Tax lien certificates are a little known or understood investment type that can reap tremendous rewards for their owners. Essentially they combine the potentially high returns usually associated with riskier investments with the security offered by lower income financial instruments such as bonds.

Here is how they operate:

1. The investor purchases the tax lien certificate which is secured to the property it relates to – in effect the investor is paying the property tax on behalf of the property owner.

2. As an example, the tax lien may relate to real estate/land owned by someone who has not paid their property taxes. This is where you step in – by paying off the tax lien and getting a certificate in return. This certificate entitles you to (a) interest on the lein and (b) the amount of the tax.

3. Interest payable on the property is passed directly to the certificate holder. The entire billing & collection process is done by the government administration and paid to the certificate holder. The rate of interest on the lien varies but tends to be between 8% and 50% per year.

4. Research shows that over 98% of tax lien certificate holders receive payments to the value of their investment within two years – and if they do not, the tax lien certificate holder can end up owning the property for little more than the amount that was paid for the certificate.

While you may be forgiven for thinking that tax lien investments are reserved for the very rich and experienced, you would in fact be wrong. They are quite simple and can be obtained for as little as a few hundred dollars.

Some experts believe that tax liens are one of the best kept secrets within the investment world – they offer high returns on capital and it is an investment backed by the government itself. In fact, investment expert Robert Kiyosaki has mentioned the benefits of tax lien certificates in his Rich Dad Poor Dad books.

Consider these staggering advantages of investing in tax lien certificates:

Tax liens typically earn incredible rates of interest on your investment. Where else can you achieve typical rates of 15%, 25% and more per year on a low-risk investment?

The investor is never responsible for ensuring that the interest, taxes etc are collected by the non-payer. This is the duty of the government who will handle all of this on the investors behalf.

Should the non-payer fail to settle the monies owed, the investor has the legal right to foreclose on their land/real estate for an incredibly low fee. The length of time can vary between one to three years before foreclosure becomes a possibility.

Tax lien investing is fairly simple – and arguably a lot easier to understand than stocks (and certainly less risky).

As with all investments, it’s important to be well armed with knowledge and experience on your side plus an understanding of the potential problems you may face when deciding to put some of your capital into tax liens.

Below we outline some important considerations:

1. To uncover the most profitable tax lien opportunities can take somewhat more capital and research than standard ones. It involves visiting tax lien sales which can be time consuming – and before bidding on anything you should consider visiting the real estates mentioned in the tax lien sales. This can be harder than it sounds because the amount of information available is very basic.

2. Remember, that aside from buying the tax lien, you will also need to pay the taxes on the property until it is redeemed. Once you do invest in tax liens, you cannot retrieve your initial investment – instead you must wait till the lien is redeemed or the property falls into foreclosure.

Tax liens are wonderful things – high yields, the opportunity to pick up real estate for just pennies on the dollar and returns that are backed by the U.S. government. Start investigating them now before they become common knowledge.

Tuks Engineer
http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/tax-lien-certificates-fat-investment-profits-backed-by-the-government-82519.html

Ontario real estate industry has flourished in the past few years and has become one of the top profit churning markets in the world. Real estate investing in Ontario promises valuable returns for your hard-earned money, provided you have right knowledge of tips and tracks of investing. You can consider this option better than any other investment form for the type of security and asset building process offered by it. Apart from trusting an investment firm for buying Ontario real estate for sale or rental properties Ontario, you must also have the flair to watch this investment market from close.

What Is The Right Time

You must have the knowledge about peak time periods for making successful real estate investing in Ontario. This will help you to invest your cash at right time and expect it to grow desirably. You can learn to identify the right investment times with the help of experts in the field. Once you start learning the process, your proficiency level also rises with time.

Which Property is Worth Investing

While real estate investing in Ontario, you must have the right information about which property can help your money to grow. For this, you must take into consideration the location and present day condition of the property, along with its future prospects. It also depends upon the fact that whether it will be personally used or as a rental property. Again take advice from experts in identifying the worth of each and every real estate property coming your way.

Information About Top Investment Regions

Whether Minden Ontario real estate property or that located in any other region can also influence your returns on investment. Thus, while real estate investing in Ontario, you must have information about top regions of Ontario, which can take care of your investments and don’t let down your desires for investing.

Learn And Follow The Rules

Finally, it is always good to abide by the law while real estate investing in Ontario. After all, you want your investments to be hassle free and fully authorized. Always check the legality of various investment firms before trusting them and make your investments safe and secure.

With real estate investment firms like Concrete Equities, you can always move further on the road of investment. The firm deals in every aspect, from foreign property investment in Canada to both commercial and residential real estate investments. So, it is in your favor to have an association with such a reliable firm.

Naj Alizada
http://www.articlesbase.com/investing-articles/real-estate-investing-in-ontario-some-tips-you-must-learn-724724.html

It’s important to decide how you’re going to finance the
purchase of your property abroad. Although most property
abroad is undoubtedly cheaper than its UK equivalent, it
is still a substantial investment. It makes sense to
investigate the options for financing the purchase so that
you can decide which is the best option for you.

The first thing to note is that UK mortgage companies will not
give you a mortgage on a property abroad. If you need to take
out a mortgage, you have two options:

Re-mortgage your current property. If you can get a re-mortgage
for all or part of the value of your current home, you may be
able to pay for your property abroad outright. Shop around for
a good deal, because if you can’t keep up the mortgage payments,
your home in the UK could be repossessed.

Mortgage with a foreign bank. Banks in the country where you
are purchasing your property abroad will give you a mortgage.
If you are buying somewhere that’s popular with overseas owners,
you will be able to find a bank or mortgage broker that can
speak English and talk you through the details. Alternatively,
a mortgage broker, like our mortgage expert, can act as an
intermediary between you and the bank to ensure that you have
the funds to buy your property abroad.

There are other finance options to help you buy your property
abroad. They include:

Equity release this is a finance arrangement with a bank or
other finance provider, where they release a certain percentage
of the value of your home in return for a mortgage over that
percentage of your home that has been released. The interest
rates on these types of loans can be higher than traditional
mortgage rates, but they do allow you to release a capital
amount that could be enough to buy your property abroad.

Joint ownership buying your property abroad with friends or
family means that you get the property you want with less capital
outlay. If you buy your property this way, you will have to set
down in clear legal terms who owns how much of the property, and
have something in place that covers you if the other party wants
to sell their share.

Use your pension if you are in a position to use the tax-
free lump sum portion of your pension then this could be a way
to finance the purchase of your property abroad. Make sure that
you know exactly how much you’re entitled to cash in, and check
the rules of your scheme before you commit to paying for your
property.

Savings if you have enough savings built up to finance your
property abroad, then use them. Be aware though, that there is
no guarantee that the price of your property will rise, and that
you or your heirs will get the same amount of money back when
the property is re-sold.

Article written By HolidayHomeNow.

Jupita Fanklin
http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/how-to-finance-your-property-abroad-62123.html

ABOUT SPAIN

Steeped in history, culture and tradition, Spain conjures up images of beautiful beaches, classical art and architecture and a passion for life – whether that be for football, dance or bull fighting. Whether you like to explore gothic cathedrals, enjoy the local food and wine, or relax by the Mediterranean Sea, it is easy to realise why more than 50 million people visit Spain (the second most visited country in the World, after France) each year.

Located in the South West of Europe, Spain has borders with Portugal and France but is otherwise surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean. Spain enjoys a warm and sunny climate for most of the Summer and for some areas in Winter months. As well as mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Minorca, Majorca) and the Canaries (Tenerife, Lanzarote, Grand Canaria) are popular destinations for tourists.

The Iberian Peninsula was occupied by the Romans in the 2nd Century BC and the region of Hispania was formed. In the 8th century, the Berber Muslims (or Moors) conquered the whole of the peninsula and large populations of Christians, Jews and Muslims lived in close proximity. It wasn’t until 1492 that Spain became a Christian country (now predominantly Catholic). That was also the year that Christopher Columbus, funded by the Queen Isabella, discovered the “New World” and the Spanish Empire was one of the most powerful in the World. Spain had a large number of colonies in Central America and Mexico and many modern-day states of the U.S.A.

At the end of the 19th Century though, Spain lost its colonies in the Spanish-American and there was some instability resulting in the Spanish Civil War (1936 – 1939) with a dictatorship established by General Franco. It wasn’t until 1975 (on Franco’s death) that Juan Carlos (grandson of King Alfonso XIII) was named successor and Spain became a democracy.

Although a Constitutional Monarchy, Spain has a number of regions (17 autonomous communities and 2 autonomous cities) all with separate identities and histories and in some cases – languages. People in regions such Catalonia, the Basque Country and Galicia, relate firstly to the region and then secondly as being part of Spain.

Property Market

In recent years, there has been a large increase in the number of overseas investors buying property in Spain, either as second homes or main residences. In 2005, there were around 3.7 million foreign residents in Spain which highlights the popularity of the country for immigration. There are large communities of British, Argentineans, Germans and Bolivians resident in the country.

The country has long been a favourite holiday venue for many, with the British among the most frequent visitors. Among the types of property available, apartments, holiday homes and villas have been the most popular. The direct comparison with the UK weather and climate offers the perfect venue for that summer break, or some where to retire in later years – with many older UK citizens taking the opportunity to emigrate to Spain after retirement.

After historic periods of volatility, the Spanish economy has been fairly stable for some time, and the relatively low interest rates further encourage inward investment. While Spain is a vast land of differing terrains, the transport system offers easy access by car, plane or train. As visitor numbers are forecasted to grow substantially over the next few years, further investment in the infrastructure is essential and in hand.

This forecasted influx of visitors will ensure a healthy demand for property, and under a careful new-build program, demand will always exceed supply. While there was a large increase of 17.5% in the price of residential property in the second quarter of 2003 (compared to same period in 2002) this kind of return is unsustainable. A more gradual return is expected over the next few years, with little potential for downside in the short to medium term.

The government recently announced reforms which are aimed at increasing the buy-to- let portion of the market from 11% to 20%, thereby releasing some pressure from the purchase market. Some 3.1 million unoccupied homes are to be brought into the market, which will again relieve some of the pent up demand experienced in recent years.

Why invest in Spain ?

Unlike countries such as the UK where stock market investment is very popular, Spanish residents have switched a large portion of their investments from the stock market to direct property investment.

There is no doubt that the Spanish economy is driven by the holiday market, and Spain has been a popular location for many years. As UK property prices have shown massive rises over the last few years, many are now switching to the Spanish market which offers better value for money. This constant flow of visitors has also encouraged a lucrative rental market, with attractive returns available, especially in the coastal areas.

As coastal property prices have shown good growth over recent years, the effect is starting to spread inland where the more sedate and quieter regions are proving popular with the older generation. So whether you are looking for that vibrant, busy environment or a quieter, slower pace of life, there is something for everyone.

Outlook

While the property returns seen over the last 10 years are set to slow, many are forecasting a steadier more controlled property market, with constant demand ensuring an upward trend for the foreseeable future. There are currently a number of long term property developments ongoing, which will flatten the supply / demand trend line. Doom and gloom predictions for the Spanish property sector appear to be wide of the mark.

Spain really does have something for everybody, whether you are looking for the architecture and art museums of Barcelona, the energetic night life of Ibiza or the quiet life of Fuerteventura. Foreign investment in the property sector is still rising and is the main driving force behind the growth in the sector.

The buy-to-let market is also attracting lots of interest as the trend for overseas holiday homes continues. After the emergence of the budget airlines, it is now as quick to travel to Spain, as it would be to travel far afield within the UK.

Parag Sheth
http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/spanish-property-122015.html

Even until the turn of the millennium, NRI investment in Indian real estate was a trickle.

Some promoters would appoint a part-time local representative in cities with large Indian populations. The more enterprising ones would occasionally participate in an exhibition where there would more questions than answers. For the 20 million Indians spread across the world, India, as a real estate investment destination, was far away. You bought property there if you had to. And prayed that your money and property would be safe.

In the last half a dozen years there has been a sea change in perception. What was a trickle is now a steady stream. No major housing project can afford to ignore the NRI market and many earmark exclusive NRI blocks in their building plans. Indians abroad want to buy into their home country not only for parents and annual holidays but purely for investment. They have recognised that while, in much of the world, real estate may be slowing, in India it is growing by leaps and bounds. “You don’t have to sell India any more,” says Aloke Banerjee, Chief Operating Officer of Axiom Estates, the largest international provider of India property services. “You have to go with deals.” “A huge amount of interest has developed,” adds Rajesh Goenka, Managing Director, who spearheaded the company’s original thrust among the UK Indians. “Five years ago the first news was trickling in that Indian real estate is worth investing. Today the brand image of India — and of real estate developers in India — has changed.”

The nature of buyers and the motivation to buy also varies from country to country. In the UK, which Goenka describes as the toughest market, most buyers are second or third generation Indians, who look upon India as just another investment destination and favour international attractions like Goa. The USA has a higher proportion of first generation expatriates, who are open to the idea of returning to India or have parents living here. The traditional metros, Bangalore and Hyderabad are their preferred destinations. Indians in the Gulf usually plan to return and therefore seek property in their hometown, often in the smaller cities. Predominantly, however, NRIs look for a return on investment with more affluent individuals seeking to invest in commercial space where rental incomes are usually over 10% and offset the interest cost.

There have been many factors fuelling NRI demand. The India story now merits regular articles in mainline newspapers such as The Times, Wall Street Journal or New York Times, encouraging everyone to seek a piece of the action. The easing of repatriation rules has made it simpler to encash returns on investment. Developers have become more professional. Banks are more willing to lend. In recent months the strengthening rupee and weakening US real estate market have made India even more attractive. The most important reason perhaps is that the Indian real estate boom is seen as being led by genuine end-user demand and hence sustainable in the long run, making the investment safe.

The marketing of real estate is also getting more organised, facilitating the buying process. While earlier, developers would seek to do their own marketing, today they rely mainly on companies like Axiom Estates, which is headquartered in London and has offices in New York, Fremont and Dubai as well as associates in a number of other cities. NRIs too depend on the professional advice and transaction management to ensure a good investment. “My experience is that Indians abroad are extremely tech-savvy,” says Aloke Banerjee. “They research a lot on the net. But then comes analysis paralysis, so they need someone to guide them. This is where Axiom Estates comes in. Although we generate a lot of enquiries through our website, we are not a virtual office or portal but have brick and mortar presence in their country. We have people to hold their hand and take them through the whole value chain. This includes purchase, property management, letting, furnishing, mortgage and, in some cases, resale of the property.”

Apart from services, Axiom offers the NRI buyer a plethora of property options. The company has tied up with close to 100 Category 1 developers and can offer buyers pan Indian property as well as choice within individual cities. At any point of time, a buyer will have over 300 projects to select from. Moreover, large investors also get the opportunity of pre-booking deals i.e. property offers at a price that is normally only available to the local community. High net worth individuals also have opportunities for block booking or project development through Axiom for higher returns on investment. Many realty investors also seek the company’s portfolio management services, where the investment is spread across several properties and cities, ensuring an optimum mix of safety and return.

To market the properties Axiom uses various techniques including extensive data base management to fit need and availability. The company organises property shows in USA, Canada, UK and now in the Gulf, in association with developers. These are publicized through local TV campaigns and articles in newspapers for several weeks. Hard copy property catalogues are mailed to prospective buyers well in advance. At the shows there are question-and-answer sessions with developers, seminars with experts, and sharing of quotes and articles. Associations with Citibank in the USA and SBI and HSBC in the UK further add credibility and confidence. As a result, Axiom’s shows attract far higher footfalls as compared to road shows by individual developers, with several thousand visitors being the norm.

Currently the NRI market accounts for about 20% of the Indian realty sector, which Banerjee describes as the tip of the iceberg. Inhibiting factors are mainly legal, particularly when it comes to land, as titles are not always clear and there is no title insurance. When buying built-up property, the documentation is usually one-sided, loading the legal dice in favour of the promoters. Delays in construction and quality of service remain issues of concern with many developers. If India were to catch up with developed countries on matters of title, transparency, service and contract integrity, the floodgates would open up. There is a lot of money waiting at the wings.

Nancy Arora
http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/buying-the-india-story-675014.html

When a loan is secured by real estate collateral, it is known as a real estate loan or more commonly a mortgage. Investors prize this form of real estate because it gives them an opportunity to bring in cash. Real estate investment loans dont just come from banks and loan agencies. They can also be found via mortgage bankers, pension funds, finance lenders, and insurance companies. Investors can even secure these loans via private individuals.

The different types of real estate investment loans serve different purposes. With a residential loan, the property is only used for commercial purposes. Stores, warehouses, and commercial businesses fall into this category. Residential loans, on the other hand, can only be used for residential real estate purposes. These can also include loans used for rental income. When an investor gets this type of loan, he or she usually receives a one-time lump sum payment from the lender. This sum is paid back in installments.

Since purchasing a residential property involves having a great deal of money, a person has to undergo a thorough screening process to be approved. Many factors contribute to the lenders decision. These include the borrowers income, their credit score, and their debt/income ratio. The interest rate on the loan depends on all of these factors.

Consisting of short term loans, long term loans, and interim loans, real estate investment loans come in many varieties. There are also other options like equity financing, construction debt, permanent debt, interim financing, structured financing, mezzanine financing, foreclosure investor money, residential repair funding, and hard money loans.

Investors with less than perfect credit should not lose hope. Loans such as bad credit real estate loans are specifically formulated for individuals with tainted credit reports. Although it is a higher risk to the lender, it allows individuals to obtain a mortgage from a company when more traditional companies might decline the loan.

Interest rates are often based on how long your repayment terms last. If you have a twenty year loan, the interest rate will be higher than a five year loan. Talking frankly and openly with a loan rep will help you understand all the intricacies of the process.

Depending on the investor, many people prefer options like buying shares in a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). These can be used as collateral to fund investment loans.

Kris Koonar
http://www.articlesbase.com/investing-articles/what-are-real-estate-investment-loans-64831.html