Archive for June, 2011

New To The Neighborhood? Try Organizing A Block Party

A local block party can take on an assortment of different functions each of which adds to the growth of a community of neighbors. Depending on the circumstances a block party can function simply as a means to draw the community together in a familyfriendly environment or as a time of festivity or to raise awareness and support for a particular need. Whatever the situation the entire neighborhood can benefit from the initiative taken by one individual or family who decides to launch plans for a neighborhood gathering.

As the objective of the block party is to get the community involved it’s helpful if more than one person works on the planning of the block party. Not just because there’s a fair amount of work involved but this is a great way to get to know your neighbors. There are a few important particulars that need to be worked out for the gathering. First you have to obtain a permit if the party is going to be in a culdesac in the neighborhood as it’s going to be blocked off from traffic. Not all neighborhoods have a culdesac so an alternative is to base the block party in a home’s driveway or a local park or school. A culdesac is idyllic because this really gives the party a sense of being for the neighborhood itself.

A block party isn’t just a way for people to get to know each other but to demonstrate pride in the neighborhood. It’s a good idea to schedule the party four to six weeks in advance. This will give you enough time to prepare for the party and for attendees to reserve time in their schedule. It’s suggested that the block party only continue three or four hours; this way the majority of people will come to the gathering at the same time. The goal is for people to meet each other.

The menu you plan for this friendly gathering does not have to be anything which will oblige a large amount of effort on the part of any individual. When everyone gives just a little the food can go a long way. Each family could supply a dish in the style of a potluck or everyone could bring their own meats and vegetables for barbecues together in a common space. If you plan on doing a potluck send a signup sheet around the area so that you won’t have too many repeated dishes. If you’re organizing the party for a particular cause you may attempt to include foods that will promote awareness of the cause.

Planned activities and entertainment should be geared for the enjoyment of children and adults alike with particular care to the likely diversity of families who dwell in the neighborhood. Popular games that practically everyone could join in could include softball horseshoes volleyball badminton and croquet. If you’re going to make use of the street for such events make sure the local police are aware and approve of your blocking off the road. The entertainment you choose will likely be dependant upon how much money individuals are willing to contribute towards the event but this could involve things like a karaoke machine contests relay races face painting or a hired band.

Like any large party you’re going to need long tables for food and drinks as well as seats for people who may want to sit. Some other expenses might be decorations a musical act or other entertainment or a jumping castle for kids. Generally block parties aren’t overly expensive especially when expenses are absorbed by a few people but it is clearly an important consideration.

About the writer:  Find a beautiful Texas home: Sachse Golf Property and Royse City Affordable Real Estate and Rowlett Luxury Property Listings.

Commercial Real Estate Loan Myth Debunked!

Setting The Record Straight

There is a metaphorical place in any business when the seeker of inside secrets reaches that signpost that says something like: Beewair Theyre bee Dragyns ahed. Again keep in mind I am being highly metaphorical but Ive been asked a number of times about a certain type of commercial real estate financing that makes me begin to suspect that someone is out there selling investment property treasure maps for 5.00 each! And you know just how much treasure you will find following such a map. So as a professional commercial real estate loan broker I am here to set the record straight:

NO LENDER offers a 100 Loan to Value commercial real estate loan.

And I define lender to mean a source of capital that provides debt financing secured by real property.

So for all of you seeking that 20 Seller Carry and the 80 purchase money loan on a property you think is worth three times the purchase price please join us back here in reality. If pigs had wings they would fly. So if a lender was willing to allow you to purchase a property on those terms why would they need you? They would make a whole lot more money doing the transaction themselves!

Here is the reality concerning commercial real estate from a lenders perspective: Commercial real estate is considered an investment not a basic need such as a roof over your head. Because investment real estate is secondary to a borrowers personal residence it is usually considered a higher risk loan.

Why?

If the fit hits the shan in a borrowers personal life and money becomes tight lenders conventional wisdom says that the borrower will shift his resources to protect his personal residence ahead of his commercial investments. This may not seem immediately apparent when you look at the spread between home loan rates and Wall Street conduit rates these commercial rates are actually lower than most residential ones. However you need to check the terms to see the difference.

You can still by a primary residence with no money down and good credit. You can not purchase a commercial property without some form of equity investment. In most cases the commercial lender wants to see a minimum of 15 equity in the deal although you can find some that will allow 10 provided the property meets minimum debt service requirements. But good luck finding that situation in most good markets. Oh and very few commercial loans go full term like residential loans yes I know that there are exceptions. Most are balloons at 10 years.

Yes you can engage a mezzanine lender to fund almost all of the equity difference but you are really going to pay for it either in points and rate or in some form of equity kicker which takes us away from my definition of lender. And mezzanine lenders dont make loans on the property itself which is a whole other story.

Thus it bears repeating: There are no 100 LTV commercial loan programs! Commercial real estate is for serious investors with equity to risk a positive net worth and an asset that a lender would feel comfortable encumbering. So the next time someone approaches you with a map to a pot of commercial real estate loan gold save your money for a latte at Starbucks!

About the writer:  WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can as long as you include this complete statement with it: The Investment Property Insider is published by Craig S. Higdon a veteran commercial mortgage broker. He publishes the weekly ezine and blog www.InvestmentPropertyInsider.com for commercial real estate investors developers and industry professionals. Visit the blog and get this free report: The 7 Biggest Loan Mistakes Real Estate Investors make and How to avoid them.

Puerto Vallarta – Hottest Destination In The Mexico Real Estate Market

If you’ve ever considered getting involved in the Mexico Real Estate market Puerto Vallarta may be the best choice of location. With its sparkling waters and relaxing beaches Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s top vacation destinations. For people who want to spend their time relaxing Puerto Vallarta also offers opportunities for spa treatments and other services that will help vacationers relax and enjoy the beauty of this beach destination.

If you want to rent or buy your own property get familiar with the Puerto Vallarta real estate market so you’ll know what areas have the best properties and the most attractions. If you want a quiet location you may want to consider choosing a property in a more secluded area. The property you purchase will depend greatly on your own personal preferences; there is no perfect property that will make everyone who wants to get involved in the Mexico real estate market completely happy.

If you need help searching for potential properties you can enlist the help of a qualified Mexico realtor. He or she can help you figure out what kind of property you would like to rent or purchase and then help you find properties matching your needs.

Investing in the Puerto Vallarta real estate market is different than purchasing your own home for personal use. There are many types of investment properties available from condos to villas and even commercial property sales. The key to successfully investing in this market is to find out what you are looking for in an investment property and then viewing properties that match these carefully chosen details.

If you want to purchase the property make repairs redecorate and then sell it for a profit you’ll want something that is structurally sound and needs only minor repairs. Some fresh paint and updated fabrics can make all the difference in the world when showing a property to potential buyers. If you intend to keep the property in your investment portfolio and use it as a rental property you’ll need to purchase a property that will be in demand by vacationers or local residents.

You’ll also need to familiarize yourself with the rules of being a landlord in Puerto Vallarta to make sure your property remains an investment and not a nightmare. Whether you choose to make your home there or simply invest in a property the Puerto Vallarta real estate market has something to offer for everyone.

Your beachfront Puerto Vallarta property in Mexico is within your reach. Check out the listings of Puerto Vallarta Real Estate Cancun Real Estate and Playa del Carmen Real Estate Puerto Vallarta Property and Cancun Real Estate for insight into this booming market.

Tom Budniak operates owns and manages Realty Executives Vallarta here in Puerto Vallarta Mexico. Tom’s office is considered by many in the industry to be the top office in Puerto Vallarta. Tom from Realty Executives Vallarta and Mexican Caribbean is a Certified Member of RMRE and MLS 4 Riviera Maya. Check out all of the resources available through Tom and Realty Executives Vallarta.

Author: Tom Budniak

About the writer:  Puerto Vallarta Real Estate has many excellent property investment oportunities like Beachfront Condos Rental Villas Apartments etc. If you have any questions requests or need any advise regarding Mexico Real Estate feel free to contact Tom Budniak. Deals Property in Mexico including Playa del Carmen Real Estate as well.