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John Virgo, the 1970s snooker player and TV presenter will be opening an auction in the north Cyprian town of Famagusta run by Harrison property auctioneers. Due to their choice of guest it seems that the organizers believe that the Famagusta market will be pulling in a significant amount of Britons who are looking to get in on the swiftly growing property market.

Famagusta actually lies just above the divide – created in 1974 - between the Greek-speaking south and the Turkish north. The Turkish possession of the northern part of the island is shunned by the EU however, peace talks are set for the 3rd of September and reunification between the two areas is on the horizon, thus adding to the already growing economy, tourist seen and property market.

There has previously been confusion about investments in the north as there was some ambiguity about certain land ownership since many Greek Cypriots were evacuated during the invasion. However the problem seems to be sorting and the property market in the north has recently been booming. Many of the investor’s doubts seemed to have been quelled with developments springing up, alongside plans for new shopping centers, marinas, golf courses etc. ‘Homes Overseas’ reported earlier this month that Famagusta could become a property hotspot should current reunification talks succeed.

This positive view of the north’s prospects is generally help by most people with an understanding of the Cyprus market. Ben Kent of Merseyside estate agency Venmore, has said that he feels particularly excited about the north’s prospects, and that Famagusta has become important since the European Union has got major reconstruction plans on the cards.

He stated: “The EU wants the rebuilt city to be a real model for the future, and that could present some real opportunities for investors.”

Dominic Farrell - the author of the Jet-to-let Bible - is developing a resort containing 70 apartments in the south. He has seem the great ascent in property value and is aware that many of his customers are investors rather than seekers of holiday homes.

However back to Famagusta; the area, which netted 95% of Cyprus’s tourism before the 1974 Turkish invasion, should see immediate price rises of 10% upon reunification, says property investment firm International Property Group (IPG).

“The area will certainly see excellent capital appreciation if it (the reunification) comes off,” said IPG director Gerraint Thomas.

The region’s forecast profits are already attracting sports investors such as former Liverpool FC player Ian Rush who recently headed the Mystic Sands Resort & Spa in Kapparis with the Cypriot firm Karma Developers.

When you are looking to buy a home that is considered to be a fixer upper, there is one issue that should concern you more than anything else. That is, of course, the location of the fixer upper.

No matter how spectacular the house appears after it is renovated and remodeled, if your home is not in a good location then it will always sell for much below what it should because few people will want to live in that particular location.

Focus Your Options

When choosing a home, especially a fixer upper, narrow your choice down to a location in which the home can easily be resold, even if it is years later. You want something convenient for people to drive to, is safe to live, and near conveniences that might interest typical potential buyers.

These types of homes are easier to resell, and will do so at a much higher price if they are located in what people perceive to be a great neighborhood.

Consider Your Individual Tastes

Depending whether you are fixing up the home strictly as an investment or you are planning to live there long term, take into account your own personal preferences when selecting a location. If in fact you want to live outside a major city, you still will need to live close enough to go back and forth quickly without undo strain on your time and vehicle.

Look for Conveniences Close By

If you are strictly buying as an investment, as stated above it is important to have some amenities, businesses, and schools nearby for people who are looking for those types of conveniences. People generally prefer more developed cities, so this ought to be a factor if you are looking at your home for possible resale value. Although you may not personally want to live downtown, you still need proximity to most preferences that are normally important to people.

These include proximity to major highways. If you are so far off the beaten path that people don’t even want to venture out to see the house at all, then you are too far away for the home to have a realistic high resale value.

That being said, don’t go to the other extreme and purchase in a location that is far too crowded. Privacy from neighbors and quiet streets are great selling points as well. People enjoy their privacy, even if they want it nearby to malls, schools, and hospitals.

Health Considerations

Lastly, look at the health concerns existing in certain neighborhoods. By no means should you buy a home that is close to health hazards such as chemical plants, power plants, or polluted areas. People more often than not will not buy near these types of risks regardless of how much you convince them they are safe.

Whether for resale or for your own purposes, the value of a fixer upper will only be as profitable as the neighborhood allows it to be. So be wise and buy in a great, already-established, and prominent neighborhood.

For practical home selling and buying information, please visit www.homes-sell-buy.com, a popular site providing valuable insights about great home locations, home loan rates, and more that will be of value in your search for the perfect home community.

Prices of North Cyprus properties are currently under market value in Mediterranean region and are expected to rise in following years. In this article we will briefly go over history of North Cyprus and then review the current market situation and the expected changes in next few years.

Background

The geographical location of Cyprus has made a it favourable location for life and business. The country enjoys 300 days of sunshine throughout the year. Many parts of nature are untouched and preserved, especially in the North. Cyprus has two official languages, Greek and Turkish. English is widely spoken in both sides of the island. The island has expat friendly culture due to many years of tourism, trading and being a bridge between West and East. The culture accepts both Eastern and Western views.

Because of internal conflicts between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots the island was divided into two parts in 1974 with majority of Greek Cypriots moving to south and majority of Turkish Cypriots moving to North. Both sides of the island established their own government however only Greek Cypriot side managed to get internationally recognized.

There have been island re-unification efforts throughout the years, the most important one took place in year 2004 and reached a final solution for the Cyprus problem called “the Annan Plan”. The Anna Plan was put in referendum. Turkish Cypriots voted in favour of the plan and Greek Cypriots didn’t; therefore the plan was not put into action.

The whole island joined the EU in 2004, however due to problem between South and North; EU rules are not completely enforced in the North until a solution is reached. The North Cyprus government is voluntarily modifying the rules and regulations to the EU format.

Since 2004 North Cypriots when voted in favour of Anan plan for Cyprus solution international embargoes on North Cyprus are being eased. Borders restrictions have been lifted for all EU citizens and many other countries’ citizens. Tourists and locals are free to travel to whichever side of the island they wish through gates. Large international companies such as HSBC Bank, Mercure hotels, Nike … have already started their presence in North Cyprus.

Property market in recent years

Property market has gone through enormous growth since 2004. In the period between 2004 and 2006 price of properties doubled, and had has steady growth till today. Currently the average price of property in North Cyprus is about 1/3 of properties in southern Spain and half in South Cyprus.

Many expect that a final solution to the Cyprus problem to be reached as soon as 2008-2009, as leaders of the both sides have already agreed to engage in fully integrated peace talks starting on 3rd of September 2008. It is worth noticing that Nicosia is the EU’s only divided capital and EU has special focus on Cyprus issue in order to accelerate the process.

Some concerns exist regarding the status of title deeds when the island unifies, however there are ways to make sure that your investment is safe. You need to know which title deed you are buying. There are basically four types which are explained on the author’s website.

If a solution is reached by the end of 2008, sharp increase of values on all properties is expected.

There are excellent Buy-to-rent opportunities in North Cyprus. You can buy your property; enjoy your summers in Cyprus and then rent it out rest of the year. There are number of good property management service providers that can help you make sure your home is safe and the rents are paid on time while you are away

Landmark Estates is a leading provider of North Cyprus real estate services. Get further information on North Cyprus at North Cyprus Guide.

Buying property in Greece seems to have caught the fancy of numerous property investors across the globe. Many people, particularly those from the UK, have found investing in their own country’s property market a costly affair. Therefore, investing in foreign property has becoming an increasingly attractive option and is becoming a trend of sorts.

Many countries that were, until now, avoided by oversea property investors seem to have sprung into prominence, which includes Greece. Greece now has a large number of foreign nationals who have already invested in property and this number seems to be growing by the day. The property market of Greece is one of the fastest moving in Europe because of so many overseas investors rushing to buy property in the country.

As most people know, Greece is a popular tourist destination, and it is no wonder, with its sunny climate, stunning views and laid back approach to life. The cuisine is known throughout the world, for example: moussaka, feta cheese, and dolmades. And many homes have a bottle of Greece’s famous Ouzo in their drinks cabinet. The cost of living is 40% lower than the UK, and in today’s economic climate that is welcome news.

Many people want to enjoy the delights of Greece on a regular basis and are purchasing a holiday home…or two…in the country. Some visionary people are taking the concept of purchasing holiday homes one-step further. They are buying property in Greece and then leasing them to enthusiastic travelers. A large number of people travel to Greece every year and renting a holiday home can often be cheaper that staying in a hotel over a period of time. Holiday homes also tend to be more personnel than a hotel room, which is another reason why they are popular with travelers.

Greece is also popular with sporting enthusiasts, after all Greece is associated with the first Olympic games and the country has won many sporting laurels. Greece hosted the summer 2004 Olympic games and one of the many benefits to hosting the Olympics is the value of property increasing. Holiday homes are now being regarded as a valuable investment that promises good returns in the long-term.

There are many types of properties available on the market and the average Greek property prices are: new 1 bedroom apartment from

In anything you do, having well-informed assistance can make the difference. When you consider all the variables of personality, business style, and abilities that go into the equation it may seem too hard to get the right Realtor to work with you and do the best job. This article presents a guide to the process. Here are some common mistakes that are all to easy to make, based on old assumptions and perceptions. Avoid these traps and you’ll have an easier time.

Failing to Ask About The Realtor’s Qualifications and Experience

You have to be bold in asking ask questions concerning your potential agent’s experience in the business. Inquiries about how long they have been in the field, length of time with the firm and any type of realty specialties they may have in their resume are all good ones. An experienced Realtor might mention professional designations or awards they have received in the business, and these are worth noting.

The Perception That Only Big Realty Companies Have the Best Agents

Some who are looking for a Realtor may think that the big realty companies will have all of the best real estate agents. Although they may have some excellent people on board, it is advisable to evaluate small real estate firms as well as larger ones when looking around for someone to represent you.

Being Afraid to Ask What Compensation Your Realtor Will Receive

Prior to selecting a Realtor, it is important to ask about what they will receive for the work. Every Realtor representing a seller will charge a certain percentage of the ultimate sale price as their fee for selling the home. It is important to ensure that the percentage is competitive. The fee can also be too low; an offer to sell your home for low fee will likely leave you short when it comes to service. A buyer’s agent, incidentally, is paid from the proceeds of the sale, out of the commission amount set by the seller. For this reason, if you are a buyer, there is no extra cost for having an agent represent you.

Choosing With Insufficient Information

Don’t just choose the first Realtor you meet. Following your first impression may be OK in some circumstances, but without an appropriate level of research that quick impression can wilt like a bloom. Some people are so anxious to buy or sell a home that they find someone’s name and immediately go with that individual without ever reviewing their other options. This is a common mistake which anyone looking for good representation in a real estate transaction should avoid.

Ask Questions

The last mistake which anyone shopping for an agent should avoid is hesitating to ask the Realtors being interviewed a lot of questions. Sometimes people feel as if they are being too much trouble and do not want to ask too many questions regarding the fees, procedures, and other things about the potential relationship. Asking questions is the only way to really know if you’ve selected the one who will be best for you.

Joel McDonald is the CEO of Automated Homefinder, the Colorado home specialists.

To buy a home is the biggest investment, but you may save money, while buying your dream house. Programs that offer cask back on purchasing a real estate are increasingly becoming popular. These programs are available for people, regardless of whether they are purchasing real estate by themselves or by contacting a realtor. In addition, cash back on real estate is available on commercial properties.

Be aware

Although, allowing certain amount of cash back to customers is a very common practice, you need to be wary of estate developers, who inflate the price and then offer discounts to people. To ensure whether a developer is credible or not, you need to contact a bank or a loaner, as they possess details of actual loan amount.

See to it that does the price of property matches with what the developer is offering you. The reason is real estate developers cannot furnish wrong information to banks.

How to Obtain Cash Back On Real Estate?

Below are some guidelines on how to win cash back against the property you purchase.

When you are seeking help of a realtor for obtaining a real estate property, you may expect cash back eventually on it. Real estate experts say you have the right to win cash back at a fixed percentage, when you close the deal. In addition, remember that, many agents from the real estate hardly offer you the cash rewards until you demand. Hence, make sure the agent agrees to your demand beforehand.

Next, it is good to go through the terms of contract minutely and carefully before finalizing the deal. It helps to know the facilities of cash back on real estate. Most companies offer cash rewards only when you purchase a property at a predetermined cost. This may motivate you to put up a loan request with any financial institution, which may not sound good for you later.

Realtors online

Search for real estate companies online that provide cash back on your property at the time of closing the deal. Recently, several estate companies enable estate owners for earning up to 25% of the estate agent’s commission, while signing the deal. Check for authorized dealers, who keep mention everything in a written agreement. This way you are free from the risk of losing the cash back on real estate.

For earning easy cash back on real estate, it is better to declare the assets on your income tax return. Government allows cash rewards to estate owners, who close any mortgage related to their estates in a calendar year. What you earn as cash back depends on the itemized deductions apart from the net standard deductions.

Overview:

When you buy any real estate, make sure it comes with a cash back facility. On buying a foreclosure property against direct cash payment, real estate laws always offer you the real price on it. Finally, make the most of these cash rewards, which you earn through buying a real estate.

Find a cash back credit card and more of Tom’s work at FINDcashbackcards.

While Maryland, as a state, isn’t quite as big as California or Texas, simply thinking “I want to buy real estate in Maryland” presents a number of unanswered questions, the most notable question that you’ll receive from a reputable Maryland realtor is, “Where in Maryland?”

It’s an important question to answer. After all, while the MARC train makes it easy for those who live in Baltimore to commute to Washington, DC, the commute from Baltimore is a lot longer than the commute from Rockville, Silver Spring or Oxon Hill. Therefore, when you’re interested in buying real estate in Maryland, you’re going to find that it’s important to choose a location - or at least to narrow down the areas in which you’d like to live.

However, don’t think that choosing an area in which to buy real estate in Maryland is all that there is going to be to the process; likewise, don’t assume that the real estate agent that you’re going to be working with should be the one who does the majority of the work. Ultimately, when it comes to finding the property that can quickly transform itself into your dream home, you are going to be the one who can sense it.

Therefore, don’t be afraid to take advantage of tools that will enable you to learn more about buying real estate in Maryland on your own. Don’t hesitate to ask questions when you have them, but focus first on answering questions for yourself.

For example, what characteristics do you want the real estate in Maryland that you buy to have? Do you want to have a home or condo with a back to the woods so that even though you’re close to public transportation or the city you can feel like there’s a way to get away from it all? For that matter, how important is access to public transportation when you choose real estate in Maryland?

All of the things that are important to you - both your needs in real estate in Maryland and the things that you want the properties that you purchase to have - are going to have an impact on the way that you search for properties and on the decisions that you make. Ultimately, what you’re going to recognize is that the understanding those wants and needs is the key to finding the right real estate in Maryland - whether you are searching for a home of your own or you intend to make a business investment in property.

In other words, whether you are looking for a multi-family property or you are searching for a home in foreclosure that’s about to hit the auction block, whether you are looking for a home in Baltimore or in the Metro DC area, buying real estate in Maryland is all about knowing what is important to you. By taking the time to identify what you want to have in real estate in Maryland and making a commitment to finding it, you can be sure that you find the right property - one that meets all of your needs.

For more information on Real Estate in Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia visit DROdio.com

Redemption rights in foreclosure actually only come after the homeowner’s property is lost through judicial sale or foreclosure. The owner can redeem by paying the lender the outstanding principal and interest due, plus the lender’s costs in foreclosure. Once the home has been lost, some states allow the homeowner the right to “reclaim” his home for varying periods.

Because of the power the banks have for foreclosing, some states decided that that homeowners should likewise have the right to reclaim their home if their personal circumstances turnaround within a given time period. The homeowner will have to petition the court for a hearing to get his home back and show “proof of funds” that he is able to repurchase his home for what is owed plus all the associated costs of the foreclosure.

Proof of funds can either be cash in the bank or a pre-approved letter from another lender that is willing to fund his purchase. The new lender does not have to be a bank, but can be a “hard money lender” who will charge the homeowner a much higher interest rate and closing points and will only carry the loan for year or so.

These hard money lenders are sometimes called “predatory lenders”. The amount they will lend is based on the “quick sale” value of the property. That gives them an equity cushion in case they are forced to again foreclosure upon the property to recoup their loan money.

The homeowner who lives in one of the states that has long redemption periods, can solicit local hard money lenders or real estate investors to exercise his redemptive right if there is equity in the home that can be retrieved by fixing the property and selling it in the retail market.

These are called Equity Agreements and are common in the real estate business. Equity Agreements stipulate who gets how much of the proceeds from the sale, who pays what expenses and who will be dong the work. Remember, if it isn’t in writing in the Agreement, it isn’t going to happen. If you have a question, ask an attorney before you sign anything.

Here are the states that have no redemption period: Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas. While these sates have no redemption privileges, it is possible to bring legal action against the bank with regard to deficiencies in the foreclosure proceeding or mortgage irregularities. This is seldom worth the effort.

States that have one year redemptive rights include: Alabama, Idaho (either 6 or 12 months), Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, North Dakota (6 or 12 months), and Wisconsin (possibly to 12 months).

The other states vary greatly because of specific terms in the mortgage or deed of trust contracts but range from 10 days to 240 days. It is imperative that become familiar with your local foreclosure laws because they vary greatly from state to state, and the sale or auction practices vary from county to county.

Mark Walters is a third generation real estate investor and founder of CreatingWealthClub.com. For a limited time Mark is offering his big guide to finding hard money loans for real estate investing free. Free guide to private money loans.

Conveyancing in London and the United Kingdom has started to feel the housing market crunch but The First Time Buyers’ Initiative (FTBI) was introduced to make more affordable homes available to first-time buyers. It is available throughout England from 23 regional HomeBuy agents. So what does this mean for first time home buyers?

Who can buy FTBI homes?

50% of the new homes available through the initiative will be for key workers (nurses, teachers, police officers).

The other 50% will be available to first time buyers who fit the following criteria:

The buyers must be first time buyers. They cannot be homeowners already nor can they be named on a mortgage.

The buyers must be unable to afford to buy a home (within reasonable travelling distance of their workplace) which is suitable for their needs.

The buyers must be able to show that they have sufficient funds to pay a deposit (up to 5% of the purchase price), legal fees, stamp duty land tax and the additional costs associated with moving house.

The buyers must be on a long-term employment contract. If they are self-employed, accounts for the past three years will need to be produced and subsequently approved.

The buyers must have a good credit history.

The buyers must take out a first mortgage with one of the qualifying lenders.

What contribution will be given and how is it repaid?

The government will provide up to 50% of the purchase price. Therefore, the mortgage and the cash funds available to the buyer must be at least 50% of the purchase price. Not all buyers will qualify for 50% assistance, the HomeBuy agent will determine the level of contribution available to each buyer.

The government’s contribution will need to be repaid on the sale of the property. The repayment will be at the same percentage of the sale price as the contribution, so if the sale price is higher than the purchase price, the repayment to the government is higher (in terms of a monetary figure) than the input.

After three years the buyer will need to pay a fee to the government on sale of the property: 1% of the contribution after three years, 2% after four years and 3% thereafter.

What is the procedure?

The prospective buyers need to register their interest with the HomeBuy agent and they need to complete a HomeBuy application.

If eligible, the buyers will receive an “Approval of Eligibility Letter” from the HomeBuy agent and they will be provided with FTBI schemes in the buyer’s area.

The buyers then chose a home and instruct their solicitors and their IFAs to progress a full mortgage application.

Once the HomeBuy agent gives final authority to proceed, the buyer can agree to exchange contracts.

The buyers’ solicitors then need to ensure that all conditions for buying a FTBI home are met (i.e. mortgage offer is in order, property price is agreed and funds are available) and proceed with the purchase of the property as usual.

On completion, the buyers’ lender will provide the drawdown and the government will provide the balance funds. There will be a second charge put on the property for the benefit of the government.

If the buyers want to sell the property later, this can be done on the open market.

A list of FTBI HomeBuy agents is available from the English Partnerships website englishpartnerships.co.uk.

Robert Johnson is part of Healys who specialise as London Coveyancing Solicitor and also aids the Brighton Conveyancing Solicitor office.

If you’re looking for a property for sale, Provence is a perfect destination for many reasons, and this article will provide you with an overview of Provence and the property market.

With an appealing coastline and a typical Mediterranean climate, Provence never fails to captivate people. Located in the south-east of France by the Mediterranean Sea, with the beach-laden Cote d’Azur in the south, Provence takes you back to the classical times of the past. Tranquillity is in abundance, with ancient oak groves and forests that induce a pronounced feeling of calmness. The scenery is breathtaking with natural gorges, fragrance-laden slopes and dazzling fields. There is an array of activities for cultural enthusiasts, ranging from art exhibitions to traditional music and facilities such as: kayaking, trekking, biking and even skiing in winter for outdoor sport lovers. Last but not least, several stylish cities are only one to two hours away in the car.

Do you have your mind medieval village-like picture in your mind? Then you are both right and wrong at the same time! Provence has the rare twin-mix of being steeped in culture while at the same time being equipped with a good, modern infrastructure. Provence is well connected by a good network of roads and high-speed train services, and several towns boast of great markets, schools and health services.

Provence broadly comprises of the regions of Var, Vaucluse and Bouches du Rhone Toulon. Brignoles (in Var), Avignonm Orange (in Vaucluse) and Aubagne (in Bouches du Rhone) are some of the prominent cities, and the well-known city of Cannes that hosts the prestigious film festival nestles in Alpes-Maritimes, is essentially a part of Provence as well.

Coming to the property scenario in Provence, there is only one way the market has gone – up. There exists a clear two-fold benefit to the property buyer – a second home for an idyllic getaway coupled with the fact that it is an undeniably good investment as property prices soar even during the course of a year. Several options exist for the buyer looking for a property for sale in Provence, for example: two-bedroom apartments that would cost around 150,000 Euros to exotically designed villas that can cost over 3,000,000 Euros.

Location plays an important role in the property price. While properties for sale in the coastal Var region (cities like Toulon, Brignoles and Frejus) are more affordable, the downside is a population bottleneck on the roads, especially in early summer, owing to a heavy influx of tourists. Cities like Orange and Avignon in Vaucluse have lower property prices due to Parisians owning second homes in the region and the homes tending to have basic amenities. However the area has a strong musical culture and the beauty of open-air festivals needs to be seen to be believed. Properties in the Alpine region in Provence often have their own vineyards and olive groves and are a wise consideration when you’re looking for a property with a really good return for investment purposes.

When it comes to buying a property for sale, Provence has made it straightforward. All you need to do is contact real estate agents in South East France who are registered with recognised bodies. The agent’s fee is approximately 4-10% of the property price.

In conclusion, investment in property is never considered a waste; more so in a rapidly growing region such as Provence. Non-residents benefit from having a property they can visit whenever they want, then using the property for short-term rental income, and then benefiting from a high return when the property is sold. So when you’re looking for a property for sale, Provence is the perfect destination.

Luke Wallace wrote the Article ‘Looking for a Property for Sale? Provence is a Perfect Destination’ and recommends you visit http://www.homesoverseas.co.uk/property-for-sale-in-france/provence/3732 for more information on property for sale Provence.