN Money tips advertisement MSN Money's editorial goal is to provide a forum for personal finance and investment ideas. Our articles, columns, message board posts and other features should not be construed as investment advice, nor does their appearance imply an endorsement by Microsoft of any specific security or trading strategy. An investor's best course of action must be based on individual circumstances. © 2005 Microsoft MSN Privacy Legal Advertise Feedback Help

Real Estate Investing

National Real Estate Investor - commercial real estate investing and development About Us | Contact Us | Advertising | For Search Partners | Privacy Policy Sort by Date Relevancy Resources and Services Capital Markets Center Retail Tenant Directory Best of the Best Industry News Developer News Broker News Area Reviews Executive Q&A Office Multifamily Retail Industrial Hotel Net Lease/1031 Exchanges REIT Updates Investors Capital Markets Property Management Corporate Real Estate Technology Tax Issues First Word Financing Today Money & Real Estate Tax Notes Washington Wire Last Word Retail Traffic Industry Associations Data Points Home -- Kelo Verdict Bolsters Private Development As Public Use -- TIME TO SELL? New research from National Real Estate Investor and Retail Traffic , and sponsored by Hutensky Capital Partners, provides insights on the climate for shopping center sales. Click here to download . December's Cover Story Forecast 2006: Five trends driving the industry Dec 1, 2005 12:00 PM While mounting pressures may produce cracks in the economic recovery in 2006, the nation is on track to close out 2005 on a resilient note. Real GDP growth... More -- FEATURED DOWNLOAD 100 Ways to Save Costs in your Retail Operation Supplement For ways to save on day-to-day operational products and services, be sureto to download a copy of our 100+ Ways to Save including a complete listing ofSimon Preferred Vendors and Service Providers. Clickhere to download . News Articles GE/Arden Deal Caps Big M&A Year Dec 28, 2005 3:32 AM When General Electric agreed to buy office real estate investment trust (REIT) Arden Realty last Thursday, the $3.2 billion deal capped a heady year for REIT mergers. Not only is the southern California-based office landlord the eighth publicly-traded REIT to change hands this year in roughly $20 billion worth of deals, but its also further evidence that institutional capital still has a voracious appetite for real estate. And December proved to be an especially active month for REIT mergers: Centerpoint Properties Trust was sold to a joint venture earlier this month for $2.4 billion.... More -- Ground Zero Waiting Game Dec 21, 2005 1:49 PM Four years after the 9-11 attacks, lower Manhattans office market is on the mend. But 7 World Trade Center, one of the first towers to rise along Ground Zero, is lagging behind the recovery with just 40,000 sq. ft. of its entire 1.7 million sq. ft. leased as of late December. The problem, say brokerage sources, are the above-market rents at 7 World Trade Center, which is being developed by Silverstein Properties and is slated for occupancy in March. ... More -- D.C. Hotel Property Sold Dec 21, 2005 10:57 AM LaSalle Hotel Properties has bought a downtown Washington, D.C. hotel for $44.6 million. The hotel REIT also plans to invest another $21 million into the Holiday Inn Downtown. ... More -- GE Buys Swedish Office Tower Dec 21, 2005 10:55 AM GE Commercial Finance Real Estate has bought the leasehold to Gta Ark, an office building located in downtown Stockholm. The purchase price amounts to roughly $57 million (U.S.). Approximately 28% of the property is leased to the Local Authority of Stockholm. This is the second office property that GE Commercial Finance Real Estate has acquired in Stockholm since last summer. ... More -- GE Lends To Investment Fund Operator Dec 21, 2005 10:54 AM GE Commercial Finance Real Estate has closed a $28.7 million transaction with HEI Hospitality for the HEI acquisition of the 250-room, full service Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport. ... More -- Hoteliers Eye Booming 2006: Report Dec 16, 2005 11:48 AM The U.S. hotel industry should post record profits in 2006, based on a recent report by PricewaterhouseCoopers hospitality practice. Not only is 2006 likely to bring record profits but also the industry should expect two more years of solid growth. ... More -- No Worries On Non-Core Industrial Development Spike Dec 14, 2005 1:34 PM Planned development activity in secondary and tertiary industrial markets set a blistering pace in the third quarter with 38.5 million sq. ft. of new construction starts, reports CB Richard Ellis. That was up from only 16 million sq. ft. in the second quarter. Whats more interesting, however, is that a full third of that third quarter activity was initiated in secondary and tertiary industrial markets rather than the major shipping hubs on the west and east coast. ... More -- Property Fund Launched Dec 9, 2005 4:24 PM Henderson Global Investors has launched an open-ended, commingled real estate fund that will invest in a range property classes. The fund will chiefly buy apartment, retail, industrial and office properties located in select U.S. markets. Henderson Global Investors manages more than $10.1 billion in assets. ... More -- CB Richard Ellis and Trammell Crow Agree… The top 2 U.S. asset managers -- CB Richard Ellis and Trammell Crow -- have all moved to the Realm PAY Platform for Paper-Free A/P. Click here to discover why. The Best of the Best 2005 Oct 20, 2005 1:55 PM National Real Estate Investor presents its annual rankings of the leading commerical real estate companies. Intent on shedding its image as a highly fragmented industry, commercial real estate continues to experience a wave of consolidation. For industry veterans, it's like watching a game of PacMan. The giants of the industry are gobbling up smaller players and each other at a healthy clip.... More -- IN PRINT Current issue Hurricane Winds Blow Through Condo Market Dec 1, 2005 12:00 PM The condo market in Miami-Dade County, which is bursting at the seams with new construction and intense investor demand, took an unexpected hit in October... More -- Unlocking Building Value Through Repositioning Dec 1, 2005 12:00 PM One of the most striking buildings on Chicago's skyline is CNA Center. Since it was built in 1972, the 1.3 million sq. ft. red tower has operated as a... More -- Why Public REITs Are Going Private Dec 1, 2005 12:00 PM During the early 1990s, private real estate companies with large portfolios rushed to become public real estate investment trusts. Now the pendulum has... More -- Magazine Subscriptions Email Newsletter Advertiser Information Online Marketplace Back to Top © 2005 Primedia Business Magazines and Media. 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