Moving Tips Help the Stressed Buyer

Moving is a horrible thing to go through after all the stress of buying a home. I absolutely hate to move. This is partly due to the fact that we've never been able to work out the move out of the home we sold right into the new home scenario. We've always had to move twice with each purchase of a new home. From old home to rental, from rental to new home. It really doesn't make for a happy family.

There are some ways to help with the move. And they aren't the traditional, call the moving company. Here are my top tips for eliminating stress from your move.

First, start with getting rid of stuff. We always laugh and say that we get rid of half and move half. There is no reason to hang onto things that you will never ever unpack. Have a yard sale and get rid of it. Plus, you might make enough money to treat your family to something special -- like a day at the zoo. Or don't mess with the stress of a yard sale and give it all to charity. That's a tax deductable gift, if you get a receipt.

Getting rid of extra stuff not only saves you money in moving, but saves you a lot of time in packing and rearranging stuff. I go through everything as I pack it. Clothes, dishes, toys and papers are all purged. It really feels good -- you know you are starting off more organized and with less clutter.

Move room by room if possible. Don't try to tackle everything at once. If you and your friends are moving you, have them take items by room. This is a great way to move. It is also quite faster. There is no confusion and no moving of boxes into the correct room.

Don't forget to take care of a few things before you even start packing. Arrange for the utilities to be transfered. You don't want to get to your new home and have no water or lights. You should make sure that your insurance coverage will cover your belongings and both properties for the adequate amount of time. Don't cut off the insurance for the home you are leaving until you are actually gone. This is especially important if you have people helping you to move.

And finally, if you are moving a distance -- make sure you know where you are going. Have a map and a route planned. Plan where and when you will stop and how long it will take you to get to your new home. If it is a long trip, make it fun. Stop and see things along the way. Take the time to enjoy the country. Make it an adventure -- not just a move.

Martin Lukac represents http://www.RateEmpire.com and http://www.1AmericanFinancial.com, a finance web-company specializing in real estate and mortgage rates. We specialize in daily updates, mortgage news, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find low home loan mortgage interest rates from hundreds of mortgage companies!

Need Cash Fast?

Do you ever feel as though you?re drowning in payments? Have you extended your salary until there?s barely any left, in order to make your monthly obligations? Well, chances are you?re not alone. With the economy in a state of uncertainty, it?s difficult to plan from one day to the next with layoffs and job losses always a risk.

So why wait? Do something about those payments to help you plan for an emergency. If you are making high interest payments, chances are you may never see the proverbial end of the tunnel, especially if you only make your minimum monthly payment. And credit cards interest is at an all time high, considering so many people have incurred debt and have been unable to repay those obligations.

They have to make up the money some way, so they pass down the loss to the consumer in the form of even higher interest rates. But if you?re a homeowner, there is a solution. If you?ve owned your home long enough to have something built up called equity, you can actually get a quick loan for cash on your mortgage. That?s right. With a simple call to your mortgage broker and some minor paperwork, you can take out a loan (often referred to as a second mortgage) in exchange for cash to pay off all those high interest credit cards or other miscellaneous loans.

Sound like an easy solution? It can be, but remember you can?t borrow your way out of debt. The only way to become completely debt free is to pay off all balances. The second mortgage must be repaid. And as a rule, most consumers are advised to cut up their remaining plastic so the temptation is removed. Most financial advisors suggest having only one credit card with a minimal credit limit and ask their clients to pay off the balance every month. Be sure to check with your mortgage broker or financial advisor if you have any questions before signing your contracts and enjoy that left over money at the end of your month!

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Makeup of the Future It's Here Now

No need for plastic surgery, ladies. This is the 21st century - and we've got the makeup to prove it.

First there was the mineral makeup craze. And it's still going strong. Made of earth elements, like titanium dioxide (a mineral which is used in cosmetics as both a pigment and a thickener), iron oxide (a mineral which can also be used as a pigment), and bismuth oxychloride (an element which helps the makeup stick to the face, and also gives off a sheen, which some women like), these foundations, eye, and cheek colors look like powders, and are applied with brushes. In minutes! Many women say mineral makeups have much better coverage than liquid foundations.

But there will always be liquid foundations. And for this, we have a new product: the foundation primer. State of the art gels, liquids, and light silicone-like formulas are applied on the face before makeup. They actually fill in tiny lines and pores, so that when the foundation is applied, it goes on smoothly. It's like priming a wall before you paint it: you want to make sure any holes and cracks are spackled and the wall is smooth. Then the paint looks fresh and the wall looks new.

Another cutting edge product on the market right now is heavy-duty concealer. Yes, there have always been concealers, but today's products are not drying and obvious-looking. Not only have the colors become more varied, but there are hundreds of colors available. No more tell-tale pink spot under which your varicose vein is hiding. And despite being heavy duty, most are now light-weight and blend easily.

At night, women can apply anti-aging lotions and serums that our mothers never dreamed of: wrinkle fillers, pore minimizers, special neck creams and eye creams. Some of these products are amazing, and used daily over a few weeks can make a noticeable difference.

Want plump lips? No need for surgery - topical lip plumpers are available everywhere. Some work with ingredients that irritate or sting the lips, making them plump up. Others work painlessly using ingredients like collagen peptides (which give a moisturizing effect) and Hyaluronic acid (a lubricant made in the body). Some are applied like lipstick, others like a mask which is then rinsed off. There's something for everyone, and in all price ranges.

Hair extension technology has become so sophisticated that well-done extensions are indistinguishable from a woman's real hair.

And with the new scrubs, exfoliants, over-the-counter chemical peels, and refined versions of alpha hydroxy acid, complexions everywhere are being smoothed, in the privacy of a woman's home.

One of the most amazing and fast developing new beauty technologies is tooth whitening. For many years, all one could get was an abrasive toothpaste. Now we have at-home whitening systems, purchased from the pharmacy or the dentist; we have painless, non-invasive dental procedures that can make your teeth gleam; and we have light-weight, nearly invisible strips that are applied to the teeth for thirty minutes, twice a day, for a limited period of time.

That's what women want: non-invasive products that make them look beautiful without a lot of time or effort. Today's woman is busy. And these new technologies are meeting her needs. I'm sure this is just the beginning.

Suzann Kale writes for the newly popular site, My Makeup Mirror. The site has how-to articles, research articles, product reviews, and other goodies. Ms. Kale has a Bachelor of Science degree from Northwestern University.

Still No Bubble

Prices of residential real estate, both asking and selling prices, have declined steadily in many markets throughout the country these past few months, but for reasons that have nothing at all to do - not even remotely - with the dreaded real estate bubble so many ?bubbleologists' were so fond to predict. ?Bubbleologist', it will be recalled, is the term I have coined specifically to encompass those individuals - all of them of majority age - who specialize in the very fine art of wasting my time.

An economic bubble occurs when speculation causes prices to increase, thus producing more speculation and subsequent price increases. The bubble bursts when prices of goods are so absurdly high that consumers either refuse or cannot afford to purchase, thus sending demand tumbling down. In essence, an economic bubble is a particular market condition, wherein prices of commodities or assets increase to levels so high as to no longer reflect the utility of usage of the commodities or assets being exchanged.

The main cause of an economic bubble is speculation. Speculation is one of the many forces that act on capital at any given time. In theoretical Economics, speculation is defined as ?the acquisition of financial or capital assets made solely to quickly profit from fluctuations in their prices, or of goods or commodities with no real intent to consume or otherwise use them for production'. Speculation, however, does not seem to be the root cause of the price deflation occurring in many real estate markets.

The main cause of price deflation in the buying and selling of real properties seems to be due to the double effect of 1) a tightening of the money stock which, in turn, alters the cost of borrowing, i.e. a shift in interest rates, and 2) an increase in inventory supplies. Specifically the monetary policy initiated by the Maestro, Alan Greenspan and adopted by the new Fed's Chairman, Prof. Bernanke, is now beginning to have an impact on housing markets in the United States and, to a lesser extent by reflection, in Canada. On August 8, 2006 the Rate-setting Committee of the Federal Reserve System voted to halt the interest rate hike, holding the federal funds rate at 5.25 percent. This signalled a reversal in the trend that has characterized US monetary policy for the past seventeen times in a row.

The Fed admitted that core inflation is high at 2.4 percent annualized for the half-year ending June 30, but the expectation is that it will begin to abate in the latter part of 2006. If it does not, they will start tightening the money stock once again. The Fed has long relied on three factors to keep price pressure in check: quiescent labour markets, fat profit margins and its own credibility. It remains sure of the last, but can no longer count on the first two.

This last meeting reflected the fact that productivity grew at an annual pace of just over 1.1 percent annualized in the second quarter, not nearly enough to offset a recent acceleration in wages. Which means that for all the fuss we hear about oil, labour is the commodity with the biggest impact on inflation, accounting for two-thirds of production costs. Exactly for this reason, therefore, Prof. Bernanke has made a reference and has given a warning at the meeting of August 8 of the dangers of what he terms ?inflationary psychology'. If people suspect that faster inflation is here to stay, they will anticipate it in their wage claims and price-setting, thus confirming their own suspicions.

This warning is very well heeded, if one considers that according to a survey conducted in July by the University of Michigan, American consumers expect the prices they pay to rise by 3.2 percent over the next twelve months. And this includes, of course, housing.

The slowdown in growth evident in the last quarter and reflected in the real estate sector was not an accident. It is due to the rate increases that the Fed has voted consistently over the last seventeen meetings. The Fed's latest projections, unveiled on August 8, forecast growth of 3.25 - 3.50 percent this year and 3 - 3.25 percent the next, slow enough to stop core inflation from rising much further.

Therefore chances are high the real estate market will continue to be generally stagnant for the next few month, with regional exception. Although no bubble is on the horizon.

Luigi Frascati

Luigi Frascati is a Real Estate Agent based in Vancouver, British Columbia. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Economics and maintains a weblog entitled the Real Estate Chronicle at http://wwwrealestatechronicle.blogspot.com where you can find the full collection of his articles on Real Estate Economics and Finance. Luigi is associated with the Sutton Group, the largest real estate organization in Canada, and is based with Sutton-Centre Realty in Burnaby, BC.

Luigi is very proud to be an EzineArticles Platinum Expert Author. Your rating at the footer of this Article is very much appreciated. Thank you.

Scottsdale Real Estate Schools

Phoenix has been experiencing a rapidly growing real estate market and the prices of properties here have soared in recent months. Investors are flocking to Phoenix to view listings, shortlist properties, negotiate prices and buy condos and luxury waterfront property. Golfers want to retire in Phoenix. Baby boomers are booking properties for spending their retirement days. This flurry of activity has motivated a number of people to seek careers as real estate brokers and agents. They are granted their licenses to work in the profession from various real estate schools.

One of the leading real estate schools in Phoenix, Scottsdale Real Estate School offers real estate courses online and on CD-ROM. It's never been so convenient to pass your real estate exams and achieve a license. The real estate courses offered include: real estate license, sales associate and broker?s pre-license, post license continuing education, and prep courses for students to prepare for real estate exams and state exams. They offer fully accredited real estate courses that meet the license qualification and continuing education requirements for real estate professionals in Phoenix. These courses can be done from anywhere around the world. Scottsdale Real Estate School is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They believe in serving the student around the clock to better meet their needs.

Scottsdale Real Estate School has introduced the most convenient way available to fulfill the professional license educational requirement. Their CD-ROM and online real estate classes allows the aspirant to begin courses at any time. Upon passing the online exams, they receive a certificate of completion and full course credits. Additionally they offer a new and exciting way to obtain the required real estate education credits. They noticed that many students simply don't have the time or desire to attend a class. For them, an online training course has been created.

There are a few criterions that need to be fulfilled before applying for a real estate broker license. It is required for the applicant to be at least 18 years of age when applying for a real estate license. Additionally he may not have had a real estate license denied within one year, or revoked within two years immediately before applying. Scottsdale Real Estate School helps the applicants with the license procedure and makes it as easy as it can be.

Real Estate Schools provides detailed information on Real Estate Schools, Online Real Estate Schools, Phoenix Real Estate Schools, Scottsdale Real Estate Schools and more. Real Estate Schools is affiliated with Real Estate Agent Courses.

Winter Driving Tips To Keep You Alive

Planning ahead for winter driving could insure that you make it to your destination safely.

?Winter driving can be stressful not to mention very hazardous. Wind, snow, ice and blizzard conditions amplify the normal dangers of driving.? And with less hours of daylight, these problems are magnified. However, you can offset those aggravations and minimize the special risks of winter driving by following a few simple steps and taking certain precautions before and during driving. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the leading cause of death during winter storms are transportation accidents. Preparations for the winter season and knowing how to react if stranded or lost on the road are the keys to safe winter traveling.?Before winter starts or you leave for a trip in the winter, have the following items checked on your car: ?????? Battery ?????? Antifreeze ?????? Wipers and windshield washer fluid ?????? Ignition system ?????? Thermostat ?????? Lights ?????? Flashing hazard lights ?????? Exhaust system ?????? Heater ?????? Brakes ?????? Defroster ?????? Oil level (if necessary, replace existing oil with a winter grade oil)?Don't forget to check the tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread.? All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However,? some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.?? Keep at least a half tank of gas in the car during the winter season.Be prepared - put together a bad weather kit to keep in the trunk of back of your car. This will ensure that you are prepared in the event that you get stuck in a storm.? Keep these items in your kit: ?? Flashlights with extra batteries ?? First aid kit with pocket knife? ?? Necessary medications? ?? Several blankets or Sleeping bags? ?? Plastic bags (for sanitation)? ?? Matches/candles ?? Extra set of gloves or mittens,socks, and a wool cap? ?? Rain gear and extra clothes? ?? Small sack of sand or kitty litter for generating traction under? wheels? ?? Small shovel? ?? Small tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)? ?? Jumper cables? ?? Set of tire chains or traction mats? ?? Books, cards, games? ?? Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag ?? Help sign for back window? ?? Canned fruit and nuts? ?? Nonelectric can opener? ?? Bottled water ?? Charged cell phone (always carry this, especially in the? winter)If you are stranded, you may feel helpless, stuck in the snow in a lonely place, but there are things you can do to survive until help reaches you.? ? Stay in the car. ? Do not leave the car to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards.? You may become disoriented and lost in blowing and drifting snow. ? Display the help sign.?? ? Hang the brightly colored cloth on the radio antenna and raise the hood.? ? Occasionally run engine to keep warm.? ? Turn on the car's engine for about 10 minutes each hour. Run the heater when the car is running. Also, turn on the car's dome light when the car is running.? ? Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation.? ? Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.? ? Do minor exercises to keep up circulation.? ? Try not to stay in one position for too long. If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping.? ? For warmth, huddle together.? ? Use newspapers, maps, and even the removable car mats for added insulation.? ? Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart.? Avoid overexertion.? ?Be aware of symptoms of dehydration.Listen to the Weather Report before heading out. It can be a life saver.Pay attention to the weather terms used. Here are the most common Winter Weather Terms- ? Winter Storm Warning: Issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is imminent or occurring. Winter Storm Warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin. ? Winter Storm Watch: Alerts the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet. Winter Storm Watches are usually issued 12 to 48 hours before the beginning of a Winter Storm. ?? Winter Storm Outlook: Issued prior to a Winter Storm Watch. The Outlook is given when forecasters believe winter storm conditions are possible and are usually issued 3 to 5 days in advance of a winter storm. ?Blizzard Warning: Issued for sustained or gusty winds of 35 mph or more, and falling or blowing snow creating visibilities at or below ? mile; these conditions should persist for at least three hours.? ? Lake Effect Snow Warning: Issued when heavy lake effect snow is imminent or occurring. ?Wind Chill Warning: Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be hazardous to life within several minutes of exposure. ?Wind Chill Advisory: Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be a significant inconvenience to life with prolonged exposure,? and,? if caution is not exercised, could lead to hazardous exposure. ?Winter Weather Advisories: Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet which will cause significant inconveniences and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to life-threatening situations.Winter driving requires you to be extra careful and alert, but the most important tip for winter driving is slow down!? Always give yourself plenty of time to get where you are going, and get off the road before you get stranded by worsening weather conditions. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES:The Weather Channel http://www.weather.com/activities/driving/drivingsafety/drivingsafetytips/snow.html?from=iForecastWest Virginia Department of Transportation http://www.wvdot.com/6motorists/6dwinterdriving.htm?Oregon Department of Transportationhttp://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/COMM/winterdriving.shtml

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Learn more about selecting the right auto insurance company that will save you money by visiting http://www.your-car-insurance.biz/SiteMap.html, your reliable auto insurance website that provides auto insurance information and resources.

What Are Your Car Seat Options

While it is easy to understand that small children belong in car safety seats, it can become a little confusing when one begins to look around at all of the options and consider weight limits. There are several models and brands of car safety seats available on the market today, each slightly different. The basic models are rear-facing, combination, front-facing and booster seats.

There are also seats for older children of around 60 pounds. A small child will be that weight around 9 years of age. Some models of car seats for younger children are for children of 20-25 pounds, while others can accommodate riders up to 10 pounds heavier.

The safest type of car seat to use for babies is rear facing. When selecting one for your baby, you should choose one with the higher weight limit for longer use.

A good guideline is to have the top of your child's head is within an inch of the top of the shell. It's good to remember that different angles are recommended for different ages. For newborns and young infants, a 45-degree maximum angle is recommended. Less recline is needed for older children with good head support.

Front-facing car seats should be used upright and with no recline. If you are going to use a front-facing car safety seat, choose a model with a five-point harness and front harness adjuster. The internal harness (the harness that is attached to the seat itself) in this type of seat should be used until the child is 40 pounds or until their shoulders are above the top harness slots. At this point, remove the internal harness from the seat and convert the seat to a booster for use with the automobile's lap and shoulder belt. It is vitally important that you use both types of belt or drive a car with combination belts.

If your child is over 40 pounds, you may want to consider purchasing a seat that is a booster only. It is just as important to properly install an older child's seat as it is to install a seat for a younger child. Your older child's booster should allow for the shoulder belt to cross the center of the shoulder and chest. Avoid crossing it over the neck. The lap belt should ride across the hips. If your car has low seat backs without headrests, use a high-back model. You may be able to find a model with adjustable head supports and extra padding.

Of course, there are also specialty models, such as models for older kids who ride in vehicles without shoulder belts. There are even models for special-needs kids and for kids up to 80 pounds, which in some cases may be as old as 11 years. There are so many options on the market that, with a little searching, you should be able to find exactly what your child as wonderful and unique as he or she is needs.

By: Levi Quinn

SEAT at Techno Classica Essen

SEAT, Volkswagen Group's Spanish automotive brand has showcased some of their most popular and classical vehicle models at the concurrent Techno Classica Essen in Germany.

Techno Classica Essen is one of the largest classic automotive shows in the world for veteran cars, vintage cars, and classic cars from different automakers. Moreover, also included in the Techno Classica are auto parts and accessories show, forum for manufacturers and clubs, and market for tools, clothing, model cars and others. Last year, more than 150,000 visitors from more than 30 countries participated in the show that took place at Essen, Germany. Over 1,000 exhibitors comprised of 15 domestic and international manufacturers have presented their products at the 110,000 square meters, 17 halls of exhibition space.

For the third time, SEAT has participated in the 19th edition of the Techno Classica Essen, presenting four of their most popular models including classic cars, concept, and production models. Leading the product lineup is the legendary SEAT 600, along with the SEAT 850 Sport Spider, which has dominated the European market in their time. In addition, SEAT has also showcased the Toledo Marathon and the SEAT Formula concept car at the show.

The SEAT 600, built from 1957 to 1973 is popular for initiating a massive production of vehicles in Spain that helped the country to recover economically after the Spanish Civil War. SEAT will display one of the last units of SEAT 600 produced in Barcelona in 1973. Another classic model, a 1969 SEAT 850 Sport Spider with a 903 cc engine that pumps out 52 horsepower is presented at the Techno Classica Essen. According to the Spanish automaker, the SEAT 850 Sport Spider made history as the first sporty convertible vehicle model sold in the Spanish market during the 60s 70s.

Meanwhile, the SEAT Toledo Marathon embodies the SEAT's ingenuity in building models that stand out for their popularity and great success in motor sports. The SEAT Toledo Marathon was built in 1992 by SEAT Sport and competed in some of the European and international off-road rally racing events and gave the Spanish automotive brand some great victories including the Greece Raid in 1993.

Last but definitely not the least is the spectacular SEAT Formula concept car. Unveiled in 1999, the 2-seater convertible concept car features a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder 20 valve turbo engine capable of pumping out 240 horsepower, coupled with a 6-speed transmission with sequential gearbox taken from SEAT Cordoba World Rally Car. Performance is at 5 seconds acceleration time from 0 to 60 mph, reaching a top speed of 146 mph. The SEAT Formula is most probably equipped with VW strut mount. Unfortunately, the SEAT Formula concept has not yet put into production until now

For more about your VW parts needs like VW strut mount, visit your trusted online source.

Benjamin Hudson works as a supervisor at one of the top engineering firms in the business district of Louisiana. He is also a freelance journalist and has passion for anything automotive.

Backpacking Adventure Travel

If you are looking to take an adventure travel lasting a day or two, or over a long holiday weekend, a backpacking adventure travel may be a perfect solution. This type of adventure travel is usually easier to plan and will give you a nice break away from your everyday routine. Before you begin, you first have to decide how long you plan on being away.

If you plan on being gone for one single day, a daypack would satiate, but if you plan on going on a multi-day adventure travel, you would need to go for backpacking. With both these types, you would have to keep in mind a few more things. For example, the backpack for your backpacking adventure travel should come with sturdy shoulder straps. In addition to that, your backpack should also have enough padding and curves. This helps to keep your collarbone safe otherwise it would chaff it.

Another thing that must be understood with backpacking is having good zips. The zips should be strong and durable. And to make things easier for you, always try to opt for zips of the larger size. These types are always more reliable. Your backpack should also come with a good waist strap. And why is that essential for you? For the simple reason that it takes much of the weight off your shoulders and as such your shoulder would not get tired easily.

And the last thing that should be kept in mind before choosing your backpacking adventure travel is that the material of the backpack must be of the highest quality. You should not compromise on quality just because of cost. The consequences could be very problematic. Just imagine what could happen if the backpack gave out in the middle of your adventure travel.

So, you have got yourself a decent backpack for your backpacking adventure travel. Now the next thing would surely be getting an idea of the things that you ought to be keeping in your backpack. The very first thing that you should always keep in mind is that never in any case forget to take the maximum possible amount of water with you. You should also not forget to maintain sufficient amount of iodine tablets with you to treat the water you get while on your adventure. It is not possible to carry all the water that you would need during your travel and you are bound to use water from outside, and as such, iodine tablets are a must.

You will also need to transport food with you. If you pack each of your meals separately, you can save a great deal of space and you would be taking just enough food that you will need. In addition, you will also need to take some clothes. If you are planning a multi-day backpacking adventure travel, you have to take enough clothes with you to regular changes. You should also bring a good pair of shoes and do not forget a sleeping back and/or a tent.

Keep in mind that your preparation will greatly depend on the location you choose for your adventure travel, the type of terrain and the weather conditions for that area. Be sure to perform as much research as possible before you leave for your backpacking adventure travel to ensure you will an exciting and memorable experience.
About the Author

J. Purdy operates Overseas Adventure Travel, Backpacking Trips and Hiking Vacations. For information and resources on hiking and adventure, be sure to visit his sites today: http://www.hiking-vacations.net

Start A Home Based Business Under 100 USD

It's really true; you can start a home based business under $100, or even as little as no money at all. The Internet is the resource that makes it all possible, and starting an affiliate business - where you sell the goods and services of existing merchants - means you can have legitimate, profitable products to sell and make money on.

The affiliate business is the perfect way to get started online with a home based business under $100. Affiliate sales are huge, making billions of dollars for its merchant members and their affiliates. It's a very simple system: You sign up to be an affiliate, or partner, to an existing merchant. The merchant gives you tools - links, graphics, and page locations - for you to use to market their products. You handle the marketing of the products and drive sales and leads to their site, receiving a percentage of each transaction you are responsible for. Huge companies use affiliate programs to increase sales - companies such as eBay, Quicken, Eddie Bauer, J.Crew, Citibank, Lending Tree - the list goes on an on. Every time you visit a web site and see a flashing advertisement, it's very possible that is an affiliate link, and the website owner will be paid if you click and buy from the merchant's ad!

You can start a home based business under $100 as an affiliate simply by signing up with affiliate management companies such as Commission Junction or LinkShare Network, which represent hundreds of major retailers and service providers. You can sign up and get started with just an email. Although some companies want you to have a web site, it is not by any means required to begin to represent many quality products and services. Some companies will even help you by making an entire site for you - you only have to register a domain name and point it to their site! A domain name costs about $10 as of this writing - and some domain registration companies offer free web hosting and email too.

Once you start making sales by marketing the products and services, your partner company will send payment by check or sometimes direct deposit. You may have to generate a certain amount of sales to trigger a check, but if you are serious about building a home based business under $100, you'll find the checks start coming as your efforts start to pay off. By using affiliate programs, you can get started building a real online home based business with far less than $100.

MF Calhoun writes on home business issues for a variety of sites and publications. Act now to receive immediately a FREE 165-page course, The Affiliate Masters Course and learn how to build a high-earning affiliate business TODAY at http://www.bestwebsite.biz/under100biz2.html

How to Gain More in Miami Real Estate Market

There are many factors that could cause any investor or future home owner to be successful or just a failure in Miami real estate market. Actually, knowing which properties to buy and the approach made in investing is all there is to become successful Miami Real Estate Market. Although, this requires different talents and abilities, all these can be learned and developed in order for someone to boom.

Skills sets are available for anyone who is interested in Miami Real Estate Marketing. One of the most important among these skills is being interpersonal. This is needed when dealing with real estate negotiations. The make or break scenario usually depend on how an investor or a marketer built the relationship with the other parties in order for them to build the trust needed in closing a deal. Rapport should be established and spending time to meet with the other sellers makes a huge difference. This is a win-win situation for both parties. Whatever transaction is made as long as they were made in a healthy atmosphere then everything will turn out fine. This will also a good turn for the future when some of their business friends will be recommended as well.

Simple mathematics should also be learned in order to be successful in Miami Real Estate Market. One should learn how to analyze the monthly cash flow and how the appreciations of property costs are being computed. It also important to do computations on how much is to be considered for renovations and repairs and relate the results to the flipping and the fixed sphere in Miami Real Estate Market. Tag an architect and a contractor along to assume whether the transaction being made is reasonable.

Lastly, remember that bargaining especially in Miami Real Estate Market really has need of patience as there are more than a hundred of real estate properties to choose from. Look for something that would yield better results and costs in the future to make sure that such property is a sure deal. See to it that the Miami Real Estate Market property is personally examined to be assured of the things itemized during the agreement and something that fully met the required needs.

Consider these tips in order to yield successful results in Miami Real Estate Market, specifically leasing:

- expect more than ten times of responses if an ad is placed with the ?Option to buy? terms than when a ?for Rent? is placed. That is because many are still trying to buy a piece of property in Miami and leasing could be their last resort.

- there are more calls coming from more interested tenants to a property and there is higher price involved.

- remember that the lease option when selling out a property yields more monthly income. The fees include the granting the lease fee and the monthly rent for the property. In return more cash flow is expected.

- it?s a positive outlook for future buyers as well because they are given the opportunity and the chance to possibly own a place in one of Miami?s real estates. These people are willing to pay a higher amount for the leasing agreement just to have a place of their own.

Cleo Capili

http://www.miamirealestateinc.com

Florida Real Estate Expert Cleo Capili specializes providing assistance to buyers in Florida. She guides families who would like to invest and purchase their dream home in the exciting warm paradise of the Real Estates in Florida. Her skills in negotiating and inventory to make sure that sales and experience bring out the best for each purchase sets her apart from the different common realtors in her location.

Cleo have good background in marketing, business, real estate financing, and advertising to give clients the best options when buying a Florida property. No matter what your needs are, Cleo could share her professional and interpersonal skills for outstanding results on each of your property purchase in Florida.

Infant Car Seats

Finding the best car seats for your child:
To escape injury in an accident, you will need to pick a seat suitable for the child's age and weight. They come in three main categories: infant, infant & toddler convertible and booster seats. Statistics show that most seats are installed incorrectly. Once you have purchased a seat make sure to follow the directions for proper installation.

Finding the best car seats for your child:
To escape injury in an accident, you will need to pick a seat suitable for the child's age and weight. They come in three main categories: infant, infant & toddler convertible and booster seats. Statistics show that most seats are installed incorrectly. Once you have purchased a seat make sure to follow the directions for proper installation.

Infant Car Seats:

A child under a year old needs to be secured in a rear facing seat. The disadvantage to buying an infant seat is that you will have to buy a convertible seat after your child reaches 20 pounds. An infant seat will cost between $60 and $150. If you are willing to spend more, there are plenty of extra options to choose from. Better quality material and cushioning, infant head inserts and boots, more recline positions and easier installation.

Infant & Toddler Convertible Car Seats:

These are larger than infant seats and will last through your child's toddler years. They are designed to be used until your child reaches 40 pounds. On disadvantage is that these seats are difficult to remove from the automobile. These seats are for newborn through about age 4. Your basic seat costs around $80. For more options such as leather or better quality fabric, belt adjustment and/or a cup holder, they run as high as $300. Click here for Toddler Car Seats

Booster Seats:

Booster seats are for children 3 years and up and who weigh at least 40 pounds. They are used with a lap and shoulder belt. Cost is between $60 to around $200.

Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Randy is owner of Profitable Home Businesses, How to Plan a Baby Shower and Las Vegas Weddings.

Options to Hold Title on Real Estate

Don't wait to the flurry of activity right before closing on your new home to decide how to hold title to the property you're purchasing. After you have an accepted contract on a home, consult with an experienced real estate attorney to determine which option is best for you and anyone else you are buying the property with. Title is the legal document that gives you ownership or evidence that you own a specific piece of land. Here are some common types of ways to hold title. Check with an attorney on variables in holding title by state.

-Tenancy in common. When two or more persons own a piece of real estate. Each owns an undivided fractional interest.

-Joint tenancy. When a property is owned by at least two people, and all have the right of survivorship, until only one person is left and that person takes sole ownership. Rights of survivorship in some states have been terminated.

-Tenancy by the entirety. Created for married couples with full rights of survivorship. Each person has an undivided interest in the property. These tenancies can be terminated by death, divorce, legal judgment, or written agreement.

-Severalty. One person holds title to a property.

-Trusts. Ownership to real estate can be held in a trust. Control is transferred to a third-party for the benefit of the owner.

-Cooperatives. The corporation who holds title to the land and structure delivers owners or shareholders stock in the specific units. Consult state laws for further information on cooperatives.

-Ownership of real estate by businesses varies state by state, consult local laws for applicable information.

-Verify that your title has been properly recorded after it has been delivered and accepted by you.

Mark Nash is the author of Fundamentals of Marketing for the Real Estate Professional, Starting & Succeeding in Real Estate, Reaching Out: The Financial Power of Niche Marketing, and 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home. Mark is a contributing writer for: Realtor (R) Magazine Online, Broker Agent News, Real Estate Executive Magazine, Principal Broker, and Realty Times. His tried and true real estate tips has been featured on Business Week, CBS The Early Show, CNN, HGTVpro.com, The New York Times, and USA Today. Purchase his books at http://www.1001RealEstateTips.com .

Gift Ideas For Those Living In A Nursing Home

Elderly people who dwell in a nursing home have needs that are considerably different from those living in their own home, not to mention being constrained by a limited space. Nevertheless, the confines of a nursing home do not exclude these people from receiving tokens of appreciation. Indeed, there are still numerous valuable gift ideas for those residing in nursing homes. Not knowing what these people need or want is no excuse for not giving them gifts. Gifts are small tokens that express concern and care. Everyone longs to be remembered, most especially elderly people in nursing homes who do not experience the proximity of family and loved ones. Most people agree that thinking of gift ideas for people dwelling in nursing homes can be painstaking. The following ideas discussed in this article may help provide a spark of thought. These gift ideas for nursing home residents are generally practical and useful, and most importantly, these gift ideas embody thoughtfulness.

Those who reside in nursing homes are sometimes unable to shop for stationery, note cards, greeting cards, writing supplies, and postage stamps. A nursing home resident, who is fond of filling out letters and cards, may be given a gift of postage stamps, writing supplies, and greeting cards for all occasions. Furthermore, include an address book that contain with the names and addresses of relatives and friends. Bestowing a nursing home resident the facility to stay in touch with family and friends is a wonderful and thoughtful gift.

Everyone enjoys reminiscing happy moments in one?s life, and for the elderly, the past is oftentimes more revered than the present. Anyone would certainly love to receive a scrapbook or a photo album that depict valuable memories. Pictures, as the old adage says, ?are worth a thousand words,? and sending someone a gift book containing familiar faces, smiles, as well as places is something that can be appreciated and looked at again and again. If the nursing resident is a friend or a family member, make copies of photographs in your possession, and solicit photographs from other family members or from mutual friends. Select a cheerful motif for the photo album, and fill the album not only with cherished photos of family, pets, friends, happy occasions, and vacations but also perhaps, some personal notes from the people whose faces appear in the album. The recipient will surely love a thoughtful gift as this, and they will be able to relive the past with each turn of a page.

Gift certificates are popular for all occasions, and fortunately gift certificates are available for every interest and age group. A gift certificate might be a very appropriate choice to give to a nursing home resident who can go outside of the facility to have a massage, professional pedicure, manicure, or hairstyle. A restaurant gift certificate might also be considered, so the recipient can use it, for instance, to treat a guest to a meal out. Also consider services and entertainment that cater the interests or the needs of the nursing home resident, and purchase a gift certificate that they can make use of.

Lastly, one might consider making a gift basket filled with useful items such as washable slippers, cologne, lip balm, small decorative trinkets, word puzzles, magazines, or books, etc. If the nursing home resident is not undergoing a restricted diet, also consider a gift basket that includes a selection of tasty snacks or fruits.

Dranreb Earl Juanico
http://www.celebrateahero.com/othergiftidea.html

Learning The Backgammon Rules In 10 Minutes

Ten Famous Toy Recalls

The number of recalls issued by toy manufacturers is staggering. Today there seems to be little attention and thought in the design of children's toys, other than to make them as cheaply as possible. The design level is certainly lacking the element of making safety first. It is apparent the parents or those buying the toys are purchasing them without the knowledge of reading the box which will say Parts that can cause a choking accident. We have to be more vigilant in the supervision of children and look to see if a situation is life threatening.

Here is a list of a few products that have been listed on the top ten list of recalls:

1. Toy Mobile Phones Recalled for Choking Hazard
International Playthings Inc., of Parsippany, N.J. recalled 50,500 iPlay My First Mobile Phones. The toy phone's yellow antenna could detach and posed a choking hazard to young children.

2. Next Marketing Inc. Recalls Youth Hooded Fleece with Drawstring for Strangulation Hazard

Next Marketing Inc., of Wabash, Ind. recalled 22,000 Youth Hooded Fleeces with Drawstrings. The drawstring, which went through the hood of the fleece, posed a strangulation hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist by drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts.

3. Simplicity Cribs

After the death of a 19-month baby in Myrtle Creek, Ore., the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Simplicity Inc., of Reading Pa., renewed their search for recalled Aspen 3 in 1 Cribs with Graco logos. The child died on Jan. 6, 2006, after two of the mattress support slats came out of his recalled crib. The infant was trapped between the mattress and the foot board of the crib and suffocated.

4. Fisher-Price Infant Musical Toy ChairHazard

Fisher-Price, one of the most well-known toy manufacturers in the world, voluntarily recalled about 614,000 Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn & Trade Musical Learning Chairs. It was possible for a child to get stuck between the back of the seat and the side table attached to the chair, which could cause the child's neck to become stuck as well and posed a strangulation hazard.

5. Mattel Polly Pocket magnetic play sets

Mattel Inc. recalled 4.4 million Polly Pocket magnetic play sets after they found out that three children had been hospitalized with serious injuries after swallowing tiny magnets which fell off of the toys.

6. Mega Brands Inc. Magnetix Magnetic Building Sets

3.8 million of these Magnetix sets were recalled after a 19-month old, and three other children were injured from parts of the toy, one fatally. The magnets were distributed loose in the box and were fairly small. If swallowed, several of them could magnetically bond together inside the digestive track and cause serious blockage.

7. Riding Toys

There were 20 toy-related deaths and 152,400 toy-related injuries involving children under age 15. Although no deaths occurred, The majority of injuries were sustained from riding toys.

8. KFC Tangled Treeples Toy

These toys came with KFC kids meals in June and July of 2000. The container the toys came in could fit over a child's nose and mouth, posing a suffocation hazard to children.

9. Playskool Toy Tool Bench

Playskool voluntarily recalled this toy after it resulted in the death of two toddlers.

10. Children's Cooking Sets

A popular Children's Cooking Set was recalled because the glass lids were considered a laceration Hazard.

When it comes to children, toy manufacturers need to think safety first. Children are vulnerable and need constant supervision, but parents have learned to depend on and trust the judgment of companies like Playskool and Fisher Price. Like it or not, those companies have, at least in the opinion of this writer, a responsibility that is inherent to the industry they've chosen.

About the Author:

Alex consults for a hobby shop mainly for older kids, but their model cars appeal to car lovers of all ages and their plush toys can light up the smile of any child.

Is Property in the South of France Really That Expensive?

It is true that the South of France is one of the most expensive areas of France for property for sale. However, if you are prepared to compromise a little on size there are plenty of lovely little apartments and houses available for under 200,000 Euros.

At the time of writing, one incredibly good value residence on the Riviera just 20 minutes from the beach in Signes is situated in an activity park surrounded by lush pine forest. This residence was designed as a hamlet and is an excellent place from which to explore the rest of Provence - from its medieval villages to its colourful landscape and Mediterranean coastline. Prices for studios start at 75,000 Euros and offer either classic freehold or leaseback purchase with guaranteed rental income of up to 5% which is unusually high for this part of France with prices equally low.

Another highly sought after location in France is Uzes with its historical centre with remnants of its Roman past. Small boutiques, unassuming restaurants tucked away in tiny alleyways and its local markets rich in local produce fill the charming town. There is a luxury development only a few minutes walk from the historical centre at a prestigious address surrounded by landscaped gardens with its own private pool for the residents. It is not often you see such a well located new build residence and even less at such keen prices: from just 113,000 Euros you can invest in a spacious 1 bedroom apartment with a terrace and with the option for guaranteed rental of up to 4.78%.

New Build Property for Sale:

New build property has many advantages:

- Small notary fees of just 2 to 3% compared to 7 to 10% for a traditional sale

- Very low maintenance costs as repairs are negligible

- Off-plan property will usually increase in value considerably by completion date 24-18 months later

- Builders guarantee for 10 years

- You can often modify designs and choose interiors to suit your personal taste

- Often an option for guaranteed rental income (depending on development)

but perhaps older character property is more to your taste? If you are looking for a small house in a rural provencal village then with a budget of 200,000 Euros you can get on the proverbial ladder.

So even in the South of France you can find great value property for sale....

Nick Dowlatshahi is the managing director of Leapfrog Properties, a UK specialist agency in French property. Leapfrog offer an online database of up to 200,000 properties for sale in France plus a personal service from fluent French speakers to help you find, view and buy your property. Leapfrog Properties website is at http://www.leapfrog-properties.com.

Simple PostPartum Depression Cures

Post-Partum Depression is a debilitating, albeit extremely common, condition that affects new mothers everywhere. Medication is of course one of the standard remedies, but before you opt for it, there are other, simpler solutions which could very well get you back on your feet without modifying your metabolism.. This article lists several of them, drawn from accounts of actual users.

> Go to bed early and try to get a good night's sleep

> Lie down next to your heater vent and feel its comforting warmth

> Stroll in the park amongst the ducks, watching what they do

> Do things with your hands, perhaps a craft

> Work in the garden, watering plants and pulling up weeds; each is calming in its own way

> Buy yourself a fancy cup of coffee, savor it's fine taste and aroma

> Play with your kids and make plans with them for what you will do together when you are feeling better

> See a therapist regularly and make sure you are totally candid with him

> See a doctor regularly and make sure you are totally candid with him

> Stay away from alcohol and other depressants

> Have a relaxing bubble bath or a shower with something sweet to eat and drink; play soothing music while you are bathing

> Keep a journal about your feelings: it helps to externalize them

> Exercise regularly: this releases feel-good chemicals (endorphins) into your bloodstream

> Join and participate in online forums for post-partum depression; discuss your problem with others who have it, seek their advice and enjoy the comfort of a loving community

> Take part in activities with family and friends

> Read a good book

> Go visiting

> Call a close friend and talk to her/him

> Go for a drive

> Bake something; this will direct your attention to a subject other than parenting and refresh your mind

> Call your mom and talk to her about your problem. This could be the single most effective therapy for your situation, because she loves you, is deeply concerned about you and will make time to listen to you

> Ask your mom to visit for some days. She could help with your chores and thus create some personal time for you to do the other things mentioned here

> Put baby in her stroller and go out for a walk

> Let yourself wallow for a bit with no pressure and all pleasure - stay in your PJs, eat junk food, mope a bit

> Cuddle with your kids and if you feel like it, have a good cry while doing so. Realize there are people who truly love you (can't help but feel happy when your kids are giggling and rolling on the floor with you)

> Go to the beach if there is one nearby - look at the ocean and breathe the sea air

> Go shopping (nothing like good old-fashioned retail therapy!), or go window-shopping

> Have a long, deep chat with your dear husband, followed by a long, long cuddle and sweet kisses!
About the Author

Fitness for Fingers

One common reason children can come to avoid writing is that their fingers aren?t prepared for the workout that writing can be. After a while, fingers get sore and writing gets tough, so they give up. If your child complains of her fingers getting tired when printing, you may want to introduce some exercises to limber up the fingers before they start writing.

Warming up before writing can be especially beneficial to those children who are always on the move and tend to balk at sit-down style learning. It helps them to transition from physical activity much more smoothly than simply expecting them to sit down and write and it helps them to focus their energies into their fingers before they start.

The process can be as simple as wiggling and stretching out their fingers before writing, but an especially active child may need more of a transition. You will want to start with general arm stretches first and then work down to ones that concentrate on the fingers like the simple and fun exercise below:

Squash the Ball or Spider Push-Ups.
I?ve heard this activity called by both names, but the actions are the same. Have your child touch their fingertips together with the centre of the hands open, in the shape of a small ball, then have them smoosh their hands together as if to squash the ball. Now have them push their fingers apart (like finger push-ups) and start over. Repeat creating and squashing the ball several times.

Remember, it doesn?t have to be complicated. Even clapping is a form of finger exercise, so playing a few rounds of patty cake can take the sting out printing practice. Adding a few exercises like this to your pre-writing routine and you?ll soon notice that writing time goes a lot smoother.

Lisa Braverman is the owner of Educational Toy http://www.educationaltoyfactory.com Factory and is dedicated to creating educational http://www.educationaltoyfactory.com/parentchildactivities.htm activities for kids and parents that are fun, easy and enriching.

The World's Most Popular Board Games

Board games have been in existence over centuries ago. The oldest known board games trace as far back as 5870 B.C. This just proves the human necessity to be entertained and challenged at the same time. Board games, more than any, requires mental strategizing. Unlike sports, where the mind is challenged as well but concentrates more on the physical capabilities of the player, board games requires the competence of the player's thinking process and quick-wittedness to win. This is one of the attributes that set apart board games from many other games.

Board Games Live and Die

This does not mean, however, that all board games are successful. Board games live and die depending on their popularity. If there is an art in playing them, there is even greater art required in creating them. Senet and Mehen are board games traced back in ancient Egypt, but their existence in contemporary or popular culture is almost nonexistent, but their evolution can be more recognizable today. Truth to be told, it is the applicability of the game towards the modern times that, most of the time, decides if the game will live on or wither away.

Grandparents of Board Games

Backgammon, Go and Chess are probably the oldest games still played today. Backgammon is considered as a race game. It requires moving one's pieces across to the other side of the board. This game needs to roll dice to determine the moves of the game. This game dates back to ancient Egypt, around 3000 B.C., and it's believed to have evolved from the ancient game of Senet.

Go is believed to have originated in China back in mid-2000 B.C. specifically, it can be traced to Emperor Yao, and subsequently its popularity spread to Korea and Japan. Chess, on the other, was believed to have originated in India in the 6th century. Scholars consider chess to have evolved from an ancient game called Chaturanga.

Clearly Go predates chess a few thousand years back, but they have their similarities. Each only requires two players, and they have to outwit one another. It is not surprising to know that chess originated from India, a country that shares a border with China. However, one glaring similarity both Go and chess have is that they are both war games.

Ancient forms, yes, and nearly incomparable to the war strategy games modern times have to offer in video games. It is believed that both these games came from tribal warlords who used same looking pieces to strategize their attack plan.

In retrospect, having war games as the oldest, still popular board game in present times does give people an idea why it is still applicable today.

Modern Times, Contemporary Board Games

There have been countless board games that have come into existence in our time. But little have the shelf life as the most popular board games still being played today. The exclusive list includes:

* Monopoly

* Clue

* Risk

* Life

* Snakes and Ladders

* Checkers

* Scrabble

Of course, Monopoly is almost recognizable across the globe. This is strange because Monopoly isn't exactly the easiest game to understand. Yet, despite this, the Guinness Book of Records recognizes Monopoly's worldwide appeal, with over 750 million having already played the game. To think that it has been in existence since 1935, Monopoly's staying power is a testament how real estate, business, banking, and investment is applicable in our times.

Clue, on the other hand, relies on murder and mystery to keep players interested. Risk is a perfect example of how ancient games like chess came about and Go have evolved to adjust to their cultural environment. Life, in contrast, predates Monopoly. It was created in 1860 and simulates, well, life. Marriage, career, and so on are part of the game, and people find it enjoyable to imagine what life would be like, or what life could have been, in this game.

Snake and Ladders is also another popular board game. The trouble with this game is many adults do not find it appealing. That is why it is nearly exclusive only to children. Adults normally find games depending on chance boring. Relying solely on the dice to determine the player's fate is not as challenging as most adults would want from board games. The player's fate in Monopoly is also determined by the dice, but unlike Snakes and Ladders, it still requires players to strategize.

Checkers, or English draught, is another popular game believed to have stemmed out from the form of chess and Go. Still, it is still considered as one of the most popular board game today. In fact, it is more popular than Go, which is commonly associated with Japan.

Lastly, there are the word games. Scrabble is the most popular among all word board games. Like chess or checkers, there are even world competitions for Scrabble. Word Factory, which can be loosely considered as a board game, is also a popular word game.

Visit Board Games Store A Place Where You Can Find Huge Selection Of Popular Board Games You Can Also Find More Board Games Articles

By Robert Diarioti

Need Extra Cash? Try A CashOut Loan

With so many different ways to get cash out of your home, many homeowners use their homes as a modern savings account. They invest and get returns, just like a bank. They also use their home as a way to get their hands on some cash when needed. There are many different types of ways to get cash from your home, but one that lends itself to getting your hands on extra cash fast is a cash-out loan. What is a cash-out loan? Well it?s rather simple. A cash-out loan is where you refinance your current mortgage for more than is currently owed on the principal and keep the difference as cash.

For example, if you currently owe $100,000 on your mortgage and you need extra money, you can refinance your current mortgage for $120,000. You may receive a better interest rate on your current balance and keep the extra $20,000. It?s really that easy. Also, you need to understand that a cash-out refinancing differs from the regular equity refinancing because it actually replaces your first mortgage.

Also, there are no closing costs when you choose a cash-out loan. However, by any means talk with your mortgage broker before deciding anything. Ask plenty of questions such as the follwing. How will a cash-out loan effect my payments? How much will be paid in interest on the newly refinanced amount? Will I still have the same payment due date each month? As with any financial decision, always search your options and know what you?re signing before putting your John Hancock on that dotted line. Enjoy your extra cash!

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The Right Price for Your Home

Your Realtor wants to sell your home as soon as possible, for the best price. He or she will use a Comparative Market Analysis to help you determine a fair price for your home. A comparative market analysis is based on information from similar properties in the area. The analysis uses information on properties that are currently for sale, properties that have already sold, and expired properties (ones which did not sell). The current sale price of similar homes will indicate what the competition is asking. Properties that have recently sold will indicate what buyers are willing to pay, just as properties which have expired may indicate what buyers are not willing to pay.

By carefully considering these three aspects your Realtor is able to determine a fair market value--the price which a buyer is willing to pay and the seller is willing to receive for the property.

In the real estate world, a large group of people are looking to buy homes at any given time. These are the seller's best prospects. This ready group of buyers is wasted, however, if your house is overpriced.

While shopping for a home, buyers will visit many similar homes in their price range and measure the features of each one against the price. They decide which house offers them the maximum value for the price. Buyers do not expect a home to be a steal or dramatically under-priced, but they do expect it to be a fair value. If your home is overpriced and they have been shopping around and comparing properties, they will probably refuse to look at your home. You and your Realtor may know that you would sell for $10,000 less, but the buyers do not know this. As a result, your overpriced property may receive little attention.

Don't be fooled into thinking your house is worth more than someone is willing to pay for it, or that it's just a matter of waiting for the right buyer to show up. Surveys show that the longer a house is on the market before being sold, the greater the drop in price from the listing price when it does sell. The buying public eventually sets an accurate price. An overpriced house just sits on the market, waiting for a price adjustment before it will attract a buyer.

Consequently, your Realtor may advise you to reduce the asking price if buyers fail to surface after a certain period of time on the market. If you are serious about selling your home, you should take your Realtor's advice. If the first price reduction doesn't generate a buyer, another reduction may be necessary. The monetary value of a house is only what someone is willing to pay for it, but if the market analysis is done correctly, you will get the maximum amount--and a timely sale.

Sean Remington is president of Sean Remington & Associates, an Albuquerque, New Mexico realtor. Sean was voted Albuquerque Metropolitan Board of REALTORS(r) 2005 Rookie of the Year and is a REMAX Platinum Club Member along with a Committee Ambassador - Albuquerque Economic Development. To learn more, point your browser to Albuquerque Real Estate.

New Homebuyers: Have You Considered the Hidden Costs of Owning A Home?

There?s no better feeling than pulling into your driveway ? cutting your lawn ? cooking in your kitchen ? swimming in your pool. After all, owning a home is the ?American dream?.

But the cost of maintaining your home can quickly turn into a nightmare, if you are not prepared.

When you go through the home buying process, you?ll learn all about the mortgage, closing costs, homeowners insurance, down payments, inspection. These are all standard expenses when buying a home.

But what happens after you move in?

Here are 5 ?hidden costs? all first time homebuyers need to consider when planning your budget for your home purchase ? so you don?t end up in a pile of credit card debt:

1) Furnishing your home ? if you?re buying a home that?s bigger than your current residence, make sure to have some money set aside for new furniture. Having lots of rooms is nice. But having empty rooms can get frustrating very quickly.

2) Tools and equipment ? if you?re renting, most (if not all) of the maintenance is done by the landlord. Stocking up on new hardware, lawn equipment, power tools all cost money. And while your first trip to your local home improvement center can be exciting, it can also be very expensive, so be prepared!

3) Replacing broken items ? one of the most unpleasant aspects of owning a home is maintenance. No matter how old or new the house is, things break. And they often break at the wrong times (when money is tightest, right after a big expense, etc)! Fixing a broken lock is relatively simple and inexpensive. Replacing a furnace or roof usually requires an expert, and a big savings account.

4) Fees for services ? if you are hooked up to city water and sewer, there is usually a fee that is not covered by your local property taxes. If you have a well and/or septic tank, these require periodic cleaning and maintenance. You may also have to pay for garbage pickup, recycling, lawn maintenance, snow removal, etc. While most of these are not that expensive, they can add up quickly!

5) Making the house ?yours? ? even if you move into a house that is in great shape, chances are you will want to add your own personal touch. If you move into a house that needs some work, you may have to add lots of personal touches (and lots of paint and accessories). Even if you like ?do-it-yourself? projects, materials cost money.

And don?t underestimate how much time you?ll spending getting ? and keeping ? your house the way you want it.

Don?t be discouraged by all the ?hidden costs? of home ownership. Just make sure you have a budget, and a plan, for making your house your own!

Kris Bickell is the owner of http://www.HouseBuying-Tips.com, a site that helps first time home buyers avoid the costly mistakes that many new homebuyers make. For more tips on buying a house, getting a mortgage, finding a realtor, and getting out of debt, sign up for the free ?How To Avoid These 10 Costly Mistakes When Buying Your First Home? email course at: http://www.HouseBuying-Tips.com/

Realtors Predict Falling Home Prices

According to the National Association of Realtors, home prices will probably fall temporarily as the housing market corrects itself.

Prices are expected to bounce higher in a few months as the market works through a build in housing inventory, said David Lereah, chief economist for the NAR.

Median home prices are expected to increase 2.8% this year, with 2007 seeing an increase of 2.2%. Median new home prices are expect to rise only 0.2% in 2006, but are said to increase by 2.4% in 2007.

After inflation adjustments, the realtors project that median home prices will be lower at the end of 2007 than they are now.

Existing home prices have been rising at an average of 9.6% a year for the past four years, ahead of the inflation rate. New home prices were up 13.3% in 2004 and 9% in 2005.

This year sales are slowing, home are plentiful and sellers are negotiating, Lereah explained. Under these conditions, we'll probably see prices dip temporarily below year-ago levels as the market works through a build up in housing inventory.

The real estate group is forecasting existing home sales to fall 7.6% in 2006 and an additional 1.7% in 2007. New home sales are predicted to fall 16.1% in 2006 and 7.1% in 2007. Housing starts are expected to be down by 9.6% this year.

Martin Lukac represents http://www.RateEmpire.com and http://www.1AmericanFinancial.com, a finance web-company specializing in real estate and mortgage rates. We specialize in daily updates, mortgage news, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find low home loan mortgage interest rates from hundreds of mortgage companies!

Buying in Spain What is a Buyers Agent and how can they Help?

1.An overview of buying in Spain

The climate and lifestyle in Spain coupled with the property boom in the UK in the late nineties and early 2000?s has meant people are considering a second home in Spain ? or permanently moving here to start a new life. Whatever the reasons there appears to be 2 types of buyers.

1.Those that prepare and research everything
2.Those that have little time or inclination for preparation

Many buyers have seen property exhibitions run by large companies who appear to offer the world. They sign up for inspection trips believing that they will see a few properties and then have time to look around other areas and other properties.

However the reality of these types of trips is that there is little time to do anything except look at houses the developers choose to show you ? often in areas which the buyer doesn?t really wish to move to.

Often buyers believe the TV programmes that promulgate British TV ? such as ?A place in the Sun? - that for a few thousand pounds one can buy their dream Villa in Spain ? this just isn?t the case anymore. Most of these programmes were produced 2 ? 3 years ago and give buyers unrealistic expectations. Because of the influx of foreign buyers, prices in most areas of Spain have shot up considerably ? on average around 20% per annum over the past 5 years but near the Costas a lot more. Consequently the number of agencies selling properties has grown proportionately.

People on the whole ? for whatever reason - tend to visit Spain with little or no preparation. Busy lifestyles lead to limited time. So many people will just hop on a plane and hope for the best ? some are lucky others spend their trip searching fruitlessly, visiting estate agents offices, seeing properties that neither meet their needs nor their purpose for buying in Spain.

Many agents have a philosophy of once you are in their office don?t let you go until you agree to visit something. They spend little, if any, time finding your real requirements ? to them all that matters is the amount of bedrooms, the area and the price ? but to you the buyer there are other more subtle factors, such as schools, hospitals and a feel for the area, which no amount of words can put across.

Estate Agents operate by taking on a property from a client. They differ from the UK in that the seller determines the price they wish to receive and the agency adds on their fees. In most cases these fees vary from between 3% and 10%. However some unscrupulous agencies will charge upwards of 25% and more if they feel they can get away with it.

The net result of all this is that you are visiting people who have the sellers interests at heart, will pressure sell you into buying something you don?t necessarily want, will happily trail you around countless number of houses ? usually just to give the sellers the impression they are doing their job. Thus because buyers are stretched for time they will accept anything just to get on the ladder, and end up with the wrong property in the wrong area ? and possibly return to the UK after a year or so because they don?t like the lifestyle.

And worse still they probably paid well over the odds for their property because they don?t speak Spanish and went to an English agent ? which means they are paying usually 10%+ on top of what the owner wants ? in some cases much more. So when they try to sell later ? they cannot without losing money.

2.The results

So the net result of not preparing and just going to an estate agents is

?Using agencies with other peoples interests at heart
?Wasted time as agents show buyers round properties not meeting criteria
?Wasted trip due to fruitless search (and the cost involved in arranging another trip)
?Accepting the wrong property because ?time is running out? and the need to get on the ladder
?Paying over the odds for the property ? due to high agents fees and....
?Not being able to negotiate a good discount because it is not in the agents interests to do so
?Eventually having to either go home or sell on at a loss because of over inflated prices
?Frustration at the whole process of buying in Spain
?A general feeling that no-one is listening to their needs
?An Increase in costs due to price rises in the meantime
3.The Solution

The solution is very simple. Instead of using someone who has the sellers interests at heart use some one with YOUR interests at heart ? a Buyers agent. If you only have a limited period of time then it is much better to do a little preparation and get someone else to do your legwork for you. Then when you do visit you will see a handful of properties ? all of which you will have a fairly good chance of buying because they meet with your criteria.

4.What does a Buyers agent do

?Establish your criteria
?Search for property and view each one then Select properties for you to view
?Process the formalities - take you to the Police station to arrange your NIE number (crucial before buying a house) and arrange a Spanish Bank account
?Guide you through the purchase process, including the notaries and translation service where
?required.
?Where needed provide additional services such as finding builders to do work, interior designers buying a car etc.

4.1.Establishing your criteria

Firstly they should discuss with you your requirements on the phone, email or face to face.

They should endeavour to establish important criteria such as

1.Area and location
2.Reason for purchasing
3.Maximum budget
4.Other requirements - Type of property, State of property, Minimum # of Bedrooms, What kind of work you are willing to do, What you are willing to accept, What you are NOT willing to accept, How much land you require and for what reason (where appropriate) 4.1.1.Area

Probably the most important criteria is the area. Once you have established an area you want to live in then the rest is secondary. It is generally easy to find specific types of property in an area once the area has been decided upon ? providing you are realisitic in your requirements (there?s not many places where you can find a 3 bed villa with a pool for the price of a sandwich and a coffee from Starbucks).

One of the most common mistakes buyers make is to try to buy a property before establishing an area. Sometimes this works ok but most times it is a disaster, leading to disappointment and wasted time, as well as additional expense. Some research can be done beforehand, but the buyers agent can help to establish an area based on your requirements. For example do you speak Spanish? No then you need a predominantly English area unless you are willing to learn. Do both partners drive ? if not then what happens if you buy a secluded property when the non driving partner wants to go visit people and the driving partner isn?t around ? they will drive you straight back to the UK. Need to work, then going to a sparsely populace village could be commercial suicide. These are factors that are more than just the price of the house and how many bedrooms it has.

4.1.2.Reason for purchasing a property

The reason for buying the property is almost as important as the area. For example if you want a property for investment purposes it is no point in buying inland as you will get very few rentals ? in spite of what agencies may tell you. There is only one constant with rental properties ? the beach gets the highest premium. You may well be able to increase the rental income by adding a pool, but most holidaymakers want to be within striking distance of the beach.

Or you may be buying a holiday home for occasional use and rental, a place to live semi permanently or a permanent residence. All of these factors need to be clarified as they all have a bearing on the area and location within the area.

For example older people want to be close to Hospitals and Medical care, the towns and where one partner only drives within walking distance of amenities so if anything happens to the non driver the other can cope without upheaval.

Young families need to be close to schools and amenities, clubs and other societies to enable comfortable living. Do you want to live in the country but close to a town, or in an urbanisation where you have neighbours close to hand.

The rest of the requirements are self explanatory. The buyers agent will try and determine your minimum requirements so they can discard any properties that don?t meet them ? after all there is little point in visiting a stunning property if you need 3 beds and it only has 2 ? this would compromise your living and in time would mean you have to move on.

4.1.3.Maximum Budget

Obviously very important. But you have to remember a number of things. First of all the advertised price isn?t the price you pay. You must add another 10% for legal fees etc on the purchase price of the property or 12% if you need a mortgage. You pay 10% of the declared value. It is customary in Spain to only declare a percentage of the purchase price. This is known as BLACK and WHITE Money. Ie the black money is the undeclared amount.

Whilst completely illegal it still goes on and is dependent upon YOU as a buyer whether this is something you wish to do. DO NOT be pressurised into doing this it is fraud and all you are doing is leaving yourself open to paying someone else?s tax bill.

You must also take into consideration exchange rates. You may have had ?200,000 last week when the ? was high against the Euro but this week it may have gone down again. Allow for this fluctuation by setting your budget a bit lower or by fixing the rate beforehand. Most agents will have a relationship with an exchange company and can guide you here.

What about furniture. Will you bring your own with you, or get some whilst over here. Most Spanish people tend to leave their furniture in the house ? lock stock and barrel. You need to agree with the sellers what?s being left and make sure you get it in writing before you sign contracts. If you are going to buy when you are over you need to allow around 10% of the purchase price for furniture. 4.1.4.Other requirements

All your other requirements are taken into consideration too. A buyers agent will only provide you with properties that meet your minimum requirements, taking into account price and area. Where they believe these requirements to be unrealistic, they should guide you as to acceptable solutions.

By working with you and advising you honestly they should ensure you get the results you want .

4.2.Search for property

Once they have established your criteria they will search for properties in the area you have indicated using your criteria. Typically this can take up to 3 weeks depending on the area and your requirements (obviously the more flexible with criteria you are the more matches you will get the quicker it will be). A good buyers agent will personally visit every property before they send details to you.

They will then send you a list of about 5 ? 10 properties for you to look at. From this you will agree a list of properties you wish to see and create an agenda for your visit.

Experience suggests that anything more than half a dozen properties will overload you and will not add anything to your overall choice. By limiting properties to your selected criteria they will ensure that you get your perfect property very quickly. Think of it as a dating service for property. It usually works because most people buy the first or second home they see. 4.3.Process the formalities

There are two very important things you must do before you buy a property in Spain. The first is go to the police station and obtain a NIE number (Numero Identificaci?n Extranjeros ? A foreigners Identification Number). This allows the authorities to know who owns property in their area and is essential for buying a home or any other large purchase (such as a car).

This is a mere formality, for which you only require a copy of your passport, and a signed application form. You will require this identification number for non-nationals should you wish to open a bank account in Spain

Next you need to have a Spanish Bank account. Although not entirely essential you need to pay bills regularly (in Spain Bills are paid every two months rather than quarterly). Missing a bill can mean disconnection from the service and an embargo put on the property (similar to a CCJ in the UK). Most Bills are paid by Direct Debit ? so it makes sense to have a Spanish Bank account. Also if you have a mortgage then you will need to have a Spanish Bank account.

After this you are free to buy your property.

4.4.Guide you through the buying process

Once you have chosen a property you should ensure that pre-contract enquiries and searches are carried out to protect your best interests. Evidently, the first step is to introduce you to a solicitor who specialises in drawing conveyances. Your decision to employ a lawyer will provide you with peace of mind and save you considerable expense in the long run.

Once you have chosen a lawyer, the conveyancing process commences with the pre-contract enquiries and searches. These procedures are the same for newly-built and second-hand dwellings.

Second-hand homes: It is usual to sign an option contract, and pay 10% of the purchase price, from which any amount you may have previously paid as a booking deposit must be deducted. Prior to paying over a deposit you shuld carry out pre purchase searches (or your solicitor should)

The balance is paid, in the majority of cases, within 30 to 60 days. On payment of the balance of the purchase price, the vendor is bound to sign the Deed of Conveyance transferring the property to you, or to the person or company you designate.

It should be remembered that where the vendor is a non-resident you must retain 5% of the purchase price stated in the Deed of Conveyance. This 5% must be lodged with the Spanish Inland Revenue as a payment on account by the vendor in respect of his eventual capital gains liability generated as a result of the sale. Your agent should assist you with this if there is no bank mortgage involved (usually the banks retain this on your behalf and pass it to the hacienda directly)

Newly-built homes: In most cases the developer will offer a standard contract of sale, requiring an initial down-payment and a number of interim or staged payments, which are generally linked to progress of construction and completed work stages. In most cases, the final payment is made when the Licence of first occupation is granted.

Likewise, if the developer has financed the development through a mortgage loan, the purchaser may assume the mortgage instead of making the final payment. Should you not wish to assume the mortgage, the developer must discharge the mortgage, and will be liable for any expenses or outlay entailed in the discharge of mortgage. Be careful to ensure he does not try and pass this amount to you. You will need to ensure this is in your contract

Any interim payments you may make to the developer while construction is in progress must be guaranteed by a performance bond or insurance policy called a bank guarantee

4.5.Help you with other services

Seldom does your purchase finish at the notaries office. Typically most agents will help you a little afterwards with things such as transferring bills into your name etc. However for most this is where the transaction ends.

But what about when you need a builder to turn your plot into your dream home, or to renovate your house, or even buy a new car and transfer everything into your name. This can prove as stressful as buying a house.

As your buyers agent they should be happy to either put you in contact with local people who they know to be good, or they can manage your project for you and ensure that the work gets done in accordance with your wishes ? very important if you are not here to oversee everything yourself.

Finally there may be times when you just need to call someone to talk over a problem or ? in some cases ? someone to speak Spanish on your behalf. It has been known for customers to call and ask if we can speak to an assistant at a shop in order to get the message across to them. We are more than happy to do so ? and it doesn?t matter how long after you bought your property ? our service doesn?t stop when you buy a property ? after all you may be our neighbour and a client again one day in the future.

5.The benefits of using a buyers agent

There are many benefits of using a buyers agent. Firstly and most importantly you have someone batting for your side. They will negotiate on your behalf and because they find your property via other means than using an agent then you can be assured of getting the best possible deal. In short then the benefits are

1.Someone with your interests at heart
2.Vested interest in getting you your property ? therefore will listen to your requirements
3.Local knowledge of the areas you wish to live in
4.Able to bypass agents or at least negotiate on your behalf
5.Save you frustration of endless visits to inappropriate properties
6.Save you time allowing you to get on with purchasing your home
7.Could save you substantial amounts of money (upto 10-30% of the purchase price)
8.Will ease you into the process of buying in Spain

If you have any comments on the subject matter or want any advice then please feel free to contact me. vbtudor@spanishproperty-direct.com and for more articles about buying in Spain look at the website http://www.spanishproperty-direct.co.uk If you would like a free copy of the e-book - An Insider?s Secret Guide To Buying A Property In Spain then drop me an email and I will send you a copy by return.

About a Career in Real Estate Field

To become a real estate agent is very easy. About schools, that is one question to ask the brokers. You may be sure in every area there are several private real estate schools, and many community colleges offering courses. To find private real estate schools search the yellow pages after the Real Estate - General section. Most schools let you sample their program or classes.

It generally takes two months of classes and then you should take the exam. When you pass you need to activate your license under a broker from your area. At that moment you need sales training classes, unless you was born a sales person. I think you realize that you will wait 3-4 months in the real estate field before to see an income stream flowing. What I want to say is you need some financial resources to live on while getting your shoes on the ground.

To be a successful real estate agent is the highly competitive Acting in Real Estate field you will work hard and it will take time to build your own successful business. As a compensation of your hard work, the payoffs is great. Real Estate is one of the highest paying sales professions in the United States of America.

You will enjoy working out of your home office, work flexible hours, and set your own schedule. In addition there are few, if any, businesses you can start up for the investment you will make in becoming a professional Real Estate Agent.

Larry is a freelance writer interested in items such as travel real estate career

Sarasota Housing Market: Behold the "ThreeBuyer" Rule

The buyer, appraiser and underwriter must all agree with the price of the house before it can go to settlement (particularly if there is no large down payment involved.) Here's how it happens.

Buyer is First

When you visit the grocery store and examine the prices of produce and goods, you normally do not walk up to the check out and bargain the price listed on the sticker. The eggs are $1 per dozen all day long and most everyone will pay that amount or go without eggs.

In real estate (and other large investment items), the price is not necessarily what one is going to pay. It is merely the list price or asking price set by the seller. While Sarasota real estate agents may have some sort of control in determining if a house is overpriced or under-priced, they are not the ones buying the house. Hence, the real decision maker is the buyer. Thus, the buyers must be confident enough that the asking price and the terms almost certainly reflect the real market value of the house.

The savvy real estate seller will make sure that the asking price is as close to the realistic price in order to draw offers. Particularly, in a transitional market or dropping sales price environment, such as the Sarasota housing market at present, do not squander time holding off for the ?right? buyer to come along and pay the price being asked for. The smart real estate seller will realize what the price trend is and move in front of it.

Sellers over the last few years in the Sarasota housing market have had the benefit of price trending upward. Negotiation for buyers seemingly went up on its head?You want $350,000. What, are you crazy? I'll pay $375,000 and not a dollar less. Of course, they got beat out by the guy willing to pay $400,000 and include a vacation for the sellers.

When the Sarasota housing market begins to trend downward, a seller must get at the forefront of the trend. This is even more important than a market heading upward if you do not want your house floating on the market over a long waiting period. Every week you wait, you literally lose money, which sometimes could be thousands of dollars each week. Do not wait. When prices trend downward, sellers must forget what their neighbor's sales price was two months ago. It certainly has no bearing the day you receive your contract.

The moral here for the seller is that the buyer must believe the house is worth the asking price. Next, one has to convince the appraiser.

Appraiser is Second

Despite what others may believe, the appraiser is the most important visitor who is going come by your house. Sometimes even the appraiser understates his or her visit to the property.

If you have to impress the buyer to persuade him or her to write a contract, then you better mesmerize the appraiser. This is the person who is going to take a first stab in confirming that the buyer and seller have come up with a realistic price for the property.

With a contract price of $351,990, you want an appraisal of at least $351,990. If the appraisal is high, it has no bearing on the contract. If the price comes too far below, and the buyer does not possess enough down payment funds to cover the difference, then the seller and buyer will have to renegotiate who is going to absorb the financial hit to make the loan work. Is the seller coming down in price, the buyer up in price or are they going to split the difference?

Underwriter is Third

Finally, one has to satisfy the person in the back office?the underwriter of the mortgage. Underwriters calculate the risk factors for the lending company or group of investors. If they underestimate the risk of default on a loan and the buyer indeed defaults on the mortgage in time, then either their investors lose or they must sell the loan at a loss. Because of this, while they are not on the street monitoring if prices increase in the Sarasota housing market and if their analysis reveals that the house may not be worth what the contract is asking, they can withhold the loan process and the negotiations must start anew.

Let?s say I want to sell my house for $1 million. The problem is, while I might think it is worth that amount, I keep running into buyers who disagree. Thus it is worth $1 million solely in my perception.

I therefore have to satisfy three other people to get my price. In pricing my property, I must keep these three other people in mind if I want my ?asking? price to become my ?sold? price.

Earl Juanico

Sarasota Real Estate

Spanish Property for Sale Brian and Jenny Sad Story part two

Buying Properties Abroad can be a tortuous affair; learn how to avoid some of the pitfalls of buying Overseas Properties.

Brian and Jenny had been led to buy a Spanish property on Costa Blanca in Southern Spain from the corrupt agent, Madam Elisha who had sold it to them and had taken a 20K deposit in cash. They had also signed a document in Spanish which had not been translated and purported to be an instruction to a Spanish lawyer, she had recommended, to act on their behalf to secure the Spanish Property.

They had now returned to the UK in great delight to tell all their friends the great news and even recommend the charming and helpful Agent they had met whilst in Torrevieja. After two weeks they heard from Elisha. Everything was proceeding well and she would get back in contact soon, and could they confirm the balance of the monies, some 202K Euros was available to send? They confirmed.

Poor Brian. If only he had been working with an accredited agent of the mypropertypal Overseas Property Agents Association.

One week later she called again to ask for the balance to be sent to complete the purchase. She also told Brian to transfer an extra 25,000 Euros to cover for Notary fees, taxes and expenses. This seemed reasonable and Brian?s only concern was whether he had to book a flight to attend the completion appointment. Elisha told them that this would not be necessary as Brian had not only signed an instruction to his solicitor to act but the same document allowed for a Power of Attorney! This was a pleasant surprise or so it seemed at the time. How convenient. Brian and Jenny thought this was good news!

Or was it? Buyers of Property Overseas should never sign documents without a proper translation being available and only in exceptional cases give a Power of Attorney. The latter means what it says, a transfer of your power to a third party. In this instance they thought to a reliable and recommended solicitor in Spain.

Clever Alisha

Brian and Jenny transferred the amount from their ISA account to their current account and then asked their High Street Bank to transfer the amount to the bank account they were given by Madam Elisha.

Poor Brian

Buyers of Overseas Property should always seek help to transfer large amounts of money to an overseas account. Moneycorp.com for example can save you large amounts on the rate achievable and the transfer time.

The phone rang again three days later?.it was Elsiha complaining the transfer had not been made and they were in danger of losing the property. They confirmed they had made the transfer and were worried, not just because it had not reached the destination but by the attitude of the Agent.

However it was too late. The Bank had indeed made the transfer after two days of internal process associated with most High Street lenders. Banks purport to process the money having taken it from your account and place it on London?s overnight money tree for 2 days gaining interest for them!

Then off it goes through the international banking system and it invariably gets stuck in Madrid or any Banking Capital for a few days collecting more interest for the receiving Bank before reaching its chosen destination.

In this case the private banking account of Madame Elisha!

She called again a few days later to confirm receipt and that all had gone well at the Notary?s office and the Spanish Property was now theirs! Relief all round for Brian and Jenny. The couple told her of their plans to go out in a few months to take control of their Dream Overseas Home. What they did not realize was that it was all about to go horribly wrong They had completed their purchase in July and waited for cheaper flights and cooler weather before traveling out again in October. When they arrived they went straight to their new home and collected the key from the neighbor as had been arranged. There was no electricity in the house. Worse there was no water. Elisha had promised that services were connected and that she would pay the bills to maintain them from the money left over from expenses. She had not, and they had been cut off!

They phoned her several times her but got no reply.

They went to the office in Torrevieja to find it closed down and empty. Had she moved her office? Alarm bells started ring albeit gently. After all they had the key and only needed to connect the services again. They went to the local Bank where they had been told to transfer the money but received no information about any account set up by Elisha in their name. To be blunt the Bank had never heard of them.

Well, what to think? Had anyone heard of the Agent Elisha and why she had closed down? They had thought that there were several other branches but had no detail of where they might be! There were none.

They went to the Iberdrola office to enquire about an electricity supply. They gave their address and it was confirmed that a 1.5 supply was in place. Brian knew that with microwave ovens and other white goods let alone an air conditioning unit, he would need a much heavier supply. So he asked for the application forms for a 4.5 supply. Iberdrola agreed it was a good idea but said they would have to inspect the premises first before even re-connecting the original supply. At the water office it was an easier story. Re-connection was quite simple and could be achieved later that day. That impressed the sad couple until they were told that first the arrears would need to be paid and the disconnection and re-connection charges of 200 Euros, a total of 395 Euros! The girl spoke reasonable English and explained there were unpaid invoices for several months. Surely they didn?t have to pay for water they had not used?

In Spain services are provided to properties not people. Their solicitor should have checked it was clear or not and made the appropriate alteration with the seller for the cost. It had not been done.

With the water supply restored later that day they felt a little better until a few days later a visit was made by the man from Iberdrola, the local Electricity Company. He informed them in Spanish and in written English on a standard form, that the wiring in the house was illegal, out of date and not up to the required standard, therefore the supply could not be resumed until a substantial amount of internal work had been completed.

This often happens in Spain and when a bill is left unpaid they disconnect you. In order to ensure houses re-wire to the correct standard they will not reconnect. Often a 1.5 supply is inadequate for northern Europeans and their slightly lavish lifestyle and when an application is made to increase the power it is advisable to have internal work completed up to the required standard before the inspection is made. Otherwise further extensive delays will be inevitable.

They decided that without power it would be better to return to England earlier than planned. On enquiring with the neighbor whether he would be happy to keep the key for the Electrician to gain entry, another shock was in store. It turned out the neighbor?s Brother in law used to own their villa. This man still had the rights to the Olive crop for the next two years! Worse, he then asked what they had paid for the Villa.

Remember the purchase price paid was 222K Euros. The neighbor was a very pleasant Spaniard but became quite agitated at this news. Not that he was concerned about the price his Family had received, 135K Euros was a fair price and his Brother in law was happy to sell! The balance was commissions and it made him very angry to see his new neighbor so badly treated in his country.

There is nothing illegal about charging high commissions. It has been common practice during the boom of the late nineties and early naughties to place commissions of more than 30K on most properties.

They left with him a forwarding address and their UK phone number in case of any problems with the electrician and he promised to look after the place for them in their absence. They returned home feeling cheated, let down and generally despondent, yet even worse news was to come. The electrician had been and upgraded the system and their neighbor Jose had contacted Bedroll for them, in hope that the wheels of the giant electric company might start to go round in their absence. However on a visit to the Post Office Jose collected some post for them. One letter was marked very urgent and was from a local Spanish bank, so he called Brian in England. Brian asked him to open the letter as he had no knowledge of any Bank account in Spain; perhaps this was his money turning up?

The letter was urgent; it was a formal demand from a Spanish Mortgage company referring to a Spanish Mortgage in Brian?s name! According to the Spanish Bank he had not been making payments since accepting the mortgage at the time of his completion. He was now three months in arrears and steps would be taken shortly to re-possess the house! Brian assured Jose that he had no mortgage on the property. Jose assured him that there was no mortgage on the property when his Brother in law had owned it and that the total outstanding now was 186K Euros! Brian flew out to Alicante the next day and drove to meet Jose at the property. He collected the paperwork and made a visit to the Bank in question. Luckily they had an English speaker on hand which is unusual in most inland areas.

They were able to research the situation for him and opened the file. He was able to ascertain that his solicitor with his Power of Attorney had arranged a mortgage for him. There were bogus pay slips on the same file and the Bank had approved the loan quickly as the lawyer in question also acted as an agent for the Bank.

The loan however was not bogus. It existed and was secured on the property deeds by the notary?s office which were lodged at the bank by the lawyer. The only good news was that the Notary fees and legal expenses had been paid even though they were paid from Brian?s additional transfer of 25K!

Brian paid the arrears and extracted copies from his file of the relevant documents. Armed with a copy of the lawyer?s bill, he went to search the town of Torrevieja and later that day he made a surprise visit to a certain lawyer?s office.

The lawyer had a small practice and met Brian in person. He spoke some English and having been reminded of the situation confirmed he had acted for Brian. Obviously embarrassed he was not forthcoming on much more information as he was obviously upset by the disappearance of Madame Elisha. He gave Brian a copy of his Power of Attorney and confirmed Elisha had asked him to arrange a mortgage because funds had not arrived for the intended purchase. She had provided the pay slips and he had no reason to believe that there was anything untoward happening. He was shocked to learn that Brian had indeed made the transfer and did not need a Spanish mortgage. Further there was nothing he could do or would do except to cancel the Power of Attorney! He had no comment on the disappearance of Brian?s 248K except to say there was nothing owing!

Brian went to the local Police and then to the British consulate in Alicante It transpired that Madame Elisha was being sought by many buyers of Spanish property from the UK and that a total of 5 million Euros had not been accounted for.! Poor Brian, if only he had consulted all the information freely available for buyers on the website mypropertypal.com:

Brian and Jenny finally moved out to Spain in the following Spring. Due to the existing mortgage Brian had to take on some part time work to help pay for his lifestyle. Madame Elisha and the lawyer were interviewed by the Police, and Fraud squad detectives are still looking for 5million Euros that are missing from her accounts. She of course has blamed corrupt staff and lawyers and is still free to conduct business having become a large Property Developer on the Costa Almeria. Last heard of she had just bribed a local official to allow her to put an extra floor on a 15 storey apartment block netting her an additional 3 million in sales! I wonder where the development fund came from.

Hugo Raymond is the Founder of mypropertypal.com And the Association of Overseas property Agents

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