Homes: Not Just a Place to Live - They are a Smart Investment!

When my husband and I bought our first home, we didn’t really have our financial future in mind. We were going to be getting married and needed a place to live. After 4 years of college and sharing dorm rooms and rental houses with friends, we knew that a lease wouldn’t work for us. Without any financial planner’s advice, we instinctively made one of the best financial decisions of our lives…One that would affect our bottom line net worth for years to come.

Recently, I got together with four single women friends from high school. It was interesting to see how their financial paths differed over the past 20 years. All four started out with similar degrees from four year colleges. The four started with similar salaries but in different industries. The two gals who purchased their homes were doing much better economically than the two who continue to live in apartments. As a Realtor, this intrigued me and I decided to look into it a bit further.

Homes are Smart a Investment for Anyone

According to the Federal Reserve Board, VIP forum, your net worth is directly tied to whether you own or rent a home. The statistics are astounding.

According to consumeraffairs.com, the national wage for the average American worker is $40.409. Their statistics show that the net worth of a family who owns their home with an annual income between $30,000 - $50,000 is over $126,000. Compare that to a renter with the same income and their net worth is in the $10,000 range. If an average American owns his/her home, chances are that his/her net worth will be 12 times higher than your renting coworker. Even at a low income, you can have significant net worth, if you own your home.

Stop Increasing Your Landlord’s Net Worth

With every rent check you send in, your landlord gets a little richer. And you don’t. It is that simple.

Many young single people are waiting for the “right” time to buy a home. Single women don’t want to buy a home and “put down roots” until they are in a permanent relationship. Single men don’t want feel tied to a house or community. This is old-fashioned thinking. The mortgages products offered today allow almost anyone with a stable income to purchase a home. Whether you are married or single, man or woman, the earlier you become a homeowner, the more financially stable you will be.

So what does this mean to the average American? Don’t wait!

Are you a college student? Consider buying a home near campus and rent out rooms to other students. Your renters will often pay your mortgage!

Single with limited funds? Start small and consider roommates. Remember as a homeowner, you will be responsible for maintenance and repairs so figure all costs into your budget when making your decision.

Think you may relocate soon? If you won’t be staying in the area for three years, it may be best to rent. If you currently live where the rental market is active, you may want to purchase and keep as an investment if you have to move.

Be Smart! Treat Homeownership Like an Investment

Maintenance is essential for your home to accrue in value. Periodic updating and basic home care is required. You have to keep the gutters clean and the roof in good repair. The heating system needs to be serviced and the exterior painted or stained to avoid weather damage. A good home repair book will give the first time homebuyer a guide to the routine maintenance required for your home.

Of course to continue to accrue net worth, this does mean that you need to keep the equity “IN” the home. Avoid enticing offers to refinance with 0% down so that you can take a vacation or buy a new car. Using an equity loan can be beneficial to you if you are using for home upgrades, remodels or to purchase a second home for recreation or investment.

Want to learn more?

Contact a Realtor! In most states, the buyer doesn’t pay an additional fee to use a Realtor. Sellers traditionally pay the Realtor fees. And the advice from an experienced real estate agent can be invaluable to find the home that best meets your needs and situation.

Copyright 2006 Teri Eckholm

Teri Eckholm is a Minnesota Realtor with Keller Williams Premier Realty serving clients in the Twin Cities metro area for over five years. Selected as a 2004 and 2005 Super Agent by Mpls/St. Paul Magazine, her extensive sales and marketing background has allowed her to assist hundreds of clients move from across town and across the U. S. Find additional information on Teri and the Twin Cities metro real estate market at http://www.terieckholm.com

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

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We have hundreds of listings of homes for sale in your area. If you are interested in buying a house feel free to search through our database. This is a free service and we have a low-pressure policy. We list homes for sale in Manalapan NJ, Point Pleasant Beach real estate, Aberdeen NJ and many other New Jersey properties for sale. There is a lot of property for sale in New Jersey. Marlboro NJ Real Estate, Homes for Sale in Marlboro NJ, Marlboro NJ, and Information on Marlboro NJ. We are the realtors NJ!

Cheap Second Homes – Get One, Enjoy It and Make Money

You want a cheap second home, you want it in a great area you can enjoy and you want your property to make money as well this is easy.

You just need to look at different locations and pick the best and thats what this article is all about.

If you are American you may find the cost prohibitive in the southern US states, as cheap second homes are just not available.

Look just a little further a field and just 3 hours from Miami, you can pick yourself up a cheap second home in a paradise location that gives you a lot for your money and can make you money to.

Record numbers are buying a cheap second homes in Costa Rica check out the facts below and you will see why and why this could be your best purchase ever.

1. Proximity

Just 3 hours from the US with regular cheap flights.

2. Low Cost

Buy a second home in Costa Rica and you get more for your money as real estate costs up to 70% cheaper than in Florida and Arizona and the cost of living is low.

You can live comfortably on just $2,000 a month, you simply get more for money here.

3. Lots to do

Costa Rica has it all rolling hills, pristine beaches, volcanoes mountains and much more. Fancy a round of golf or maybe some fishing or a rainforest tour? Costa Rica has them all and is ranked as one of the best adventure tourism spots in the world.

You also get quality shops, vibrant nightlife and all the comforts of home.

4. Safe, stable and friendly

The country is safe and stable, serious crime is rare and Costa Rica has a history of strong ties with the US and if you buy you get the same rights as residents.

5. Tax efficient and capital growth

Its extremely tax efficient and capital growth on real estate here is great. You may by a cheap second home but it will go up in value and property prices are up 500% in the last 10 years!

When your not enjoying your cheap second home you can take advantage of the buoyant rental market and make even more cash.

Record numbers of Americans are buying?

Maybe you should to.

You get a cheap second home in a paradise location, just three hours from the US and the potential to enjoy it and make a lot of money on your investment as well.

As the real estate market in the US is over priced and runs out of steam, more people are buying cheap second homes in Costa Rica in fact, their buying in record numbers.

There getting more for their money and a lifestyle that has variety and quality.

The best cheap second home location for value and lifestyle

Maybe you have not considered a cheap second home in Costa Rica but the advantages as you have seen are huge and it really is a slice of paradise thats affordable to all.

There is not enough room to cover all the benefits of buying a cheap second home in Costa Rica here but if you want to enjoy your ne home or make money from it, you should look at Costa Rica and you will be glad you did.

FREE REAL ESTATE ADVICE NEWSLETTERS, PDF, DVD's AND MORE

For more info on all aspects of investing in overseas real estate visit our website for a huge resource of articles, features and downloads and at http://www.net-planet.org/index.html

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Please call us at 732-364-2015 and see what ERA Othello Realty can do for you and your real estate needs. We specialize in handling all aspects of real estate transactions throughout the New Jersey. Whether you wish to buy a home or sell a home we will be there every step of the way. From searching for your dream house, finding the home, negotiating the price, assisting with financing, inspection and at the closing ERA Othello Realty can help you buy your home. We list homes for sale in Freehold NJ, Jersey Shore real estate and many other New Jersey properties for sale. Aberdeen NJ Homes for Sale. Marlboro NJ Real Estate, Homes for Sale in Marlboro NJ, Marlboro NJ, and Information on Marlboro NJ. We are the realtors NJ!

Foreclosure Homes for Sale

Are you on a small budget, but you want to purchase a home? If you are on a small budget, and you want to get a home, to start living as a family in an area that you love, look towards homes that have recently been foreclosed. A foreclosure is one that someone else has lost. The homeowner may not have been able to keep up on their mortgage payments, and the bank has taken over the property. Banks and financial companies don’t like to hold onto these properties for long, because of the interest, the payments and the money that is being lost over all.

To find a home that has been through foreclosure you can begin your search online or offline. Many links to foreclosure companies and banks are going to offer listings of where foreclosure homes have been located. A foreclosure company is going to offer great rates, and will offer great prices on homes that they want to sell.

While nothing can be done for those who have been through the foreclosure process, and for those who have lost their homes, you can take advantage of the situation. You can purchase home, at a reasonable cost, and create a home for your family.

To purchase a home that has been through foreclosure, the process is going to be very similar to that of any other mortgage. You will have to apply for a mortgage, you will have to pass the background check, and you will be subject to interest costs, and closing costs of the mortgage. A foreclosure home may require some additional legal background work, so you will need to hire an attorney to look out for your best interests.

A foreclosure home is one that has been abandoned because the previous owners could no longer pay for the home. You will find that many types, sizes, and styles of homes are often included on the foreclosure listings by banks. You will find one bedroom homes, two bedrooms homes, rental units, retail and commercial buildings and you will find luxury homes, vacation homes, even mansions included on foreclosure listings.

The home of your dreams could be very affordable if you take the time to look at the foreclosure listings. The foreclosure listings will give you an idea of the city and the state where the home is located, and from there you are often required to contact the bank, the financial company or perhaps a real estate agent as listed, to find out more about the property. The only limitations you will have in purchasing foreclosure homes is going to be your credit limit and where you want to live. Homes from across the nation, from Vegas, California, to Virginia, Florida and in Washington are available for purchase.

Copyright 2006 - Ivar Rudi.

For more information and resources about this subject check out: http://www.stop-foreclosure-guide.biz/

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If you need assistance selling your house ERA Othello Realty can share their expertise and experience with you in a friendly and professional manner. From all aspects of selling your house: from getting a qualified CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) to advising you on the presentation of your house, marketing your home online and in print, conducting an open house, showing your house within your guidelines and discretion, constant communication, negotiating the best price for your home and being with you until closing and beyond. We can also assist you in your search for a new home. Please call us at 732-364-2015. We are the realtors NJ! Look at these Listings of Homes for Sale in NJ. Marlboro NJ Real Estate, Homes for Sale in Marlboro NJ, Marlboro NJ, and Information on Marlboro NJ.

External Lighting

Today’s home owners are more and more willing to invest in purchasing outdoor lighting items, since they can be used to improve the general look of a house as well as incorporate the outdoor with the indoor living space. Improving the external house design is not a matter of luxury anymore, as weather conditions and contemporary house designs permit people to experience the outdoors again as it being an important part of their home.

Outdoor house designers support that contemporary decks, patios and yards have as much thought put into their décor and ambiance as the house itself. Thus, selecting the right type of lighting should be part of improving the living quality of a person as well as enhancing the retail value of the house itself. So, it is extremely important now to choose the right external lamps and place them adequately in a porch or garden area.

However, there is a tip, no home owner should forget when purchasing outdoor lamps. Since usually the area that needs to be lightened is much bigger than that of a indoor house room, and because walls do not exist to reflect the beams of light and keep it contained into a single room, choosing the appropriate fixture is as important as purchasing the right style of lamp. Finding the correct size of an external lamp though, can be rather tricky. The most common mistake made is to purchase fixtures that are too small for the selected external house area. For that reason it is advised to select fixtures that are suitable for the area you wish to light and are sized proportionately in order to best serve their lighting purpose. If one is considering of choosing a lamp for the outdoor area of a house door, for example, it is wise to use a fixture that is based on the height of that specific door. Single lanterns should be about 1/3 of the door’s height, while a pair of lanterns can be ¼ of the height of the door.

Two general rules one has to follow when selecting lamps for outdoor use, is to mount the lamps at eye level or slightly higher and be sure that the fixtures selected are large enough to be noticed from a distance. Since, today’s outdoor lighting incorporates much more than just safety and security concerns, the overall look and décor of a house depends on the proper external lamps selection. Walk through your favorite neighborhood and you will discover plenty of good ideas of outdoor lighting. Avoid purchasing the wrong size lamps just because they are on sale. It is much wiser to consider the particular needs of your house and outdoor activities, as well as your house “look and feel” effect. Illuminating the wrong area or even your neighbor’s garage door is not an option. Ask for experts’ advice if you want to be on the safe side, but if your budget does not allow you these types of services, your local outdoor lighting salesman will be more than willing to visit your premises and offer you the best deal for your outdoor space. Search the offered designs, compare prices and browse other people’s homes and the final effect will be the one you intended.

John Gibb is the owner of lamp guides

For more information on lamps check out http://www.lamps-information4u.info

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ERA Othello Realty is your source for your real estate needs throughout New Jersey. From the shores of Spring Lake NJ to Newark NJ they can handle all your real estate buying and selling needs. For homes for sale in Monmouth, Ocean, Mercer, Burlington, Camden, Middlesex, Passaic and all the other counties in NJ. From Central NJ to Northern NJ to Southern NJ you can count on ERA Othello Realty for New Jersey Real Estate. Aberdeen NJ Homes for Sale, Marlboro NJ Real Estate, Homes for Sale in Marlboro NJ, Marlboro NJ, and Information on Marlboro NJ. Look at these Listings of Homes for Sale in NJ. We are the realtors NJ!

Camelot Dreams, One of the Most Advanced Electric Blankets

Being an old man that I am, I’m naturally doing my best in order to create the most relaxing environment around me. I used to spend a lot of money for heating my house. Money was not so much of a concern to me; my problem was that even though I spent so much money on heating, I still had problems with effectively heating up my entire house during some of the coldest winter nights. As a result, I was spending tons of money and at the same time I wasn’t getting a satisfying result. Thankfully, everything changed when one day an old childhood friend told me about something I had never considered before, an electric blanket!

Without thinking much about it, the next morning I visited the largest electrics store in my town. I was thinking “I have already spent tons of money on heating; I’ll just buy the best blanket I find and if that doesn’t work, the tons of money that I have already spent on heating will simply remain what it already is, tons!”

Thankfully, the shop assistant was both honest and experienced on the field of electric blankets. She showed me a blanked called “Camelot dreams”. She told me that she also used it for herself and that she was more than satisfied with it. I had no real reason not to believe her since she was just a seller in a giant electrics shop; no matter what, she would get her standard salary.

I’m not really into technologies, I never was. However, what I can tell you about Camelot dreams electric blanket is that it features much more things than you would expect it to. It’s made of 70% polyester and 30% acrylic fabric and it comes available in various sizes and colors. The blanket has numerous settings available but I haven’t explored them all yet because Camelot Dreams does a perfect job at always adjusting to the optimal temperature for my body. When the time to clean the blanket has come, it’s no problem at all! You can just wash it like you would wash any other natural blanket.

With all that said, I can only thank my good old friend and Camelot Dreams manufacturer. I would also highly recommend that you get an electric blanket too, even if Camelot Dreams is not available in your country.

John Gibb is the owner of Electric Blankets sources , For more information on Electric Blankets check out http://www.electric-blanket-sources.info

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If you are looking for homes for sale in Spring Lake NJ, Newark NJ, Marlboro NJ or any other area in New Jersey ERA Othello Realty are the real estate agents that you are looking for. Whether you are looking to buy or sell your New Jersey real estate they can help you. We list homes for sale in Manalapan NJ, Point Pleasant Beach real estate and many other New Jersey properties for sale. Aberdeen NJ Homes for Sale, Marlboro NJ Real Estate, Homes for Sale in Marlboro NJ, Marlboro NJ, and Information on Marlboro NJ. Search through thousands of houses for sale in New Jersey. We are the realtors NJ!