tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66615890423845639922023-11-15T10:31:23.363-08:00Best Articles Of Home DesignWak Markasimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05777533778539863776noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661589042384563992.post-13482904251663807262012-05-11T10:18:00.000-07:002012-05-11T10:18:57.598-07:00Lifestyle and Property in Limassol<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Limassol is the second largest city of a small Mediterranean island called Cyprus. The city is located on the island's southern coast. In 2011, the population was estimated to be approximately 235,000.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The fine weather in Limassol has forever been a main appeal for foreigners. The city has gorgeous, sandy beaches that are contrasted against strong mountains and charming villages. In summer, Limassol gets almost 12 hours of perfect weather for the beach. The city has some of the most popular and highly recommended bars and nightclubs in Cyprus. You can find reasonably priced drinks with great music and superb atmosphere. Limassol is ethnically diverse, particularly with British foreigners making Limassol their country of residence. English is widely spoken. Limassol offers an extensive range of accommodation built within a small walking distance to local facilities such as restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, bars, and other places of entertainment.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">The locals of Limassol are kind and have a friendly disposition. Furthermore, the city is still very strongly tied to traditions. There are many cultural celebrations offered throughout the year. Some events take place in the open at the Greco-Roman theatre of Kourion, both by local and visiting theatre groups. The city celebrates two key festivals; the spring Carnival with its customary parade displays, and the late summer Wine Festival - both of which being very popular among tourists.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">With regards to economics, Limassol has the biggest sea marina in the Mediterranean. Tourism in Limassol is one of the most important sources of revenue for the Cyprus government. In recent times, Limassol has had a considerable increase in the activity of its construction industry. This has mostly been due to the tourism sector, in addition to the growing investments of foreigners. Limassol is the commercial hub of the Cyprus, due to the fact that it is situated between other major cities such as Nicosia, Pafos and Larnaka.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The properties available in Limassol are exceptionally diverse. You can find comfortable apartments situated in the hectic city centre, or lavish villas located in more quiet residential districts. Limassol offers unique properties which are built by the island's reputable developers who are known for their exceptional building quality and expertise. Other than new properties, there is also a wide range of resale properties. The yearly capital growth of these properties is unmatched compared to the rest of Europe. It is possible to achieve up to 6.5% return on investment from investment properties in Limassol, based on average rental yields.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The biggest danger with regards to property investments in Limassol, however, is the sheer number of unlicensed real estate agents. These offices are operating illegally, yet they are rampant. It is essential to avoid these offices as they are not allowed, by law, to represent the purchaser in any contractual agreements. This means that in the event where the purchaser faces issues with their contract, the real estate agent cannot be held liable for any of their potential wrongdoings. This could occur if the agent has falsely sold a property under the guise of representing the owner, when in fact the owner was unaware of any such dealings. The safest medium through which to purchase property in Cyprus is ultimately by means of a licensed real estate agent.</div></div>Wak Markasimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05777533778539863776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661589042384563992.post-85592942683225375872012-05-11T10:16:00.002-07:002012-05-11T10:16:59.623-07:00Win Your Next Property Tax Appeal in Texas - 10 Basic Steps<div style="text-align: justify;"><b>First - Learn the Facts</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You are most likely to succeed with your property tax appeal if you find factual errors in your property tax record, also known as an "appraisal card". Mistakes in real estate appraisals, such as errors about the age of improvements or incorrect square footage measurements are not uncommon.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">After you file a Notice of Protest, the appraisal district will schedule an informal conference with one of their staff appraisers. Bring any proof for your case to the appointment in the form of photos or other documentation supporting your claims. The appraisal district will need to keep your evidence for their file, so remember to bring extra copies.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Understand How Your Home Has Been Appraised</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Harris County Appraisal District [HCAD] has over a million single-family residential properties to appraise. Montgomery Central Appraisal District [MCAD] has responsibility for valuing about 250,000 homes. The daunting reality is that there are not enough well-trained staff appraisers to go around.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the real world, appraisal district employees sometimes are not able to inspect much beyond new construction or additions. Even when properties are inspected, the examination may be hardly more than a drive-by. It is more common now for appraisal districts to rely on aerial pictometry for various aspects of property inspection. The level of technological resources now available to most appraisal districts is impressive.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Given the overwhelming number of properties that must be re-valued, these appraisal districts are dependent on computer mass appraisal models. The mass appraisal models that counties use are inevitably imperfect, although some are better than others. Your quest will be to determine the ways and the degree to which your property and your neighborhood have not altogether fit the model.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">You may ask a real estate agent to help you find some comparable homes and their actual sales prices. Most good agents don't mind helping you, because you may work with them later. Remember you want to be able to prove that your house is in a lesser condition than the comparable sales. Try to compare your home to the best ones in your neighborhood. If you can find information on better homes that sold below your assessed value during the prior year, you may have the grounds for a reduction.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Research the Value of Your Neighbors' Homes</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The easiest way for most homeowners to develop an appeal is to use the sales comparison approach to market value in their appeal, however the sales do not always favor your case. Another angle you can try is to determine if your home has been appraised in a "uniform & equal" manner to other similar properties in the same neighborhood.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Check if the appraisal district's value of your house is at, or below, the median of the tax appraisal value of other homes in your neighborhood. Texas appraisal districts will have this information available online through their websites.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Obtain the Appraisal District's Evidence</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Along with your "Notice of Protest", submit a request in writing for all the evidence the appraisal district used to value your home and intends to present at an Appraisal Review Board [ARB] hearing. It is also referred to as the House Bill 201 [HB 201] packet. Review this information to ascertain how the appraisal district determined the value of your home. You may find that this uncovers shortcomings the appraisal district's case.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Don't Lose Hope - You Have a Few Chances to Get It Right</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you are unable to settle your case one-on-one with a staff appraiser in an informal conference, the next level of administrative appeal is a formal Appraisal Review Board [ARB] hearing. Montgomery Central Appraisal District [MCAD] will have your formal hearing the same day. They immediately escort you down the hall and show you to the waiting area to present your case. Harris County Appraisal District [HCAD] will reschedule you to return to their office on another day to have a formal hearing. You will almost always wait two weeks.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The ARB hearing will be like a minor courtroom setting in which you make the presentation of your case. An experienced senior appraiser will represent the case on behalf of the appraisal district. A panel of at least three, supposedly impartial, appraisal review board members will hear the case and render a final decision. Important Warning: The ARB has the authority to actually RAISE your property value, so consider this risk. Also, do not forget to bring extra copies of all your evidence ( five altogether ) for the appraisal district and the ARB panel.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If your formal ARB hearing does not have a satisfactory outcome, you may still have two additional options available. For residential properties valued below $1-million, you can file an application for binding arbitration through the office of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. There are fees of $250 or $500, depending on the level of involvement of your case. The other option is to file a law suit in district court against the appraisal district. As both of these procedures are time consuming and costly, you will need to decide if they are practical in your case.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Get Started - 10 Action Steps</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. Get a copy of your property tax record, or "appraisal card". Texas appraisal districts will have this information online through their websites. If you cannot find it, call the appraisal district office for assistance.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. Review the appraisal record for errors in your favor.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. Find out if you are eligible for any special exemptions and apply for them. Examples are the Texas general homestead, over 65, disabled, or veterans exemptions.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. File a "Notice of Protest" before the statutory deadline. This is usually May 31st or within 30 days of sending your "Notice of Appraised Value".</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5. Study the appraisal district's evidence, the HB 201 packet.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">6. Try to get help from a real estate agent to identify the details about good comparable sales (... and remember who helped you whenever you have a real estate transaction that pays ).</div><div style="text-align: justify;">7. Take photos of your home and the other properties you are using for comparison. If you do not have a good camera, borrow one; or ask a friend to help you.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">8. Make detailed written notes about precisely what you think should be the right value and the reasons for the reduction. Prepare your presentation and be able to show the proof to support your claim. This needs to consist of factual evidence such as dated photos, documentation of recent sales, and neighbors' appraisal values.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">9. Be kind and respectful to the other appraisal district staff and ARB members. Never forget they are also human and have feelings, like you. Remember the time tested expression, "You can catch more with honey than with vinegar."</div><div style="text-align: justify;">10. If you think it stands in your best interest, appeal your case to a formal ARB hearing. This may be a roll of the dice though. Depending on the make-up of the panel and their state of mind on the particular day of your hearing, your ordeal could be more favorable or it could become even worse.</div>Wak Markasimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05777533778539863776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661589042384563992.post-2824281291642335052012-05-11T10:14:00.000-07:002012-05-11T10:14:59.101-07:00Are You Flipping? Top Three Tips In Buying Homes For Sale<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">With the economy still on the rocks, it's hard to trust a real estate investment that quickly. But with home prices at their range today, it pays to consider buying homes for sale for resell. A lot of capitalists have actually found a lot of success in flipping residential units and selling them at a higher cost. But not all homes are worth the capital, so you must make a thorough investigation of what you are getting. When you are flipping, you have to be critical, because time costs money and nothing wastes more than a wrong decision. Here are some of the tips about getting residential units to help you avoid making that crucial mistake.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. Pick out a house that is in a good neighborhood. It's a big selling point. When people buy houses, they always look at the location - if it's safe, if it's near good schools, and if it's accessible by public transportation. Safety is a priority over luxury, because luxury can be threatened by the absence of safety. For high end buyers, they like views and landscape. They appreciate nearby recreational areas. These types of homes may be a bit pricier than those in the projects, but if you are looking to resell something at top dollar, you have to make it worthwhile.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">2. See to it that you get the seller to fix the place up for you for the price that he or she is asking. It will cost you more to do the work yourself, so have the seller restore corroded pipes, messed up wiring, termite infestation and any other imperfections there might be. When you are checking out homes, inspect every nook and cranny to make sure you don't get an investment that sucks you dry. Pay special attention to bathrooms and kitchens, because these are the areas you will most likely spend a lot of money enhancing to get new buyers interested. Sellers would gladly accommodate any improvement request if it gives them some assurance that you will consider taking the property from them.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. When you renovate, fit it to match consumer tastes. It would help if you think about what demographic you'd like to target, and do some research on what they would most likely appreciate. Obviously, newly-weds would have a different checklist when it comes to homes compared to that of a bachelor and old married couples. Think about what activities they would probably have to accommodate in the house, so you know if the home you are planning to renovate fits the idea of a house that the kind of customer you are targeting would purchase. Imagine how things would look if you move a particular door or tear down a wall. A lot of people today are into space and green living, so you might want to brainstorm on how you could incorporate that into the real estate listings you are looking at.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">With these three applied, you won't have to fear the experience of buyer's remorse. However, you also have to do thorough research about your options and not just stick to one real estate agency to present you with homes for sale. You can also use your own network and you might even be able to bargain down prices.</div></div>Wak Markasimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05777533778539863776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661589042384563992.post-78859911415461522072012-05-11T10:13:00.000-07:002012-05-11T10:13:01.283-07:00Great Neighborhoods for New Homes in PA<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">When a family buys a house, they also join a neighborhood. Living in an excellent neighborhood is worth more than the cost of the house because your family's safety and enjoyment is priceless. When buying or building new homes in PA, it's important to choose one that is located in one of the state's family-friendly neighborhoods.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A neighborhood ideal for a family should offer the following:</div><div style="text-align: justify;">• Convenient travel options to your workplace <br />
• Good schools nearby for your kids <br />
• Neighboring shopping areas <br />
• Beautiful parks and/or community centers </div><a name='more'></a><br />
• Low incidents of crime <br />
• Close proximity to medical centers and emergency services <br />
• Friendly community relationships<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Living in a home with a neighborhood that fulfills all these criteria will ease your mind. Being surrounded by a warm community you can trust with emergency facilities nearby can assure you that your family can feel safe. You can focus on enjoying the time you spend with your family instead of worrying about their safety.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thankfully, PA has numerous places that can fulfill most, if not all, of the criteria.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Carriage Park, Palmyra</i> - Here, families looking for new homes in PA will be pleased with the easy access to Hershey's recreational, cultural, and shopping destinations. It is also minutes away from Hershey Medical Center, the only medical school and university hospital in PA outside of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Far from city bustle, the community provides an easy commute to Harrisburg and other nearby centers with a choice of public and private schools nearby.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Cheltenham, East Earl</i> - Nestled in the Lancaster County farming community, the neighborhood is an easy commute to Chester County and a short distance away from historic Lancaster City. Cheltenham boasts a walking trail system that runs throughout the neighborhood. Fitness stations, tot lots, and gazebos dot the route.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Koller Pointe, New Freedom Boro</i> - Just 30 minutes from Hunt Valley, MD, this lovely community set in the historical town of New Freedom offers families the perfect place to relax after a long day of work and study. Despite its idyllic country setting, downtown shopping, restaurants, and medical facilities are all conveniently close by.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Finding a great community to build new homes in PA is not hard. After identifying the ones that meet your needs in terms of space and proximity to other cities, you can look up neighborhood statistics to get a better idea of the community.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Finally, go to the community and get acquainted with the area and your possible neighbors. Talk to the local business owners, as they usually know the most about the neighborhood. Once you've found yourself comfortable with your choice, you can go on to purchasing your new home.</div></div>Wak Markasimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05777533778539863776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661589042384563992.post-83829406440068952352012-05-11T10:11:00.002-07:002012-05-11T10:11:34.284-07:00Home Builders Breathe New Life Into Townhomes for Young Homebuyers<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">For a young professional, buying property for the first time is an important life decision as this may be his first major investment. For affordable living in the suburbs, townhomes made by expert home builders can offer these young professionals certain advantages over purchasing an apartment in the city.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Townhouses are often considered smart housing choices for young homebuyers as they are a compromise between a single detached family house and a condominium. This makes it possible for young professionals to still make a real estate investment without the heavy price of a single detached house. Aside from that, townhomes can offer a number of benefits similar to living in a condominium.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">While townhouses are typically a row of homes sharing walls, there are now stylish homes that are semi-detached duplexes. These new dwellings developed by home builders offer more privacy and allow homeowners greater space to entertain guests or comfortably raise a small family.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">One of the advantages of getting a townhome is the possibility of land ownership. Land ownership is possible depending on the community that occupies the townhomes. For most townhomes, though, ownership is much like in a condominium where it is limited to the space and common areas used. This condominium-like set-up is also beneficial for the family that has little time to maintain lawns or the home's façade.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In addition, most townhomes are placed in upscale communities with amenities and recreational areas designed by the home builders. With the kind of lifestyle young professionals have, living in a community where they can relax and de-stress is definitely an advantage. Also, a townhome community can encourage healthy living with shared amenities such as a gym, a pool, a garden, or a tennis court.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Furthermore, since townhomes of any design offer close-knit communities, young professionals living alone can find greater security compared to detached homes where neighbors are distant. Neighbors living closer can also foster fast friendships for families with children looking to interact with others their age.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If the idea of living in a townhouse community doesn't seem appealing, it is worth noting that some home builders have developed more attractive ways to present these semi-shared spaces. Aside from the semi-detached duplex-style home, row houses become more comfortable with the addition of cozy porches that look like any detached dwelling.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A first real estate investment is a decision young professionals should give a lot of thought about. Investing in townhomes can be a practical choice while being a manifestation of success and progress in a career.</div></div>Wak Markasimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05777533778539863776noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661589042384563992.post-20482451202073478592012-05-11T09:56:00.000-07:002012-05-11T09:56:42.317-07:00Real Estate MLS Vs BLS, Which One Should You Use?<div style="text-align: justify;">Are you a real estate buyer, seller or real estate agent trying to buy or sell a home? Surely you're familiar with the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), a multitude of databases in each city of homes for sale under the control of real estate agents. These databases all feed into various website such as Realtor.com and Zillow.com to show home shoppers what they are trying to sell.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Chances are you have not heard of the BLS (Buyers Listing Service), a few have come and gone but now a better version has been introduced. A BLS is a database of home buyers requesting specific types of homes in specific neighborhoods throughout America.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Whether you're a buyer, seller or real estate agent, here is some help in deciding which one to use to help you buy or sell a home. Pay careful attention as each has their advantages and disadvantages.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Home Buyers & Their Real Estate Agents: If you want to buy a home you have two approaches available. You can look at the MLS (Realtor.com, Zillow.com, etc) to see about 5% of the homes in any given neighborhood where the owner has hired a real estate agent to display their home for sale.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The advantages of the MLS are: 1. Most likely a motivated seller. 2. Easy access to data and photos of the home.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The disadvantages of the MLS are: 1. Buyers only see about 5% of the homes in the neighborhood, less in better neighborhoods. 2. The seller's real estate agent may already have a buyer waiting for this home. 3. Seller's agent is already working with an agent friend that has a buyer. 4. Having to monitor the MLS daily waiting for a matching home to show up. 5. Reactive approach as new listing trickle on to MLS.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Home buyers using a BLS, where they post a request for the type of home they want in a specific neighborhood have these advantages: 1. Access to 100% of the homes in every neighborhood. 2. Opportunity to buy a home before it shows up in the MLS. 3. Seller's agents will contact you with matching homes they have in the MLS (so you don't have to search the MLS everyday for new listings). 4. Finding homes that are a better match to your requirements. 5. Proactive approach to reach every home owner in the neighborhood. 6. If you're a real estate agent working on behalf of a buyer, this is the only way you will ever be able to "double end" a commission.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are a lot of home owners that would love to sell their home if they knew there was a buyer already lined up to buy the home. A lot of home owners do not want to have their home listed in the MLS, have a for sale sign in the yard, open houses, etc. A BLS enables a home owner so sell their home more discretely and privately.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Home Sellers:</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you're a home seller, you could hire a real estate agent to input your home in the local MLS system then wait and hope for a buyer to see it and contact your agent. This traditional method will work eventually if you wait long enough and are willing to lower your asking price over time. Before you use the wait and hope approach, you and should look for a buyers posting on a BLS that are a match for your home. You can communicate directly with the home buyer (or their agent) and not have to publicly display your homes information (photos, size, etc) to the whole world.</div>Wak Markasimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05777533778539863776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661589042384563992.post-53761899245529693862012-04-09T00:57:00.000-07:002012-05-11T10:05:38.501-07:00Sarasota, Florida Luxury Homes<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sarasota is one of the most beautiful cities in the US and it is currently experiencing the biggest real estate boom since 2005. Located in the south Florida Gulf coast region, this thriving city is not only stunningly scenic, it has lots of additional amenities to offer potential home-buyers of Sarasota luxury homes. These include access to a lively nightlife, sophisticated cultural attractions and world class recreational facilities.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Linked by a series of causeways and bridges, Sarasota is actually eight small islands or keys located along the Gulf cost of Florida, just north of Fort Myers and south of Tampa Bay. Communities on these keys each have their own distinct energy and style.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">For example, tiny Bird Key appeals to boating enthusiasts of all kinds. It boasts a yacht club and many of its expansive canal or waterfront estate properties have their own docks.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Casey Key, by contrast, is more known for the architecture of its homes, most of them single dwelling villas. There is no high rise or condominium development of any significance in this community. Instead, villa and luxury estates in old Florida or Mediterranean style are dotted along the length of this eight mile long barrier island, some of them even spanning its width, Gulf to bay.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Different again and perhaps most famous of all is St. Armand's Circle. A community built around a circular hub of commercial activity, this neighborhood was designed by circus tycoon John Ringling in European style of the great cities. These days, it features exclusive boutique shopping, world class restaurants and a vibrant nightlife of clubs and cultural attraction along with a stunning beach (Lido) and a handful of luxury villa and properties.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The most recent addition to the Lakewood Ranch area, just east of downtown is known as lake Club. A planned village of single dwelling homes on larger than average lots, this community is surrounded by lake, nature reserves and deluxe golfing greens. The largest certified green community in the US, Lake Club takes its name from its country club which boasts a legacy golf course designed by Arnold Palmer.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Potential home buyers who love sun, surf and sophistication will find lots to choose from with the Sarasota luxury homes market. Whether its low key and natural old Florida living or the vibrant recreational lifestyle of boating and golf or even the cultural sophistication of a big city, Sarasota has so much to offer.</div></div>Wak Markasimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05777533778539863776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661589042384563992.post-12029593059425501222012-03-02T10:00:00.000-08:002012-05-11T10:01:48.430-07:00Best Places to Live in Tucson<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Tucson, Arizona is a visually stunning place to live, but finding a neighborhood that meets your needs and the needs of your family may take some research. Whether you prefer the excitement of the city or the tranquility of the wilderness, you will find the ideal setting in the Tucson area. There are numerous lovely communities to choose from, and each area offers something unique.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Signature at Sycamore Park</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One of the most impressive neighborhoods in Tucson is the Signature at Sycamore Park community. This cluster of new homes in Tucson is conveniently situated near a large assortment of shopping complexes as well as entertainment centers. With the downtown area nearby, this community is thriving economically. Sycamore Park is also part of the well-regarded Vail Unified School District.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">For nature lovers, the Signature at Sycamore Park area has a lot to offer. At the center of the community is a 7.5 acre park filled with playing fields, paved paths and walking trails. In addition to the lifestyle park, there are three smaller parks, several playgrounds and various pathways that allow for walking, bicycling or rollerblading. This fast-growing area is ideal if you want to feel a sense of permanence in your community.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Aviara</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Another ideal neighborhood in the Tucson area is Aviara. This community is located at the base of the breathtaking Santa Rita Mountains. Living in the foothills can be exciting for your family because of the interesting natural treasures to be found there. You will experience the joys of living in a scenic area, but you will also be able to appreciate the conveniences of life in the city. The Aviara community is situated in the Vail school district, and it is just minutes from various shopping centers, restaurants and entertainment services. The new homes in this neighborhood are available in a wide range of prices and floor plans.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Santa Rita Park</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Santa Rita Park neighborhood is also an ideal location for family life. You will find a wide selection of affordable houses in this community, including mid-size ranch houses and small bungalows. At the center of the district is Santa Rita Park, which is one of Tucson's oldest parks. Various amenities are within walking distance of the Santa Rita Park community, and the area is clean and safe. This quaint, family-oriented neighborhood is part of the Tucson Unified School District.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Tucson's overall atmosphere cannot be beat. The unique combination of cultures mixed with Arizona's natural beauty make this area a fascinating place to live. To find a home that best suits you and your family, choose a location that meets your personal needs.</div></div>Wak Markasimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05777533778539863776noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6661589042384563992.post-45917105814660624282012-02-07T10:01:00.000-08:002012-05-11T10:04:10.310-07:00The Best Places for Home Sweet Home<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">The three biggest variables when deciding where to live are the affordability of housing, the cost of living, and the rate of employment. Forbes, US News & World Report, Huffington Post, and other media outlets have all chimed in with their surveys measuring each one of these areas in the upcoming months. And the sweet spot where these three variable meet? It's in the heart of Texas.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">One of the best places to buy a house right now is Texas. Interestingly, Texas also has the lowest unemployment and the second lowest cost of living. Realtor.com reports that homes in Austin, TX are staying on the market an average of 77 days, selling 20% sooner than a year ago.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The worst place to try to makes ends meet, own a home, and work is California, followed closely by New York. And if you have sights set on living in Washington D.C., you're better off looking in nearby Baltimore, where prices have dropped 22% from their highest point.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">When you look at averages across the U.S., home prices are down about 30% from 2006 when they reached their highest level in 42 years of statistic gathering. A 30-year fixed mortgage loan carries an average interest rate just under 4%. Compared to CD and Treasury Notes that are returning 1-2% profit, a home is the better investment choice. Profits from rental properties are even better, hovering around 6% annually.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you are looking to buy a foreclosure, Tucson, AZ is the place, with home prices at all all-time low, down 45% from the housing boom. The median selling price for a home there is $170,000. It takes an average of 86 days to unload a home in the Tucson area. Moreover, the unemployment rate is 7.8% compared to the national average of 8.6%. But, keep in mind that this statistic may be a little skewed. A large percentage of people without jobs are no longer on the grid, having abandoned their futile job searches, dropping out of the work force altogether. El Centro, CA has the highest unemployment rate in the country at 27%. The lowest is in Midland, TX at 4%.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Other markets ripe for good housing deals include (market followed by median home price):</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Kansas City, MO - $137,000</div><div style="text-align: justify;">St. Louis, MO - $129,000</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Buffalo-Niagara Falls, N.Y - $113,000</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Cincinnati-Middletown, OH-KY - $127,300</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, OH - $108,500</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ - $126,000</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Rochester, N.Y. - $118,900</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Las Vegas-Paradise, NV - $126,200</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI - $145,000</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA - $102,100</div></div>Wak Markasimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05777533778539863776noreply@blogger.com0