Real estate 2009

Archive for February, 2012

Reduce Your Carbon Emissions

Help Reduce Your Home’s Hunger for Energy

Becoming more environmentally intelligent and reducing our reliance on dwindling fossil fuels is the responsibility of all of us young and old. In almost every phase of daily life our carbon footprint can be reduced to help maintain our fragile resources and the best place to start is in the home. Basically our carbon footprint measure the impact human activity has on the environment as a whole which is both directly and indirectly measured in in terms of carbon dioxide emissions. This can include virtually everything from how much electricity we use how much fuel our cars consume and even what brands of toiletries we buy. Households can to an extent take control and reduce consumption of energy which can also reduce household bills considerably without any extra inconvenience.

There are Easy Ways to Become More Environmentally Friendly

The first area of concern in trying to cut back the amount of energy that your heating and air conditioning unit is using as this appliance uses 45 of the total consumed energy in many homes. If you adjust your thermostat up just one degree will result in saving three percent on your power bill. That can be a substantial amount of money over a period of a year. If you close the blinds during the hot times of day and open a window at night you can also save money on cooling costs in the hot season. Ceiling fans are another way to save money during the summer. Another big money and energy saver is to unplug electronic devices when they are not being used. Things like televisions cell phone chargers and computers still draw energy even when they are not turned on. An average home can save two hundred and fifty dollars a year by merely unplugging devices that are not being used.

Another great option for cutting costs and saving energy is to purchase the compact fluorescent lightCFL bulbs. CFLs have a longer life span than a typical bulb and they use much less power. One example is that a 13 watt CFL bulb can light your home just as well as a 60watt traditional incandescent bulb. Another great way to cut costs is to allow your clothes to air dry in the warm sunshine rather than always using the energyguzzling dryer. You can also opt for a shower instead of a bath whenever possible to save energy and money.

Have an EcologicallySound Garden

Gardening and landscaping choices matter as well. A tree can be a good supply of shade and will reduce the carbon dioxide in the air. Planting trees is not only environmentally friendly but it can increase value to your home as well. Another way to save money and energy is in your sprinkler system. Use only the sprinklers that are necessary. Consider a manual lawn mower as well. These types of mowers are so quiet that they will add to your entire neighborhood’s peacefulness. Planting your own herb and vegetable garden is another great method of going green. Home grown produce is better for you and will save you money on that monthly grocery bill as well.

Many newly built homes take sustainable lifestyles to the next level with solar and geothermal powered heating and cooling systems. Yet the average household need not invest much just a little creativity and determination to help reduce each home’s carbon footprint. The average American emits over 20 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year which is over six times the global average and every little step in the right direction matters.

About the writer:  Have the space you are looking for with Gold Canyon equestrian properties for sale. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint with a smaller home you may want to take a look at Fountain Hills condos for sale.

Affordable Waterfront Property In Prince Edward Island

As real estate is a finite commodity we are not likely to create more land at least in any quantity investment in real estate has consistently proven to be a wise move. Yes there have been times such as now when real estate in general has become overinflated and with the influence of the reduced economy and lack of consumer confidence has devalued. However the true value of property has not depreciated and the value will rise again. Obviously real estate purchases are best made at the bottom of those spikes and the high price gains and that means right now.

All real estate markets however are not created equal some are best suited to the “high roller” the person who has more financial backing and can afford to take greater shortterm risk for maximum gain. The second type of market is a lower priced market that consequently is less volatile. This market offers a slow and steady gain on your investment without the worry caused by wild fluctuations.

PEI falls into the later market type. Residential markets make slow but reliable gains ranging in the 3 to 4 percent per year range. Waterfront property is most likely the area that promises the greatest returns in the PEI real estate market. Property values on the water have steadily increased over the last half dozen years or more and the pressure for waterfront has increase with the continual increase in price on the eastern Canadian and US seaboard caused by continual development.

The advantage of buying property and particularly summer homes and cottages on the PEI waterfront is twofold. Of course you have bought an item that will continue to rise in price as waterfront on the east coast becomes less available and more expensive. However additionally you will have an amazing place to visit and a place to stay on this island Paradise. Imagine you and your family can stay up to 6 months on a PEI real estate in your own cottage or summer home and enjoy good weather great people and a relaxed lifestyle.

However if you dont have the time to be away from home for 6 months you can pick off the times that you your family or extended family want to stay here and use the property and rent your summer home to other vacationers when not in use. In this way you can help to pay the mortgage while building equity in a constantly appreciating market.

If you dont want to find renters yourself and handle greeting guests mowing the lawn and the multitude of other chores you can put your property into the hands of a property manager. There are a number of these available and some will manage your property from soup to nuts. They maintain websites and rent your property take care of all the finances collect payment from guests and even deposit it through cleaning between guests and doing basic home repair and maintenance. Should anything of a more major nature happen to your home then they will know the local tradespeople that will handle these problems. It is a good idea to ensure that your property manager will visit the property in the winter as homes in the rural areas may be snowed in during the winter and regular visits are necessary to keep insurance in force.

Costs for this service may include fixed fees but are most likely negotiated as a percentage of the income generated by the property. I have heard figures up to 25 but this is for full service.

So why not call a PEI real estate agent today and check into this worthwhile market

About the writer:  Vishal Dwivedi is a consultant for PEI real estate. You can get more information about PEI real estate at here http://www.homesforsalepei.com/

Commercial Real Estate Financing For Beginners

Securing commercial real estate financing can be a difficult task if you’re not familiar with the field. First let’s distinguish between residential and commercial. Residential properties are solely for housing people. The location can have up to four units. Five or more units and just about anything not intended for habitation qualifies as commercial.

With that clear let’s discuss the actual financing. Acquiring money and how much you are allowed to borrow is affected by a number of factors.

When analyzing an investment plan lenders consider the following:
* The borrower’s credit rating
* The net income of the venture
* The laws and demographics of the area
* The kind and number of tenants.

These are not the only things lenders consider but these can give you an idea of how much planning and research you need to do. We’ll address these as the most immediate concerns that you can also investigate on your own.

Commercials all over television talk about a person’s credit rating. This very important number controls your financing life and future. Basically the higher the rating the more likely lenders are to give you a larger loan with a decent interest rate. For them a good rating indicates not only your ability to pay but your level of responsibility to your debtors. If you have a median rating you may have to begin with a smaller venture so that you can get a reasonable loan and interest rate.

In addition to the credit rating but far more important a consideration in commercial property is the net income of the venture. Financiers want to see that the venture will allow you to pay the mortgage due each month. A proposal that does not clearly indicate profits enough to cover expenses and loan payments is not likely to receive funds. It is important that you investigate this before proposing a venture to a lender. Make sure you account for all of the expenses repairs maintenance etc. before presenting your net income on the property.

Consider the laws and demographics of the area because the finance agency will. If laws are going to restrict the productivity of your venture lenders may be reluctant to provide a loan. The same is true of demographics and the economic climate of the location. If the population is low or isn’t likely to patronize your business again that can effect whether or not you get funding. Also the economic activity of the area influences financial decisions. If there is a boom your chances increase. Let’s say the area is a money drain or in an escalating slump. It will be harder to justify commercial real estate financing in those kinds of conditions.

Also look at your tenants. For example if you’re proposing to open a health food store in a strip property that has several fast food tenants then your business’s chances of success are much lower. If for instance you open the same kind of store in a strip with a gym yoga studio and health spa as tenants the likelihood of getting frequent customers is increased. Lending institutions take these sorts of things into consideration because they influence the profitability of your venture.

These are not the only considerations but they are easy to check into and can help you decide if a particular venture is worth your time and the work involved in securing commercial real estate financing. Make sure you do your homework first and securing funds for your venture will be an easier process.

About the writer:  Investment properties can be a lucrative opportunity if you plan ahead. Securing commercial real estate financing is part of realizing your goals. KISCL offers a variety of programs that can get you working towards a profit. http://www.kiscl.com