rental property. The web

HurricaneHousing.net - OUR VISION Our Vision Main Menu Our Vision List a Rental Property Find Rental Property Contact Us Press Releases FAQs Housing Options Immediate/Emergency Short-Term Needs Long-term Needs Special Needs Housing Related Links Missing Persons Missing Pets Transportation Needs Job Resources Volunteer or Donate OUR VISION In an effort to help Hurricane victims find temporary housing, HurricaneHousing.net was developed for those wishing to post available housing or rental property. The web site also allows visitors to search for temporary housing and provides other useful resources and links designed to help victims recover from the storm. To provide a listing of an available property, please read the instructions under "List a Rental Property" . To begin searching listings, click on the DHRonline logo below. The goal of HurricaneHousing.net is to gather rental housing information and coordinate with our partners "Disaster Housing Resources" — DHRonline.org. DHR is a unique program that provides, in an easily accessible web site, immediately available rental properties — housing resources that can provide disaster victims with safety and peace of mind while their home is repaired or a new home is constructed. HurricaneHousing.net was initiated by Lafayette-area realtors led by Bill Bacqué of VanEaton & Romero, Inc. in Lafayette and Patrick Caffery of Caffery Real Estate in New Iberia. The group turned to the Louisiana REALTORS® and also received help from Lafayette-based technology companies, CBM Technology headed by Chad Theriot, F6Media and Technology experts from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) , the U.S. Department of Homeland Security , Disaster Housing Resources and the National Association of REALTORS® . “It’s our hope that this site can be another resource to those in such great need right now,” said Louisiana REALTORS® CEO Malcolm Young. Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and truth. Disclaimer of Liability

Las Vegas Real Estate

In Business Las Vegas December 23 - December 29 Current Issue Special Publications Search In Business In Business on TV The List Book of Lists About InBusiness Media Kit Subscribe Contact Us Real Estate and Development Big jump expected in commercial rents By Jennifer Shubinksi / Staff Writer What does the new year have in store for the Las Vegas Valley's commercial tenants? Most likely increases in rent -- in some cases up to 15 percent. "Potentially significant rent increases are expected during 2006 as leases expire and developers attempt to catch up to inflation," said John Restrepo, principal of Restrepo Consulting Group. When adjusted for inflation, the average monthly rents for commercial properties have remained relatively flat since 2001, despite healthy demand, a local research firm reported. After adjusting for inflation, the average monthly office rent in the third quarter of 2005 was $1.91 per square foot or just below the $1.93 recorded in the first quarter of 2001, Restrepo Consulting Group LLC reported. The inflation-adjusted industrial average rent in the third quarter was 57 cents, compared with the 61 cents recorded in the first quarter of 2001, the firm reported. The inflation-adjusted average retail rents in the third quarter was $1.51, compared with $1.47 in the first quarter of 2001, Restrepo Consulting Group reported. Restrepo said absorption (demand) has remained strong, and vacancies in the third quarter in all commercial markets were relatively low. The reason rents, when adjusted for inflation, have remained flat is largely because of increases in supply during the past four years, tenant resistance to rent increases and the lease contracts, many of which have not expired yet, he said. The slow rent growth has made certain types of new development, especially in the industrial sector, more difficult, said Vic Donovan, Colliers International managing director. Increasing land prices have made it difficult for developers to justify building industrial products, while at the same time industrial land is being bought up and rezoned for other uses. "It's about time that commercial rents start increasing to encouraging additional development to allow us to be supply-competitive with other cities in the southwest," Donovan said. "We can't afford to lose our competitive edge if we are to maintain a healthy commercial real estate market." Restrepo said on average, rents will increase between 10 percent and 15 percent in 2006. He expects retail and industrial, which have the lowest vacancies, to experience rent increases of at least 15 percent. Average office rent increases will be at least 10 percent, but in some prime locations it could be more, he said. "For example, our rent going up 17 percent here (Hughes Center) because there's virtually no space left," Restrepo said. Despite a low vacancy rate there is always some vacancy in a market, he said. "A whole market doesn't go zero; there's always turnover and frictional vacancy. It may not be in a location that's best or may not be product you want to rent," Restrepo said. In other news: Land in the Las Vegas Valley during the third quarter 2005 reached an all-time high of $708,000 per acre, research firm Applied Analysis reported this week. The average price during the second quarter 2005 was $601,600 per acre, the group reported. The firm's report analyzed 362 transactions, comprising more than 1,800 acres. Values reached $16.25 per square foot for land during the third quarter, a 76 percent increase when compared with the third quarter 2004, when land prices were $402,500 per acre, or $9.24 per square foot, Applied Analysis reported. Notable transactions during the third quarter included: • The former Westward Ho, on 15.2 acres on Las Vegas Boulevard, which was purchased for $145.5 million, or $9.6 million per acre, by Centex Destination Properties, a division of Centex Homes. • An 85.5-acre assemblage of 35 parcels in the southwest portion of the Las Vegas Valley was acquired by Gameday LLC for $48.7 million, or $568,000 per acre. • Developers with projects in the southwest Las Vegas Valley have formed a partnership to create "West Village," a planned "suburban downtown" that would encompass about 700 acres. West Village is centered at Interstate 215 and the intersection of Sunset Road and Durango Drive and includes projects that have been proposed for the area. By teaming up together, the developers and land owners in West Village said they hope to bring cohesiveness to the area, as opposed to each developer acting independently. Developers hope to bring consistency to landscape design, share market ideas, coordinate mass transit and setting development standards for the partners to follow. West Village is bordered by Patrick Lane to the north, Warm Springs Road to the south, Cimarron Road to the east and the Las Vegas Beltway to the west, and by the freeway as it curves north. County zoning allows for heights up to 200 feet and up to 100 residential units per acre. The developers in the partnership include Centra, KB Home, Curve Development Co., Glen Smith & Glen Development, Sunset Durango Partners, GKT Holdings, Station Casinos Inc. and UNLV. Clark County officials also are involved in the planning. The area has the potential for 10,000 residential units, 8 million square feet of commercial space, a university research and technology park, and a possible casino complex is planned for that portion of the valley. So far, the only project in West Village is Centra's Centra Point, an 11-building, 30-acre office project totaling 450,000 square feet. Other key developments planned for the southwest valley that are now a part of the West Village concept are: The Curve -- a 45-acre community that when built will include mid-rise residential buildings and retail in an open-air design. Glen Smith & Glen Development -- a 20-acre project being planned by developer Glen Smith & Glen that will include high-end, mid-rise residential, office and retail. Project Durango -- a yet-to-be-named 65-acre development that is a joint venture between Centra and KB Home. The planned project would include residential units and up to 750,000 square feet of commercial space. Harry Reid Research and Technology Park -- a planned 120-acre research park that is being developed by the UNLV Research Foundation. Durango Station -- a 70-acre site that has been owned by Station Casinos for many years. The land, on the south side of the beltway at Durango Drive, is zoned for a casino. GKT Holdings -- residential and commercial uses are planned on 155 acres. Sunset Durango Partners -- a 10-acre site that is entitled for mid-rise residential. Jennifer Shubinski covers real estate and development for In Business Las Vegas and its sister publication, the Las Vegas Sun. She can be reached at (702) 259-8832 or by e-mail at js@lasvegassun.com. IBLV Homepage Click here for problems or questions. Read our policy on privacy and cookies. Advertise on Vegas.com. Work for Vegas.com. All contents © 1998 - 2005 Vegas.com The Most Visited Place on Earth

Texas landscapes of our

American Farmland Trust Texas region Texas Special Report Going, Going, Gone: The impact of land fragmentation on Texas agriculture and wildlife The Texas of legend, and of our memories, is a land of vast, wide open spaces. The reality, however, is that over the last 30 years, the average size of land ownership—the average acreage of land holdings—in Texas has been shrinking dramatically. A March, 2003 report from Texas Cooperative Extension of the Texas A&M University System and American Farmland Trust, entitled Texas Rural Lands: Trends and Conservation Implications for the 21st Century [ More ] , assesses the extent of land fragmentation in Texas and identifies predictors that warn of areas around the state most at risk for fragmentation. The report also examines how effective a purchase of development rights program may be in stemming the tide of land fragmentation in Texas. ( More information on PDR in Texas) Going, Going, Gone: The Impact of Land Fragmentation on Texas Agriculture and Wildlife summarizes some of the findings of that report, by discussing the effect of land fragmentation on our citizens, wildlife, farming, ranching and water supplies. This 12-page study also outlines recommendations made by American Farmland Trust with an eye toward conserving family lands and the Texas landscapes of our memory. To accommodate new landowners, the vast farms and famous Texas ranches are being rapidly splintered into smaller and smaller pieces. Each year since 1970, about 1,000 new farms and ranches have been established in Texas. At the same time, the total area devoted to agricultural uses declined by almost 3 million acres. That's 33,000 more farms and ranches on 3 million fewer acres. This process is part of a trend known as land fragmentation. ( Look at a map of Texas' most fragmented counties) Those new "ranchettes" are typically too small for traditional farming, ranching or forestry. But that's fine with most new landowners who have limited interest in working the land. Instead, they want a place where they can escape the crowds and noise of urban life. They want to do a little hunting, explore the countryside, own a few cattle and reconnect with the spirit of the old West. One recent survey of new landowners by the Texas A&M University's Real Estate Center found that 80 percent of buyers said that finding land for non-agricultural uses, like hunting, fishing and other recreation were "very important" motives for their purchase. Sadly, this rush to embrace the land may be ruining it. Thousands of new "ranchettes" are gobbling up open space and degrading wildlife habitat, while at the same time depleting and polluting scarce water resources. The most vivid examples of this phenomenon can be found in the more populous eastern half of the state and on the outskirts of just about any major city. From 1992 to 2001, over half a million acres of farm and ranchland in twenty-five Texas counties were converted to land uses other than agriculture. While this loss due to "urban sprawl" was primarily confined to the fringes of our major metropolitan areas, the fragmentation of agricultural lands into smaller ownerships has occurred in areas that have not been affected by urban sprawl. Fragmentation is starting to eat away at large ownerships even in areas such as the Trans Pecos and South Texas, which seem the very definition of "wide open spaces." This fragmentation is likely to continue in some of the most rural areas of the state where natural amenities such as recreation potential and scenic beauty are in high demand. Texas Rural Lands: Trends and Conservation Implications for the 21st Century examined the issue of land fragmentation and its impact on land uses across the state and found that this phenomenon is rapidly transforming Texas. The changes often go unnoticed by the average Texan, but those close to the land see the consequences. Things are changing. Follow the links below to view the rest of the report. Or download a PDF of the full report here . Look at the Texas Land Trends interactive report here . For more information on both reports, contact: Bob Wagner American Farmland Trust 1 Short Street Northampton, MA 01060 413-586-4593 Texas Regional home page AFT's Press Release on Going, Going, Gone Fragmentation study overview New Breed of Landowners Ranches and Wildlife Water Worries A PDR program for Texas Recommendations Charts and Graphs 1200 18th Street, NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20036 info@farmland.org 202-331-7300 202-659-8339 (f) [ << AFT Home ]

buy property, the agent

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

Selling Home Plans The

Software Solution - 3D Home Design Suite Professional 5 Shopping Home Technical Support Software Help Customer Service Software Updates Welcome 3D Home Design Suite Professional 5 Technical Note 3D Home Design Suite Professional 5 HomeStyles 1500 Best-Selling Home Plans The HomeStyles 1500 Best-Selling Home Plans is a separate program included with 3D Home Design Suite Profesional 5. The plans available in this program are designed for preview use only and will not open in 3D Home Architect 5.1. Additional information is provided in this technical note. You may preview the plans included with HomeStyles 1500 Best-Selling Home Plans for ideas when developing your own professional quality design plan. The plans in this package may also be available for purchase from HomeStyles. Technical support for HomeStyles 1500 Best-Selling Home Plans is provided by a company other than Broderbund. Support for this product can be reached by using the contact information below. FAX Support: Technical questions can be sent via fax to (651) 602-5002 . Be sure to include the following information: fax number, name, address, the computer system you have, and a detailed summary of the problem. This information will help to decrease the time it takes to respond. E-Mail Support: Technical questions can be sent via e-mail to support@homestyles.com . Technical Note ID: 37142 (Write down the Technical Note ID number for future reference. The ID numbermay be entered in theProduct Search field on the Welcome page to immediately access this technical note in the future.) Did this answer your question? Yes No Did not apply For printer friendly version, click here . Back Product Search Enter your software title or technical note number in thefield below and click Go. General Computer Advice W indows XP Troubleshooting Center Illegal Operation Error Messages More Have a Network Version? Many of our popular titles have versions designed for networks or schools. To get support for a network version, Click Here . -- About Us | Contact Us | Product Support | Our Guarantee | Privacy Policy | Affiliate Program | Terms & Conditions ©2004 Riverdeep Interactive Learning Limited, and its licensors. All rights reserved.