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Amazon.co.uk: Buying a Home in Spain: Books BOOK SEARCH BROWSE CATEGORIES SPECIAL OFFERS TOP SELLERS AUDIO BOOKS Paperbacks 3 for £12 NEW & USED TEXTBOOKS HARRY POTTER SELL YOUR BOOKS All Products -Books -Used Books -Collectable Books All Subjects -Art, Architecture & Photography -Audio Cassettes -Audio CDs -Biography -Business, Finance & Law -Children's Books -Comics & Graphic Novels -Computers & Internet -Crime, Thrillers & Mystery -Fiction -Food & Drink -Gay & Lesbian -Health, Family & Lifestyle -History -Home & Garden -Horror -Humour -Mind, Body & Spirit -Music, Stage & Screen -Poetry, Drama & Criticism -Reference & Languages -Religion & Spirituality -Romance -Science & Nature -Science Fiction & Fantasy -Scientific, Technical & Medical -Society, Politics & Philosophy -Sports, Hobbies & Games -Travel & Holiday -Young Adult All Subjects Art, Architecture & Photography Audio Cassettes Audio CDs Biography Business, Finance & Law Children's Books Comics & Graphic Novels Computers & Internet Crime, Thrillers & Mystery Education & Languages Fiction Food & Drink Gay & Lesbian Health, Family & Lifestyle History Home & Garden Horror Humour Mind, Body & Spirit Music, Stage & Screen Poetry, Drama & Criticism Reference Religion & Spirituality Romance Science & Nature Science Fiction & Fantasy Scientific, Technical & Medical Society, Politics & Philosophy Sports, Hobbies & Games Travel & Holiday Young Adult BOOKS INFO At A Glance Reviews Customer Reviews See more by these authors: David Hampshire Jim Watson E-mail a Friend About This Item Recommendations If you already own this, rate it and improve your recommendations , Not Rated Find a huge selection of books at 30% off Become an Associate Join our Associates Programme and make money from your website! Buying a Home in Spain David Hampshire , Jim Watson (Illustrator) Publisher: learn how customers can search inside this book. Availability: usually dispatched within 1 to 2 working days 31 Used & New from £1.20 See larger photo Edition: Paperback More Product Details Customers who shopped for this item also shopped for: Buying a Property in Spain: An Insider Guide to Finding a Home in the Sun ; Paperback ~ Harry King The Best Places to Buy a Home in Spain ; Paperback ~ Joanna Styles, Jim Watson (Illustrator) Buy to Let in Spain: How to Invest in Spanish Property for Pleasure and Profit ; Paperback ~ Harry King Property Hotspots in Spain: The Hottest Property Locations in the Sunny Costas and How to Invest in Them ; Paperback ~ Ajay Ahuja Buying a Home in Spain 2005 ; Paperback ~ David Hampshire Product Details: Paperback 288 pages(December 1999) Publisher: Survival Books Language: English ISBN: 1901130363 Category(ies): Business, Finance & Law , Health, Family & Lifestyle , Travel & Holiday Average Customer Review: | Write a review Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 2,760 (Publishers and authors: improve your sales ) 1 new from 5.95 30 used from 1.20 Have one to sell? (We'll set one up for you) View my Wish List . Customers interested in this title may also be interested in: What's this? ( What's this? ) Feedback Business Finance Directory Find a wide range of business finance services and specialists in the finance section of our free business directory. www.business-search.uk.net Reviews Book Information Buying a Home in Spain is essential reading for anyone planning to purchase property in Spain and is the most comprehensive and up-to-date source of information available. Whether you're seeking a castillo, villa, farmhouse, townhouse or an apartment, a holiday or a permanent home, this book will help make your dreams come true. Packed with over 200 pages of valuable information, it's designed to help you avoid costly mistakes and save time and money. If you're planning to buy a home in Spain or even just thinking about it--this is the book for you. Buying a Home in Spain is designed to guide you through the property maze and make buying a home a pleasant and enjoyable experience. Most importantly, it's packed with vital information to help you avoid the sort of disasters that can turn your dream home into a nightmare. Vital topics covered include: Doing your Homework and Avoiding Problems Choosing the Region Finding the Right Home and Location Real Estate Agents Finance, Mortgages and Taxes Home Security Utilities, Heating and Air-conditioning Moving House and Settling In Renting and Letting Permits and Visas Retirement, Working and Starting a Business Travelling and Communications Health and Insurance Renting a Car and Driving And much, much more. Customer Reviews Avg. Customer Review: Write an online review and share your thoughts with other shoppers! 3 of 3 people found the following review helpful: Buying a Home in Spain , March 8, 2004 Reviewer: A reader from Los Angeles, California USA David Hampshire has written or co-written a series of books on living, working and purchasing homes in different countries; this is the 5th of his "country" books I have bought. We have previously lived in Switzerland and France and have close relatives in Portugal and we find David Hampshire's books invaluable - they are detailed, honest and well-written - good reference books and introduction for anyone contemplating a move abroad. I have given his books to several friends, including his book on the U.S. to a friend who moved to Virginia. I purchased this one for a relative planning to buy a house in Spain. It is not the only hand-book or advice one needs but it is certainly a great guide/check-list of the daily items one needs to deal with in a foreign country. Was this review helpful to you? 25 of 26 people found the following review helpful: BUYING A HOME IN SPAIN , November 25, 2002 Reviewer: Alexandra Campbell from Costa del Sol, Spain Having made several mistakes buying my first property in Spain when it came to the second I invested in David Hampshire's BUYING A HOME IN SPAIN. What a revelation! He has certainly saved me a lot of money, and probably my sanity - Spain is a wonderful place to live, but the laws, regulations, and customs are very different to the UK, and the well-meaning advice of ex-pats can lead to losing your car, home or savings. This book tells it like it is...thank you Mr Hampshire, you obviously HAVE lived here, and your advice really hits the spot. Was this review helpful to you? 28 of 34 people found the following review helpful: One to read if you are one of life's great pessimists! , June 15, 2001 Reviewer: A reader from Britain This book scared the living daylights out of me! Having read it I was convinced that I would never have the mental stamina to deal with all the red tape he describes. I know that it is important that people are warned of the possible pitfalls of buying property abroad but did this book have to be so negative and so pessimistic? The Chapter on Spanish driving was dreadfully insulting, as were the comments about Spain being the noisiest country in Europe! How I would have liked a more ENCOURAGING book - by all means point out potential pitfalls, Mr Hampshire, but please do so in a constructive way. Were I a more timid character I would have read this book and ditched all my plans for moving to Spain in the near future - not a read for the faint hearted. Was this review helpful to you? 27 of 28 people found the following review helpful: Excellent; Should be mandatory reading for prospective owner , July 6, 2000 Reviewer: A reader from Scotland A very comprehensive guide to buying a place in Spain. There's a wealth of facts in this book so don't expect to absorb it all on the first reading. - But don't worry, it's all presented in a very readable and humerous style. The author also provides a useful insight into some of the less palatable aspects of property ownership in Spain (not that Spain is any worse than any other country)and this means that we can approach our negotiations with much more confidence. Indeed, he doesn't appear to be scared to tread on a few toes he also exposes some of the less appealing aspects (for example read the section on Community properties, pages 150-155) Reading the rather vitriolic comments of a previous reviewer made me curious as to why the book prompted such a reaction. It was either somebody in the property trade who's cage he'd rattled or (call me a cynic if you wish) it was deliberate bait. Either way it attracted me to the book. So to that person 'Thank You' for calling it to my attention; it has become my bible. Was this review helpful to you? See all customer reviews... Customers who bought books by David Hampshire also bought books by these authors: Harry King Andre de Vries Charles Davey Joe Laredo Alan S. Lindsey Look for similar books by subject: Browse for Books in: Subjects > Travel & Holiday > General Subjects > Business, Finance & Law > Personal Finance > Property & Real Estate > General Subjects > Health, Family & Lifestyle > Self Help > Practical & Motivational Subjects > Travel & Holiday > Countries & Regions > Europe > Portugal > General Subjects > Travel & Holiday > Countries & Regions > Europe > Spain > General Subjects > Health, Family & Lifestyle > Self Help > General Search for books by subject: Business / Economics / Finance Economics Europe - Spain & Portugal Property & real estate Real Estate - Buying/Selling Homes Self-Help & Practical Interests Spain TRAVEL & HOLIDAY Travel i.e., each book must be in subject 1 AND subject 2 AND ... Comment on this title I have read this book and I want to review it. I am the author and I want to comment on my book. I am the publisher and I want to comment on this book. Correct errors and omissions in this listing. 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Real Estate Listing :: Gowealthy.com HAPPY NEW YEAR 2006 HOME | REAL ESTATE | TRAVEL | ENTERTAINMENT | PREMIUM CLUB MEMBER LOGIN User ID: Password: Not a member? Register now! Forgot password? WORLD PROPERTIES » Property home » List your property » View property listing DUBAI REAL ESTATE NEWS » Read News » Submit Press Release FREEHOLD GUIDE » General FAQ » Construction Updates » Currency Converter HOME | REAL ESTATE | LISTING property listing Filter Properties by Type All Apartment Duplex Villa Townhouse Beach House Farmhouse Island Retreat Retail Outlet Site Shop For All Sale Rent Re-Sale Bedroom All Studio 1 2 3 4 5 6 6+ Nill Country All Argentina Australia Belize Brazil Bulgaria China Dominican Republic Egypt France Greece India Lebanon Malaysia Mexico Morocco Pakistan Panama Portugal Singapore South Africa Spain Switzerland Turkey United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Yugoslavia First Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Next Last Name Herdade Monte - a house with 11 bed-rooms Type Farmhouse Property for Sale Bedrooms 6+ Area 8,000,000 Sq.M. Price AED 7,500,000 City Arraiolos Country Portugal » More details » Property enquiry Name Small hotel/loft new refurbished with nine rooms in the Swiss mountains Type Villa Property for Sale Bedrooms 6+ Area 1,000 Sq.M. Price USD 1,350,000 City Matt Country Switzerland » More details » Property enquiry Name Freehold Hotel and Beach Club Type Site Property for Sale Bedrooms 6+ Area 4,500 Sq.M. Price EUR 9,500,000 City Tangier Country Morocco » More details » Property enquiry Name Hotel and Beach Club Type Site Property for Sale Bedrooms 6+ Area 4,500 Sq.M. Price EUR 9,500,000 City Tangier Country Morocco » More details » Property enquiry Name Beautiful villa on the med sea in tangier Type Villa Property for Sale Bedrooms 4 Area 953 Sq.M. Price EUR 500,000 City Tangier Country Morocco » More details » Property enquiry » List of active properties | LINK | ADVERTISE | SITEMAP | FAQ | FEEDBACK | CONTACT US | ASSOCIATES GOWEALTHY.COM © 2005. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED DISCLAIMER PRIVACY POLICY
real estate investment counseling.
Real estate brokers and sales agents Skip Navigation Links Latest Numbers U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook www.bls.gov Search the Handbook BLS Home | OOH Home | Frequently Asked Questions | A-Z Index | Contact Us Printer-friendly version ( HTML ) -- PDF ) -- Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents Nature of the Work Working Conditions Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Employment Job Outlook Earnings Related Occupations Sources of Additional Information Significant Points Real estate brokers and sales agents often work evenings and weekends and usually are on call to suit the needs of clients. A license is required in every State and the District of Columbia. Although gaining a job may be relatively easy, beginning workers may face competition fromwell-established, more experienced agents and brokers in obtaining listings and in closing an adequate number of sales. Employment is sensitive to swings in the economy, especially interest rates; during periodsof declining economic activity and increasing interest rates, the volume of sales and the resultingdemand for sales workers fall. Nature of the Work [ About this section ] Back to Top One of the most complex and significant financial events in peoples lives is the purchase or sale of a home or investment property. Because of this complexity and significance, people typically seek the help of real estate brokers and sales agents when buying or selling real estate. Real estate brokers and sales agents have a thorough knowledge of the real estate market in their communities. They know which neighborhoods will best fit clients needs and budgets. They are familiar with local zoning and tax laws and know where to obtain financing. Agents and brokers also act as intermediaries in price negotiations between buyers and sellers. Real estate agents usually are independent sales workers who provide their services to a licensed real estate broker on a contract basis. In return, the broker pays the agent a portion of the commission earned from the agents sale of the property. Brokers are independent businesspeople who sell real estate owned by others; they also may rent or manage properties for a fee. When selling real estate, brokers arrange for title searches and for meetings between buyers and sellers during which the details of the transactions are agreed upon and the new owners take possession of the property. A broker may help to arrange favorable financing from a lender for the prospective buyer; often, this makes the difference between success and failure in closing a sale. In some cases, brokers and agents assume primary responsibility for closing sales; in others, lawyers or lenders do. Brokers supervise agents who may have many of the same job duties. Brokers also supervise their own offices, advertise properties, and handle other business matters. Some combine other types of work, such as selling insurance or practicing law, with their real estate business. Besides making sales, agents and brokers must have properties to sell. Consequently, they spend a significant amount of time obtaining listings—agreements by owners to place properties for sale with the firm. When listing a property for sale, agents and brokers compare the listed property with similar properties that recently sold, in order to determine a competitive market price for the property. Once the property is sold, both the agent who sold it and the agent who obtained the listing receive a portion of the commission. Thus, agents who sell a property that they themselves have listed can increase their commission. Most real estate brokers and sales agents sell residential property. A small number—usually employed in large or specialized firms—sell commercial, industrial, agricultural, or other types of real estate. Every specialty requires knowledge of that particular type of property and clientele. Selling or leasing business property requires an understanding of leasing practices, business trends, and the location of the property. Agents who sell or lease industrial properties must know about the regions transportation, utilities, and labor supply. Whatever the type of property, the agent or broker must know how to meet the clients particular requirements. Before showing residential properties to potential buyers, agents meet with them to get a feeling for the type of home the buyers would like. In this prequalifying phase, the agent determines how much the buyers can afford to spend. In addition, the agent and the buyer usually sign a loyalty contract which states that the agent will be the only one to show houses to buyers. An agent or broker then generates lists of properties for sale, their location and description, and available sources of financing. In some cases, agents and brokers use computers to give buyers a virtual tour of properties in which they are interested. With a computer, buyers can view interior and exterior images or floor plans without leaving the real estate office. Agents may meet several times with prospective buyers to discuss and visit available properties. Agents identify and emphasize the most pertinent selling points. To a young family looking for a house, they may emphasize the convenient floor plan, the areas low crime rate, and the proximity to schools and shopping centers. To a potential investor, they may point out the tax advantages of owning a rental property and the ease of finding a renter. If bargaining over price becomes necessary, agents must follow their clients instructions carefully and may have to present counteroffers in order to get the best possible price. Once both parties have signed the contract, the real estate broker or agent must make sure that all special terms of the contract are met before the closing date. For example, the agent must make sure that the mandated and agreed-upon inspections, including that of the home and termite and radon inspections, take place. Also, if the seller agrees to any repairs, the broker or agent must see that they are made. Increasingly, brokers and agents are handling environmental problems as well, by making sure that the properties they sell meet environmental regulations. For example, they may be responsible for dealing with lead paint on the walls. While loan officers, attorneys, or other persons handle many details, the agent must ensure that they are carried out. Working Conditions [ About this section ] Back to Top Advances in telecommunications and the ability to retrieve data about properties over the Internet allow many real estate brokers and sales agents to work out of their homes instead of real estate offices. Even with this convenience, much of the time of these workers is spent away from their desks—showing properties to customers, analyzing properties for sale, meeting with prospective clients, or researching the state of the market. Agents and brokers often work more than a standard 40-hour week. They usually work evenings and weekends and are always on call to suit the needs of clients. Although the hours are long and frequently irregular, most agents and brokers have the freedom to determine their own schedule. Consequently, they can arrange their work so that they can have time off when they want it. Business usually is slower during the winter season. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement [ About this section ] Back to Top In every State and the District of Columbia, real estate brokers and sales agents must be licensed. Prospective agents must be high school graduates, be at least 18 years old, and pass a written test. The examination—more comprehensive for brokers than for agents—includes questions on basic real estate transactions and laws affecting the sale of property. Most States require candidates for the general sales license to complete between 30 and 90 hours of classroom instruction. Those seeking a brokers license need between 60 and 90 hours of formal training and a specific amount of experience selling real estate, usually 1 to 3 years. Some States waive the experience requirements for the brokers license for applicants who have a bachelors degree in real estate. State licenses typically must be renewed every 1 or 2 years; usually, no examination needs to be taken. However, many States require continuing education for license renewals. Prospective agents and brokers should contact the real estate licensing commission of the State in which they wish to work in order to verify the exact licensing requirements. As real estate transactions have become more legally complex, many firms have turned to college graduates to fill positions. A large number of agents and brokers have some college training. College courses in real estate, finance, business administration, statistics, economics, law, and English are helpful. For those who intend to start their own company, business courses such as marketing and accounting are as significant as courses in real estate or finance. Personality traits are equally as important as ones academic background. Brokers look for applicants who possess a pleasant personality, are honest, and present a neat appearance. Maturity, good judgment, trustworthiness, and enthusiasm for the job are required in order to encourage prospective customers in this highly competitive field. Agents should be well organized, be detail oriented, and have a good memory for names, faces, and business particulars. Those interested in jobs as real estate agents often begin in their own communities. Their knowledge of local neighborhoods is a clear advantage. Under the direction of an experienced agent, beginners learn the practical aspects of the job, including the use of computers to locate or list available properties and identify sources of financing. Many firms offer formal training programs for both beginners and experienced agents. Larger firms usually offer more extensive programs than smaller firms. More than a thousand universities, colleges, and junior colleges offer courses in real estate. At some, a student can earn an associates or bachelors degree with a major in real estate; several offer advanced degrees. Many local real estate associations that are members of the National Association of Realtors sponsor courses covering the fundamentals and legal aspects of the field. Advanced courses in mortgage financing, property development and management, and other subjects also are available. Advancement opportunities for agents may take the form of higher rates of commission. As agents gain knowledge and expertise, they become more efficient in closing a greater number of transactions and increase their earnings. In many large firms, experienced agents can advance to sales manager or general manager. Persons who have received their brokers license may open their own offices. Others with experience and training in estimating property value may become real estate appraisers, and people familiar with operating and maintaining rental properties may become property managers. (See the Handbook statements on property, real estate, and community association managers ; and appraisers and assessors of real estate . ) Experienced agents and brokers with a thorough knowledge of business conditions and property values in their localities may enter mortgage financing or real estate investment counseling. Employment [ About this section ] Back to Top In 2004, real estate brokers and sales agents held about 460,000 jobs; real estate sales agents held approximately 24 percent of these jobs. Many worked part time, combining their real estate activities with other careers. About 6 out of 10 real estate agents and brokers were self-employed. Real estate is sold in all areas, but employment is concentrated in large urban areas and in rapidly growing communities. Most real estate firms are relatively small; indeed, some are one-person businesses. By contrast, some large real estate firms have several hundred agents operating out of numerous branch offices. Many brokers have franchise agreements with national or regional real estate organizations. Under this type of arrangement, the broker pays a fee in exchange for the privilege of using the more widely known name of the parent organization. Although franchised brokers often receive help in training sales staff and running their offices, they bear the ultimate responsibility for the success or failure of their firms. Real estate brokers and sales agents are older, on average, than most other workers. Historically, many homemakers and retired persons were attracted to real estate sales by the flexible and part-time work schedules characteristic of the field. These individuals could enter, leave, and later return to the occupation, depending on the strength of the real estate market, their family responsibilities, or other personal circumstances. Recently, however, the attractiveness of part-time real estate work has declined, as increasingly complex legal and technological requirements are raising startup costs associated with becoming an agent. Job Outlook [ About this section ] Back to Top Employment of real estate brokers and sales agents is expected to grow about as fast as average for all occupations through the year 2014, because of the increasing housing needs of a growing population, as well as the perception that real estate is a good investment. Relatively low interest rates should continue to stimulate sales of real estate, resulting in the need for more agents and brokers. In addition, a large number of job openings will arise each year from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. However, job growth will be somewhat limited by the increasing use of technology, which is improving the productivity of agents and brokers. For example, prospective customers often can perform their own searches for properties that meet their criteria by accessing real estate information on the Internet. The increasing use of technology is likely to be more detrimental to part-time or temporary real estate agents than to full-time agents, because part-time agents generally are not able to compete with full-time agents who have invested in new technology. Changing legal requirements, such as disclosure laws, also may dissuade some who are not serious about practicing full time from continuing to work part time. This occupation is relatively easy to enter and is attractive because of its flexible working conditions; the high interest in, and familiarity with, local real estate markets that entrants often have; and the potential for high earnings. Therefore, although gaining a job as a real estate agent or broker may be relatively easy, beginning agents and brokers may face competition from their well-established, more experienced counterparts in obtaining listings and in closing an adequate number of sales. Well-trained, ambitious people who enjoy selling—particularly those with extensive social and business connections in their communities—should have the best chance for success. Employment of real estate brokers and sales agents often is sensitive to swings in the economy, especially interest rates. During periods of declining economic activity and increasing interest rates, the volume of sales and the resulting demand for sales workers falls. As a result, the earnings of agents and brokers decline, and many work fewer hours or leave the occupation altogether. Earnings [ About this section ] Back to Top The median annual earnings of salaried real estate sales agents, including commissions, were $35,670 in May 2004.The middle 50 percent earned between $23,500 and $58,110 a year.The lowest 10 percent earned less than $17,600, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $92,770.Median hourly earnings in the industries employing the largest number of real estate sales agents in May 2004 were as follows: Residential building construction $54,770 Offices of real estate agents and brokers 37,970 Activities related to real estate 32,460 Lessors of real estate 25,840 Median annual earnings of salaried real estate brokers, including commission, were $58,720in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $33,480 and $99,820 a year.Median annual earning of real estate brokers were $61,550 in offices of real estateagents and brokers and $44,920 in activities related to real estate. Commissions on sales are the main source of earnings of real estate agents and brokers.The rate of commission varies according to whatever the agent and broker agree on, the typeof property, and its value. The percentage paid on the sale of farm and commercialproperties or unimproved land is typically higher than the percentage paid for selling a home. Commissions may be divided among several agents and brokers. When the property issold, the broker or agent who obtained the listing usually shares the commission with thebroker or agent who made the sale and with the firm that employs each of them. Although anagents share varies greatly from one firm to another, often it is about half of the totalamount received by the firm. Agents who both list and sell a property maximize their commission. Income usually increases as an agent gains experience, but individual motivation,economic conditions, and the type and location of the property also affect earnings.Sales workers who are active in community organizations and in local real estate associationscan broaden their contacts and increase their earnings. A beginners earnings often areirregular, because a few weeks or even months may go by without a sale. Although some brokersallow an agent to draw against future earnings from a special account, the practice is notcommon with new employees. The beginner, therefore, should have enough money to live forabout 6 months or until commissions increase. Related Occupations [ About this section ] Back to Top Selling expensive items such as homes requires maturity, tact, and a sense of responsibility.Other sales workers who find these character traits important in their workinclude insurance sales agents ; retail salespersons ; sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing ; and securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents .Although not involving sales, the work of property, real estate, and community association managers ,as well as appraisers and assessors of real estate, requires an understanding of real estate. Sources of Additional Information [ About this section ] Back to Top Disclaimer: Links to non-BLS Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement. Information on licensing requirements for real estate brokers and sales agents is available from most local real estate organizations or from the State real estate commission or board. More information about opportunities in real estate is available on the Internet site of the following organization: National Association of Realtors. Internet: http://www.realtor.org OOH ONET Codes [ About this section ] Back to Top 41-9021.00, 41-9022.00 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook , 2006-07 Edition , Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents , on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ ocos120.htm (visited December 29, 2005 ). Last Modified Date: December 20, 2005 Occupations: Management | Professional | Service | Sales | Administrative | Farming | Construction | Installation | Production | Transportation | Armed Forces Related Links: Tomorrow's Jobs | OOH Reprints | Important Info | How to Order a Copy | Teacher's Guide to OOH Additional Links: Career Guide to Industries | Career articles from the OOQ | Employment Projections | Publications Home | BLS Home Back to Top www.dol.gov Frequently Asked Questions | Freedom of Information Act | Customer Survey Privacy & Security Statement | Linking to Our Site | Accessibility U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections Suite 2135 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20212-0001 URL: http://www.bls.gov/OCO/ Phone: (202) 691-5700 Fax: (202) 691-5745 Do you have a question about the Occupational Outlook Handbook ? Technical (web) questions: webmaster@bls.gov Other comments: feedback@bls.gov Occupations: Management Professional Service Sales Administrative Farming Construction Installation Production Transportation Armed Forces Related Links: Tomorrow's Jobs OOH Reprints Important Info How to Order a Copy Teacher's Guide to OOH Additional Links: Career Guide to Industries Career articles from the OOQ Employment Projections Publications Home BLS Home
Home Equity Conversion (HEC).
Home Equity Conversions: Reverse Mortgages Home Equity Conversions: Reverse Mortgages Authors: Celia Ray Hayhoe, Ph.D, CFP®, Family Resource Management Cooperative Extension Specialist and Stacey Williamson, Graduate Assistant; Virginia Tech Publication Number 354-025, Posted April 2004 Many senior adults are finding it hard to live on their fixed retirement incomes and are looking for ways to supplement those incomes. For some, the largest asset they own is their home, but they do not want to sell their home and move. For these individuals, there is an option called Home Equity Conversion (HEC). One type of home equity conversion is a reverse mortgage. The equity or cash value of the house is used to provide income to repay the loan. All reverse mortgage options are not the same. They have different eligibility requirements, income amounts, timing of payments, interest rates, and/or initial costs. Homeowners should compare the different options, keeping in mind their goals and needs. Advantages The value of your house, not your income, is used to determine eligibility. You can receive a lump sum, a line of credit, or a monthly amount, without having to make a monthly repayment. You do not have to sell your home and move, and can continue to live in the same familiar surroundings. You do not have to worry about losing your home to foreclosure since the payments are made out of your equity in the home, not from your income. The loan must be repaid when the house is no longer used as your personal residence. However, the lender can only look to the proceeds from the sale of the house for repayment. They cannot go to your heirs if the house sells for less than what was borrowed. Money can be used for any purpose. You must attend a free HECM/HUD approved counseling session to see if this type of mortgage is right for you. Disadvantages Interest for a reverse mortgage is compounded, and cannot be deducted on income taxes until you repay it. The income you receive decreases the equity in your home, and the equity may not be adequate for your future needs or for your estate. Interest rates and initial costs (application fees, points and closing costs) are usually higher for a reverse mortgage than for other equity loans. Income ends when you sell your home or no longer use it as a principal residence. Payments may affect Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid payments. You must attend a free HECM/HUD approved counseling session. This may add time to the process of obtaining a loan. You may need to pay off your existing mortgage out of the proceeds of your reverse mortgage. You will be required to maintain the house, pay the taxes, and carry property insurance. Eligibility You could be eligible if you own your own home, use the home as your principal residence, and are at least 62 years of age. You must also have adequate equity in the home. A lender looks at the equity in the home plus any expected appreciation or depreciation in the value of the home to calculate a base amount. The costs associated with any reverse mortgage loan (application fees, interest rates, closing costs, initial charges, sales commissions, and homeowner's insurance) also must be considered. All reverse mortgages currently available in Virginia require homeowner's insurance. The lender and the homeowner must work together to determine the type of payment, the payment amount, and the time period. This is determined not only by the calculations of the base amount by the lender, but also by keeping your goals and financial needs in mind. Income Income from a reverse mortgage is not taxable, and will not affect Medicare eligibility or benefits. But the added income can affect both Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid eligibility and benefits for Virginia residents. Confused? A home equity conversion is not a home equity loan! Home-equity loans require that a homeowner has enough income to pay back the loan, and the payments are made in monthly amounts. A home-equity loan would not work for the majority of senior adults who are living on limited fixed incomes and who could not afford a loan payment. Example A wide variety of loan options are available depending upon your age, the amount of equity available, the time period of the loan, and the way payments are disbursed. For example, Mary Jones, a 75-year-old widow whose home is her principal residence, is looking at a ten-year reverse mortgage that will provide her with additional monthly income of approximately $450. At the end of the ten years the monthly income payment will stop. But because her loan is through an insured lender (loans offered by HUD approved lenders have government guarantees), the loan will not have to be repaid until she sells the home, moves, or dies. Home Equity Conversion Checklist These questions can to help you determine if you are eligible for a home equity conversion (HEC). YES NO 1. Are you 62 years of age or older? _____ _____ 2. Is your mortgage paid off in full or nearly so? _____ _____ 3. Do you use your home as your primary residence? _____ _____ If you have answered yes to questions 1 through 3, you might want to consult with an HEC lender for specific information. The following questions will help to determine if you are eligible for a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) home equity conversion. A HUD-HEC is similar to other HECs but with additional requirements for the property and residents. 4. Is your home a single-family dwelling? _____ _____ 5. Will your home probably meet HUD minimum property standards? _____ _____ 6. Is your family income less than 80% of area median? _____ _____ If you have answered yes to questions 1 through 6; you might want to consult with a HUD-HEC lender for specific information. The following is a list of HEC/Reverse mortgage programs. FHA - HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage) Guaranteed by FHA/HUD Flexible Income Payment Option Growing Line of Credit Maximum Lending Limit - $ 280,749 Cash Account Flexible Income Payment Options Growing Line of Credit Higher Equity Release Options No Maximum Lending Limit HomeKeeper by Fannie Mae Guaranteed by Fannie Mae Line of Credit Options Maximum Lending Limit - $ 322,700 Zero Point Cash Account Closing Costs Limited Minimum Draw at Closing Required Interest Rate Cap No Maximum Lending Limit The following lenders offered HEC/Reverse mortgages as of March 2004: Mortgage Capital Investors Equity Division 6571 Edsall Road Springfield, VA 22151 (703) 941-0711 East West Mortgage - HECM, HK, CA 4321 Northview Drive Bowie, MD 20716 (866) 9REVERSE [(866) 973-8377] (301) 809-1568, ext. 225 Financial Freedom Senior Funding Corp. (Subsidiary of Lehman Brothers, FSB) - HECM, HK, CA (800) 368-3254 Reverse Mortgages of the Mid-Atlantic - HECM, HK, CA (800) 745-0102 Suntrust 564 Lynnhaven Parkway Virginia Beach, VA 23452 (757) 431-4876 Fidelity & Trust Mortgage, Inc. - HECM, HK, CA 7229 Hanover Parkway Suite C Greenbelt MD 20770 (703) 273-3797 (800) 458-4624 People's Choice Mortgage - HECM, HK, CA (757) 564-8596 Wells Fargo Home Mortgage - HECM, HK (888) 292-1180 Inclusion on this list of lenders does not imply endorsement by Virginia Cooperative Extension, nor does omission from this list imply a lack of endorsement. Home Equity Conversion Comparison Worksheet Name of Lender Features Payment Option: ----------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------- Lump Sum Option Line of Credit Option Monthly Benefit Option APR (Annual Percentage Rate) Time Period Application Costs Closing Costs Sales Commissions Insurance Costs Other Initial Charges For More Information AARP Home Equity Information Center 601 E. Street NW Washington D.C. 20004 (202) 638-2863 http://www.aarp.org/revmort/ Reverse Mortgage Money (866) 363-1914 requestinfo@reversemortgagemoney.com American Credit Counselors Tudor Square, Ste. 10 211 Roanoke St. Christiansburg, VA 24073 (800) 926-0042 virginia@cccsswva.org http://www.americancredit.org HECM Counseling National Center for Home Equity Conversion 360 Robert Street North Suite 403 St. Paul, MN 55101 (651) 222-6775 People Incorporated 1173 W Main St Abingdon, VA 24210-2428 (540) 623-9000 HECM Counseling Original authors: Patricia Gorman, graduate assistant, and Kathleen Parrott, former Extension housing specialist, Virginia View this document in PDF format Visit Virginia Cooperative Extension
Sell House
AutoTrader.com - How to Sell Your Car Home > Research > How to Sell Your Car How to Sell Your Car Why should I sell my car instead of trading it in? It's simple—to boost your profit. Sell it yourself, and you get a higher value out of your car. Depending on the age and condition of your car, you can pocket an extra $1,000 to $2,000 or more. If you have a late-model vehicle, you stand to make much more. Just think of it as cutting the middle man out. If you trade your car in, the dealer has to pay to clean it, advertise it and sell it while making a comfortable profit. Your lower trade-in reflects that. Besides, with today's online resources, selling your car is easier than ever. Find out all you need to know to put your car up for sale, and then list it at a less expensive price than traditional printed classified listings. Plus, you reach more buyers in your area—and across the country. Place Your Ad Today Get a CARFAX Vehicle History Report Provide buyer assurance. Check your vehicle's history before you sell. Enter VIN Find Info on Specific Models Get the details on your old car before you advertise. Find out options, standard features, safety and more. What are my first steps? Selling your car yourself can be rewarding, especially with a little guidance. We've come up with a few tips to make the experience easier and to help you get the best price for your car. View Hide Set a competitive price A good place to start is determining the market value of your car. Check out our used-car values page to find out what your car is worth. You'll want to price competitively in your local market-look at our online ads in your area to see what used cars similar to yours are being sold for. If you're open to negotiation, determine the least amount you will accept. Based on that amount, you may want to create some cushion in your price—$500 is a good minimum. Remember, buyers are looking at the same online pricing guides, so if your price is close to or lower than the price they found, your car could be that much more appealing. Once you set your price, consider using the proper ad lingo to make your point: Inserting "or best offer" (OBO) or "asking price" signals you'll consider an offer lower than the stated price. You may get more responses. Stating your price is "firm" signals that you're sticking to your price. View Hide Get your car ready Appearance is everything. That means you should thoroughly clean your car, inside and out. And consider taking care of any minor maintenance issues. Here's a laundry list of things you can do to improve your car's appearance: Wash, wax and vacuum your car. Wipe down the dashboard and other surfaces. Gloss up the tires and polish the wheels. Clean all glass inside and out, including mirrors. Clean out any junk from inside your car and the trunk. Replace any burnt lights or fuses. Top off the fluids. View Hide Gather your car's records Smart car shoppers want to know how well maintained your vehicle is and will ask for maintenance records. A presentable maintenance log with all of your receipts, especially oil changes, can be a powerful selling tool. Consider collecting the receipts you have and creating a maintenance log. If you know you had something done but can't find the receipt, log it anyway. Warranty receipts are especially important. If you've recently replaced your tires or battery, present the warranty to the buyer. View Hide Purchase a vehicle history report You can put buyers at ease by showing a copy of your car's vehicle history report . One of the biggest fears of used-car buyers is unwittingly buying a car that has been in a wreck. A vehicle history report reveals if a car was ever wrecked, whether the odometer was rolled back and other costly problems. Presenting your maintenance records and a clean vehicle history report instills confidence in buyers—it could make the sale! How do I advertise my car? Your best bet is to place an online ad . Think about it this way: how many newspaper readers are looking to buy a car? Compare that to the number of people visiting auto websites like this one looking to buy a car now. You'll also get more sophisticated options, like editing tools and more space to show off your car. Here are some surefire bets to bring you more responses. View Hide Post quality photos Although photos are not required for listing your car online, they are a key selling tool. You have a far greater chance of buyers clicking on your Search Results Listing if you have photos. In fact, 85% of buyers look for listings with photos in their initial search. You don't need to have a digital camera to post photos. Just take your traditional film to your local photo-processing lab and ask for a photo CD. You can easily upload photos from the CD to your ad. Or, you can turn your prints into digital pictures with a scanner. Before you point and shoot, remember these guidelines: Photograph your car in daylight. Avoid reflections and shadows from the sun and trees. Photograph your car at a front-side angle to achieve a good view of the entire car. Park your car against a flattering backdrop. Make sure your car is clean and neat in appearance. If you post multiple photos, photograph the interior and any special features about your car, such as specialty tires and wheels. View Hide Give details buyers will respond to Another benefit of advertising online is providing a complete description of your car. You get to give buyers those extra details that grab their attention. In your AutoTrader.com ad, you will list your car's basic details and options installed. With that important information already out of the way, you can focus on making your description enticing. Keep in mind the first 150 characters of your description will show on your Search Results Listing. Put your most important details first, so buyers see them right away. Consider giving some of the following details: Appeal to a buyer's lifestyle. Ex. Van—"great family car," economy car—"excellent gas mileage makes it a great commuter car," truck—"a dependable work truck." Use key phrases that typically signal you've taken care of your car, like "one owner," "kept in garage" and "maintenance records available." But do be honest! Mention any non-standard modifications and improvements, such as stereo, speakers and specialty wheels. List any recent replacements, like new tires or battery. View Hide Be prepared to field inquiries Once you place your ad, be ready to answer questions. Keep a list of basic facts about your car near the phone and computer. Print out the online sources that show your car's market value. Buyers are making a big decision, so try to answer every question honestly and openly. You'll save yourself time instead of making unnecessary appointments. Make appointments for a specific time, rather than allowing a buyer to show "sometime after work." It increases the chances of the buyer making it, and it doesn't waste your time. If you feel uncomfortable with a buyer coming to your house, arrange to meet in a populated, well-lit area. How do I close the deal? You've done your homework. Now it's time to sell your car. With a little preparation and patience, you should do just fine. View Hide Show your car to interested buyers Once you make an appointment, a buyer will most likely want to take your car for a spin. Before the test-drive, remember to: Ask to see a valid driver's license and proof of insurance. Let the buyer drive, but you navigate. Have a planned route in mind that allows the buyer to experience different driving conditions. If a buyer is very interested and wants you to hold the car, ask for a deposit and specify that it's only for a certain amount of time. Also, some buyers may want to have the car inspected by their mechanic. This is a reasonable request, but it's up to you how you want to handle it. View Hide Negotiate a fair price By now, you know what your car is worth, and you know what you're willing to accept. Prepare yourself with possible responses when a buyer begins to negotiate. For example: If a buyer mentions a scratch or ding, say it's normal wear and tear and that it's accounted for in the depreciated market value. If a buyer makes an offer lower than your asking price, counter offer. Never seem too eager to lower your price. And don't budge beyond your minimum. If a buyer shows you a mechanic's receipt for repairs needed on your car, take a look at the repairs. If they're warranted, consider reducing the price based on the amount needed for the repairs. If you advertised that your car is being sold "as is," then simply refer to your ad. View Hide Finalize the sale Once you settle on a price, accept only cash or a cashier's check before you sign over the title. And make sure the check has cleared at the issuing bank. Be suspicious of any buyer who offers a complicated payment arrangement that involves overpayment with a refund. This is often a sign of fraud. To learn more about spotting a scam, read our fraud awareness tips . You should have a bill of sale ready for both parties. A bill of sale is a sales receipt that shows transfer of ownership to the buyer and contains both parties' contact information, details about the car, the agreed upon sell price and the odometer reading. To find a bill of sale, your state motor vehicle website should offer a detailed form. If not, try an office supply store for a generic form that you can add to if needed. Also, check with your state motor vehicle website to find out what the requirements are to transfer the title to the new owner. Generally, you will have to sign and date the title before turning it over to the buyer. Notifying your local motor vehicle office of the transaction and ensuring the title is correctly transferred will prevent you from being liable for any accidents. If you still owe money on the car and a lending institution is holding the title, you can finish the sale with the buyer at the offices of the lender. Once you have the money and the loan has been paid off, sign the title to the buyer. If the bank is out of state, you can go with the buyer to the motor vehicle office and get a temporary operating permit based on the bill of sale. Once you pay off the balance of the loan with the money from your car sale, you'll receive the title. Sign it over to the new owner and the transaction is complete. One last thing—don't forget to cancel or transfer your insurance policy to your new car. I want more resources... Credit Tools Free Credit Report Be prepared before getting an Auto Loan. Vehicle Valuation Trade-in & Retail Pricing Get free trade-in values and retail pricing. Car Loans Loan Center Get up to 4 offers with one simple form. Refinance Auto Loan Center Refinance your auto and save. Payment Calculator Calculate the monthly loan payment for a car. Safety Safety Info Information and articles on safe driving and vehicle safety features. Reviews and Tips Search Reviews Search the latest car reviews. Buying Tips Information and articles to help you make the most informed buying decisions. Home > Research > How to Sell Your Car Find A Dealer | Become an AutoTrader.com Dealer | About | Help | Site Map | Employment Opportunities | Email Us | Press Room By using this service, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement . ©2005 AutoTrader.com L.L.C.