Friday, December 30, 2005

Free Credit Help Offered

Want to know how to finance multiple properties?

Press Release: Free Credit Help Offered for Real Estate Investors

Credit expert Jeanette Fisher offers free credit help and advice on how to make money in real estate in her new ebook, "Credit Tips: Turn Your Credit Burdens into Wealth-Building Tools." This free credit help ebook will help people get out of credit card debt and use their credit as a tool to make money.

(PRWEB) December 27, 2005 -- Jeanette Fisher, author of multiple books on credit help, real estate investing, and design psychology, offers her new ebook, "Credit Tips: Turn Your Credit Burdens into Wealth-Building Tools," as a holiday gift to first-time home buyers and real estate investors.

Fisher says she wants to help people eliminate their financial worries so they can be happy. "I spent so many years worrying about money while I was raising our kids that I didn't enjoy my life. I want to alleviate that stress for others and help people see how they can use their credit as a tool, rather than seeing it as a burden."

In her free credit help ebook, Fisher teaches people how to make money with credit. She explains how to repair credit ratings, the truth about credit scores, why people should not waste money on credit repair scams, and how to get financing on a first home or multiple investment properties, including the six qualifications for mortgage financing.

Fisher, who has no traditional retirement fund but now has great real estate assets, was shocked to learn:
85 out of 100 Americans reaching age 65 don't possess as much as $250
Only 2% of Americans nearing retirement have the resources to support themselves
The average American consumer has access to over $12,000 of unsecured credit card debt, but too many suffer from extreme stress over their credit card debt to use it properly

"Many people don't realize that credit card debt can be used as a tool for mortgage financing, if managed appropriately. With the proper knowledge, more people can take advantage of real estate opportunities to build financial security for retirement, in addition to providing great financial freedom during career years," said Fisher.

Fisher researched the best way to strengthen credit specifically for mortgage loans, and offers her advice in this free credit help ebook. This credit help information, used appropriately, will improve credit ratings, while many "credit repair clinics" actually damage individuals' credit ratings.

"Jeanette takes you through a step-by-step process of improving and monitoring your own credit unlike many other books on the subject," said Maria Palma, a Realtor in San Diego. "I thought I knew everything about credit, but I learned many new things after reading this book."

Jeanette Fisher wants people to enter the New Year with more than a plan to reduce credit card debt, but a realistic way to reach achievable goals of financial success. For a limited time, individuals can sign up for this free credit help ebook at www.WorryFreeCredit.com and begin the worthwhile journey to financial freedom.

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Breaking The Real Estate Bubble Myth

By Luigi Frascati

Bubble? What bubble?

At the root of the Real Estate Bubble Myth is the fact that interest rates are on the rise and the inexplicable truth is that, all of a sudden, everybody is so worried and concerned about it. Interest rates have been steadily on the rise both in the United States and, by reflection, in Canada since mid-2004, so I will leave to psychiatrists and psychologists the arduous task of explaining the newest, interest-rates phobia. I will, however, delve into the reasons as to why interest rates have been on the rise for these past 18 months.

Interest rates are the most important mechanism of Monetary Policy used by Central Banks to expand or reduce the available pool of capital at any given time. Central Banks use this mechanism to control the level of aggregate demand for goods and services, a primary cause of economic fluctuations. By reducing the money stock the cost to the banks for using the available capital is raised and passed on to consumers with a mark-up factor. This, in turn, discourages consumer spending on goods and services and, conversely, stimulates consumer saving. The effects are widespread and reverberate throughout the economic basket including, of course, real estate. What, however, pays to bear in mind is that it is not so much the amount of the increase that is important but, rather, the time given for the economy to adjust. The effect of a one percent interest rate hike in one month is going to be very different – and much more dramatic – than the effect of a one percent rate hike in six months, and this is a fact very well known to both the Federal Reserve System and the Bank of Canada.

So much so, in fact, that David Dodge, the Governor of the Bank of Canada, as well as Alan Greenspan, the outgoing Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank and Ben Bernanke, the nominee for the Chairman position are all proponents of gradual interest rates increases. Prof. Bernanke in particular, in fact, has gone even as far as postulating an inflation-targeting approach designed to keep inflation in check at 2 percent over two years. All number-crunchers out there, therefore, consider this: the posted annualized U.S. rate of inflation calculated monthly for November, 2005 using the Consumer Price Index published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics is 3.46 percent, so all the Feds are talking about is a –1.46 percent inflation-targeting reduction programme over two years. That amount should be easy enough for everyone to absorb and it certainly does not look nearly as ominous as the doomsayers are all too fond of depicting.

Contrary to the belief of many ‘bubbleologists’ and the uneducated guesses of ill-informed consumers, a rise in interest rates is actually a welcome variable for the economy and, moreover, it is specifically the tool needed to keep a bubble from bursting. An economic bubble as it is widely known – or perhaps it isn’t – 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. As real estate markets in North America have seen more than a fair share of speculation in recent times, it follows that a cooling-off trend through higher interest rates will have the beneficial effect of consolidating market wealth achieved thus far. The bubble would be likely to burst if no pressure were applied on speculation, thus increasing prices even further and causing demand to lower and finally collapse. Allowing the economy to get an even footing through a slowdown of capital appreciation and, at the same time, allowing real wages to catch up is exactly the tonic needed for a healthy foundation. Higher interest rates, moreover, promote domestic saving and attract foreign capitals thus reinforcing both the Greenback and the Loonie, another beneficial factor in finance albeit not in trade.

So, what is the prognostication for 2006? Real estate consumers need to look no further than at the prices large developers are asking – and collecting - today for new construction slated for completion by the end of 2006 and beyond. Prices for residential condos in the planning stage or just under construction sold ‘on paper’ today are about 10 percent higher than prices of equivalent existing resale units, which goes a long way to point out where big players think the real estate market is heading. The basis of this buoyance is that consumer confidence is stronger than ever. Just before the Holidays, in fact, the Feds reported that the Index of U.S. Consumer Confidence has risen to 103.8 from 98.3 in November, the second highest level since August, 2005 when the Index reached 105.5, a reflection of lower energy prices and an improved job market environment. Moreover, preliminary estimates already show an 8.7 percent rise in Holidays spending in the United States and a 7.6 percent rise in Canada over the same period last year. There is no valid reason to believe, under the circumstances, that consumer confidence applies to everything but real estate and that an economic bubble would affect only real estate markets and nothing else. Furthermore, Real Estate Boards across Canada and the United States report that inventory levels are ‘seasonally normal’ – an indication that the anticipated glut of housing due to the inability of homeowners to meet mortgage payments has failed to materialize thus far. In fact, those who worry that adjustable-rate mortgages are a potential financial time-bomb ready to explode should be informed that while there has been a surge of new adjustable-rate mortgages over the past twelve months, especially in the United States, they account overall for less than 10 percent of the total existing inventory of mortgages held by banks. Furthermore, many adjustable-rate mortgages have allowed consumers to fix rates up to 10 years, and it is only borrowers of sub-prime mortgages that face monthly-payment adjustments after three years – which therefore means that the problem, if there is a problem, will come due in 2008, not in 2006. Interest rates increases have absolutely no impact whatsoever on the vast majority of mortgagors who have locked in already.

In conclusion, therefore, it certainly appears that the Real Estate Bubble theory belongs more to Greek mythology than the reality of our times. There is in progress right now a reduction of real capital values, which will continue for some time as the direct consequence of the markets taking a breather. This trend is expected to settle real estate markets to new, more commensurate pricing levels before appreciation will surge upwards once again. Where the difference will be seen more likely than not is in the annualized rate of appreciation: gone are the times of twenty percent capital appreciation increases from year to year. As interest rates are steadily, gradually increasing, expectations in economic circles range from a conservative 5 percent to an optimistic 10 percent housing appreciation in value by this time next year. But there is no question that real estate markets still have a way to go to make up for years of decline. Those who theorize the collapse of the housing market by comparing it to the stock market are fundamentally incorrect. At its core the housing market, like the stock market, is all about supply and demand. However, the difference is that investors base their decisions to buy into stocks on future potential whereas investors base their decisions to buy into housing on inherent value. Moreover, externalities as varied as immigration, internal migration trends, marriage trends and cultural precepts as well as generation gaps affect real estate markets whereas they are totally missing in stock markets. As such, real estate markets just do not ‘crash’ like stock markets. There is not going to be in real estate the infamous Black Monday – October 19, 1987 – when the Dow Jones collapsed 22 percent in value in one day. When people buy into stocks there is no guarantee whatsoever that the companies they are buying into will be still in business five, ten, fifteen years down the road. Real estate markets, conversely, are far, far safer.

In the absence, therefore, of external negative influences the likes of wars, terrorist attacks or devastating virulent pandemics – which, on the other hand, would affect the entire economy – and until such time as consumers exhibit confidence and purchasing power the way they have been doing thus far, there is no reason to fear bubbles of any kind anywhere in real estate. Hence, do not expect to hear a popping sound any time soon.

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. Luigi is associated with the Sutton Group, the largest real estate organization in Canada, and is based with Sutton-Centre Realty in Burnaby, BC.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Luigi_Frascati

Wednesday, December 28, 2005

Real Estate Investing Articles

Check out "Submit Your New Article.com" for new real estate and credit help articles.

Friday, December 23, 2005

3 FREE Real Estate Investing Teleseminars

1. Credit Help for Financing Multiple Investment Properties
FREE! Our gift to our newsletter readers.
"Make 2006 Your Most Profitable Yet!" Teleseminar
Worry-Free FREE! Credit Teleseminar

2. "How to Get Started Investing in Real Estate Teleseminar" No schemes, get the truth about getting started for beginning real estate investors.

3. "Are You Serious About Wanting To Sell Your Home or Investment Houses for Top Dollar?" FREE Home Selling Help Teleseminar

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Real Estate Mortgage Loan Checklist

Real Estate Mortgage Loan: How to Prepare Yourself to Save Money

Prepare yourself to save money on your real estate mortgage loans with this checklist: Documentation Required for Real Estate Mortgage Loans. Whether you want to buy your first home or many investment properties to build wealth, this checklist will help you save money on loan costs. ***You need FREE Adobe Reader to open.

Real Estate Mortgage Loan: How to Prepare Yourself to Save Money

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Monday, December 19, 2005

New Website Resource for Investors

If you want to invest in real estate out of your area, here's a website designed to help investors connect around the country.

For new investors looking to break into the real estate investment industry, Money4Investors.com is a useful tool for locating money for fixer uppers, finding wholesalers, making contact with realtors that specialize in investment property, tracking down title companies to handle transactions, and looking for properties. The site is also a great place to strengthen your knowledge in the industry with real estate investment articles, online chat forums, daily news, and other resources.

Also, the new site welcomes your real estate listings and links.

Check out Money4Investors.com. Enjoy real estate investing!

Saturday, December 17, 2005

How to Start Investing in Real Estate

I've received quite a few emails asking the same question: "How do I start investing in real estate?"

If you want to make money investing in real estate, you have to begin with a plan. Here are some ways to get started investing in real estate. Choose a plan that works for you.

If you don't currently own your own home, that's the best place to start. Many people never buy a home because they think they have to have perfect credit or a lot of money down. Talk to a mortgage loan officer. You may be surprised that you can buy a home with little money down.

Homeowners Are Real Estate Investors

Any home owner in reality becomes a real estate investor. Whether home owners want to stay in their home for life or just a few years, their home should make them money. Many families only own one home at a time, but they keep moving up. Some of these families have made money from their homes by taking out the equity to pay bills. Other families bought more expensive homes, which went up in value more than the first home. For instance, a family bought a home for $105,000, sold the home for $230,000 and then bought a home for $300,000. The more expensive home went up in value the next year more than the first home. You can build your real estate wealth just by owning one home.

However, if you split your mortgage payments with other people, you don't have to pay for all this equity on your own. Your tenants will help you make the payments and over time can actually buy the property for you!

How to Begin Real Estate Investing

Many investors start with a home to live in and then save money for a down payment for their first investment property. Here are some ways to skip the savings years, which most people never accomplish:

1. Refinance. If your home has gone up in value, refinance your home and use the equity for a down payment on an investment house. You must have sufficient monthly income to pay any negative between the rental income and the new mortgage payment. Some home owners have been able to purchase more than one investment house from one refinance transaction.

2. Move. Another way beginning real estate investors get their first investment is to buy a new home and rent out their first home. If you have great credit, you don't need to put a down payment into a new home to live in.

3. Sell and Move. You can sell your home and buy two houses. Use your equity to put more down on the investment house than your personal home.

4. Buy a vacation or second home. Our cabin tripled in value in three years. We refinanced the cabin to buy more houses and also kept funds to pay for the mortgage, twice. The cabin pays us to enjoy it!

You can make money investing in real estate. Make a plan of action and get started real estate investing.

Copyright © Jeanette J. Fisher

Jeanette Fisher teaches how to get out from under credit card debt, how to use credit to make money, and six ways to build strong credit to finance your first home and multiple investment properties.
For free credit advice and free ebook "Credit Tips for Mortgage Financing," see Free Credit Help Information
For real estate investing information, see Real Estate Investing Information

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Learn How to Clean Your Fixers Faster

Do you want to learn some professional speed cleaning tips?

Cleaning tips article by Mary Findley helps you prepare for holiday parties. Get some invaluable cleaning tips to help you speed through your dirty fixer houses.

Speed Cleaning Tips!

Thursday, December 01, 2005

Learning Annex, Los Angeles

Join us for a fun and informative evening...

Interior Design Psychology for Top-Dollar Home Sales
with Jeanette Joy Fisher

Course 850CLA, Section A
Monday, January 16, 2006 from 06:45 PM to 09:30 PM
Location: Westside

Doghouse to Dollhouse for Dollars:

Don't just compete with other home sellers- Get buyers to compete with each other for your home! Whether you're selling 1 home or 20, discover how to make more money while spending less for home improvements.

Design Psychology-expert Jeanette Joy Fisher will teach you about the only home-selling system to reveal interior design secrets that go after your target buyer.

You'll learn how to:
* Use 5 new strategies to fix houses
* Spend $5,000 less on the average fixer
* Give houses the designer's touch that entices buyers to pay more
* Use Design Psychology for home staging
* Sell houses in bidding wars - for more than the asking price.

Discount Applies: Take 5.00 off this course for enrolling on the web!