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Commonly Used Real Estate Terms

April 9, 2013
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Are you looking for info on the most commonly used real estate terms? Then you can rest assured that this is the right article for you. Majority of these terms are unique to this industry. Whether you wish to buy or sell real estate, you need to understand and use these phrases appropriately. The more you learn the smother your transactions will be. Read on to know the most common of all real estate terms:

1. Points

There are two point types. Origination points are added to cover any expense associated with loan processing while discount points reduce the interest rate. A single point denotes 1% of the entire loan amount. Therefore, to lower the interest rate by 1 point on a $ 400, 000 mortgage will compel you to pay $4, 000 extra at closing.

2. Loan to Value Ratio- LVR

This is the amount of financing you will get relating to the value of your new home. For instance, a mortgage of $ 70, 000 on a home valued at $ 100, 000 means that the LVR is 70%. This is importance since LVRs higher than 80% implies you have to get private mortgage insurance (PMI). http://mortgageshomeloan.com.au

3. Fixed- Rate Mortgage

Conventional fixed- rate mortgage simply means that the interest rate will not change over the course of the loan. Financing will typically be spread out over 30, 20 or 10 years. this depends on the payment capability and needs of the buyer. This mortgage ensures that the buyer is secure with the knowledge of how much they have to pay in the long term to own the house.

4. Closing Costs

There are lots of expenses to offset and agencies that have to be compensated with all real estate transactions. The seller and buyer usually split these fees, commonly referred to as the ‘closing costs’. They may include discount points offset to lower the rate of interest, the attorney fees, title insurance, escrow payments and origination fees.

5. Escrow

This is the neutral 3rd party who holds the money (and the earnest money deposits) and documents during the process of issuing a home loan for safekeeping till the transaction has been completed. The Escrow account may also be used when one completes the home loan to protect the insurance monies and property tax collected with every mortgage payment.

6. Annual Percentage Rate- APR

This is the annual calculation including the quoted rate of interest and any additional house costs such as points and origination fees. Note that the APR will normally be higher than the advertised rates of interest due to such additional factors.

7. Adjustable Rate Mortgage- ARM Loan

The initial interest rate on this loan is lower than the typical fixed- rate mortgage. This rate is locked in for 1 or more years. After the initial term, the interest rate may go up to specified limits although over pre- determined intervals over the course of the mortgage.

The lower rate of interest translates to lower monthly payments, initially. However, the tradeoff is in the potential higher payments should the interest rate go up.

There are many other terms used in real estate. Ensure you read, understand and apply these before you transact any business in this industry. Knowing these real estate terms gives you added knowledge that you can use when you sell or buy a home and apply for mortgages.

Real Estate Investing Tips

April 7, 2013
By

Whenever you have substantial cash, you would think of how to invest it in order to make more money. If the money is huge enough, the first thing that you would think about is real estate investing. Purchasing real estate can enable you to make a huge profit on a small investment. The best part about this investment is that you can operate it alongside your regular business or job. However, this does not imply that it’s just a simple business; its success requires a lot of time, hard work and dedication. Here are some tips on real estate investing that you may want to consider.
Market Study: In case you want to indulge in the real estate business on a small budget, carry out an extensive market research to identify beneficial investment opportunities. This would enable you to know the property deal that suits your needs best and would produce maximum returns.
Fix The Budget: Begin by fixing your realty investment budget. Establish your investment capability. Before deciding on the amount to invest, consider factors like your current liabilities, annual income, and monthly expenses among others.
Choose The Kind Of Property You Need: There is a wide range of properties to choose from. Some of the common options you can settle on include apartments, bungalows, row houses, independent villas, shops, offices, penthouses, residential land or commercial plots. Remember that commercial establishments would certainly cost much more compared to their residential counterparts.
Select The Location: Location is very important in all types of realty investments. The returns of your property would majorly depend on the location of your estate. Therefore, do research on different locations in the city, and establish the latest real estate rates and projections for price appreciations in those areas. You can try investing in upcoming areas where you would get good properties at affordable rates.
Check the Reputation of the Developer: It’s very important to check the reputation of the builder/ developer from whom you would be buying the property. Buy a real estate property from a builder who is known to deliver properties in good time and upholds the highest construction quality and standards in the realty industry. Ensure that the builder has followed and met all the necessary requirements and laws while building the property and there is no legal hassle or controversy hanging over it.
Check the Building Plan: Check the building plans with the property developer. Visit the builder and understand every small detail of the project. It’s advisable to seek the services of a property realtor/ agent to guide you in the selection of the property.
Get a Loan from Lenders: Buying real estate is a significant investment option in anyone’s life and so huge amounts of money are required for that purpose. Therefore, you may feel the need for additional financing and this is where the banks come in handy. All you have to do is approach some of the top lending institutions with your personal information and income details as well as your project details.