Raul Aleman & Jennifer Cook

Florida Real Estate a Lure for Brazilians

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:49:00 GMT

Brazilians love Florida; approximately 1.8 million of our neighbors to the south intend to visit through 2013 and Florida's realtors hope to convert these visitors to home buyers.

Representative of Florida's realtors, along with Governor Rick Scott and John Sebree, Florida Realtors vice president of public policy, traveled to Brazil recently hoping to encourage these prospective visitors whose country has one of the world's healthiest economies, to buy a home in Florida. Press coverage was extremely positive and stressed the beauty of Florida and its affordability for international buyers.

Emphasizing that Florida's realtors can help Brazilians find the perfect property, the delegation was able to generate at least eight stories about Florida real estate. Florida Realtors also promoted Florida real estate with a booth at FIESP (Federação das Indústrias do Estado de São Paulo) and meetings with two Brazilian real estate associations in hopes of building stronger ties between real estate professionals.

Brazil experienced a 44 percent increase in visa applications from 2010 to 2011, with 820,000 visas processed during 2011. Expecting visa applications to surge to 1.8 million by 2013, the U.S. plans to double the number of agents issuing visas in Brazil.

Source: Florida Realtors

Jennifer Cook, Raul Aleman and the entire Bahia Realty Group team of real estate professionals welcome the opportunity to speak with you personally to discuss how to help you find, buy or sell your Orlando home or real estate investment property; secure mortgage financing; or help you relocate to the Orlando area. Please call 407-956-5443 or email info@OrlandoRealEstateLink.com for assistance.

Visit: www.orlandorealestatelink.com for a list of available homes in Orlando. We specialize in new homes, luxury properties, condos, villas, gated communities and homes with pool.

We also offer full service property management for Orlando.

Spanish site is also available: http://www.casasorlando.com/.

Florida's Existing Home and Condo Sales Show Growth

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:46:00 GMT

According to Florida Realtors® latest housing data, sales of Florida's existing homes and existing condos continue to climb. In November 2011, 12,993 homes sold statewide: an 11 percent increase over the number of homes sold in November 2010. Seventeen of Florida's metropolitan statistical areas show a rise in existing home sales in November, while ten metropolitan statistical areas reported an upswing in existing condo sales.

Florida Realtors Chief Economist, Dr. John Tuccillo, attributes this to two factors: prices are stabilizing and sales are increasing. Although sales have not increased significantly, they are on an upswing. As lenders become more adept at dealing with distressed properties, this upswing is destined to continue.

Although homes sales are rising, statewide sales prices for existing home have not increased past the median price of $130,600 seen in November 2010. Analysts from the National Association of Realtors® attribute this to a distortion of median prices caused by the large number of distressed properties on the market.

The National Association of Realtors® reports that nationwide, the October 2011 median sales price of for existing single-family homes was down 5.8 percent to $161,600 from the previous year. October resales price was reported in California at $278,060 and in New York at $215,900.

Florida's year-to-year comparison for condo sales sold statewide in November 2011, rose 2 percent from the prior year with 5,464 units sold in 2010 to 5,590 units sold in 2011. The statewide median price in November 2011 showed a 4 percent increase from $83,000 in November 2010 to $86,700 in 2011. According to the National Association of Realtors ®, nationwide, the median condo sales price in October 2011 was $160,300.

It is expected that the housing market will improve as Florida's economy continues to grow, housing prices stabilize, and record low mortgage rates continue to encourage buyers.

Visit: www.orlandorealestatelink.com for a list of available homes in Orlando. We specialize in new homes, luxury properties, condos, villas, gated communities and homes with pool.

We also offer full service property management for Orlando.

Spanish site is also available: http://www.casasorlando.com/.

5 Tips for Finding & Hiring the Best Property Manager

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:49:00 GMT

When you are talking about investing in the real estate market, it is important that you have the services of an extremely efficient property manager to manage things for you. There are many property managers you will come across, but you need to review them carefully and pick and choose the right one to handle your work. How exactly do you do that? Let us look at some of the top things you need to look at before hiring a property manager to ensure that he has your best interests in his mind.

1. Any property manager should be extremely knowledgeable in his sector. He should know his facts and figures correctly. He should have complete and correct information about the real estate rules and regulations. He should be crisp and clear in conveying the facts to you.

2. He should be ethical and honest. He has the complete onus on behalf of the owner and his duties revolve around collecting rent, security deposits and various other things that will be the basis for the reputation of his owner or company.

3. He should have great communications skills. He should be able to convey what he wants clearly to the tenants and the feedback should be conveyed to you. He cannot be someone who sweet talks or beats around the bush. If he does not listen to you effectively, then he can never be a good manager. He has to be someone who listens and then talks, with your best interests at heart.

4. A good property manager must be pro active. He is someone who is constantly on his feet and eager to keep himself updated with the latest happenings in the real estate market. He has to be aware of the latest trends, the swings in the prices, what others are offering etc and he should be able to use this information to better the business for you.

5. He should have a flexible approach and an excellent follow up capacity. It is important to deal with different tenants differently and it is important to be neutral in proceedings. It is also vital to never lose patience, keep following up on the different tasks and exhibit a great capacity to multi-task.

Visit: http://www.orlandorealestatelink.com/ for a list of available homes in Orlando. We specialize in new homes, luxury properties, condos, villas, gated communities and homes with pool.

We also offer full service property management for Orlando.

Spanish site is also available: http://www.casasorlando.com/.

8 Tips for Buying & Investing in a Rental Property

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:48:00 GMT

If you are looking for some solid money making investment, you can consider rental property. However, you have to be prepared for a lot of research, a substantial amount of financial commitment and also a role in maintenance of the property.

Let us look at a few tips that can help us in purchase of a rental property.

1. The first and most important step here is to ensure that your personal finances are proper. Never even think of buying a rental property if you do not have enough savings to fall back on. It is important to remember that you will be fully responsible for mortgage payments and repairs if there is no tenant.

2. Take time out, talk with a mortgage lender and find out if you can afford to actually make an investment, before spending time in looking for property. You have to be pre approved for an investment loan.

3. Do your homework and conduct a research on going rents. You should speak to real estate agents, property managers and other people in the area so that you can fix on what you can charge for rent.

4. Always makes sure you choose properties in good locations. The quality of the neighborhood is very important if you are looking at having good tenants. Also, if you plan to manage it yourself, make sure it is close to your house.

5. It is important to have professional inspections of the property made so that you can pre determine what are the repairs that have to be made and make your purchase offers accordingly.

6. Make sure you have enough insurance. You have to have liability insurance just in case someone is hurt when they are living in or visiting your rental property.

7. Make sure you are up to date on the landlord-tenant laws. There are many state and federal laws that you cannot violate.

8. It is always better to consider hiring the services of a property manager. These people are well informed and they can make sure the entire process is hassle free for you.

Visit: http://www.orlandorealestatelink.com/ for a list of available homes in Orlando. We specialize in new homes, luxury properties, condos, villas, gated communities and homes with pool.

We also offer full service property management for Orlando.

Spanish site is also available: http://www.casasorlando.com/

4 Reasons Why This is the Best Time to Buy or Invest in a Home

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:47:00 GMT

If you're thinking about investing in a rental property, this is the best time to buy a house or invest in one. The property prices right now have hit an all time low. The interest rates right now are also extremely low. Home prices are dropping by the day and surprisingly home sales are also going down. Foreclosures are resulting in a lot of houses going out into the market and there is massive shadow inventory going into the market. The supply for houses is far outweighing the demand right now and if you qualify for buying a home, there can be no better time than now. It works out way better than renting a house to live in.

Let us look at some of the top benefits why you should buy a house right away.

1. The worst of the price declines is more or less over. Today, we are potentially at a point in time where we have moved away from the steeply falling prices of housing towards an extended period of stabilization of prices.

2. Mortgage rates are extremely low today. It works in your favour if you have the money to invest in housing today. Currently the interest rate is 4.6 percent on a 30 year fixed rate and it is 3.78 percent for a 15 year mortgage. The 2012 forecast is 5.7 percent.

3. Qualifying for a mortgage is likely to get harder in the coming years. Whether the government backing is scaled down or whether it disappears once and for all, the end result is likely to be higher borrowing costs.

4. You are likely to find very few serious buyers these days who are actually looking to make a deal. It is very less likely that you will find yourself in a bidding war today. You can negotiate much more effectively and to your benefit with the sellers who are too eager. Being a little ahead of the curve will definitely allow you more elbow room.

Visit: http://www.orlandorealestatelink.com/ for a list of available homes in Orlando. We specialize in new homes, luxury properties, condos, villas, gated communities and homes with pool.

We also offer full service property management for Orlando.

Spanish site is also available: http://www.casasorlando.com/.

8 Reasons to Buy a New Home Rather Than Foreclosure or a Short Sale

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:46:00 GMT

Many home buyers are influenced by the idea that they get the best values in house purchase in today's market through foreclosures. While, the fact remains that you may get good deals out of foreclosures, you cannot deny the fact that buying a new house has many more advantages when compared.

Let us look at some of the top reasons why you should go in for a new house.

1. When you purchase a new house, you are normally covered and protected by a warranty. In case of the possibility of something going wrong, the house is well covered by the builder's warranty on materials and workmanship as well as the structural warranty of 10 years. There is no fear of unforeseen repair costs in the near future.

2. If you are keen on buying a new house, there will be many builders who will offer you special incentive plans. These plans can help you qualify for home owning and can also help you save a lot of money.

3. Buying new houses take relatively lesser time. You are dealing directly with the builder and talking to him and hence you will definitely get prompt replies.

4. You can pick and choose from a variety of options in terms of the house, the neighbourhood, the community etc.

5. You get to customise your house while the builder is building it. You can have your say in everything about your house as you own it. You can customise your flooring, tiles, cabinets etc.

6. You are the first owner and hence everything is new and sparkling.

7. You are free from the stigma that is attached to buying someone else's home. You do not have to worry about the feng shui not being good or the home being unlucky or the general feeling of buying something that is "used" or "second hand".

8. You will not have to worry about any maintenance costs as the drainage, electricity, cleanliness etc will all have been taken care of by the builder and there will be no nasty surprises after signing the deed.

Visit: http://www.orlandorealestatelink.com/ for a list of available homes in Orlando. We specialize in new homes, luxury properties, condos, villas, gated communities and homes with pool.

We also offer full service property management for Orlando.

Spanish site is also available: http://www.casasorlando.com/.

Top Reasons to Buy a New Home Rather Than a Pre-Owned Home

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:44:00 GMT

Purchasing a home will be one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. And hence, it has to be one that has to be very carefully thought about. There has always been a debate about whether buying a new home is better or is it better to go in for a pre-owned home. The number of advantages that owning a new home has, far outweighs that of buying a pre-owned house. Let us look at some of the top reasons why buying a new house is always better than going in for a pre- owned house.

1. When you purchase a new house, you will be getting the latest architectural designs that provide you with floor plans and the entire layout is designed in a way that it suits today's lifestyle.

2. Many builders are coming up with the concept of "green" homes. These constructions come with enhanced energy efficiency features. These features are designed to make your house a comfortable haven for you - be it summer or winter. Simultaneously, they also lower your electricity bills.

3. When you buy a new home, you can customise it as per your own tastes and desires. A new home customized by you is actually a reflection of who you are and what you are.

4. Any new house gives you a builder's warranty. There is a structural warranty for 10 years. There is also a 2 year manufacturer's warranty on appliances and a one year warranty on all the maintenance structures by the builder (drainage, wiring, electricity etc).

5. When you purchase a new house, you can avail of many incentives that are offered by the builders, which can in turn save you lots of money and get you a great deal.

6. You are free to select a house, builder, neighbourhood, floor plan, community etc as per what matches your own personal tastes and desires.

7. Many new constructions offer additional amenities like parks, jogging tracks, pools, tennis courts, clubhouses, gyms etc within the housing community, which aids as a great venue for socialising, exercising etc.

Visit: http://www.orlandorealestatelink.com/ for a list of available homes in Orlando. We specialize in new homes, luxury properties, condos, villas, gated communities and homes with pool.

We also offer full service property management for Orlando.

Spanish site is also available: http://www.casasorlando.com/.

Top 10 reasons why you should own a home than rent it

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:43:00 GMT

Today is the world of foreclosures and hence it is but obvious that all the buyers of houses are focusing on financial reasons for buying of houses. However, ownership of a house has its own set of emotional plus points. According to the Met Warner Center- a condo developer in California, following could be the top reasons why owning a house is better than renting one.

1. You own your house. You will have no landlord putting up any conditions on you. It is your own house and hence you are free to make all the decisions on your own.

2. Each and every deduction can be taken care of by you alone. Amounts like the interest of mortgage, property taxes and various costs of other nature, that are involved with buying a home, can be deducted from federal income taxes.

3. Currently, the cost involved in the borrowing of money for mortgage is really very low. If you are looking at buying a house, there is no better time than this to venture out into the market.

4. The money that you are paying as rent is something you are giving away. Once you have given it, it is gone forever. However, when you are paying your mortgage payments monthly, you are building home equity ownership interests.

5. Home equity provides you with a viable savings plan option. In case of dire emergency, you can always sell it and make up to $250,000 cash. That too without the need of any ownership of any federal income tax on the profit.

6. Owning a house gives you the power to predict your expenses. Unlike rent, when you are paying a fixed mortgage for your house, it does not get more and more expensive over time.

7. When you are buying a house, you get to pick and choose. You can choose from your neighbourhood to design to style to range of prices.

8. You get to add your own touch to your house. You can decorate it as you wish and renovate it when you want to. You can pound in nails, stick pictures on the walls, paint them whatever colour you like, keep plants, get a pet, and do whatever you want as it is your house.

9. You get a chance to try your hand and contribute your bit at building your own friendly community. You live in a neighbourhood and you can join hands with your neighbours and work hard at maintaining the local schools, roads, gardens and more.

10. You get to spend your hard earned money on your house and in turn on yourself.

Visit: http://www.orlandorealestatelink.com/ for a list of available homes in Orlando. We specialize in new homes, luxury properties, condos, villas, gated communities and homes with pool.

We also offer full service property management for Orlando.

Spanish site is also available: http://www.casasorlando.com/.

Advantages of Owning & Investing in a Rental Property

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:42:00 GMT

If you have money that you want to invest, you may want to invest in properties and gain some rental income out of it. Many people prefer to own many properties, where they rent out most of them and make income. Rental properties have a lot of benefits. Let us look at some of the best advantages of owning multiple properties, where one or more of them are rented out.

Rental properties are investments that pay for themselves. Though you make the down payment when you are buying the property, the remaining part of the mortgage usually comes from the rents that are obtained once you rent out the property.
Rental properties eventually lead to a profit which can be obtained in two ways. The first part is that the property prices always appreciate and hence if you want to sell your property in a few years, you can definitely make a profit out of it. Also, the money that you get through rent, can be used to renovate or refurbish the property, which only adds to its value.
Rental properties normally have the ability of pay off their purchase price. However, for this to happen it is important to include the cost of maintaining the property while calculating the final profit.
Rental properties are excellent for getting deductions on taxes. These properties are subject to depreciation, maintenance costs, insurance, interest on mortgage etc all of which are feasible for deductions. This in turn allows you to save a lot of money.
Rental properties give you a chance to develop new skills. If you are planning to handle the maintenance of the property on your own, you will have to take care of many small small issues like repair, plumbing, electric work etc. Looking after such things yourself will help you to develop many practical skills, which can prove extremely useful in life.

Visit: http://www.orlandorealestatelink.com/ for a list of available homes in Orlando. We specialize in new homes, luxury properties, condos, villas, gated communities and homes with pool.

We also offer full service property management for Orlando.

Spanish site is also available: http://www.casasorlando.com/.

Signs of Improving Housing Market

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:41:00 GMT

According to Florida Realtors Association, existing home sales have gone up by 10 percent with a total of 15,036 houses being sold state wide as compared to 13,723 houses being sold in September 2010.

If you have to compare the sale of condo units in Florida on a year to year basis, there has been a 10 percent gain this year as compared to the previous year. The state wide existing condo median sales price last month was $87,200; a year earlier, it was $81,800 for a 7 percent increase.

If you want to keep a track of where the real estate industry is truly headed, it is very important to keep your eyes scanned on the fundamentals. It is these fundamentals that determine the whole course of prices and construction. During the last decade's historic run-up in prices, Fortune repeatedly warned that things were moving too fast.

The housing prices today are extremely low and there are not many new constructions coming up at a rapid state. This is because there is an incredibly low demand for buying houses these days. People are not sure whether they should invest in real estate or no. Also, due to foreclosures, there is lots of shadow inventory entering the market and hence the supply of houses is far outweighing the demand. Financially qualified buyers are still being denied home loans because of overly restrictive lending requirements, and that's a significant obstacle to the housing recovery.

One of the most overlooked statistical trends in all of real estate is the growth in home sales, both single-family and condo, in the state of Florida. There has been an upward surge in sales since January 2011. There is a certain level of stability in the market that is helping the situation.

Historically low mortgage rates and stabilizing home prices all across Florida's local housing markets are proving to be major attractions for potential buyers. The affordability conditions in the housing sector are extremely favourable right now for house buyers. Hence, if you qualify for buying a house and if you are looking at investing in the real estate, you should enter the market now. You will definitely get a lot of options and great deals.

Visit: http://www.orlandorealestatelink.com/ for a list of available homes in Orlando. We specialize in new homes, luxury properties, condos, villas, gated communities and homes with pool.

We also offer full service property management for Orlando.

Spanish site is also available: http://www.casasorlando.com/.

Benefits of Working with a Buyer's Agent

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:39:00 GMT

Buying a home is a really huge decision and hence you have to make sure that you do not really compromise on any aspect. More than the actual process of buying the house, searching for one is more tedious. It is always advisable to work with a good buyer's agent. This can help you make the entire process relatively hassle free. The buyer's agent always makes sure that your best interests are put forward at the time of the transaction.

Let us look at some of the benefits of working with a buyer's agent.

1. A good buyer's agent makes sure that your position is never compromised upon. He will not steer you off into a specific company listing by a specific agency or compromise on your behalf in terms of bargaining. He will work with you and not play a double role of working with you as well as with some other agent or company.
2. A good buyer's agent will try and decipher the seller's motivation so that you can tailor your offer accordingly. He should ideally have spoken to you in detail prior and should be able to have a sense as to whether you can advance a offer of 10 or 15 percent off the list price without actually offending the seller.
3. The agent should be able to provide you with the true days on the market for any for-sale house in your area.
4. A buyer's agent will make sure you use a qualified, objective home inspector that will treat you like a client. The buyer's agent will also know how to handle or when to avoid a home that is for sale by owner, or FSBO as many such sellers balk at paying any commission, which then puts the commission onus fully on you.
5. In case of purchase of a new construction house, a good buyer's agent can advise you on many matters like rights of cancellation, promotions and help you to negotiate to your advantage.

Visit: http://www.orlandorealestatelink.com/ for a list of available homes in Orlando. We specialize in new homes, luxury properties, condos, villas, gated communities and homes with pool.

We also offer full service property management for Orlando.

Spanish site is also available: http://www.casasorlando.com/.

International Buyers Revitalizes Florida Real Estate Market

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:35:00 GMT

An international report reveals the following facts regarding the investment of international capital in the Florida real estate market.

Canadians form 39 percent of the international flock of buyers who spent $12.7 billion on residential real estate in Florida in 2010.
According to data from the National Association of Realtors and Florida Realtors, Brazil is related to 8 percent of the purchases. Everything from home prices to shopping and even travelling to Florida is very affordable for Brazilians today
UK and Venezuela have tied at 7 percent with each other as contributors to purchase.
Germany, France, Argentina, Columbia, Australia, Mexico and Spain form the balance of the buyers.
In 2010, these international buyers generated $3.8 billion in sales in Miami/Miami Beach/Fort Lauderdale market alone, according to NAR.
More than 86 % of the transactions in Florida that involves international buyers are normally completed in cash.
Only 12 percent of the foreign buyers plan to spend more than six months a year in their Florida properties, compared to 16 percent who plan to occupy their places for less than one month a year.
Overall, foreign buyers account for 26 percent of Florida's $48.8 billion in residential re -sales.
Nationwide, foreign buyers account for only 3 percent of residential real estate transactions.
The Orlando market in Central Florida, where Walt Disney World is located is an extremely popular destination and it had the second-largest share of foreign buyers in the state, with a 14 percent share, or nearly $1.8 billion in sales.
The Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater market on Florida's west coast earned the No. 3 ranking, with an 11 percent share, or nearly $1.4 billion of sales.
The top ten spots that are a favourite amongst international buyers as far as housing properties are concerned are as follows:-

1. Cape Coral

2. Miami

3. Ft. Lauderdale

4. Naples

5. Ft. Myers

6. Miami Beach

7. Kissimmee

8. Orlando

9. Jacksonville

10. Tampa

Visit: http://www.orlandorealestatelink.com/ for a list of available homes in Orlando. We specialize in new homes, luxury properties, condos, villas, gated communities and homes with pool.

We also offer full service property management for Orlando.

Spanish site is also available: http://www.casasorlando.com/.

Important Tips for Buying a Home in Orlando

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:27:00 GMT

Buying a home is a very important decision. Whether you are going for a new house or you are planning to buy a pre-owned house, the decision needs to be very carefully thought through. You need to do your background homework, your research and be aware of all facts and figures before making any decision. Orlando in Florida is steadily becoming a favourite hub for all the house buyers. Let us look at a few tips that can be helpful when you are considering buying a home in Orlando.

If you are buying a new construction home in Orlando, it would be good if you can take note of the following points.

Reputation of the builder, his experience, feedback on him from his past consumers etc.
Standard features included in the base price
Check on stuff like the roof pitch, ceiling height, architectural design. Flooring systems, quality of wood and other materials used in the construction.
Check on drainage, electricity, wiring and other maintenance items.

In general, it would also be good to keep these in mind.

It is always better to get pre-approved. It is a simple and easy process and does not cost you anything.
Take your time and chat with a number of real estate managers till you find one that you are comfortable working with.
Determine the location and list down and prioritise the factors that you want in your house.
It is good to run a check online and see the price trends in the location that you desire.
Select a few properties and start reviewing them along with your real estate manager.
If you are buying a pre-owned house, check on electrical wires, pipes, air-conditioning, heating, insulation in the attic, patio, garden etc
Look at the house from outside. Check the foundation. Check for water damage, cracks etc.
Hire a home inspector and go with him when he inspects your house.
Post all these, you can start making negotiations for the price.

Visit: http://www.orlandorealestatelink.com/ for a list of available homes in Orlando. We specialize in new homes, luxury properties, condos, villas, gated communities and homes with pool.

We also offer full service property management for Orlando.

Spanish site is also available: http://www.casasorlando.com/.

Foreign Buyers - Tips & Consideration for Buying a Home in Florida

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 19:30:00 GMT

Foreign investors see Florida as a stable and a secure place to invest in real estate. They can easily purchase property here unlike some other countries where it is very difficult for foreigners to own real estate properties. The fall in the value of the U. S dollar and also extremely low real estate prices in addition to shadow inventory and foreclosures are making such investments even more attractive to foreigners. Though real estate property is easy to purchase, there are a large number of considerations to keep in mind if you want the deal to be smooth and hassle free later.

Purchasing real property directly is not always the best choice, so maybe it is ok to look at other entity structures. Besides purchasing property, there are several business structures available for purchasing real property through.
It is also possible to purchase real estate through several types of corporations and pass through entities. Non-recognition transactions can be very complicated. It is highly recommended to hire the services of a tax professional when performing these transactions.
Consulting with a good tax accountant or tax lawyer who is familiar with applicable laws can help a foreign investor to limit their U.S. tax exposure.
Changing the ownership structure after the fact, can be time consuming and costly though it may still be possible to avoid income tax. Real estate is also often also part of reorganizations which can be structured in a way to defer income tax liability.
It is important for foreign investors to understand that property transfers will often have tax consequences as well regardless of the structure.
Appointing a professional management company to manage and maintain your home in your absence is vital. It is also extremely important if you are planning to give your property out on rent. It is better to have a company manage all the affairs for you.
A foreign investor can purchase property directly as an individual, through a domestic or foreign corporation. A foreigner can also receive real property in a trust, as part of an inheritance or as a gift.

Visit: http://www.orlandorealestatelink.com/ for a list of available homes in Orlando. We specialize in new homes, luxury properties, condos, villas, gated communities and homes with pool.

We also offer full service property management for Orlando.

Spanish site is also available: http://www.casasorlando.com/.

Florida Real Estate Market Facts: The Impact of Shadow Inventory

Jennifer Cook & Raul Aleman — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 19:29:00 GMT

Shadow Inventory is a term that we are getting to hear more and more often. What exactly does this term mean? In basic layman terms, shadow inventory refers to the houses that have been either placed in foreclosure or those that have been owned by lenders as a result of the loans being overdue by at least one payment.

The presence of shadow inventory is felt everywhere in Florida, thanks to the "for sale" signs that have become common in almost every street there. We cannot exactly pin point the size of the shadow inventory that is available in the Florida Real Estate Market. As per the Florida Realtor's Association, it is anywhere between 1.6 million to 7 million homes.

There can be a couple of situations here. Banks may slowly release the shadow inventory into the market due to the foreclosures bringing down home prices. It may also happen that there is a balance between the foreclosures and the sales and hence the market will be stable. This would cause the supply of homes to be restricted.

Another scenario would be if all the banks dropped all the homes they owned in the market. This will definitely cause an increased supply of houses in the market which in turn will affect the house prices negatively all across the market.

It is not just banks but also homeowners who control the number of houses in shadow inventory. A home owner who is in trouble regarding this can decide if he wants to pay the mortgage, seek mitigation or simply walk away from the scene.

Considering the seriousness of the situation, the lenders have started looking at various alternatives for foreclosure. Short sales have gone up in number. The whole process of making a sale of a house for less than its ownership value has become more organised.

Banks are also making many deals with house owners who agree to give the keys to a house than sit and face a legal battle. There are so many cases where the lenders are giving cash as a means to convince the borrowers in order to leave their houses without any hassle.

Visit: http://www.orlandorealestatelink.com/ for a list of available homes in Orlando. We specialize in new homes, luxury properties, condos, villas, gated communities and homes with pool.

We also offer full service property management for Orlando.

Spanish site is also available: http://www.casasorlando.com/.