Home Equity Apply Now

Home Equity Loans and Home Improvement Loans tag, as close to the beginning of it as possible-- Purchase Refinance Home Equity Apply Now Online Application Status Check Out Today's Rates Search Need Help? Home HOME EQUITY LOANS - or - With Home Equity financing from GMAC Mortgage, your home can become a powerful financial tool. However you decide to use your equity—for a more comfortable retirement, to pay for college, to buy that vacation getaway you always wanted—we can help you access it. Start Your Online Application Find a Local Expert Home Equity Loans A home equity loan gives you the cash you need as a single up-front payment, which you can repay at a fixed rate. If you know exactly how much you need to borrow, a home equity loan may be the best option. Apply Now Home Equity Credit Lines A home equity credit line gives you a revolving source of cash that you can draw from as you need to, up to a maximum amount. The line carries a variable rate with an interest-only option, and you pay interest only on the money you actually use — not the total amount of the credit line. Apply Now Use your equity to buy a home Finance a renovation project SHORTCUTS Home Equity Resources Today's Rates Local Branch Calculators Privacy & Security THE LEARNING CENTER The Right Loan Program First-Time Buyer Guide Buying a Home Loan Programs Simplified Flexible Options for New Home Construction Privacy | Legal Information | Auto Insurance | GMAC HomeSolutions | Contact Us | About Us | Careers | Site Map 2005 GMAC Mortgage Corporation. All Rights Reserved. GMAC is a registered service mark of the General Motors Acceptance Corporation Real Estate and moving services offered by GMAC Home Services, Inc. and GMAC Global Relocation Services, Inc. GMAC Residential Holding Corporation is the parent of GMAC Mortgage Corporation, GMAC Home Services, Inc., Ditech Escrow Services, Inc., GMAC Bank and GMAC HomeSolutions. Because of these relationships, any of these referrals may provide GMAC Residential Holding Corporation with a financial or other benefit. Close This link will take you to another site that is not affiliated with gmacmortgage.com. Therefore, GMAC Mortgage's privacy policy will not apply. For your safety, please check with the sites privacy policy before entering your information. Thank you. Close

Property Search

Intellectual Property Digital Library Welcome PCT (Patents) PCT Online File Inspection Trademarks Designs Article 6ter Appellations of Origin Resources [ Printable version ] Home > News & Information Resources > Intellectual Property Digital Library Intellectual Property Digital Library Search: Database: **Select** PCT (Patents) Trademarks Designs Article 6ter The Intellectual Property Digital Library Web site provides access to intellectual property data collections hosted by the World Intellectual Property Organization. These collections include PCT (Patents), Madrid (Trademarks), Hague (Industrial Designs), Article 6ter (State Emblems, Official Hallmarks, and Emblems of Intergovernmental Organizations) and others . Access a detailed index of all IPDL data collections . The form above allows you to conduct a simple search for terms occurring within any field of a givendatabase. For a more advanced interface allowing fielded term searches,pleaseselect a database from the left-hand menu. Frequentusers who would like to maintain a search query history across connectionsshould set up a free user account . Registered Users Log in Other Data Collections International Classifications Industrial Property Statistics Collection of Laws (CLEA) New addition PCT Online File Inspection : This service provides access to over one million published PCT international applications and to the latest bibliographic data and documents contained in the files of PCT international applications. Terms of use

Buy House

Buy my house, please! - Sep. 11, 2003 CNN/Money Web Autos Real Estate Money's Best Home Markets & Stocks News Jobs & Economy World Biz Technology Commentary Personal Finance College Credit and Debt Insurance Interest Rates Retirement Tax Center Ask the Expert Five Tips The Good Life Millionaire in the Making Money 101 Moneyville Retirement Planner Savings Calculator Asset Allocator Mutual Funds Money Magazine Video CNN TV Fortune 500 Best Employers Money 101 Portfolio Calculators Real-time Quotes Last 5 Quotes SPONSORED BY include virtual="/fn_adspaces/markets-stocks/last_five_quotes/sponsor.88x31.ad" -- CNN/Money Email newsletters RSS Mobile news Money archives Buy story reprints Find a Mortgage SPECIAL OFFER Your Money Your Home Buy my house, please! As the market cools, it will take more work to get that 'For Sale' sign out of your front yard. September 11, 2003: 5:10 PM EDT By Sarah Max, CNN/Money Staff Writer BEND, Ore. (CNN/Money) To say that it's been a seller's housing market is the understatement of the year. Homeowners looking to sell in most parts of the country haven't had to wait around very long for a suitable offer, and those in the best markets have seen their homes swooped up in a matter of days, even hours. In early 2003, in fact, 21 percent of all houses went into contract less than one week after going on the market, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). On average, houses sold in just five weeks nearly half the time it took throughout the 1990s. "I believe this may be our best year ever," said David Hemenway, a realtor in Cottage Grove, Ore., who's been in the business since 1968. On the other side of the country in Sebring, Fla., realtor Chip Boring is enjoying a record year. Yet, both are aware that great times can't last forever. "Up until the last 2 1/2 years the average time on the market was anywhere from 180 days to 210 days," Boring said. And Hemenway recalls the early 1980s when his listings lingered on the market, sometimes for years. As interest rates creep up, buyers' budgets creep down and markets return to more normal levels, sellers will discover that it takes a little more work (and patience) to unload their homes. Many already have. While there is little you can do to change the laws of supply and demand, you have some control over whether your house sits or sells. Here are the most common reasons houses don't sell, in order of importance. The price is not right Even in the best of markets, setting your price too high is a mistake -- unless you really don't want to sell your house. "Starting too high is the worst thing you can do," said Hemenway. More on Your Home • Mortgage Application Center • Beating higher rates • Mortgage demand hits 14-month low • Choosing the best mortgage now Why? Because your greatest opportunity for selling your house is immediately after it goes on the market. That's when the majority of serious buyers will see the house. "Even if you lower the price to reflect the market, you'll have fewer people coming through than if you'd just priced it right to begin with," said Hemenway. In fact, it's not until after you bring the price down below the market something few sellers want to do that interest will pick up again. To make matters worse, say real estate agents, the longer a house sits the harder it is to sell. "Everyone thinks there must be something wrong with the house if it hasn't sold," said Boring, adding that for this reason he won't take on a listing if the seller insists on asking more than the house is worth. To drum up new interest among buyers, sellers sometimes pay for extra advertising or offer to, for example, pay for closing costs as a way to get buyers' attention. "In markets where people don't have a lot of cash, paying for closing costs or buying down interest rates with points up front can put you at a huge advantage," said Ron Phipps, a realtor in Warwick, R.I. The house is in the wrong place When markets are good, buyers are more willing to buy on the outskirts of an area or turn a blind eye to busy streets, bad views and other problems. But when markets cool down, it's these spots that suffer the most, said Hemenway. Short of moving the house, there is not much you can do if it is in the wrong location. But while in the house you can take care to make sure you don't over-improve your property relative to the ones around it. "If you have a $300,000 house in a neighborhood of $100,000, be prepared to lower the price or let it sit," said Boring. Buyers can't get past the front door Realtors say that getting buyers to take a look inside a house is the biggest challenge of selling a house. Once they've stepped through the door buyers are more likely to consider a place. "I recently sold a house that from the front was not very inspired," said Phipps. "The buyers came to the open house only because they needed to kill time, but once inside they were interested." For this reason, a little time and money spent on curb appeal will go a long way. Trimming the grass, washing the windows and planting a few flowers may be all it takes. In the case of houses whose best features are inside or out back, Phipps recommends taking good interior pictures and putting 360-degree tours online. Sellers sometimes get buyers to look past their homes' imperfections with creative extras. "I've seen sellers offer decorating allowances, and pay for cleaning service and landscaping," said Phipps. "Several years ago a seller in the bakery business offered to bring the buyer a different cake every month." Too much chintz and tchotchkes Less is more when it comes to attracting buyers. "Put all of those pictures of your family and other personal treasures away," said Sheryl Gregory, a broker in Wynthrop, Maine. "It distracts buyers and makes it harder for them to picture themselves in the house." She also recommends taking down distracting curtains and putting on a fresh coat of paint. "Buyers sometimes get scared if they wander through a house and think they're going to have to do a lot of painting," she added. --* Disclaimer Selling? Buying? Click to compare top local real estate agents More on YOUR HOME • Your Home: Bracing for higher rates • Refinancing demand lags again • A rose is (not) a rose TODAY'S TOP STORIES • Most overvalued housing markets • Risks to the economy in 2006 • Which was the worst ad of all in 2005? CNN Money contact us | subscribe to Money magazine advertising -- | site map | glossary | RSS | press room OTHER NEWS: CNN | SI | Fortune | Business 2.0 | Time © 2005 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 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Investment Property

Investment Property Databank IPD Home About IPD Portfolio Analysis Services Events Indices and Market Information Indices for Derivatives Online Services -- Download Index Download 2004 full series (pdf) IPD South Africa Information Valuation Guide 2004 Publication Samples Multi Country Index Spreadsheet IPD South Africa Index IPD is now in its tenth year of reporting on the South African market. The project was co-ordinated by SAPIX (The South African Property Information Exchange), which was created in 1997 to develop with IPD an authoritative databank on property investment performance in South Africa. IPD South Africa, a wholly independent subsidiary of IPD, was established at the beginning of 2003 to provide property data to the local market. Total returns - % per year All Property Retail Office Industrial 2000 11.1 10.3 12.7 7.0 2001 10.5 13.2 7.8 7.5 2002 9.6 11.0 5.0 8.8 2003 15.3 17.3 8.9 17.7 2004 23.4 26.1 16.7 24.4 annualised over: 3 yrs 15.9 18.0 10.1 16.8 5 yrs 13.8 15.4 10.1 12.9 10 yrs 13.4 16.0 9.9 12.2 South African commercial property delivered the highest return seen in the last ten years. Total returns for South African commercial property accelerated to 23.4% in 2004, up from 15.3% in 2003, breaking the previous record of 17.4% set in 1997. In the process property as an asset class outperformed most others with the exception of equities, which did slightly better, year on year. The return on bonds came a distant third at 14.1% in 2004, compared to property’s 23.4% and 25% for equities. Commenting on the results, Simon Fairchild, IPD UK Director, says that this was another fantastic year for commercial property in South Africa and on a risk adjusted basis direct property is certainly holding its own against the other asset classes. Fairchild further believes that the continued upswing in the South African economy is also being felt in the property sector, which is now starting to deliver results. Over the ten year period property performance has ranked between that of bonds and equities, although the position of these asset classes has been reversed. Bond returns annualised at 18.3% per year, are comfortably ahead of those on property and equities, at 13.4% and 10.6% per year respectively. This performance hierarchy has also been maintained over five years, although property and bonds are tied for first over the three year period ending 2004. Putting it into context, the South African results are the seventh set of results of sixteen to be published by IPD in 2005. Comparatively the South African results are extremely positive both in nominal and real terms. The UK achieved a total return of 18.3% and Canada a total return of 12.9%. At the other end of the scale, Finland achieved a total return of 5.6%. Similarly, in 2003, South African direct commercial property outperformed all other countries measured by IPD. For more information please contact: IPD: Richard Wetherell - tel +44 (0)20 7643 9266 IPD South Africa: Stan Garrun - tel +27 (0)11 883 4977 Total return 2004 - % End 2004 net income yield - % 1 St. John's Lane London EC1M 4BL Tel: +44 (0)20 7336 9200 Fax: +44 (0)20 7336 9399 Privacy Policy | © 2005 IPD Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Home | About IPD | Portfolio Analysis Service | Events | Indices and Market Information | Indices for Derivatives | OPD Designed by Webrepro

Buy Property in a

How to Buy Property in a Retirement Community - eHow.com Clear Instructions on How To Do (just about) Everything Web eHow.com Home Finance & Business Center Real Estate How to Buy Property in a Retirement Community Seniors at all levels of independence may choose to buy property in a continuing-care retirement community. These communities can offer a vibrant social environment, a packed schedule of activities, help when needed, and the opportunity for transition into a more assisted living environment should needs change. They're also a good choice for people who simply want to live in an adults-only community. Steps: 1. Consider your present needs, and think about what lies ahead. Your goal may be to hold on to your independence for as long as possible. 2. Be aware of the costs beyond the cost of the home or apartment purchase (which may start at $150,000). Monthly maintenance fees can run into the low thousands. 3. Ask for referrals from your doctor, a social worker or a senior support group. You can also get lists of nearby communities online or in your phone book. 4. Tour as many properties as possible. Investigate the upkeep and safety of the facility. Find out about special amenities, from sports facilities to dining options. 5. Ask for a typical schedule. Does it offer activities both on and off the site? Does it reflect your interests? 6. Talk with the director about the staff. Is the facility properly staffed with well-trained and -screened people? What's the turnover? Talk to the employees, too. Are they happy? Do they enjoy working there? 7. Find out exactly what the fees include. If you have special meal requirements, ask if they can be met. Inquire whether the fees will change as residents find they need more assistance. 8. Chat with residents and ask for their honest opinions about the facility. If everyone is hiding in their home or apartment, that's not a good sign. Also, what is the average age of the people you see? Is that the stage you're at? Overall Tips: Check your contract to establish what happens if you decide to sell your home. In some cases, you may forfeit your entrance fee, which can be $10,000 and up. The monthly fees for some retirement communities are higher than for other types of assisted living. Get financial advice before signing on the dotted line. What to look for: Affordability Great facilities Well-trained staff A good fit with your lifestyle Please Share Your Tips with Us More Resources: Contribute to eHow: Write an eHow Article Suggest a Topic Give Us Feedback on This Article Related eHows: Buy a Tenancy-in-Common Unit Choose an Assisted Care or Nursing Home Find Out About Gay and Lesbian Retirement Communities Buy a Condominium Find a Continuing Care Retirement Community for a Senior Project Details: Skill Advisory: Moderate New! -- Related eHows: Buy a Tenancy-in-Common Unit Choose an Assisted Care or Nursing Home Find Out About Gay and Lesbian Retirement Communities Buy a Condominium Find a Continuing Care Retirement Community for a Senior Check out Thousands of How-To Solutions in eHow's Centers Automotive Careers & Education Computers & Home Electronics Family & Relationships Finance & Business Food & Entertaining Health Hobbies & Games Holidays & Traditions Home & Garden Personal Care & Style Pets Sports & Fitness Travel How to: --? Web eHow.com Home | Site Map | About Us | How To Books | Link to eHow Subscribe to the eHow of the Day Mailing List : Have the eHow of the Day appear on your My Yahoo! Page: Add the eHow of the Day to your RSS reader: © 1999-2005 eHow, Inc. How things get done. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy .