For the past 40 years, we've averaged between 3-5% appreciation per year.Here are some numbers:Sales Jan 2006 – July 2006Houses Under Contract 10042Houses Sold & Closed 8811Average Selling Price $172,273Median Sales Price $138,500Sales Jan 2007 – July 2007Houses Under Contract 10213Houses Sold & Closed 8998Average Selling Price $173,845Median Sales Price $139,900% Change from 2006 to 2007Houses Under Contract 1.7% IncreaseHouses Sold & Closed 2.1% IncreaseAverage Selling Price 1.0% IncreaseMedian Sales Price 1.0% IncreaseWhile it doesn't represent a complete picture of the market, it at least shows some indication of strengthening.The number of total properties on the market is still relatively heavy compared to several years ago - but at least the rate that they are coming off the market is starting to increase.Generally speaking, partially due to the media frenzy about the "disastrous real estate market" - its still a good time to buy investment properties, or move up from your existing home.Its generally not a good time for a lateral move, or downsizing.

From one that speaks to people in foreclosure on regular basis, one repeating emotional trend I see is embarrassment---in general, folks in this position often act too late because they are embarrassed (pride is another good emotional anchor) with admitting failure...Although I don't market to these individuals, I understand the mindset all to well and believe any marketing campaign to these folks should include the following components:- Discretion/Privacy: Give them an opportunity to learn more without revealing themselves initially---offer a white paper or recorded info-message which would allow these distressed homeowners to learn without the need to speak to somebody. - Hope: Too many marketers are appealing to fear---although fear is a compelling emotional trigger, the majority of people don't want to be reminded what they will lose, they want to be reassured that there is a chance for recovery

While they explain what some of the indicators are that they use to determine what would make a good emerging market, they do not really get into the nuts an bolts of exactly how to conduct this research.All in all I thought the book was good and it definitely gave me some moments of inspiration of things I can change in my own investing career, however I would have preferred more practical "how to" information versus theory.This is a book that I believe would be helpful for experienced investors.

In a nutshell, a Condo Hotel (or Condotel as they are know in the industry) is a hotel where each unit (typically a suite) is individually owned, and when you are not staying in the unit, it is rented out to the paying public on a nightly basis.If you have ever stayed overnight in a ski resort, or a popular tourist destination in Florida, Hawaii, or Las Vegas, you may even have stayed at a condo-hotel.

I am looking to deal with like minded individuals who are in groups around the austin, texas areas..Let me know, ThanksAlison

They lend to individuals and then you deed it to an LLC.b) Fannie Mae only allows 10 mortgages Just wondering how credible this guy is.....

Espeacially as he was not willing to give me any indication as to how much time it would take for him to work on them.

I understand what your saying though the market I specialize in sometimes involve individuals who have no problem making money.

When I get to the point where I want to do real estate full time and leave my FT job, do any of you have contacts for real estate groups who buy health/life/dental insurance as a group and, thus, get their small business/personal insurances more cheaply than if they bought as individuals?

In a state where there is a 2% transfer tax a round trip from you to the LLC and back to you will cost you 4%In one location I know of the county waives the transfer tax when going between an individual and a trust as they do not want to tax someone organizing their estate (estate planning many times involves transfers into or out of a trust).Pull out an old closing statement or contact a closing attorney if you use them in MD.