Archive for the ‘Real Estate’ Category

Property For Sale in South West France, A Sound Investment

Wednesday, January 7th, 2009

Property for sale in South West France is witnessing increasing demand for several reasons. Southwest France is rich in agriculture. The countryside topography is having wide variations and the diversity of the area presents not only several construction and project opportunities but the scenic beauty of the area also draws people like a magnet. More than anything else, the climate is the chief attraction of property in southwest France. The weather is the second best in entire France, next to Cote d’Azur. Summer temperatures are mild in the range of 28 to 33 degrees and summer lasts for more days than United Kingdom or other countries in the northern part of Europe. Winter days are cool but sunny, except brief bouts of cold from November to February. Naturally, many British investors and others from the Norwegian countries are on the lookout for properties in Gascony, Landes, Tarn-et-Garonne, Lot-et-Garonne and Gers.

Rich in Agriculture, Property in Southwest France is in High demand

The Bordeaux-Toulouse districts that form the southwest France area are famous all over the world as the wine region, along with Gascony. The grapes from the vineyards vary in quality and taste, thus providing the opportunity for wine, brandy and champagne of rare varieties. Along with the lush vineyards spread throughout this area, the walnut plantations, the duck farms, the plum orchards and the strawberry fields produce a rich variety of agricultural output. This opulence is enhanced by the truffle, lovingly called as ‘black diamond’ by the master chefs of the world. The limestone plateaus above the river of Lot had become fertile grounds for the growth of truffle. With all these natural resources, it is no surprise that the houses for sale in south west France are hot properties in the real estate market.

Properties for Sale in Southwest France

Land, farms, farmhouses, chateaux, barns, villas, holiday homes, holiday complexes, apartments, gites, gite complexes, golf properties, etc. are available in plenty at reasonable prices and terms. The peculiar French word gite really means a self catering holiday accommodation. Buying a gite is considered a sound business investment nowadays. According to statistics available with real estate agents in this area, a decade ago, majority of buyers were purchasing property in southwest France as holiday property. However, the trend had changed and many of them are moving in here permanently, attracted by the serene atmosphere and leisurely living.

In the departments of southwest France, the property values are much less than the other departments of France, as well as the other countries of Europe. This fact makes investments in south west France an attractive proposal. We have a wide choice of properties for sale in this area. With our experience in the real estate market for several years and our extensive contacts with property owners and estate agents in south west France, we are able to offer our clients unique buying and selling opportunities.

Guide in Purchasing Properties in Southwest France

In the process of purchasing properties in France, all the fees are paid by you as the buyer.

The fees of the property deed registration and solicitor’s fees (notaire’s fees) will be about 10% of the property price.

If you are buying the property through estate agents, then their fees will have to be paid over and above this.

At the time of bidding for a south west France property for sale, you will have to sign an agreement known as promise de vente, which is between you and the property seller.

You will be able to state the reasons for cancellation of the agreement in this document and you can include all the reasons that come to your mind, without any restrictions, including failure to obtain mortgage on the property.

You will have to deposit 10% of the property value and you will lose that amount if you cancel the agreement for any reason that is not specified in it.

If the seller cancels the agreement, you will get 10% from the seller.

Southern France, also called as Le Midi, includes Aquitaine, Corsica, Midi-Pyrenees, Languedoc-Roussillon, Rhone-Alps, Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur, Limousin, and Auvergne. Excellent properties are available in plenty at highly attractive prices in all these regions. Property in Gascony and property in Landes are considered as very good real estate investments throughout Europe. We will be able to obtain them for you without any kind of hassles on your part. Call us now for further information and detailed discussions.

Property for Sale South West France: Ma Maison Immobilier are South West France Property specialists with an elite collection of luxury property in Gers, property in Landes, property Lot and Garonne, Haute Garonne Property, and Gascony property for sale.

Property in Gers at Affordable Prices

Wednesday, January 7th, 2009

Gers is classified as a department in Midi-Pyrenees with the number 32 allotted to it. The Gers department gets its name from the Gers River flowing through the department. The Gers department sprawls over an area of 6,291 square kilometres and the population is estimated at 174,500. River Gers runs for a length of 178 km, starting from the foothills of the Pyrenees and mingles with River Garonne near the city of Agen. The Gers area in southwest France is a fertile place and the main engine of economy is agriculture.

The local food and drink specialties include Cotes de Gascogne, Floc de Gascogne, Armagnac brandy, wild mushrooms, and foie gras. The 10 largest cities in the Gers department are Auch, Condom, Fleurance, L’Isle-Jourdain, Lectoure, Eauze, Vic-Fezensac, Mirande, Gimont, and Pavie. The departments of Haute-Garonne, Lot-et-Garonne, Hautes-Pyrenees, Pyrenees-Atlantiques, and Landes surround the department of Gers. Gers is one of the least populated in density and most rural in the entire Western Europe, according to data. As such, purchasing property in Gers is a profitable proposition, with the low land and building rates making the purchase a highly profitable investment.

Why Choose Us

The southwest France and southern France are very good places to invest in properties like holiday homes, single houses, chateau, farms, barns, gites, and even castles and watermills. We specialise in property for sale in Gers due to our wide contacts with the property owners and sellers, as well as estate agents in south west France. We provide complete details of all the properties in Gers along with the facts about the place and all other relevant practical information that you will need in making informed buying decisions. We assist you all the way in your sound investment or purchase of properties in south west France or settling down in Gers and integrating into the local life.

Typical Properties in Gers

Let us consider one typical property in Gers to enable you to understand what a good and wise investment it is. A land with an area of 2,968 square meters, having a house of 100 square meters and containing 3 bedrooms and 4 rooms is available near Lectoure in Gers. The house has got a large barn adjoining the main building, apart from a sitting room and a kitchen, both fitted with fireplaces. However, the structure requires complete renovation and restoration. The property is priced at EUR 60,000 or 56,922 British pounds, including the agency fees.

Low Priced Property in Gers

Similarly, a 2,500 square meter land with valid certificate (CU or Certificate de Urbanisme) for the construction of private dwelling in Castleneau Magnoac – Tie sur Baise area is on sale for a price of EUR 23,000. Another land located at about 65 km from Pau airport, with an area of 2,740 square meters and a building permit is offered for EUR 27,000.

An ancient house in 1 hectare of land that requires full renovation costs about EUR 100,000. A 3-bed villa on a 5,500 square meter level ground property and partially constructed and facing south is available at the same price of EUR 100,000.

High End Property in Gers

If you are interested in higher priced houses in south west France and property in Gers, then you can take a look at a beautiful farm house with 2 independent gites and a pool in a land of 5,000 square meters. This property is priced at EUR 200,000. At the same price, another huge country property, situated on a land of one hectare, and containing barns and outhouses, is offered with an option of buying an additional 5 hectares in the same tract.

Property South West France: Browse our luxury selection of property for sale in South West France with property for sale Gers, properties in Landes, property Tarn and Garonne, Gascony properties, property Haute Garonne, and Lot and Garonne properties.

Garonne Property Purchase – Lucrative Deals For Long Term

Wednesday, January 7th, 2009

Haute-Garonne, Tarn-et-Garonne and Lot-et-Garonne are three scenic and gorgeous departments in the south west France area. The rolling hills, the sparkling rivers and the enchanting vineyards are full of the traditional flavour of France. The countryside had remained unaltered, unsullied and without too much change for several centuries. South west France property for sale and southern France properties in Garonne are very good investments, whether you wish to relocate to this exquisite land or you want to hold the property for some time before disposing it off at a good price. You can even buy houses in south west France and develop them for disposal at a later date with a handsome profit.

Tarn-et-Garonne Property is a Wise Buy

Here are a few sample property Tarn details to give you an idea of the variety and price range in Tarn-et-Garonne. A farm house with a habitable space of 75 square meters with another 250 square meter area that can be converted into living space is on sale at about 3 km from the town of Caylus in the middle of a beautiful village. The property has got a well and the total land area is around 2,200 square meters. The farm house was built in 1874. It is priced at EUR 121,900.

Another high-end Tarn-et-Garonne property is quoted for EUR 950,000. The property is surrounded by 15 hectares of land full of woods. The property has been built in the 13th century. The central house is having a living space of 370 square meters and 11 major rooms, including 6 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The vaulted cellar is 80 square meters and the veranda is also of the same size. Further, there is a renovated cottage that has got 2 dormitories, a kitchen fitted with fireplace and a shower room. A pool is also located in the sprawling land. This is a truly outstanding property if you do not mind the high investment.

Property in Lot-et-Garonne is Ideal Buy as Long-Term Holding

Lot et Garonne property also comes in various price ranges to suit all types of tastes and budgets. To cite a few, a 5-bedroom house in Marmande village with 2 baths is available that can be converted into a full-fledged home or a home and a shop or as a 3-apartment building is offered for EUR 59,000. This can be a good investment if you plan to develop this property and hold it for a considerable amount of time. A very low priced property in Lot-et-Garonne is at EUR 18,000. This land in Aquitaine near the historic town of Duras comes with CU for construction of a house.

A high-end property near the town of Monclar d’Agenais is a farmhouse built in 1800. This building of 360 square meters is situated in a land area of 8,600 square meters. The living room and the dining room are large at 35 square meters. This classical beauty of a farmhouse is offered at EUR 499,000.

Haute Garonne Property is worth a Look

A renovated apartment building with single bedroom and bathroom in the foothills of the mountain slopes at a distance of 20 minutes from Luchon is offered for EUR 75,000.

Another interesting property in Haute Garonne is priced at EUR 166,500. This is a country house that needs refurbishing but it sits on a land of 1.5 hectares at 50 minutes drive from Auch town. The land is on an open, rolling countryside and the building has got a dilapidated barn attached to it.

Property South West France: Browse our luxury selection of property for sale in South West France with Garonne property, tarn and garonne property, property tarn, lot and garonne property, and haute garonne property.

How to Become a Real Estate Developer

Tuesday, January 6th, 2009

It was 26 years ago when I asked myself one question? It was rather challenging back then because there were no funds, only enough to finish engineering school with several student loans and a dream!

How to become a real estate developer?

This question was raised in my mind when my partner and I won the NJIT alumni award for our senior project in 1985. It was the site design for a 13 acre residential subdivision with minimum zoning requirement of one acre lots. After 13 weekends in South Jersey, we manage to situate a cul-de-sac, road. retention basin, and 12-one acre lots including topographical, sanitary and drainage designs all performed on the new versa CADD system.

Computers were hard to come by back then. If you can actually imagine this story, my college only had 25 PC systems for over 8000 students during the transition to personal computing. You would have to punch numeric cards using a type punch machine of such, that’s right one card for each line of programming in Fortran, bundled by rubber band and placed into the alphabet boxes on the wall. An hour later you would return to hope you didn’t mess up a punch to find that your cards didn’t run and the possibility the print out would read error. It wasa like a bar in the computer room stacked 4 deep.

I was fortunate that my partners Dad was an architect and professional engineer who mentored us and taught how to use his new CADD system to engineer a real estate development site. I was so excited so every weekend I would stay at my partners house whose Mom would cook us Italian meals out of this world after 12 hours days. It didn’t matter because I had found a mentor to teach me engineering from the practical perspective. Theory put to action before hitting the streets all wet behind the ears.

I was even more fortunate that my parents understood the computer room chaos and helped me get my first IBM XT with the two floppy drives. It was a grand slam run because I could get my work done at home and did not have to travel and spend enormous hours at school, sleeping in the hallway literally to catch a nap while waiting for the printout with your fingers crossed. I finally installed more chips to reach a whopping 256k and eventually switched in a 20MB hard drive in lieu of the 2nd floppy. Those were the days.

Well let me get to the story which is really about having mentors that give you the ability to mirror and model there steps of success with the objective of preventing you to reinvent the wheel instead of simply following the steps of a successful mentor.

During the last 26 years, I have given the opportunity to be trained and work alongside of the largest developers in the world. Sometime I take for granted the projects that I have managed to complete because I’ve always done BIG projects from my internship for the New York and New Jersey Port Authority in the World Trade Center in 1983 and thought figured this was routine.

The standards around me were always high. It was like being in the marines of real estate development being trained and raised in my early years in Lehrer McGovern Bovis, the #1 construction management company in the world, Pete Marchetto, the CEO, my Executive mentor on who I wanted to emulate, John Norris, Olympia York’s legendary Senior Vice President in charge of construction for the Financial District, NYC, Canary Wharf, London who taught me how to build any buildng, Robert Sanna, SVP for Forest City Ratner who put me through all the tests and I thank him because he manages the largest projects in New York City today and his knowledge and training was invaluable. These are the mentors that inspired me to look at the big picture.

During the years I always wanted to know about the civil engineering, building hi-rises and performing real estate development and went to seek an understanding of the process through many more mentors that taught me the ins and out of the details down to the foundation, screws, pipes and finishes, contracts, project management, emotions, life you name it. Then one day it clicked…I can do this with the big boys.

It really comes down to three simple steps

1. Find a mentor that can give you a system to follow because the word SYSTEM stands for Saves Your Self Time Energy and Money.

2. Change Your Belief System – Realize it s easy and you can do it

3. Take wise, calculated and consistent action.

What I’ve done because it’s hard to find someone who’ll will teach you what Donald Trump doesn’t want to you know, I’ve combined my knowledge and expertise into a commercial real estate development and syndication system which was used on major NYC projects and my own personal $14.2 million, 90 unit assisted living facility that I developed with NO MONEY. This system can be used anywhere in the world. Why do I say that? “Because New York city is equivalent to playing in an World All Star game of soccer or baseball and if you can perform real estate development in NYC, you can do it anywhere the world”, John Norris said to me at one of many 6 AM breakfast meetings.

In two days I teach you the exact steps on how I found real estate deals, cut through all the theory form New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rutgers College of Engineering and New York University into an executive style system that allows you to succeed in real estate syndication, investment and development. We dissect the real estate development process form finding the project, breaking down the bundle of legal rights, how to make an offer to control property contingent upon approval, conceptual design, funding using investors money, design development, project proposal witting, Finance package preparation, planning board approval, engineering, construction, the entire development

process.

It may sound like a lot to cover, however I want to assure you it’s like the first time you rode your bike or tried on a new pair of shoes. It feels uncomfortable until you break them in or unit you practice riding the neighborhood. Just another opportunity to look at something that can make you money from another perspective. Even if you are a real investor already you or want to learn more about real estate, this is the course for you. Why? Because it teaches you how to think like the big boys from the onset. It stretches your comfort zone, its fun, easy and you leave with a sensory acuity that would have take you 25 years of hard

work and education if you’re lucky.

So remember…LUCK is when preparation meets opportunity!

Learn from a professional at the real estate investing institute. More on; Real estate investing

The Bank’s View With a Phoenix, Arizona Short Sale

Tuesday, January 6th, 2009

There are many pieces to the Phoenix, Arizona short sale process that must be executed well when attempting to save a homeowner’s credit and short sale their home. This article was written to highlight some of the more common responses from banks when negotiating an Arizona short sale. Keep in mind that every bank has its own set of rules and policies. Moreover, strategies that work with some banks will not work with other banks. In other words, there is no exact science to getting a Phoenix short sale approved, but having the right Phoenix short sale team with real life experience will help greatly.

One of the more common responses that I have heard from banks when attempting to negotiate an Arizona short sale or Phoenix short sale is that the bank “will not negotiate and take a loss”. Obviously no bank wants to take a loss on a loan. Often times the bank will state that their written policy is not to negotiate with delinquent payments and or to agree with an Arizona short sale. They will usually say that if the homeowner cannot continue to make payments on the home, then foreclosure is the only other option. These responses are much more common when the homeowner is not behind on payments and the Phoenix short sale agent initially contacts the bank. Banks will then assess the situation and see how dire the financial crisis is. In my opinion, if you attempt to negotiate a Phoenix short sale when your mortgage payments are current, odds are that the bank will say they won’t negotiate.

I don’t blame them, in their eyes you are seen as a homeowner who can still financially afford the home. But on the other hand, I tend to see a different tone with banks when negotiating a Phoenix short sale when the homeowner is 3 months behind. The banks seem to realize that the financial crisis with the homeowner is legitimate and that there is no other option. Although being behind on payments can help with a Phoenix short sale, there are still banks who won’t negotiate at this point. But, within the last 6 months, I have noticed that more and more banks have become easier to deal with. In fact, many banks have done a noble job in reacting to the nation-wide financial crisis by adding more support staff for short sales in Phoenix, Arizona.

Yet, there always seems to be a few banks that claim they still won’t approve a Phoenix short sale or take a loss regardless of the payment history. But, these same banks have instantly changed their policy in front of me when the homeowner has opted for bankruptcy. I have dealt with banks that claim the decision making is “out of their hands” all the way up to the point where word “bankruptcy” is mentioned. At this juncture, almost all banks have agreed a Phoenix short sale and taking some sort of loss with their loans.

I am not advocating or recommending that a homeowner should intentionally fall behind on payments to increase the chances of getting a Phoenix short sale approved. Nor am I encouraging homeowners to file for bankruptcy in an effort to short sale their home. Before making any decisions regarding a Phoenix short sale or Arizona short sale, please contact real estate attorney.

Reed Lattin is a short sale expert in Phoenix, AZ And owner of AllHomesAZ.com which offers short sale help AllHomesAZ.com-member of the Better Business Bureau Get short sale help at www.allhomesaz.com Contact Reed Lattin directly at 480-227-5214

Top 7 Do-It Yourself Home Staging Tips

Tuesday, January 6th, 2009

Home staging shows your home in the best light possible by making your home look like a model home so taking on the task of staging it yourself can be a big one. The advantages of staging your home are numerous with the possibility of multiple offers and a shorter number of days on the market being just a few of the benefits you could enjoy.

Crank up the curb appeal - When it comes to selling your home the curb appeal, also known as the first impression the buyer will see, is crucial. Clean the exterior of your home by pressure washing the siding, cleaning the gutters to prevent sagging and landscaping the walkway leading to the front door. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on landscaping because a few hundred dollars in plants and flowers will go a long way.

Clear away cluttered spaces - Cluttered counter spaces and rooms steal valuable square footage and make home buyers think the rooms are smaller than they actually are. Leave room for only the essential appliances on the kitchen counters and clear away any unused furniture or storage containers in bedrooms, family rooms and home offices.

Add complementary accessories - Staging your home isn’t just about clearing away the clutter because a home that is too bare will make the home seem like it lacks personality. Use accent pieces and accessories that complement each other. For example, a round coffee table will help a living room with large chairs and sofas feel more open and flow better.

Shuffle furniture so each room has a purpose - Sometimes when you live in a home for a while a room can lose its original purpose because you found a better use for the space. This frequently happens in casual living environments when the dining room becomes an office or catch-all space. Once you have decided to sell your home make sure that each room has a purpose and that the space is clearly defined so home buyers aren’t ticking away dollars for a perceived loss of space.

Finish any deferred projects - Occasionally we all take on projects that end up being far more time or labor intensive than we can handle. Before putting your home on the market be sure to finish all of your “some day” home projects to give your prospective buyers confidence that they are buying a well cared for home. These projects can be as simple as changing out dead light bulbs and as complex as finishing a deck. Either way, they need to be done!

Rent furniture or accessories to fill in empty spaces - Like most people, you live in your house and your furniture may be showing signs of significant wear and tear. To keep your home looking fresh you should consider replacing aged furniture with rented newer looking pieces. You can also rent accent pieces like vases, dishes and more.

Wash your windows and open the shades - Probably the most laborious task on the list, washing your windows on the outside and on the inside will make a big difference in the way your home shows. Clean windows show off the views around your home while showing buyers that you take pride in your home’s appearance. A win-win all around.

Staging your home by yourself can be a daunting task but knowing where to start and what steps will help you achieve the most benefit from your time invested will increase your chances of selling your home faster and for more money than comparable properties in the neighborhood.

Joshua Ferris is an associate real estate broker in Orange County NY and specializes in both Monroe New York and Newburgh New York real estate. Be sure to visit Josh’s Monroe New York real estate guide and Orange County NY Real Estate website.

Top 7 New Home Trends

Tuesday, January 6th, 2009

New homes are the top tier when it comes to home buying because they afford you the option to customize your home to your liking with upgrades and you get to be the first owner of the home. As the real estate market continues on its path to recovery there are many home builders who are now reconsidering what to include in a new home’s standard features list.

Many of these newly included standard features previously served as pricey options so new home buyers today are getting the latest in creature comforts without the heavy price tag. Check out seven of the latest new home trends and keep this list handy as you browse new homes to see what’s included in the builder’s standard features list.

Granite Countertops and Undermount Sinks in Kitchen and Baths - This premier touch surface of high end homes can be seen on the standard features list of townhouses and other moderately priced properties nowadays. A secondary benefit to granite countertop surfaces is the undermount sink which means you won’t have any sink edges rising up past the countertop creating a very clean, modern look.

Living Room Evolution - Living rooms used to serve as the crucial gathering room but today’s homeowners tend to gather in the kitchen instead. If builders are using a floorplan that includes a living room you can expect it to offer features unseen in living rooms of the past like ethernet wall ports and home theater system niches to hide home theater hardware.

Solid Wood Front Doors - The cold steel front door is more frequently being swapped out with the vastly more attractive solid wood door. Solid wood doors come in many styles ranging from intricate glass detailed doors to solid wood doors reminiscent of those seen in craftsman home design.

Hardwood Floors - During the middle and late 20th century it was all the rage to have carpeting throughout your home because it was a softer walking surface and kept the floors warmer than hardwood and tile during the winter. Now that radiant floor heating and the demand for low maintenance flooring have become more common it’s expected that hardwood floors will replace carpeting in high traffic areas like foyers, hallways and family rooms.

Stone Exteriors and Accents - Vinyl siding is very low maintenance and styling options have grown in recent years. Even so, full stone exteriors or stone accented exteriors are hot because they give a more substantial curb appeal to a home and help break up the monotony of some home designs.

Solid Interior Doors - An increasingly popular trend in new home design are solid interior doors. Solid interior doors are different because they create a stronger sound barrier between rooms and are more durable.

Nine to Ten Foot First Floor Ceilings - Feeling cramped inside a home is the number one reason homeowners opt to move up into a larger home. One way builders are countering this concern is to raise ceiling height by one to two feet bringing the total floor to ceiling distance to nine or ten feet. This creates a vastly more open space and the cost to builders is minimal.

Utilizing this list of the seven latest new home trends, many of which can now be found standard in new homes, you will have the distinct advantage of buying the most house for the money and owning a home that will require few, if any, updates should you decide to sell in the future.

Joshua Ferris is an associate real estate broker in Orange County NY and specializes in both Monroe New York and Newburgh New York real estate. Be sure to visit Josh’s Monroe New York real estate guide and Orange County NY Real Estate website.

Riverbend At Lake Hickory, Granite Falls North Carolina - NC Lakefront Real Estate Information

Monday, January 5th, 2009

Riverbend at Lake Hickory, Granite Falls North Carolina is a beautiful and exquisite waterfront community. This luxurious community will include large estate style lots and houses built by some of the area’s leading custom home builders. Home architectural guidelines are in place to ensure that proper homes will meet the overall theme of the neighborhood. Precautions have been taken to keep the land in its pristine state. And to further protect the value of this community, certain subdivision deed restrictions apply, designed to assure the quality of the natural environment for years to come. Each individual property is unique and must be visited in person to truly appreciate.

Three types of properties here include: Lake front or water front, lake view or water view, and lake access or water access property. Lakefront or waterfront property is defined as having the lake out your back door. Your property borders the lake and you live on the lake. Lakeview or waterview property is defined where you have a view of the lake, but your property doesn’t border the lake. Lake access or water access property is defined as having access to the lake (your property doesn’t border the lake, and you don’t see the lake). With lake access or water access property, you are just a short walk or drive away from enjoying the lake. Whatever type of lifestyle you desire, we’ll be able to help!

Lake Hickory Highlights:

~ 4,200 Acres in Size

~ 105 Miles of Shoreline

~ Regulated by Duke Power

~ Over 20 miles of shoreline designated as Natural Areas

~ Fully Recreational Lake (Boating, Sailing, Jet Ski’s, Water Skiing, Swimming, etc.)

~ Three great lakeside places to eat: Key West Grill, The Tiki Bar, River side Grill

~ 16 boat launches and 6 marinas, featuring R&N Marina

~ Fishing tournaments, since the lake abounds with many species of fish

~ Constant water level, clear water clarity

The Lake has over 100 miles of shoreline, totaling over 4200 acres of surface area. Lake Hickory offers 16 public boat launches and six marinas. Lake Hickory is a full recreational lake, allowing jet skis, water skiing, swimming, tubing, boat docks, fishing, and other water activities. During the summer months you can enter various fishing tournaments since the lake abounds with many species of fish.

There are several things that have made Lake Hickory extremely attractive: the constant water level, water clarity, and the natural shoreline. Since some communities use Lake Hickory as their drinking water supply, the water level remains constant, where other lakes in the Carolinas as well as other state can vary dramatically. Unlike most other North Carolina lakes, Lake Hickory offers a crystal blue color, since it has a sandy bottom, as opposed to clay. The attractive shoreline of Lake Hickory is one of its greatest assets. Duke Power, the owner of the lake, has kept over 20 miles of shoreline for natural areas. The rest of the shoreline displays custom built homes, ranging in size from 2,000 to 7,000+ square feet, with beautiful docks, many with second level viewing decks. With boating traffic rated as low to moderate, you can see why so many people describe the natural beauty of Lake Hickory as “breathtaking.” And when you see it, you will feel the same.

What’s the first rule of Real Estate? Location, Location, Location. Riverbend at Lake Hickory, Granite Falls North Carolina is conveniently located minutes from cultural attractions, local events, entertainment establishments, shopping, hospitals, and fine dining. This area has become famous for its quality lifestyle and family friendly activities fit for all ages. From museums to shopping, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and explore. North Carolina has many major metropolitan areas throughout the state. The largest cities include the Charlotte Area (Cornelius, Mooresville, Huntersville, Davidson, Denver), Raleigh Area (Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, and Apex), Asheville, Wilmington, Hickory, Burlington, Salisbury, Greensboro, Winston Salem, and High Point. Wherever you live, you’re a short distance to a major metropolitan area. Why is NC #1 on many people’s short list to live? All of the reasons above plus a Better Climate, Lower Taxes, Lower Cost of Living, and Southern Hospitality.

What to do on the lake today? How about:

~ Awake with coffee and watch the morning fog rise off the lake

~ Spend the morning bass fishing on the glistening water.

~ Take family and friends water skiing around noon.

~ Lazy afternoons relaxing in a hammock.

~ Complete the day with a sunset wine cruise.

NC Lake Property is not just a financial investment - but also an investment in your family, your future, your enjoyment, and your peace of mind.

There’s nothing better than living along the lake - The water draws us in with its promise of peaceful times and recreational family fun. To own property beside it is a dream for many. And the Southeastern part of the United States has the waterfront property in the highest demand. To help you investigate North Carolina and make a sound waterfront investment, we founded NClakefront Realty.

About NClakefront Realty - If you’re looking for property in a lakefront community in North Carolina, you’ve come to the right place: NClakefront Realty. We work with many developers throughout the state to help families, like yours, find just the right property. We are committed to creating places where the wonders of nature combine with everyday life. Our professional staff will provide a pressure-free experience and guide you through the process of purchasing property. Our reputation for service and attention to detail are clearly evident both during and after the sale.

Call 800-659-6017 or visit our website below to learn more information.

Matt Lahtela - Director of Sales and Marketing at NClakefront Realty. NClakefront Realty is one of the largest sales and marketing companies focusing on North Carolina Lake Properties, and continues to grow everyday. http://www.nclakefront.com/pages/Active-Rain.cfm

Gilbert City: Five Reasons Why it is a Good Place to Relocate

Monday, January 5th, 2009

Due to the financial difficulty that the world is facing today, many are thinking of relocating. Some wants to find better opportunities while others want to have a new start. This is why it is important to find out more about the possible cities or towns that you wish to transfer to.

The Gilbert city in Arizona is a great place to start. Several realtors are more than willing to assist you in finding the perfect house among the groups of Gilbert homes. Power Ranch is among the most popular neighborhoods in Gilbert. Here are some of the reasons why Gilbert is a good place to relocate:

The city continues to develop, thus providing opportunities for its residents. Looking at Gilbert today and comparing it to the town it used to be ten years ago, you can definitely say that the city has improved. The SanTan Village Regional Shopping center and Rome Towers are just two of the proofs of the growth of the city.

There are also several opportunities to neighboring communities. Apart from the growth that the city is experiencing, nearby cities also presents promising opportunities. One can commute to these nearby locations and find work. In fact, several residents of the city have been commuting to neighboring towns to work. This gives you more options if you choose to live in the city.

Although the industrial aspect of the city is growing, it still upholds its agricultural activities. One cannot deny that industries are more appealing to many investors. However, agriculture is also vital. Although the city continues to grow and develop, it does not neglect the importance of agriculture. The locals feast on organic vegetables grown in Gilbert farms. Their farmers’ market does not only provide quality food but also helps the economy of the city.

If you are looking for a place to stay, there are various options to choose from. The sizes of the houses vary. You will be able to find a place suitable for you and your family. Aside from Power Ranch, you can also find other properties. If you are still undecided, there are properties you can rent. Other properties include lots, industrial areas, commercial spaces, and brand new homes.

It has an easy access to various establishments. Residents love to live in Gilbert because of convenience. They have various amenities like parks, public lakes, museums, churches, shopping centers, and libraries. This is what most people want to have access to. They want to go home to a peaceful community but they also want to have a nearby place where they can take their family for some quality time.

Nowadays, work and rest are very important. We want to have a job that is stable and a home that is relaxing. If the community provides both, what else would you look for? If you are looking for a great place to relocate, Gilbert is a great town to begin your search. It provides various opportunities as well as high quality estates that will surely make you feel at home.

Summary:

What makes Gilbert a great place is that it is that it has a lot of great things to offer. Aside from beautiful houses and inviting environment, it also offers opportunities for its residents. It shows growth and development which gives hopes to thousands of people.

Bill Cotter is an expert and professional real estate agent that specializes in Power Ranch featured on http://www.ourbestrealestate.com

Tips For Selling Your Own House

Monday, January 5th, 2009

Not everyone is willing to use a real estate agent, since they do take a commission, usually around 7%. That means, by selling your own home, you`ll end up with upwards of $10,000 that would have gone to an agent. And given today’s slow market there is a very real chance your home will sit unsold for a year or more.

Today, more than ever selling your own house can not only be more profitable, but it is your best chance at getting it sold quickly.

In this article, I am going to show you how to go from “selling your own house” to “I SOLD my own house”.

In a hot market selling may have been as easy as putting a “for sale by owner” sign in front of the house and collecting offers. But let’s face it, times are tough and most houses are sitting unsold for months and years.

It’s a war zone out there. Foreclosures are at an all time high and that creates a lot of houses for sale on the market. In order to survive in a war zone you need special skills and a competitive advantage. With this special training you can get your house SOLD, despite the doom and gloom of the newspaper headlines.

If you’re selling your own house you need a secret weapon. And that weapon is highly specialized marketing!

Here is a killer marketing tip that will give you a competitive advantage over all other sellers on your block.

Don’t list your home in a traditional method. Instead of “starting high” and being talked down do the EXACT OPPOSITE. Start low, get a lot of attention and let the buyers drive the price up. I am talking about a do-it-yourself auction style sale.

What is working best now is what’s called a “round robin auction”. Here is how it works:

First you will advertise that your home is for auction. In these tough times buyers are looking to get a good deal. Auctions are the place to get great deals, and your message will leap out at them.

Next you will hold an open house for two days only, Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 5 pm. This will allow you to funnel all the buyers through your doors all at once.

Those that are interested in the property will place their name and phone number along with the price they would like to bid on an “initial bidding sheet”.

On Sunday night you call all those people that put in a bid and conduct the auction. You will simply call down the list tell them the current bid amount and ask them if they would like to raise or pass. You will go around and around making calls until the highest and best offer has presented itself, hence the name “round robin auction”.

Now that you have found your buyer you will meet with them and get the paperwork started.

That’s the unique marketing method that is working now. And if you are planning on selling your own house there is no better method to attract droves of buyers and compel them to make offers on your house.

And now I’d like to invite you to get your Free Instant Access to a mini “e-course” called “Power Selling Secrets Revealed” when you visit http://nathanbig.com

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