Real Estate and Beyond Blog

MUTANT BLOGGER TURNS INTO VIDEO BLOGGER STAY TUNED FOR MORE PHOENIX, ARIOZNA

Yes, I have to admit that I am a blogger junkie. I am hooked on blogging. I have to honestly say that it does work for me. I have been devoting 90 minutes per day every day since 4/9/2009 towards social media including ActiveRain, Facebook and Twitter. I have met a lot of great people in this past year. Folks! Wake Up and get on the social media ride of your life. People want to ready your information. They are searching for local experts who specialize in their specific fields. Quit being the Jack of All Trades and Master of Nothing. That model does not work. Well, that model has never worked.

CHECK OUT MY FIRST VIDEO BLOG

Why video blogging? This is the natural evolution of a master blogger. People want videos on what you do. So, I have decided to mount my Sony Cam in my car and start video blogging. I am very excited about this opportunity.

PLEASE GIVE ME FEEDBACK

CANADIAN REAL ESTATE INVESTORS FIND REAL ESTATE AND BEYOND TEAM'S ONE STOP SHOP TO PURCHASE SECOND HOMES, BUY AND HOLDS AND FIX AND FLIPS IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA

The Canadian dollar is very strong compared to the American dollar. I am receiving many calls from Canadian citizens that wish to purchase second homes, buy and hold rental homes and fix and flip homes in Phoenix, Arizona. The Real Estate and Beyond Team was created as a one stop shop to cater to out of state real estate investors. Canadian real estate investors acquire special attention because there are extra steps that we must complete for them to obtain conventional financing along with protecting their American assets. We know the Canadian investors needs from start to finish.

Let us assist you in finding your perfect second home in a great community. Ashton Ranch is a fine community in Surprise, Arizona with homes starting at $75,000 for a 3/2 2 Car Garage with about 1400 square feet. This is a perfect second home for most Canadians. Again, we are also looking for future appreciation as this is considered a real estate investment. These homes were built in 2000 so they are considered still like new. Purchasing a bank owned property requires skill and a team to close the deal. The Real Estate and Beyond Team is here to close the deal. We have all the professionals on one team. Let us show you how we work by contacting us today.

The Phoenix real estate inventory is still dominated by distressed properties. The latest fact from Arizona Real Estate Investor's Association stated that 54% of closed transactions in 2010 were distressed properties consisting of bank owned and short sale properties. Real estate investors are needed to keep up with the housing demand. There is a lack of good quality homes for first time home buyers to pruchase without putting a lot of money into fixing them back up to market value. Real estate investors are considered heroes by purchasing distressed homes and bringing them back up to market value. They are restoring neighborhoods one house at a time.

Please feel free to visit my web site at www.960RealEstate.com for further information. You will be in good company with the Real Estate and Beyond Team.

 TOP 7 MISTAKES WHEN HIRING A PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY INVESTOR BEWARE

Real estate is the buzz word around America. Real estate education classes are starting to be offered all over the Internet and in local cities. Everydody is cashing in on the real estate bubble that has busted. We are seeing many great deals here in Phoenix, Arizona. Acquiring the property and fixing it up is the easy part in my opinion. Next, the investor must decided to either manage the property on their own or hire a property management company. The majority of investors do not wish to deal with that part of the business. So, they outsource this part of the business to a property management company. How does one pick a property management company? Let's review TOP 7 MISTAKES WHEN HIRING PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY BELOW

1. Checking References-Choosing the correct property management company can make a world of difference. I would call upon fellow investors that use their service. Are they happy? Ask for references. Go drive some of the properties that they manage with them in the car. One can view if maintenance is being kept up. Make the effort to make a wise decision.  
2. Property Management Agreement-Make sure you read the entire agreement before signing anything. One must understand the fees involved in the contract. This is where many things get misinterpreted and can sour the deal after fully executing the contract with your signature. Most property management contracts are lengthy and often use language that a new investor may not be familiar with. The costs involved are usually not verbally explained unless you ask. Read the contract from beginning to end, and when in doubt, ask for clarification. The normal costs involved with hiring a property manager include a one-time set-up fee (normally around $100.00 per property), a leasing fee (6% percent of the yearly lease amount one time) and a management fee (10% percent of the rental income, paid monthly). The leasing fee is taken out of the first months rent and is charged to cover the advertising costs and time spent finding and placing a tenant. Some companies will charge an advertising fee instead of the leasing fee, but be sure that you are not being charged for both.
3. Long Term Tenant Lease-I would advise to do only one year contracts with all tenants. Otherwise, the property management company will collect all their fees if you wish to leave them based upon the contract. Signing the long term lease states that you will use them for the entire lease. There are no out clauses as long as they keep up their end of the bargain. It may seem innocent upfront. Again, just sign one year contracts on all of your properties. You have the choice to renew them or not at the end of the year. There is more incentive to earn your business.
4. Managers Location-Ask the property manager how ofte they will inspect the property. Do they have someone in that area that lives near the investment home? This makes a huge difference in the amount of attention your property will receive. This is especially true for the times when it is vacant and numerous trips have to be made to and from the location. Property managers are human and so they often neglect properties that are too far out of their way.
5. Trust Your Property is a Priority-Nobody cares more about your investment than yourself. I would ask the property manager to give you a weekly report when home is vacant. How are they promoting property? Showings? You have to show them that you want to be involved in the process. Take out a small ad on Craigslist to rent the property. Turn over all calls to the property manager to follow up on. Then, call the prospect if they were called. It takes a team effort when filling the vacancy. Communication is vital to both the investor and tenant.
6. Go With The Cheapest-Do not just consider cost when hiring a property management company to look over your investment. How is the service? The money you save on the fee could be lost from poor management.
7. Contract Pricing-Ask if the property management company if they have their own inhouse maintenance crew. This can be good and bad. Remember, they are in the business to make money. Quarterly inspections sound great. However, it is also a chance to spot things wrong with the house to fix. It might be better that they contract their maintenance out to a General Contractor without marking up the invoices. Always obtain a second quote from another respected General Contractor to keep all parties on the same level.

TOP 11 MISTAKES CANADIANS MAKE WHEN PURCHASE REAL ESTATE IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA

Canadians real estate investors are starting to look at Phoenix, Arizona as a great city to purchase real estate for three reasons:

• Second Homes
• Investment Homes
• Fix and Flip Homes for Profit

However, Canadian citizens do not know who to call. Many Canadians call up a Realtor by using the Internet hoping that the agent is knowledgeable and understands the needs of the client. However, that is not the case. Anybody can show a home. The Real Estate and Beyond Team has teamed up with local Canadian experts.

TOP 11 MISTAKES CANADIANS MAKE WHEN PURCHASING REAL ESTATE IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA

1. Not having an experienced team in place in both Canada and the U.S.
2. Not doing their due diligence or number crunching
3. Not knowing the market - choose an area and become a specialist in that area. Once you become a specialist your risk is dramatically reduced.
4. Not have an excellent property management company
5. Paying Canadian banks too much on foreign exchange and wire transfer fees
6. Not setting up their legal entity structures correctly to minimize taxes and liability
7. Not utilizing proper tax experts. With proper planning, a good tax strategy and the right advisors you can greatly reduce and in some cases even eliminate the tax on real estate income.
8. Paying above market value for a property when there are ways of getting below market value properties
9. Buying on emotion instead of strategy
10. Moving too quickly
11. Not listening to their intuition

The Real Estate and Beyond Team was created to be a one stop show for all real estate investors. We love to service Canadian real estate investors that want to purchase real estate in Phoenix, Arizona. We put real estate investors in the position to take advantage of this great real estate market. Please contact the experts today to start your real estate purchasing today. Again, we can put you in position starting today to purchase Phoenix, Arizona real estate. This market will not last forever.

By the way, I host a weekly two hour talk radio show on real estate investing on KKNT 960 each Saturday from 12-2PM Phoenix Mountain Time. Listen Live and Listen to Podcasts

CANADIANS WANT MORE US REAL ESTATE AT BIG DISCOUNTS PHOENIX, ARIZONA

No investment today offers the stability, simplicity and excellent returns offered by property investment.

While the Stock Market offers high returns, many investors have found it to be a volatile and dangerous place. This is especially true for the non-professional investor as there are many hidden external factors that can effect a financial investment. Added to this, the major Stock Markets have been under performing generally, and many investors are now turning to property as a far better option than other forms of investment.

No other investment allows you to purchase with other peoples' money (The Bank's) and pay this back with other peoples' money (the rental income from tenants).

Buying specifically for investment purposes allows the investor to remove the emotion from the purchase and look at the property purely as an investment vehicle. This may mean utilizing our re-assignable contract option and selling at a substantial profit prior to completion while carrying no redemption penalty. Alternatively a "buy-to-let" situation can generate a reliable rental income, incorporating substantial capital appreciation.

If you own property, you can release equity against this. Although there is no law that states that your property will increase in value each year, it is generally accepted that a well maintained property in a reasonable area will appreciate in value.

It is a well documented fact that on average the value of a property doubles every seven years

CANADIAN INVESTORS FIXING AND FLIPPING HOMES PHOENIX, ARIZONA

I am working with many Canadians that are fixing and flipping homes here in Phoenix, Arizona. Why? The Canadian dollar is very high to the American dollar. It is time to purchase real estate in America. Real estate is for sale. We are seeing prices 50% less than 2005 house prices. We have a great system in place for Canadians who wish to invest in Phoenix real estate. The Real Estate and Beyond Team is here to serve all Canadian clients to find the best deals at the Arizona Trustee Sales. We have our own bidder on the team. We know how to get the job done.

TOP 10 REASONS CANADIANS INVESTING IN REAL ESTATE PHOENIX, ARIZONA

Please read the following link on How To Purchase Homes at the Arizona Trustee Sales

One must have patience when purchasing homes from the court house steps. We must ensure that one obtains a great deal. It may take putting in ten or more bids until you are the successful winner.

WHAT DO I DO AFTER I WIN THE BID AT THE ARIZONA TRUSTEE SALES? Great question click to read

The Real Estate and Beyond Teamspecializes in non-ARMLS homes. We know our local market better than most people living in Phoenix, Arizona. Did I mention I host a two hour radio show called Real Estate and Beyond Radio each Saturday from 12-2PM Phoenix Mountain Time.

CANADIAN REAL ESTATE INVESTORS LOOKING TO INVEST THEIR MONEY INTO REAL ESTATE SOUTH OF THE BORDER PHOENIX, ARIZONA

I continue to receive communication from Canadian real estate investors that wish to invest in the Phoenix, Arizona real estate market. Why? Well, the Canadian dollar continues to remain strong against the American dollar. It is their time to cash in the chips. Plus, obtaining a second home to escape the harsh Canadian winters sounds like a great idea to me. People are attracted to warmer climates. Phoenix, Arizona offers a great retreat for many Canadians who seek the sun. Plus, there are plenty of activities to see and do.

 TOP 10 REASONS CANADIANS INVESTING IN REAL ESTATE PHOENIX, ARIZONA

I have an example of a typical home in Surprise, Arizona on sale right now for $84,000. This would make a great second home or investment home. The rents in this area average between $800-850 per month. Property management fees would be $79 per month. So, someone paying cash or financing this home will cash flow. People want to rent homes and not apartments. There are many renters looking for homes after being foreclosed on their home. It will take them two years or more before they are able to purchase another home. So, they will be forced to rent. You might as well be the one cash flowing. This is a great return on your money. Do you have this opportunity in Canada at this price point?

SEARCH PHOENIX FORECLOSURES

The Real Estate and Beyond Teamhas created a smooth process for Canadians to purchase real estate in Phoenix, Arizona. We cater to the out of state investor and beyond. Please stream live to hear Real Estate and Beyond Radio discussing real estate investing. We are your application team. We look forward to servicing you when you come to Phoenix, Arizona.

RENTER'S WAREHOUSE AND REAL ESTATE AND BEYOND TEAM MEET ON ACTIVERAIN PHOENIX, ARIZONA

I have created the Real Estate and Beyond Teamhere in Phoenix, Arizona to serve the local real estate market. We cater to real estate investors both in and out of state. Well, I have been researching and interviewing property management companies to team up who share my vision of having a one stop shop for real estate investors. The team consists of professionals who are experts in their fields. Then, we refer business to one another to support one another's business. It is a simple and straight forward model. However, there are few business owners that share this vision.

What do we do? Well, we assist real estate investors to fix and flip and/or buy and hold residential properties. Yes, we are bidding daily at the Arizona Trustee Sales to obtain real estate bargains. Real estate is a team sport. We have created a team like no other team that I have seen. So, the missing link for the team was a property management company that just does property management. Well, Renters Warehouse found me on ActiveRain through my blogs. They were attracted for the following reasons:

• Active Blogging
• Radio Show
• Focused on real estate investors
• Simple and straight forward
• Delivering excellent service to real estate investors

I am so thankful for ActiveRain. I started this journey last April. Wow, I cannot believe how much I have accomplished in less than a year. I have met some awesome people through ActiveRain. I tell everyone I know to join ActiveRain and start blogging. It will pay off. I continue to devote 90 minutes per day to social media. It works for me.

 TOP 3 CHARACTERISTICS OF CANADIAN REAL ESTATE INVESTORS

We all know that the Canadian dollar is at an all time high to the American dollar. I grew up in Buffalo, New York so I am very familiar with the Canadian currency. Canadians always came over to America to shop for consumer goods because they got better bargains. Would you not do the same in their shoes? How many people have ever visited Canada? We have the longest peaceful border between two countries in the world. We rely on each other. America has a population of 350 million people compared to the Canadian population of 35 million. The majority of the population, 80%, live between Toronto and Montreal.

SEARCH PHOENIX FORECLOSURES

I have seen an increase in my real estate business from Canadian investors. They know America is for sale and they want a piece of the action. However, they do not know who to call or trust. Are you going to get the best deal? Does someone has my back? I have created the Real Estate and Beyond Teamfor these reasons. I have assembled a team of professionals that are experts in their field who rely on one another. Most Realtors have a network that goes mortgage, home inspector and property manager, My team includes insurance broker, general contractor, CFP, mortgage banker, real estate lawyer, credit restoration and other professionals if needed.

TOP 3 CHARACTERISTICS OF CANADIAN REAL ESTATE INVESTORS 

1. Conservative-Webster defines this word as one keeping traditions and resisting radical changes in a fast manor. I believe the majority of people are conservative that believe in God, Country and family in that order. Why change the order when it works? Furthermore, people who are conservative are willing to take calculated risks. That means planning and discussions have taken place before moving forward. If it makes sense, then let's proceed on.
2. Thrifty-Webster defines this word as someone who manages their money wisely. That means they do not spend their money foolishly. This will result in savings-Rainy day account per grandma. That means they live below their means. This is the way my grandparents grew up. There is not waste.
3. Leisure-Canadians love to travel to different destinations around the world. That means they enjoy taking time out to enjoy themselves. Also, they love going to warmer destinations since Canada can be very cold during the winter months. We all need time away to rejuice the batteries.

TOP 10 REASONS CANADIANS INVESTING IN REAL ESTATE PHOENIX, ARIZONA

LEARN THE MANY WAYS CANADIANS ARE ABLE TO FINANCE REAL ESTATE DEALS IN AMERICA

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE ARIZONA TRUSTEE SALES DAILY LIST

CANADIAN INVESTOR SENDS A REFERRAL TO PURCHASE SECOND HOME PHOENIX, ARIZONA

I received a phone call from one of my many Canadian investors the other day. He informed me that he wants to refer one of his friends to me. Canadians know it is the best time to purchase real estate in Phoenix, Arizona. Prices have been slashed by 40% or more, mortgage rates are low and the Canadian exchange to the American dollar is high. It is the perfect storm to purchase a nice second home at this time. My Canadian investor was bragging about how smooth his transaction was with theReal Estate and Beyond Team. We cater to out of state investors. We created a one stop shop for real estate investors.

TOP 10 REASONS CANADIANS INVESTING IN REAL ESTATE PHOENIX, ARIZONA

Please click on the link above for the Top 10 reasons to invest in Phoenix, Arizona. Many Canadians experience cold winters. So, coming to the desert that has over 300 days of sun is very refreshing to people. The cold weather gets to you after a period of time. I grew up in Buffalo. Do I need to say more?

LEARN THE MANY WAYS CANADIANS ARE ABLE TO FINANCE REAL ESTATE DEALS IN AMERICA

Here is an example of a home for sale in Arizona. This is a regular painted stucco home with a nice backyard. It s a three bedroom and two bath home with a little of 1500 sq.ft. The roof is all tile. This is a great second home located in a quite family neighborhood. Guess how much? It was listed for $79,000. This house sold for $180,000 during the real estate boom. This is just one example of many homes that are for sale during the real estate bust. Feel free to SEARCH PHOENIX FORECLOSURES

Again, the Real Estate and Beyond Team is here to serve you the client. I know many people in this city. I can find you the best deals in town with my connections. Feel free to stream in on Saturdays to listen to my radio show each Saturday from 12-2PM Phoenix Mountain Time.