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The Peoples Guide to Mexico: Real Estate in Ajijic and Lake Chapala, Mexico People's Guide Homepage • Copper Canyon • Live & Retire • Carl's Notebooks • Letters • Favorite Books • Visit our Sponsors • Table of Contents • The Best of Mexico: Favorite Places Live & Retire in Mexico Lake Chapala area Buying Property in the Lake Chapala Area by Tony Harries & Teresa A. Kendrick In the last decade or so, it is estimated that more than 10,000 foreigners have purchased property on the Northshore of Lake Chapala. Long prized as a weekend retreat by wealthy Guadalajarans, the villages from Lake Chapala to Jocotepec now boast an expatriate community said to be the largest in the world. Ajijic has become the prime location for foreigners because of its infrastructure of services, such as internet access, and the existence of the Lake Chapala Society, an English-speaking resource center for newcomers and residents. The Real Estate Climate on the Northshore At present, the Northshore has 20 real estate agencies. Their level of competency and expertise vary. In Mexico, the real estate industry is not regulated by the government. It is self-regulated. Two associations are responsible for training agents and policing the ethics of the agencies: AMPI (Asociacion Mexicana de Profesionales Inmobiliarios) is the national organization (with a lakeside chapter) and Gil (Grupo Inmobiliario del Lago) is the local organization. Many offices belong to one or the other, and some belong to both. They provide multiple-listing services that allow agents to show properties listed by other agencies, an advantage for both buyer and seller. The most professional agencies also provide their own in-house training for new agents. Several agencies have websites that will allow you to get a feel for the company, the houses that are available and the prices of property and land. The websites allow you to interact with the agency via email, and, if the site is good, will offer background information and answers to frequently asked questions. It can also provide you with the name of an agent. Choosing an Agent Good agents tend to work for well-run organizations. When walking into the office for the first time, take a look around. Does it look professionally managed? Are key personnel bilingual? Are listings photographed, detailed and organized so you can spend time reviewing available properties and evaluating how much your money will buy? Talk with several agents to find one you feel is knowledgeable, experienced, available, compatible, and upfront. Professional, reliable agents provide service before, during, and after a sale. If a problem or error arise, your agent should work hard to correct it. After your initial meeting, ask around about the reputations of various agencies and agents, but be aware that while gathering information, it is very likely you will also gather misinformation. One person can easily contradict another; this is human nature and common in a small communities. Being a Good Client/Firing an Agent Agent- and agency-hopping is an ethical no-no, but after viewing several properties reevaluate your agent. If you feel that the agent is not listening to you, tell him or her; they will appreciate you restating your requirements. Often clients are confused about what they want, or unrealistic about what their money can buy. Be clear about what you want. Buying a house is an emotional process, so be prepared to experience some unusual feelings and reactions and understand that an agent has the dual job of steering you through the process of buying property in another country and your own learning curve. If you are unable to work with your agent, graciously fire that agent and find another. You might use a simple, “Thank you for your time and efforts. We feel we wish to expand our search and thought we might consult with another agency. If we feel you can be of further service, we will get back to you.” Remember, the agent you are releasing is a member of the community in which you will live and diplomacy will save some feelings down the line. How to be a good Client If your first visit to the area is an exploratory excursion, tell your agent. He or she will guide you as you gather preliminary information. If you are not in a position to buy at the time, limit the time you spend with the agent as he or she has other clients to serve. If you have funds available to buy property, the agent will intensify the search for a suitable property and guide you through the process. Be clear about how much you can spend and when you plan to resettle. Remember agents often work for months without reimbursement for their out of pocket expenses. The Nitty Gritty At this time, prices for houses on the Northshore run anywhere from $22,000 US to 1.35 million US. The average home with the amenities sought by North American buyers are in the $100,000 US range. Location, as everywhere, is one of the most determining factors for setting the price. The further out from services you go, the lower prices will be. View, construction type, size and amenities determine the rest. Clients can choose from gated communities which offer security (a plus for residents who spend 6 months in Mexico and 6 months elsewhere), large country estates, and village living. Village homes are connected to one another by common exterior, and, occasionally, interior walls and allow residents to live within walking distance of most services and activities. Do not let any agent sell you ejido land. No matter what future promises anyone may make, you will not get a legal title. This is land set aside by the government for the indigenous people of Mexico and cannot be sold to foreigners. Also, there are a few places on the Northshore known for their instability due to soft soil or geothermal faults, and some places have water supply problems. Informed, wise agents will steer you away from these trouble spots. The Buying Process Purchasing a home or lot on the Northshore is primarily a cash transaction, but occasionally short-term owner financing is available. When you make an offer to the seller you must present a check for 10% of the value of the house. A photocopy is made of this “earnest money” and the check itself is placed in the agency safe. Once negotiations are completed under the supervision of the respective buying and selling real estate agents, and both parties have signed a purchase agreement, the check is deposited into the escrow account of the selling agency. The check is later applied to the balance of the purchase price at the notary public’s office. (Note: The actual sale price of a property is not a matter of public record in Mexico, nor is it registered with the government. It is unethical for an agent to tell you the sale price of a property. He or she can tell you what the property was listed for, but not what was paid.) The Closing Closings take place in the office of a Notario Publico, or notary public. These are lawyers of very high standing who, after 5 years of legal practice, apply to the government for notario status and must undergo strict scrutiny to be awarded the title. With it comes many responsibilities and important legal functions. One of these is to preside over and ensure the legality of property transfer. The notary authenticates the seller’s right to sell the property, scrutinizes the history of the property for any irregularities, and makes sure the deed is clear and free of liens through appropriate government offices. Since the buyer pays for the closing costs and notary’s fees, it is his or her privilege to select the notary. The notary can advise the buyer which type of deed meets his needs: direct deed or bank trust deed. The notary will file with the Mexican government the application for the transfer of the deed from seller to buyer. His official signature on all documents finalizes the purchase and makes it a legal transaction under Mexican law. From purchasing to closing the norm is 30 to 60 days, but motivated parties can complete the process within 15 days. Differences in Home Construction There is no slab-frame construction in this part of Mexico. A home here is usually of concrete, glass, stone, brick, iron and rebar construction. Wood is expensive and used little except for design affect. Each wall is load-bearing and has its own foundation. Many houses have exterior walls and decorative metal work to ensure privacy and security. There are "aljibes" (cisterns) for water storage and in some of the newer homes, water purification and pressure systems are built-in. You will also find tanks for storing propane used for cooking and heating water as there is no infrastructure to supply natural gas. You will notice a lack of central heating and air conditioning, as it’s not essential. A fireplace on a cool evening or morning is charming and does the trick. There are no building codes so a good agent will provide you with information about levels of construction quality and what might be buried within the walls. Developers The north shore of Lake Chapala has recently seen a rise in new, speculative construction meant to appeal to buyers from the North. Much of this work is being done by young, Mexican architects from monied Guadalajara families with varying degrees of experience and dependability. There are also projects being developed by American, Canadian and European companies. Remodeling Many buyers purchase a home with the intent of upgrading and remodeling the existing structure. Craftsmen, laborers, architects and artisans abound in the area. If you are in the market for such services, perhaps your agent can help direct you to a general contractor who has a good reputation. Be sure to get a signed, witnessed contract stipulating prices and the quality of work and materials to be used. If language is a problem, get a translator to help you. Several translators are listed in the Lake Chapala Society directory, a members-only book that can be loaned to you by your agent. If, during the remodeling, you feel you have been financially abused, the government has an agency with an office in Chapala called PROFECO which helps consumers receive satisfaction. The pace of work is probably not what you are used to, but in Mexico, patience is required as distribution of materials, cultural standards, and community -- and family-based events interrupt building schedules. Real Estate Agencies/Developers/Internet Websites In Ajijic: Abode Realty: Adj Corporation Ajijic Developments: http://www.ajijicdevs.com Ajijic Real Estate, http://www.ajijic.com ; email: ajijic@infosel.net.mx Ambience Fine Home Builders: http://www.ambiance.com.mx America Mexico Builders Camille’s Realty/Coldwell Banker Chapala Realty: http://www.chapala.com Continental Realty Chula Vista Norte Eager & Asociados: http://www.mexconnect.com/MEX/ea/ea.html Laguna Real Estate: http://www.mexconnect.com/amex/lgna/ Marnher Group RE/Max Ajijic: http://www.desconresorts.com In Chapala: Coldwell Banker/Chapala Realty (Chapala Office), http://www.chapala.com Sierra Vista: In Chula Vista: Century 21 Vistas: http://www.lagunanet.net.mx/c21vistas In Jocotepec: Semprex Realty In Riberas del Pilar: Sunset Realty: http://www.sunsetrealty.com.mx In San Antonio Tlayacapán: Re/Max Fenix About the authors: Tony Harries is a real estate agent who has been working in the Lake Chapala area since June 1997. He is an award-winning school teacher from Texas who retired after 31 years of service. Proficient in Spanish, he has developed a deep appreciation of Mexico following several decades of travel in Mexico before his retirement. He has helped clients from all over the world buy property in the area and this year became a top producing agent for one of the area’s leading agencies. His email is tonyharr@prodigy.net.mx Teresa Kendrick is the author of the recently published book “Mexico’s lake Chapala and Ajijic: The Insiders Guide to the Northshore for International Travelers” Highly detailed and up-to-date, the 208 page book boasts 143 color photographs, a well-organized table of contents and index, and information about nearly everything available on the Northshore of Lake Chapala for travelers and newcomers. The book is available with a full-color map of the Northshore for $26 US plus shipping and handling. The book will be available to purchase locally by calling 76-6-3163 or by ordering from her website: http://www.chapalaguide.com Teresa's email is ajijic@chapalaguide.com . Top of Page Homepage Table of Contents Site Map Write to us, Carl & Lorena http://www.peoplesguide.com ©1972-2001 by Carl Franz & Lorena Havens Copper Canyon • Live & Retire • Table of Contents • Book Reviews • Letters

Sell House

Sell House FAST For Cash With an Easy QUICK Closing Home Buy Advantage Sell A House Fast! Home Sell A House Buy A House Hey Landlords! Hey Investors! Hey Brokers! We Pay U $$$ Testimonials Contact Us Is your home for sale? Do you want to Sell your house FAST For Cash With an Easy FAST Closing? Welcome to Home Buy Advantage! Our mission: To provide you a solution to your Real Estate problems in a swift manner that is economically in your best interest. Maybe you are a home seller, asking yourself "How can I sell this house?" or "How can I sell my house fast?" . Perhaps you are a home buyer, wishing to buy your dream house but you don't have the CASH to do so! Whether you are a home buyer, a home seller, or a Professional in the Real Estate industry, it is our hope that this site can benefit you in fulfilling your real estate needs. We are located in the Detroit Metroplitan area of South Eastern Michigan, and we also service Windsor, Ontario, Canada and surrounding Essex County. This is our Investment Zone. However, we don't limit ourselves to this area. We are a company on the internet, and frequently we receive leads on properties outside of our Investment Zone. That's OK! We buy houses in any area . Through our network of Real Estate Investors and Professionals across the United States, we are confident that we can present a reasonable offer that satisfies your immediate needs. Do you NEED to SELL your house FAST? Job Transfer? Behind on Payments? Foreclosure / Power of Sale? Bad Tenants? Lost Your Job? Need Fast Cash? House Vacant? Fire Damage? Moving or Relocating? Double Payments? Divorce? Probate or Estate Sale? Click Here To Sell Your House Fast! Do You Want Your Home Sold Fast? We Buy Houses! We Take Over Payments! FSBO? No Equity? For Sale By Owner? No Problem! We Will Buy or Lease your Home! No Commissions or Fees! 1.877.757.SELL Earn a SAFE 10-15% Return on your Money! Invest in Real Estate! IRA, 401k eligible! 100% secured by our houses. Click Here for Details! EarnHugeReturns.com Discover the Secret Your Mortgage Lender Doesn't Want You to Know! It Could Put An Extra $500-$1,000In Your Pocket Every Month! Get the FREE E-book That's Sweeping The Interet Now! Housing Information International Real Estate Digest (IRED) Links to real estate related sites as well as columns ... Real Estate Listings: Homes for Sale Search real estate and homes for sale by viewing mls ... Real Estate | Homes for Sale | Houses for Sale | RealEstate | REALTORs ... Nationwide search engine for real estate, mls listings, RE/MAX | residential and commercial real estate ... home of real estate's most experienced and professional ... Real Estate and Homes For Sale at HOMES.COM Search For Real Estate Find real estate, homes for ... ONE CLICK GETS YOU 3 OFFERS FOR YOUR HOUSE! We can offer a QUICK Sale at TOP Price with NO Costs! Discover Us Before your Neighbor Does!So if you are contemplating to sell your house by owner, you might be interested in hearing what we have to offer! Click Here to Sell a Home FAST! -- Click Here To Sell Your House Fast! The Best Price On DVDs, Electronics, and Much Much More! Home | Sell A House | Buy A House | Hey Landlords! | Hey Investors! | Hey Renters! | Hey Brokers! | We Pay U $$$ | Testimonials | Contact Us | Our Links Privacy Statement 2005 Home Buy Advantage, LLC [ Close ] Sample content here. FREE REPORT Reveals Secrets To Selling Your Home For Top Dollar! Get it here! VIEW OUR PROPERTIES! No New Loan Required! Bad Credit OK!

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Should I buy an investment property or rental home? Investment Property or Rental Home Calculator Home | About Us | Have Us Call You | Free Mortgage Analysis | Apply Online | Find Realtors | Learn | Help Get Started Apply Online Apply for your mortgage online! We'll call you tomorrow to confirm the receipt of the information. Have Us Contact You Rather have a personal touch from the start? Have us contact you to start the process. Secured by click for information INSTRUCTIONS This calculator is designed to provide a guide to possible financial outcomes of the purchase and rental of an investment property. After entering your values, click once in any result box to calculate or update your results. ENTER TRANSACTION DETAILS HERE Purchase Price $ Homeowners Insurance $ Down Payment $ Yearly Taxes $ Loan Interest Rate % Monthly expenses/ Maintenance fees $ Loan Term in Years Monthly Rental $ Rent Increase Yearly % Inflation (for ins, taxes, expenses) % Your Gross Income (for tax calculation) $ Property Value Growth (real estate appreciation) % RESULTS Loan Amount $ Monthly Payment $ INCOME Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Rental Income EXPENSES Insurance Taxes Monthly Expenses/Fees Total Payments Total Expenses CASH FLOW Cash Flow TAX DEDUCTION Interest Expense + Depreciation* + Ins, Tax, other expenses - Rental Income Total Tax Deduction TAX SAVED ** NET WORTH After Tax Cash Flow Principal Paid (est) Property Value Yearly addition to Net Worth Assumptions: * 27.5 yr straight line depreciation, deduction may be limited with high gross income. Depreciation is based on the value of the home without the land. In this calculation we are allocating 10% of the purchase price to the land and the remainder to the residence. ** 2001 Federal Filing Status Single (most conservative tax rate) Keep in mind that your tax deduction may also be limited with an adjusted gross income over $100,000. See your tax advisor for details. Sound good? If you'd like a pre-approval to go home shopping, apply online now. Click Here to return to the calculator main menu.

Denver Real Estate Site

Buy Denver real estate; relocation info Buy Denver real estate Denver Neighborhood Profiles The Denver Metro area consists 50 municipalities and counties that comprise the Denver area. The following links are some of the neighborhoods to consider in your relocation Arvada NW Metro Denver region Aurora E & SE Metro Denver region Brighton NE Metro Denver region Broomfield N Metro Denver region Boulder NW Metro Denver region Castle Rock South Metro Denver region Cherry Hills South Metro Denver region Conifer SW Denver mountain region Commerce City NE Metro Denver region Denver City and County of Denver Englewood South Metro Denver Evergreen West Mountain region Greenwood Village South Metro Denver region Golden West foothills of Metro Denver Highlands Ranch South Metro Denver region Ken Caryl SW Metro Denver region Lafayette N Metro Denver region Lakewood West Metro Denver region Littleton SW Metro Denver region Loft Living Downtown Denver Louisville N Metro Denver region Lone Tree SE Metro Denver region Morrison SW Metro Denver region Northglenn NE Metro Denver region Parker SE Metro Denver region Thornton NE Metro Denver region Westminster N Metro Denver region search Denver Real Estate Site Denver Denver real estate is exciting to discuss with people relocating to the Denver metro area. We have a diverse economy, a highly educated population, progressive leadership and a beautiful setting on the high plains of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. While most people are under the impression that Colorado, including Denver is hip deep in snow all winter long, happy residents know the truth. The snow gets deep in the high country while Denver enjoys sunny, mild weather with only occasional snowy days to break up the boredom! Over the past decade Denver has enjoyed a renaissance, adding a world class international airport, DIA, a new Bronco football stadium, Invesco Field at Mile High, baseball park, Coors Field for the Colorado Rockies, a massive entertainment facility and home of the Stanley Cup winning Colorado Avalanche are just of few of the new additions to the city. These days more history is in the making with the construction of additional Light Rail lines and the infamous T-REX the construction project we all love to hate. As a commuter myself, I love watching the road change each week as they progress continues. It won't be long before it is done and we will be one more step into a modern future far from the Wild West Frontier Days of the past. Denver Economy Denver's diverse economy in a variety of industries make a home in Colorado; telecommunications, aerospace, financial services, computer software, biomedical and many other high tech sectors offer employment here. Major employers in Denver include Comcast, Level 3 Communications, Qwest Communications, Lockheed Martin, Xcel Energy and Sun Microsystems. Metropolitan Denver doubled in population from 1960 to 2000. The actual growth rate was 2.4%. Interestingly the age of the population is now very close to the same age of the U.S. median population age of 34.4 years. Denver real estate The cost of living in Denver is less than most major cities in the U.S. but higher than many. Housing availability is currently very good, with single family homes beginning in the high $100,000 and going up from there. (For additional pricing information visit the Maps and Stats page ) Denver accommodates a variety of lifestyles in homes from lofts, condos, high rises to single family homes. If you are considering moving to Denver , you will enjoy doing your research here on this site. As questionsoccur, please feel free to e-mail me or telephone me (toll free 800-319-7738). I specialize in helping people relocate to the Denver and the Denver Metro area.My experience and knowledge is available for home buyers who need help. So if that's you, call on me. Source eNeighborhoods Kristal Kraft , ABR, CIPS, CRS Licensed real estate broker selling Colorado Since 1984 The Berkshire Group Realtors, Inc. 3801 E. Florida Ave, Suite 502, Denver, Colorado U.S.A. 80210 800-319-7738 toll free | 303-589-2022 direct | 720-554-7961 fax E-mail: Kristal Kraft, Realtor 1998-2005, © Reflective Motion Inc. | Privacy Policy | Site Credits | Disclaimer | Site Map ~2 ~3 ~4 Denver Relocation | Buy a Home In Denver | Sell a Home in Denver | Denver Map | Denver Neighborhood Profiles | Denver Sales Statistics | International Real Estate | A Bio | My Favorite Places | Real Estate Resources Denver Loft Homes | The Berkshire Group | Buy and Sell Denver | We Sell Denver | Denver Colorado Real Estate | Denver Blog

Land Loan Tools  

Indymac Bank Construction Lending Indymac Bank home   |   about us   |   contact us   |   privacy   |   ID notice   |   security   |   careers    1-800-HCL-LOAN (425-5626)   HCL for Individuals   Main Page   Get To Know Us   Get Started Now!   My Project Application   My Loan Information Loan Products   ·   Construction-to-Permanent Loan   ·   Remodeler Loan   ·   Bridge Loan ·   Lot/Land Loan Tools   ·   Line Item Budget Calculator Find A Builder --   ·   Cost To Build Calculator -- Event Calendar -- Help   ·   FAQs   ·   Glossary Customer Service --   ·   Contact Us Lot/Land Loan Found the perfect location to build your dream home ...and now you need the perfect loan? Our Lot Loan is the right loan if you're looking to purchase a residential lot to build your primary residence or second home. Once you have purchased your land, you will have time to design your new home and choose a contractor. Best of all, Indymac Bank will fund your Construction-to-Permanent Loan once you're ready to build. · Loans to $500,000. -- Frequently Asked Questions Check to view all answers. Q. How do I know where I should build my home? A. Location may be one of the most important factors to consider. Although many people have a geographic location in mind, some are open to alternatives. It's important to consider your lifestyle (and those you'll be living with) as well as the cost. If you're planning a family, schools will be important. If not, you may want to consider other factors such as proximity to work, or accessibility to the beach, the mountains or leisure activities. Q. What is a "finished lot"? A. A "finished lot" refers to a portion of land that already has road access and utilities in place to the lot boundary. Additionally, it has been approved by the city or county as a separate parcel of land on a parcel map. Q. Can I buy a piece of land that is not a finished lot and save some money? A. While it may be possible to purchase an unfinished lot, generally this is not advisable for an individual building their own home. The costs of bringing roads and utilities to the first lot in a new area are usually very high. Typically, the first person to build pays for others who will build later. There are land developers who specialize in preparing lots for building (this may include zoning and/or soils issues, as well as bringing roads and utilities to the site, and creating a building pad). Often, these lots are in a planned community. Q. What do you mean by "planned community"? Aren't all communities planned? A. No, many older communities were not planned; they evolved. Certainly, as a city has grown, plans have taken shape. But in many cases the nucleus of a community was started many years before the community or city planning existed. In many instances, it is this unplanned characteristic that gives a community its charm. A planned community, in contrast, generally offers a specific style and certain amenities at a package price. Depending on the size and location of the community, these amenities may include greenbelts, landscaping, biking trials, swimming pools, even schools and shopping centers. Some amenities, such as the community pool and greenbelts, are paid for through a homeowners' association. Others are paid through taxes or mello roos. Still others are design enhancements intended to encourage potential buyers to purchase in an area or to attract more commercial business. Many of the more costly amenities included in a planned community may not be affordable for a homeowner on an individual basis. However, some of these amenities may not be important to you. After all, priorities, like lifestyle, vary. If you select a home in a planned community, you'll generally have a more structured community where decisions are made jointly rather than by the individual homeowner. These community decisions include individual home design and landscaping. While some homeowners may consider this an acceptable trade-off to ensure an attractive environment, others may consider it an infringement on their rights. It's important that you know how you feel before selecting the type of lot you want. Q. Can tax bases differ within the same community? A. Yes, they can. While some cities already have parks, schools, and streets, newer communities built within the same city may have special assessments that cover the costs to develop or maintain new or existing parks, schools, streets, etc. These assessments may be for a prescribed period of time or may continue indefinitely. A little research goes a long way. Here again, a good real estate agent or title company officer can often provide you with this information. Q. I've found the perfect location, but I'm not ready to build my dream home. Can I obtain financing for the land only? A. Yes, you can obtain a Lot Loan. Typically, this is short-term financing for the purchase of a residential lot suited for future construction. This loan allows you time to select an architect, builder, and design your dream home. IndyMac Bank's Lot Loan program allows you to finance up to 50 acres. And when you're ready to build, we offer a one-time close Construction-to-Permanent Loan. ^ back to top Still have questions? Call toll-free 1-800-HCL-LOAN (425-5626) to speak with a construction loan specialist, or downloada copy of our booklet (pdf) that answers the most frequently asked questions about building your own home. Information Center · Glossary · FAQs -- FAQs · Get To Know Us · Building Your Dream Home Magazine (pdf) · Owner Builder Guide (pdf) Consumer Guide to Construction Financing (pdf) Did You Know A Construction Loan Is A Reimbursement Loan? (pdf) subscribe now -- Get Started Now! Apply online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and get a loan approval in minutes! get started -- e-mail/mail us | 1-800-HCL-LOAN (425-5626) Licensing | Terms of Use | Site Feedback -- Licensing | Terms of Use | Site Feedback Licensing | Terms of Use | Site Feedback -- Licensing | Terms of Use | Site Feedback -- ©2005 IndyMac Bank, F.S.B. Registered trade/service marks are the property of IndyMac Bank, F.S.B. and/or its subsidiaries.