Affiliate Marketing As An Online Income Funnel

What is Affiliate Marketing?

Affiliate marketing in simple terms is where a business rewards its affiliates for every guest or client brought with reference to the affiliate’s individual marketing hard work. It can also be said to be a contract between an affiliate and an online business owner.

When you have now joined the company as an affiliate, you are given a unique URL link that has a tracking system of the business owner to see where conversion is coming from.

An affiliate marketer does not need an office. Just like any other online job, having a computer with good internet connection is vital.

Affiliate marketing is a win win situation since both the affiliate and the product owner make money. The payments are based on commissions for each sale made. Every sale you make counts. Examples of affiliate’s programs are:

1. Pay per lead: – Here the affiliate is paid per every sign up that has contact information. The information in the sign up may consist of as little as an email or very detailed information.

2. Pay per sale: – Like the name suggests, an affiliate is only paid after making sales. An example of these companies includes commission junction and clickbank.

7 Points To Reflect On When Doing Affiliate Marketing

1. Promote services and products that you are certain with

The only way you can confidently promote a product or service is by trying them out first. If a product or service works for you then the chances of it failing on someone else are very minimal. By so doing you will get a better outline of the product or service that you want to promote, so that it does not hurt your online reputation.

2. Trust

Trust is a very important mechanism of affiliate marketing. Trust is not a one time build thing. You need to build and grow your trust with your clients or your potential buyers. After all is said and done, you will find that partnering with any company will be an outstanding opportunity since visitors will carry some of that trust to their dealings with you.

3. First Impression

Always look for appealing home pages for affiliate programs you want to market their products or services. Visitors tend to stay more on sites that are appealing. If the home page of that company you want to partner with is not appealing to you, then certainly it might not to someone else.

An appealing home page should have informative and educative content than marketing fields. You can also look out for a home page with good images, video clips and audio clips that explain the products or services since they help to increase sales conversion rates hence making money through affiliate marketing.

4. Research

Do a thorough research and see what others are saying about a particular product or service. This is very important because what captivates you might not do so to others, since people have different views.

5. Promotional Tools

Look for excellent quality products and services as they act as a big source of complimenting your site. Use excellent promotional tools such as banners, text links, newsletters and email marketing letters since visitors like to click on images which in turn assist you make leads to your affiliate marketing site.

6. Content

Like they say „content is king„. This is the only way you can generate and retain traffic on your webpage. By so doing you will end up generating more traffic hence more affiliate sales you are bound to make. Before you monetize your blog identify the challenges your targeted audience are facing then give them a solution. Let them know that you are there to help them.

One easy way of interacting with your audience is by raising discussions on the comment section. If you implement on the feedbacks you get from the discussions, you will have a better blog which is more informative.

Note: Do not bombard your blog with affiliate links. Some marketers think that by so doing they will make more sales. This is not true; instead your readers might get frustrated and decide to get out of your site immediately which again might lead to low sales hence affecting your business.

7. Offer Discounts

I don’t think there is anyone who does not like riding on offers. Occasional offers have contributed to most companies making large sales thus benefiting their affiliates. This means that you need to be checking the backoffice of the affiliate company and see if they have any promotion.

Conclusion: Handle your website traffic carefully. Give them informative content, then gradually you will gain credibility and recognition, then you can be assured of making money in you online home business.

How To Become A Successful Affiliate Marketer

Affiliate marketing is probably the easiest and most common method of making money online. All you need is selecting the affiliate companies you want to partner with then you start advertising on behalf of them.

Due to wrong approach, some affiliates don’t make it and so they give up shortly after getting started.

However affiliate marketing can be made easier just by following simple strategies below:

1. Choose Products Keenly

In other words, do not promote everything. You should always offer your target audience with affiliate marketing products that are related to the content you share. Put yourself in your client’s shoes and you will be able to address properly the challenges they face. In this way you will be able to create excellent connections and a loyal customer base which will guarantee a regular traffic to your site. This way you will make money as you work from home.

2. The Affiliate Marketing Company Should Be On Good Records

Join online forums in your niche and inquire about the company you want to partner with. By doing this, you will be connecting with the right people and hence help you go a long way in making sure that you connect with the right affiliate marketing companies.

NOTE: Be cautious and investigate well so that you don’t waste time promoting a product and end up not receiving payment. Lastly most of the affiliate marketing companies require no charges to join.

3. First Impression Of The Affiliate Marketing Company Home Page

Study the primary impression of the company’s home page prior to promoting a product. If it is appealing, then most likely it will attract your visitors. Also, if a banner is eye catching, then your site visitors will click on the images to find out what is in store for them.

4. Giving Away Extras

When a product is on offer it tends to move very fast. It it advisable to offer bonuses occasionally, as it helps generate higher sales amount. These high sales can be achieved especially if you have your own unique product give away.

These bonuses should be linked to the individual products so that they can offer much needed value to the purchaser.

5. Try The Product First Before Putting It Up On The Market

Being successful in affiliate marketing and gaining customer trust requires you as a marketer to try out the product and write a review in a more understanding way for your clients.

Testing the product, then writing a review builds confidence in the potential visitor that what is being offered is worth buying. By this a sale is generated, and also your online trustworthiness will increase.

6.Start Small

In the world of affiliate marketing, starting small might just be the approach. Profitable sales can be achieved while learning from the start. Furthermore your understanding will increase as you encounter new aggressive markets.

Conclusion: Nothing comes easy; success can not come without persistence. Stay focused and be patient.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

Tips to Effectively Pay Off Your Debts

Outstanding debts can inflict severe dents in even the best retirement plans which have been carefully crafted over a lifetime. Incurring a debt is seemingly unavoidable in the modern age, as a result of both higher cost of living and consumerism.

With each passing year, more and more Singaporeans are diving into the debt pool as they struggle to cover their daily expenses and make ends meet. As of December 2016, the average Singaporean household incurs an estimated $55,000 of debt, which is a 3% increase over 2015. Easily 75% of this household debt stems from unresolved mortgage loans. Some of this unsettled debt may even force retirees to expend their assets to cover their debt rather than passing it on to their beneficiaries.

However, there are several ways to effectively settle outstanding debts to ensure it doesn’t put a crimp on some of those best retirement plans you’ve come up with.

1. Establish a Budget and Track It

Creating a proper budget is a great way to analyse and plan finances. By allocating a set amount of money towards a specific expense per month, the amount of expenses can be monitored more stringently and precautionary steps can be swiftly undertaken if the expenses overshoot the stipulated budget. It is only through proper budgeting can individuals or households create the necessary surpluses to pay off any existing debts.

Certain financial tools, such as Excel spreadsheets or even Mint.com, are particularly useful in keeping track of a personal or household budget.

The main problem for an individual who does not keep track of his/her monthly expenditure is that he/she does not know if he/she ends the month with a net reduction in savings, i.e., spending exceeds income and eats into savings. Knowing the amount of leftover balance is crucial since a continuous negative balance might lead to the creation of new debts. It is this type of debt that is the most dangerous as it rolls over at seemingly manageable interest rates month after month. Before the individual knows it, he/she would have made hefty payments on interest alone.

Tracking tools are thus crucial in identifying areas of weakness in one’s monthly spending habits, but an individual must take affirmative action to reverse the negative balance situation. This can be done via listing out the monthly expenses and employing necessary cut backs on certain expenditures. Discipline is the key.

2. Laddering Debts by Interest Rate

Laddering debts is another technique used in settling outstanding debt. It involves listing out all current debts by interest rate, starting from the highest interest rate to the lowest interest rate. The debt with the highest interest rate costs the most money, so this debt needs to be settled first.

By paying off the most expensive debt first, the overall debt will be reduced significantly faster. Some individuals who incur multiple debts per month and employ laddering in their finances usually settle the minimum payment required for each debt, and use the balance cash from their payments to settle more of the debt with the highest interest rate.

For example, let’s compare two debt instruments: one, a credit card with an outstanding balance of $4,000 with an interest rate of 24% and another, a credit line with an outstanding balance of $8,000 with an interest rate of 16%. Ideally, the minimum monthly payment required to settle each debt would first be made, and any leftover finances would be funneled to repaying more of the credit card debt even though the amount owed may be lower.

Laddering is especially useful in tackling multiple debts while avoiding the accidental creation of another new debt. Laddering also instills a sense of financial discipline that is good in tackling unresolved debts and preventing those debts from inflicting too much harm on those retirement plans you’ve kept in mind.

3. Balance Transfers

Balance transfers is another tool used to cut back on interest expenses whilst settling an attempt to pay off a debt over several months.

For example, given the competitive nature of the unsecured credit market, banks often provide very low teaser rates for clients who transfer their existing unsecured debt from other banks. The effective interest rates could be as low as 4% p.a. versus the normal 24% p.a. one pays on credit card balances. However, the catch is such promotional rates lasts only for a certain period, for example 6 months. Nevertheless, balance transfers can lower the interest costs of an existing debt.

Balance transfers do carry their own risks. Individuals transferring balances must remember to either settle the debt after the transfer or look for another such opportunity before the lower interest on the account to which the balance is transferred expires, otherwise he/she risks paying an even higher interest rate.

Individuals using the balance transfers may also fail to address the continuous build-up of debt, thus wiping out any benefit from such a strategy. In the end, despite this cost-saving strategy, individuals end up with even more debts that impinge on savings, not to mention any future retirement plans.

4. Contacting Consumer Credit Counseling Services

If a person is having immense trouble settling their debts or even coming up with the minimum monthly payments, they should consider engaging a consumer credit counseling service. In Singapore, this service is aptly named as the Credit Counseling Singapore („CCS“) and offers solution-based credit counseling for individuals beleaguered by financial debt.

The CCS’s debt management services only cost $130 and pairs up debt-laden individuals with a credit counsellor. The credit counsellor will assess the indebtedness of an individual’s situation and assist him/her by making a financial estimate of the debts owed, identify available resources which can be used to cover the debts and even plan a monthly budget which incorporates all living expenses. Solutions to tackle the debt problem and monthly negative balances will be meted out to alleviate the burden of debt.

If one is concerned over how his/her debt would affect his/her retirement plans, contacting the CCS would be the right way to go. If the retirement plan has already taken the old debt into account, proper financial restructuring could reduce the interest and installment payments that need to be made.

Even the best retirement plans may be in jeopardy in the face of unresolved debts. By adopting better financial habits such as establishing a budget, laddering debts and transferring balances, an unsettled debt situation might become easier to handle. If a debt problem persists, the CCS can be engaged to work out a solution to stave off unresolved debts. Financial advisers may also be consulted to better streamline finances and handle monthly expenses, thus ensuring a more secure and better retirement in the future.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

How to Use Instagram to Market a Real Estate Listing

Instagram’s simple platform and focus on photos makes it the perfect app for real estate agents to share their listings. However, agents who aren’t familiar with the platform may not know what kinds of pictures to post. Simply posting a photo of your listing with the address and a description isn’t going to get much attention. You need to create a story around the listing and share multiple photos to tell that story.

The easiest way to start „Instagramming“ your listings is to use Instagram during an open house. Below are 7 different pictures you can take to create and share your open house story.

Start with a selfie

A „selfie“ is a photo that you take of yourself. Take a selfie in your car, in front of the sign or by the front door. Caption it with something like „Excited to host an open house at 12345 Main Street.“

Your favorite room

Take a photo of your favorite room in the house. In the caption, get your followers to imagine life in that room. For example, if your favorite room is the bathroom with the huge soaking tub, say something like „Can you imagine coming home from a hard day’s work and getting to soak in this tub? Glorious!“

Your favorite outdoor feature

Photograph your favorite outside space. Again, get your followers to imagine themselves living there. „Check out this built in BBQ. Would you love to host summer BBQs at this home?“

Give a shoutout to other agents

A shoutout is a social media referral. If a real estate agent you know comes by the house with clients, snap a picture with them and give them a shoutout in the caption (be sure to use their Instagram handle if they have one.) Your caption could read something like this „Look who stopped by my open house today! Thanks for bringing your buyers @realestateagent.“

Share your „to-do list.“

Write or type a list of things you need to do to prepare for the open house then post a picture. This gives people an idea of the services you provide when hosting an open house. You can also share the owners to do list to educate people on how they should prepare for an open house.

Tools of the Trade

Do you always bring a specific water bottle to open houses? Do you often bake cookies or bring a vase of flowers? Lay out your items and snap a photo. The caption can read something like „Here’s my open house survival kit!“

Get the owners in on the fun

If the homeowners are around, take a photo with them. Tag them and ask them to share the photo on their Instagram and to tag you!

Instagram is easy to use and the perfect platform for real estate agents who are unfamiliar with social media but want to use it to market their listings. With a few clicks of your smartphone camera and some witty captions, you’re next buyer could be one of your Instagram followers.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

How Staging Helps To Sell A House?: 4 Basic Options

Many homeowners, learn from their real estate agents, and opt to take advantage of some of the principles of staging their home, in order to enhance the potential and possibilities of achieving the finest, possible results, in terms of selling their houses, for the best possible price, in the minimum period of time! We refer to staging, as a process, which improves, how, potential buyers, might perceive the specific home, in a positive way. In light of that, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, 4 basic options/ alternatives, for getting this done, effectively, and productively.

1. De – clutter, and touch – up, limited areas: In some instances, it only takes a little, well – considered, tweaking, to achieve the intended objectives. Before beginning to show the house, reduce the amount of clutter, significantly, remove excessive furniture and furnishings (put into storage, or dispose of), and proceed, to, touch – up, largely viewed areas (many people, can do this, themselves). When a house looks neater and cleaner, and distractions, and negatives, are removed, and/ or, addressed, it usually translates to better showings, and more, qualified buyer, interest, and, hopefully, meaningful offers!

2. Do – it – yourself (DIY) staging: Depending on the size, price, niche market, etc, it may be possible, to do – it – yourself! This DIY staging process, includes, reducing the amount of furniture, and fixtures, especially, any, which seem to show, wear – and – tear, or don’t enhance the overall appearance of the house. This should include: paying attention to curb appeal; reducing/ addressing any unwanted odors, and/ or, eye – sores; touch – up painting, cleaning fixtures, and adjusting lighting, and overall esthetics, etc.

3. Hire professional stager: Sometimes, it is necessary to hire a recommended, quality, professional home – stager! This process, often, includes: removing, existing furniture/ fixtures, and replacing them, with loaner items; enhancing strengths, and addressing areas of weakness, etc. However, because this is often, costly, to do, if you choose, a quality approach, the price range, and niche of the property, are relevant factors, whether this is an advisable approach, for you!

4. Study and understand some of the basics: It makes sense for homeowners, deciding to sell their homes, to thoroughly, study, and better understand, some of the essentials, and basics, which will add value to the transaction, and process! For example, to show a smaller room, such as a dining room, better, it often makes sense, to use taller furniture, and bigger fixtures, hanging from the ceilings. Understand, how lighting factors – in, as well, as where to highlight, and how to minimize attention, to some locations, Where some touch – up painting, curb appeal, etc, may be beneficial, are key considerations!

Become a smarter home seller, by understanding, and taking advantage of the relevant, applicable aspect of staging, for your specific house. Doesn’t that make sense?

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

Houses For Sale in Jamaica – Transfer Tax and Stamp Duty

The transfer tax and stamp duty are fees that are attached to your cost when you are involved in a transaction for houses for sale in Jamaica is usually at a percentage value of the land. Normally the value is in line with the sale price.

The transfer act states that transfer tax is 7.5%. There is a relief an amount of $10,000.00 relief where the value of the land is $150,000.00 or less. The type of home does not matter. It is usually a misconception that Jamaica beachfront houses for sale attract a much higher transfer. This is simply not true. However there are some exemptions to these Jamaican property taxes.

Exemptions

1. Transfers of property by Jamaican Government and Local Authorities.

2. Transfers to government or Local Authorities of Jamaican land for purposes such as roadways and other reservations in sub-divisions.

3. Transfers by way of gifts to approved institutions of property to be used exclusively for charitable purposes.

4. The Principal place of dwelling of spouses (Joint Tenancy or Tenancy in Common) In the event of death only.

Stamp Duty – Payment of Stamp Duty is governed by the Stamp Duty Act. The stamp duty payable on land is approximately 5.5% of the full value of the land/dwelling.

Certification of title:

Once a property is registered it is given identification by way of Volume and Folio numbers in the Register Book of Titles. The original Title is kept at the Office of Titles and entries are made thereon whenever something affecting any interest in the land is brought to the attention of the Registrar of Titles. For example, a transfer, a mortgage, death of a part owner, grants of easement and so on. This is standard for all houses for sale in Jamaica.

The land owner gets the duplicate Certificate of Title on Registration. Duplicate Certificate of Title has to be submitted to the Registrar for endorsement of all transactions affecting the land.

The Conveyance or Transfer of Houses In Jamaica For Sale Exercise

This normally begins either between seller (vendor) and buyer (purchaser) or between either one of the aforementioned parties and a Jamaica real estate dealer or Jamaica property agent. Purchaser or an attorney should inspect the Duplicate Certificate of Title. This is vital as some homes in Jamaica for sale come without sale agreements and hence no transfer might have taken place. A title proves exactly who the owner of the land is.

The usual form of Purchase and Sale Agreement sets out inter alia:-

(1) The legal names, registered address and gainful occupation of the contracting parties.

(2) Full description of the house in Jamaica for sale – including size or actual dimensions, registered location, and the identifying folio and volume numbers of the Certificate of Title, in the case of both registered Jamaican buildings and land. In the case of land with a Common Law Title, the size, description, boundaries and other relevant details.

(3) Purchase Price – in words and figures to avoid mistakes and misunderstandings.

(4) Completion – the effective date when the final payment for transaction is anticipated to be collected and the full sale completed, that is, transfer effected, cheque and titles exchanged.

(5) Cost of transfer – unless otherwise agreed, this usually states that each party should bear half the cost of Stamp Duty, Registration Fee and Attorneys Costs.

Payment of Jamaica real estate agents commission – paid on the Completion of the transfer of title and the closing of the transaction.

Fees on sale and purchase of land

1. Transfer tax – 7.5% of market value (Vendor only)

2. Stamp duty – approximately 5.5% of Market Value

3. Registration fee – Approximately 2% of Market Value (or $2.00 per 1,000)

4. Attorney’s costs – As per Scale – Jamaican Bar Association (effective 1st June 1991)

5. Surveyors Identification Fees:

(i) Values up to $500,000.00 = $1,500.00, thereafter, 0.1% up to 1 million, thereafter, $1,000 per million. Plus Research and Title fee/charge of $400.00.

(ii) Properties in excess of 1 acre or Irregular Boundaries a traversing fee is added. Fee depends on length of traverse.

(iii) If land is outside the corporate area $6.00 per mile.

6. Valuation Fees:

Kingston Jamaica Corporate Area

Corporate Area: Cost $3.00 per 1000 of the market value and $150.00 for travelling and incidental expenses. Minimum fee of $1,000.00 plus travelling and incidentals $1,150.00

Outside Corporate Area – (Beyond 15 miles from Kingston Jamaica) 3.50 per 1,000 of the market value plus travelling @ $3.50 per mile minimum fee of $1,500.00 plus travelling.

7. Mortgage Costs: (Building Societies)

(1) 1% application fee (Saver)

(2) 2% application fee (non Saver)

(3) Life Insurance – amount differs according to age.

NB. No longer will Compulsory Society take an assignment of Existing Policy.

(4) Mortgage Indemnity: 7% of sum being Insured applies when Mortgage in excess of the standard two thirds – 90% Mortgage.

(5) Stamp duty on Mortgage

(6) Registration Fees on the Mortgage

(7) Attorneys Costs

(8) Valuation Fee

(9) Surveyors Identification

(10) First Month Mortgage Payment

Mortgages: – $1.00 per 200 x 25% or 0.65%

These outline all the costs associated with buying houses for sale in Jamaica. It is important that both the vendor and purchaser understand the fees associated with this Jamaica real estate transaction.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

Should You Rent or Buy a Home Water Cooler?

Do you want to have a water cooler in your home, giving you a chance to enjoy cold and fresh water, whenever you feel thirsty? Then there are two viable options for you – rent or buy.

Homeowners tend to opt for renting. The service includes the delivery of bottles and the sanitation of the equipment. But is rental really the most financially savvy option?

Rental is connected to a monthly charge. This fee includes maintenance and some repairs, as well. These additional services are viewed as a great convenience, which is probably why some people prefer renting.

Long-term decisions, however, especially ones that incorporate lifestyle changes favour the purchase of a water cooler for household use.

Buying a unit for your home is connected to numerous benefits that include drinking more water and saving on the purchase of bottled water from the local supermarket and also an overall healthy lifestyle mind-set.

Purchase, Maintenance and Repairs

Rental does come with the added benefit of maintenance and repairs that are included in the monthly fee. But what are the benefits, if the home water cooler is purchased?

For one, the supply company could provide proper installation and maintenance even after you buy the equipment, so you’re never left out on a limb. Having a water cooler you’ve bought also gives you more freedom when it comes to choosing the sanitation and maintenance procedures.

The product is usually delivered with a comprehensive installation guide. Additionally, websites nowadays provide more than sufficient information about sanitation and proper maintenance. But if you have no interest in doing the maintenance yourself, you can always choose a qualified technician.

Getting Refill Bottles

Most suppliers will also be offering bottle refill services. In fact, most suppliers insist on supplying bottles for the maintenance agreement to remain valid. However, owners of home water coolers who’ve purchased outright can get their bottles from an alternative supplier, that they choose.

All water coolers have universal fitting anyway, which means that the most common and popular water bottle brands will be suitable for the equipment.

Extra Tips:

Read the small print

When choosing a bottle refill supplier, take a close look at the contract to make sure that you are getting the best possible conditions without an overly long-term commitment.

Find a local supplier

Going for a local company is always the best and the most affordable possibility. Compare different options and figure out whether getting the bottles from the supplier is the most beneficial option.

Most suppliers deliver additional services, which means you will be free from worrying about maintenance and sanitation and just be able to enjoy a steady supply of drinking water in your home to complement a healthy lifestyle.

When deciding whether to rent or to buy, you will have to think about the time period in which you will need to use the piece. But buying your own equipment will always be the better investment over the long term for a homeowner.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

How to Postpone Your Sheriff Sale With or Without the Bank

One of the most justified concerns homeowners have about being in foreclosure is how much time they have to save their homes. This is such an important issue that many homeowners simply give up on their homes and move out long before they have run out of time. They simply assume the sheriff will show up any day and kick them out! Unfortunately, this is a dangerous assumption to make, and homeowners frequently have more options than they could ever believe possible to increase the time they have available.

In fact, it is reasonable to state that any homeowner can still stop the foreclosure process at nearly any time up until the date of the sheriff sale. Of course, if that date is on the horizon or approaching in the next few weeks or months, then there is still some time, but the foreclosure victims need to get something together rather quickly. Stopping a sheriff sale is vitally important if there is any realistic plan to save the home and pay off the mortgage or reinstate the payments. A sheriff sale will nullify almost any plan that was being worked on before the auction.

It is also important to not that the bank will not accept just a regular payment once the home is in the foreclosure process, nor will they accept any form of partial payment. The lender will most likely demand the entire amount that is behind right now, unless they are willing to work out some sort of repayment plan with the owner. This is one reason that homeowners, as soon as they have recovered from a financial hardship, should call the lender to find out exactly what plans they can offer and how much money will have to be forked out to them to begin a plan.

But, if the bank does not accept a forbearance agreement or other plan, there are a few other ways to stop the foreclosure date that do not involve direct intervention by the mortgage company. Sometimes, the homeowners need to take control over their home and take advantage of other opportunities.

First, the homeowners can simply file Chapter 13 bankruptcy to avoid foreclosure. That puts all creditor collection efforts on hold (including the mortgage company’s attempts to collect) while the debt is being dealt with by the court system. It can stop a sheriff sale the day before the sale, and might work as a last-ditch effort. Although it is not the most preferable way to stop foreclosure, homeowners should keep it in mind if they are seriously short on time. In many cases where the homeowners are nearly out of time, no other way to postpone the auction will work.

Second, just paying back the entire amount behind will get the mortgage reinstated. It will bring the status of the loan back to „current,“ and end the foreclosure process. If there are no arrears, and no part of the loan is in default, the bank can not continue foreclosing. Admittedly, this is also the most unlikely scenario presented here, mainly due to the unwillingness of the bank to work out a solution and the fact that they typically add thousands of dollars of late fees, interest, court costs, and attorney fees to the total amount needed to reinstate the loan. But if homeowners can come up with the money, they will be able to save their home immediately.

Last, going into court and asking the judge to order the lender to try to work something out is always a potential solution. Very few homeowners take up this opportunity, though, simply due to an (ir)rational fear of the legal system. But the judge can order the bank to consider a repayment plan, or offer some other resolutions besides going straight through with the legal process of foreclosing on the home. The judge can also put a hold on the sheriff sale, since he is the one ordering the sale in the first place. In fact, the judge wields an enormous amount of power over the bank, for some unknown reason, but this power can be used by the homeowners in self-defense, if necessary. Passing up this option is a major mistake for homeowners attempting to prevent foreclosure.

The bottom line is that foreclosure is never inevitable once it starts. To make sure they have the best chance of saving the home, foreclosure victims merely need to take advantage of what options are available and make sure they can make the payments on time again, or come up with the money to reinstate, or have enough time to pursue an option like a foreclosure refinance or a sale. Having a sheriff sale scheduled is obviously a major stumbling block, but homeowners have more options than they are aware of to obtain the time necessary to work on a solution to foreclosure.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

Are You Tired of Tenants, Toilets, and Trash?

Wouldn’t you rather go to Tahiti? Are you a landlord with rental property whose value has significantly appreciated? Are you ready to cash in those profits and take that trip to Tahiti?

Before selling your property, check with your accountant who

will tell you that you will be paying $60,000 in Capital

Gains Tax to Uncle Sam. Your accountant will also tell you

that adding another $20,000 to your income by that sale is

called recaptured depreciation. This will bump you into the

next tax bracket and doom you next April 15th into sending

the IRS a check for maybe another $7,000.

Are you still ready to sell that property?

It looks like that trip to Tahiti is going to be sometime in

the far future…

But wait! You decide to check with your realtor and then

find out about a 1031 exchange to defer your Capital Gains.

Your realtor tells you if you buy another like-kind rental

property of equal or greater value, you won’t get hit with

the gains tax on the sale. That is all fine and good, but

it does not really get you out of the headaches associated

with collecting rent, keeping your unit occupied, finding

clean/classy tenants that won’t trash the place, nor does it

keep you from getting that 2am call to fix an overflowing

toilet. To top this off, now you have to pay more in

property taxes and must charge higher rent.

Hmm…maybe this idea is not the ticket to that South Pacific

paradise either.

This is the dilemma I heard from my financial clients again

and again. They were frustrated and felt trapped in their

current situation. So what is a frustrated income property

owner to do? After a lot of research and roadblocks, I found

the perfect solution that has changed the lives of my

clients and took away stress to bring enjoyment of life.

For anyone who is tired of being a landlord and who owns a

rental/commercial property that has gone up a lot in value,

take heart.

A 1031 exchange into a Tenant In Common Property may be your

answer.

There are very specific rules to follow set by the IRS, and

the entire detailed process is the subject for a future

article, but here’s the gist:

1-Sell your current income

property;

2-Before the close of escrow, you declare via a Qualified

Intermediary (also called an Accommodator, who is a

qualified third party) that you intend to do a 1031 exchange

into a Tenant in Common Property;

3-Work with a reputable

company to identify a property that you would like to

purchase an interest in;

4-At the close of escrow, your

proceeds are transferred by the Accommodator to purchase

your proportionate share of a larger „A“ rated commercial

building;

5-You may choose a business center, a medical

office building, or similar high-end property; and lastly,

6-You get a deeded interest in this property, so you can

keep it, resell it, pass it to your heirs, or even gift it

to charity upon your death.

The way that this works is all the new fractional owners, or

„Tenants in Common“ hire an ace Management Company to handle

all the property management tasks. The company finds and

keeps high quality tenants, does the maintenance and

upgrades, pays the property taxes, and handles all the day

to day crisis that arise. Probably the three most important

factors in this entire process are:

1-Your choice of company

that offers the properties for sale;

2-the Accommodator,

and;

3-the management company.

Make sure each of the three parts is a top notch with proven

track records. Anything less could spell disaster.

When this 1031 option is done properly, your benefits will

be:

Deferral of all Capital Gains,

A monthly contractual income (usually based on 6-7% return

on equity),

Building depreciation for tax savings,

Unlimited property appreciation potential, and

No more headaches of property management.

Good-bye Tenants, Trash and Toilets!

Hello Tahiti!

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

Five Neighborhoods Of Cincinnati

Cincinnati, an important city in the State of Ohio, is a great place to live in America. This city is home to the University of Cincinnati, colleges, public schools, several major sports teams, and a number of global companies. Moreover, it has a low cost of living and offers many reasonably priced Cincinnati apartments for rent. Cincinnati includes around 52 neighborhoods and all of these neighborhoods have their own unique features. This article describes five Cincinnati neighborhoods that provide several beneficial facilities and have quality Cincinnati apartments.

Clifton: This Cincinnati neighborhood has a diverse population with different races, ethnicities, classes, and backgrounds. The University of Cincinnati is nestled in Clifton and so naturally it has the presence of a large number of students. It is also only a few minutes away from Cincinnati State Technical Community College and Hebrew Union College. Clifton has many hospitals, including University Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital, Shriners Burns Hospital, Deaconess Hospital, Select Specialty Hospital, VA Medical Center, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Clifton is also noted for its pedestrian-friendly streets, magnificent mansions, gaslights, and many parks. There are many one and two-bedroom apartments near to the University of Cincinnati. Clifton is the best option for those who are looking for Cincinnati, Ohio Apartments.

Hyde Park: This is an esteemed Cincinnati neighborhood with walker-friendly streets, well-kept lawns, German single-family homes, Victorian buildings, shops, and many wonderful restaurants. This Cincinnati neighborhood is very close to Downtown and the Norwood lateral. Kenwood Towne center, the famous shopping and entertainment area, is near to Hyde Park. The real estate in this affluent area is little expensive, but Hyde Park also has many affordable Cincinnati apartments for rent.

Mount Adams. This neighborhood includes many bars, restaurants, cafes, and dance floors. This a perfect place for the party goers. Mount Adams is only a few miles away from many important places like Irwin M. Krohn Conservatory, Art museum, and Eden Park. If you plant to rent an apartment in Cincinnati, this area is a good choice.

Mason: The most important feature of Mason is its school system. This Cincinnati neighborhood has many excellent schools, including Mason High School, one of the largest schools in Ohio. Real estate is not costly here as it is a little away from Ohio. This neighborhood also boasts of many large business establishments. It also has many quality and spacious Cincinnati apartments.

Mariemont: Mariemont neighborhood is an excellent choice for those who are searching for Cincinnati Ohio apartments. This neighborhood also has a great school system and this is the main reason why many families prefer to live here. It does have Tudor style homes and tree-lined lanes. However, Mariemont is more expensive that many other neighborhoods of Cincinnati.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

Homes For Sale – 7 Tips for Selling in a Slow Market

In the past decade home sales have gradually become a buyer’s market. Although this is good news for the buyer, it is becoming somewhat of a nightmare for those who are trying to sell their home. Because of this, sellers often have to dramatically drop the price of their homes in order to make the sale, resulting in huge losses. However, there are ways of increasing the chances of making the sale without the seller having to take a big loss. The following will be a list of seven tips for successfully selling a home in a slow market.

1) Appearance is key- When looking to buy a home a buyer will naturally gravitate to houses that have a nice appearance. Fixer-uppers are not as popular as they once were. The first thing that a seller should do is to fix anything that may catch the eye of a potential buyer. For instance, the yard should look immaculate at all times. If the gutters on the house are drooping, that will be the first thing people will notice. If there is chipped paint on the house, paint it. It is worth the money to stage your property for curb appeal.

2) Be flexible- Be prepared to make yourself scarce on weekends if needed for the realtor to show the house. Keep things tidy at all times for any last minute appointments made by perspective buyers. Try not to limit the times that you are willing to provide access to the home.

3) Keep the home at market price- If you are stuck in the mind-frame of making big dollars from the sale of your home, chances are your house will be on the market for years. The best way to drive away potential buyers is to put the house up for sale above market value. Keeping the house for sale at a reasonable market price means that there will be more interest in coming to an open house, therefore bettering your chances of making the sale. It is a well-known fact by realtors that if the price is right, there is a buyer out there for every house.

4) Find an agent with an extensive sales track record in your town- A good realtor will know exactly how to determine fair market price for your home. He should also have a record of being able to sell a home within three or four months. A realtor that is experienced in selling property in your particular neighborhood will be able to take you through the process efficiently and in a timely manner. If you have a realtor who doesn’t have many years of experience, this will waste valuable time and money while he is still working on perfecting his craft.

5) Give the home have a warm and welcoming feel- If the walls in your home are painted in vibrant colors tone them down with neutral shades of tan and beige. This will allow perspective buyers to picture their own furniture in the home without distraction. Set the mood with lightly scented candles in the bedrooms and bathrooms. Soft calming music in the background will give the buyer a relaxed comfortable feeling. Buy new linens for the beds and throw pillows for the sofas. Give your home that „homey“ feeling that everyone is looking for.

6) Do your research- Go to open houses and check out the other houses that are on the market in your area. See what they have to offer a potential buyer. If they have a cozy seating area in the master bedroom, create your own cozy seating area to entice those potential buyers. You would be surprised at the things you can do with just a few over-sized throw pillows and a window with a view. Gather ideas from other houses and use your imagination for the rest.

7) Offer incentives to potential buyers- When a buyer is interested in purchasing your home but wants you to come down on the price, try using other incentives instead. For instance, you may want to offer to pay the buyer closing costs. This is always tempting to buyers since it will save them money, allowing them to have more money for a down payment. Some sellers choose to throw in appliances such as the refrigerator, dishwasher or washer/dryer.

In a buyer’s market, the seller has the task of being inventive in finding a way of moving his property. Making the sale is not always a piece of cake, but with a bit of effort, it can still be done quite successfully.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg