Should we invest in real estate?

Investing in real estate has become a popular way for people to protect their savings. Investors can be young or old, male or female, and they certainly don't have to be rich. Before investing, however, realtors say people should be aware of these important facts.

Property bought as an investment may have a higher interest rate than a home where you will live in personally. The down payment required by financial institutions may be higher.

Finding the right property is paramount, say realtors. Homes can be found everywhere and in all price ranges, but the adage of "location, location, location" holds true for investment properties as well as for homes.

If you are capable of making repairs, and can make time to do them, buying a distressed property can be profitable. It should be surrounded by well-maintained homes of higher value. Later, you'll be pleased to sell for a nice profit.

Choosing a property that will be easy for you to monitor and maintain is an important factor. The best choices are properties near your home or located on your way to work. The successful investment buyer usually has time for hands-on involvement with the property including management, maintenance, and renovation.

Investors must make themselves knowledgeable about legal issues of being a landlord and know how to pick a tenant. In the long run, real estate can be a more secure and lucrative alternative to traditional investments.

The question, however, lies as to whether or not the time is right? The argument could go either way, some people would say right now is a buyers market.....do you agree?

Maria Suzette Smith
Elite Title, Inc.

The Birth of Title Insurance

How did Title Insurance come to be?

It began in 1868. In Philadelphia, a land sale showed the necessity of having more protection than the examination
of public records would provide. Before the sale, a title search disclosed an old judgment against the land. But the
buyer's attorney advised that it was not a valid lien, and the sale was completed.  Shortly afterward, however, the
lien was allowed by the court, and the property was sold at a sheriff's sale. As a result of the loss, real estate attorneys
decided to do something to protect innocent investors. They created title insurance, and before long it was used
all over the U.S.

.....a little history for you....

Maria Suzette Smith
http://www.elitetitleonline.com
elitemd@yahoo.com

Commercial Real Estate Investments: Medical Properties?

Medical offices=remains stable

Medical office is one commercial category that has remained relatively recession resistant and it is expected to escape the current economic struggles.

Quoted in Globe Street, Richard Kelley, director of the RealShare Conference Series, said medical office is still an area that is growing and the expansion will continue, even as other markets stand still.

Driving the medical segment: An aging population that requires more medical care coupled with the hospital building boom of recent years.

A recent study by Marcus & Millichap, characterizes the long-term outlook for medical office as increasingly mainstream. "Once viewed as a higher risk specialty asset, medical office properties have become main stream for private and institutional investors. Long-term leases and low tenant turnover, combined with a stable market outlook and advancing medical technology point to a positive future," according to the study.

Maria Suzette Smith

elitemd@yaho.com

www.elitetitleonline.com

Should I use a Real Estate Agent? Yes!

First, a real estate agent can sell your house faster and for a higher price than you would get by selling it on your own. According to the National Association of Realtors, in 2007, the average price of a home sold by the owner was $180,000. The average price of a home sold by a real estate agent was $240,000. Here are some of the reasons for the difference.

A professional agent is familiar with the prices of similar homes in your area and can help you adjust the asking price higher or lower. Either way, the property will sell faster if the price is right. Real estate agents are good at pricing because they remove themselves from the emotional aspects of selling.

Taking the misery out of finding a buyer is one of a real estate agent's great services. You won't be bothered by odd telephone calls and obvious "lookers" who just want to see your place. It will only be shown to serious and qualified buyers.

Marketing is a big part of the agent's job. He or she will photograph the home and advertise it at no cost to you. It will be included in the Multiple Listing Service so anyone in the country can see it.

Handling the volume of paperwork involved in a closing is part of the agent's job. Today, some purchase agreements are 10 pages long. Add to that the federal, state, and local disclosure papers. The agent can provide a list of professionals you can choose from whose services will be involved.

After the closing and sale are complete, questions can arise on subjects that did not have to be considered at the closing.

Your agent will still be there for you to settle any questions about property tax assessments or other matters that could come up months after the sale.

Are you a buyer?

Most of these skills are also involved in buying a home. The agent will find properties that fit with your needs, wishes, and price range, saving you a great deal of time and trouble. After that comes the price negotiating, helping to find financing, and everything to do with the closing.

Maria Suzette Smith

www.elitetitleonline.com

Are your marketing tactics working?

Companies/business owners try many different facets of marketing, sometimes multiple campaigns are running at the same time. However, in the end no matter what business you own, your marketing campaigns or sources should be measured and reviewed periodically. Here are some hints:

Pay attention to your sales, they should be going up. Make sure you measure your incoming leads, appointments, sales, etc. Don't base your "sales" measurement on one aspect, every company is different. You have to do your homework, and find out if your advertising/or promotional activities are producing responses. Get client feedback and be a "giver". The best way to spread word of your business is to help others in the process. Get to know your connections instead of "selling" to them.

Having followed the above hints, ask yourself are my final sales growing. Make sure that all your networking, mailers, and marketing campaigns are getting you final results, and that you are getting a positive return for your marketing/sales investments.

Maria Suzette Smith
www.elitetitleonline.com
www.grapevinecommunities.com/sales/

Where has marketing gone?

Marketing in the real estate world has changed quite a bit. We have gone from print advertising, direct mail, event marketing, and knocking on people's doors to the world of the internet. Professionals are running from newspapers, T.V., mailings, and old media. The hottest new wave of marketing is Web 2.0, email lists, and network marketing. Our new marketing goal for 2009, should be to learn to master the new wave of marketing, and try new things. However, let's not ever forget to make a personal connection, to make phone calls, and meet our clients in person. In the end, building a relationship whether through the internet or through the mail, adding a personal touch makes it worthwhile.

Maria Suzette Smith
Elite Title, Inc.
www.elitetitleonline.com