Why You Should Buy Your First Real Estate Investment Property Today

When it comes to real estate, there are plenty of people out there that are unaware of the many tax advantages available for real estate investment properties. One of the most popular ones is that of the 1031-Exchange. For those of you unfamiliar with this, the 1031 Exchange is actually a section within the United States IRS Code which states that certain eligible properties may be exchanged for properties of equal or higher value without having to pay any taxes on the transaction.

This tax treatment of trading properties for larger ones is an absolute god-send for the serial real-estate investor. Imagine having the ability to regularly trade up one investment property for a larger one every time you had the resources to be able to upgrade? Well, that is very well possible thanks to this very important IRS provision! Larger properties mean generally higher rents allowing you to increase your annual cash flow, so it is definitely a good idea to trade up for bigger properties whenever you get a chance.

Other tax advantages for rental property owners include tax deductions on interest expenses, depreciation expenses, repairs, travel expenses, and insurance costs.

Interest Expense:
Any interest expense on a rental property is tax deductible. This means deductions for mortgage interest payments, and interest on credit cards for expenses that were used in a rental capacity.

Depreciation Expense:
As a real estate investor, you have the opportunity to claim depreciation on your property as a deductible expense by deducting a portion of the value of your property over the span of a couple of years. While this tax deduction provides the investor with immediate benefits, this benefit is eventually returned to Uncle Sam when the property is sold. This benefit is lost primarily because depreciation serves to reduce the total cost basis for the property, so any capital gains are taxed from the lowered cost basis. This concept is known as depreciation recapture.

Repairs:
Any repairs on your investment property are a deductible expense in the year that you pay for the repair. This means things like painting rooms, and replacing faulty lighting. Any improvements to the property, on the other hand, are not deductible.

Travel Expenses:
Real Estate owners are eligible for tax deductions every time they have to travel for their rental activity. This deduction could be broken down one of two ways: either as actual expenses (receipts may be required), or the standard mileage deduction (which is currently 56.5 cents per mile for the 2013 fiscal year).

From the above deductions, it should be clear that there are plenty of tax advantages available for real estate investors! If you haven't already, it's definitely a good idea to start claiming all the above deductions you are eligible for. They may very well make a difference between losing money on a property versus earning a profit.

By: Ketul Kothari

Costa Rica Real Estate! Great Property Bargains Are Still Available

There are currently many misconceptions about Costa Rica when it comes to property prices. The news and media are currently leading many people to believe that the prices of real estate in this country are getting out of reach for most people. After living here for a few years I have found that there still is plenty of great investment opportunities available. The issue that most people were faced with is dealing with real estate agents. Many real estate companies are in the business to make money and they want you to look at the properties in which their commissions are the highest.

When purchasing property in a foreign country it can be difficult to know who you can, and who you cannot trust. This tends to lead people to rely on what they are familiar with so that they can protect their investment with the use of someone else's knowledge. It is important to understand that it is not always necessary to use a real estate agent to find a very inexpensive piece of property or home to purchase. Many people in Costa Rica are not in a hurry to sell their property and nor do they really understand the fact they have to pay a real estate agent to sell their home or business. When faced with this proposition of commission, many choose to just wait until someone comes along so that they can deal with them directly without having to pay. This is a great benefit for you the buyer to take advantage of. But, where do you start?

Self-employment is very popular in this Central American country. Many men and women do miscellaneous types of odd jobs to support their family. They are very good at this though their income is very low. By asking around you can find some of them that are trustworthy to help you in your cause. You have to be careful because they do have a tendency to try to take advantage of people from other countries just for the chance of making money. On the other hand there are a few that are very honest and will do almost anything to help you. These men and women know people throughout the country and keep close track of anything for sale. It doesn't matter to them if it's a cow, chicken, car, or a small piece of property that is located on the Pacific Coast. You can hire these people to find a home or business for sale in which you will pay pennies on the dollar in comparison to what a real estate agent will charge you.

Probably, more than 90% of real estate construction in Costa Rica is composed of cement and cement blocks. The reason for this varies from place to place, but in general this is because they believe that cement foundations and walls will handle earthquakes better than wood construction. The use of insulation is almost nonexistent and in most places unless located on the coastlines, is not needed. If you are one that likes the idea of being your own general contractor you can build a house very inexpensively here. Typical construction costs through completion for a normal three-bedroom home can be around $30-$40000. Property costs can range from $1000 per acre on up.

To wrap this up in a nutshell here's where you might begin. Plan a trip to visit Costa Rica and reserve some time for looking at real estate. Upon arrival find yourself a copy of the Tico Times newspaper if you speak English, or the country's largest Spanish newspaper named La Nacion. If your cell phone does not work here then you can find one to rent that is very affordable. Many of these phones come with unlimited minutes for around $10 per day. You can rent a car by looking in the newspaper with full coverage insurance and unlimited mileage for around $35 per day. This amount is far below the rates you will pay from most chain car rental outlets. Contact the people that have real estate in which you have an interest and find out if they speak your language. If not make a note to call them back when you have someone that can interpret for you. The newspaper will also possibly help you find someone to assist you with your Spanish if needed. Ask many of the people you run into if they know someone that can help you communicate while you are here, and that they are trustworthy. Make sure that they come with good references so that you don't have to be concerned with theft.

Some of the places you might check to find someone to help can include local large and small grocery stores, your hotel, furniture and white goods stores. Make sure to ask each and every person that you call from the classifieds if they have any ideas also.

The majority of Costa Rica's population is hard workers though the pay is usually around two dollars per hour. If you buy a home, small farm, or ranch in the country, you can hire a person or a family to take care of you and your property. For much less than you can imagine they will clean your house, cook your meals, take care of your yard, and watch your property while you are gone. Most Costa Ricans are very interested in learning English or another foreign language if it involves making an income. Basic things are usually very easy to express to them even without the use of Spanish. There's always someone nearby that does speak English, French, German, and sometimes even Russian.

By using some of the methods discussed in this article you'll be able to possibly find a piece of property, or a home, in which you can buy for the right price. This procedure will not produce results as quickly as a realtor but you won't go broke so quickly either.

Some final notes of caution! When visiting Costa Rica never allow anything you own to be out of sight. Theft rates for foreigners are exceptionally high. As long as you carry what you have with you the chances of something going wrong are very small. Do not leave things of value locked in your car or in your hotel unless you have someone watching them for you. Do not wear expensive jewelry on public streets and always keep a tight grasp on anything you wish to keep. Does this mean that you have to be concerned about your physical well-being? Typically there are only problems with theft. Rarely are people ever mugged or molested in any form. If you feel uncomfortable in an area then you should leave it.

There is real estate in Costa Rica that is still available and will be for many years into the future that could be no better described than Paradise. The weather and the clean air alone is plenty enough for most people to want to stay here forever. Make sure that you find a good attorney that comes with many references from the locals, and also from people in the area that speak your language. Use this attorney to make sure that the title of this property you have an interest in is clear and free of liens or outstanding past-due bills. The legal system in this Third World country is not the same as it is in the US and other more advanced countries.

Purchasing Real Estate Or Property in 2009?

Looking to purchase a home, condo cottage or other property. It can be said that in 2009 there are no shortage of properties and even commercial and office real estate. It is a buyers market most established Realtors will advise and even urge you. Yet the same basic rules, strategies and financial techniques that always work and worked in the past when land and dwellings were not so reasonably priced should still be followed and practiced arduously.

First things first decide and evaluate what you can afford. This determination should be in a form of a general range. What this means is the dollar or monthly mortgage payment value is not cast in stone. For good reasons and evaluation of the real estate market of your choice you may well decide to make a wise choice and either increase the limit or sometimes things are so good for buyers on the housing market and marketplace that you may well come to the decision that the house, condo or summer vacation or retirement cottage is much less costly than you thought, before starting the whole property hunting process. It is a range and within reasonable amount you can go somewhat more or somewhat less. This gives you greater flexibility on picking your real estate choice does not lock you in as much and can give you greater negotiating flexibility.

Next in line, after you have determined your general price range and cost structures is to determine what it is that you exactly wish for and need in a home. For example - how many bedrooms? How close to schools and or shopping. It is often said that location is the most important consideration for restaurants and the position, district and neighborhoods of real estate and housing. Thus questions can well involve city or suburbs? City or small town. Winnipeg based experienced real estate consultant and analyst notes that although many think by locating a large home in the suburbs , and enjoy a more isolated , scenic landing with relatively less expensive property tax ratings and charges, that what they save in real estate and property taxes is more than made up and offset by the increased cost of fuel and transportation back to the office in the city every day as well as costing them a fair amount of time as well, never to mind automotive repair and maintenance costs. On top of that you can bet that the local municipal tax board will not be far away in time from reassessing your property or realty taxes.

Once you have made these two decisions or at least have a general list and listings its time to get down to serious business. At this point in time there should be no shortage of homes and properties to look at and evaluate.

It can be said that new homes or even homes that are partially finished and that you can pay to have completed to full new home state are always a good and sure bet due to their extensive warranties and pristine condition. On the other hand you will most likely not have mature trees or landscaping, both of which require a fair amount of effort planning, hard work and will a time period of many years to grow and mature into the state which you like and prefer.

Next in line are resale homes. It can be said that overall resale homes offer a great combination of both affordability and character. In addition many resale homes will include improvements such as finished basements, rec rooms, decks or patios as well as mature landscaping. On the other hand you may well have to include calculations for repairs, maintenance and improvements that would not come as a matter of course in brand new real estate.

In summary, even though its a buyer's market in real estate , before you go out shopping for that new home - be it house, condo or lake cottage retirement cottage or home take the time to do your initial home buyer's workup. Two factors should be established and laid to rest promptly - your maximum real estate price range and location.

Real Estate And Residential Property In India

Having a proper roof over your head, while opting for the perfect family life, is not a hard thing to do anymore. Residential Property In India makes the intricate hunt for a property a lot easier as it values your useful time and strives to get the best deal about real estate properties, enlisting the best and the certified developers who are famous in this arena and enable you to own the most reasonably priced, legitimate and property ownership.

The advancement in the standard of living and the continuing expansion of the aiming Indians has provided a massive thrust to the Residential Property In India. With India imbibing globalization at a fast rate, bringing in more trade from the MNC sectors, there has been a major shift to the construction of more professional and office buildings all over India like Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Kolkata and Delhi. Investing in these residential properties of India is another lucrative business in the field of property market in India.

Residential Property In India provides all sorts of living accommodations from condominiums, farmhouses, vacant land, up to four bedroom apartments and bungalows. Also included are luxurious apartments, fashionable villas and mid-range residential understandings.

Residential Property In India is one of the most upcoming and remunerating market presently in India. In each passing day, the price of the real estate area is striking up. The specialty about these residential properties is its vast extent. No longer is the residential properties are limited to the metro states. It's also spreading in to the Special Economic Zones which also lets the entrepreneurs to extricate more profits and mint money.

Starting from the north, Delhi has many real estate properties you might be interested of. It has the Emaar MGF Villa Plots, Emaar MGF Palm Gardens, Vatika Urban House, Emaar Villa Plots at Emerald Hills, Tata Sector 72 Gurgaon and Raheja Vedas.

In Chandigarh you have the Eldeco Mansion, DLF Valley Panchkula, Unitech Unihomes Mohali, Collage Windsor Apartments, Parsvnath Pride Asia, Omaxe Panache Homes Ludhiana, Emaar MGF The Bungalows, and Dreamcity Amritsar.

Coming down to the City Of Joy, in Kolkata you have the Eden Court Primo, Unitech Unihomes Kolkata, Godrej Properties Prakriti, Unitech Air, Unitech Harmony UC, DLF New Town Heights, Mani Group Residency, Surekha Group and Unitech Nirvana Country.

In Mumbai, real estate properties includes Hiranandi Palace Garden, India Bulls Sky Suites, Mahindra Eminente Mumbai Ph II, New Haven Mumbai, Rustomjee Township, Kalpataru Estates- Andheri East and Mahindra Splendor Mumbai.

Real Estate Agents & Property Buyers - What's The Difference?

Estate agents & property buyers are the two most common terms which are used while dealing with any kind of property. Broadly, dealing with property refers to either buying or selling of any possession, which clearly shows that there has to be a buyer and seller to initiate the deal. And estate agents & property buyers are those professionals who open the deal so that it can be closed, this way they help both buyer and seller in some way or the other. No doubt, estate agents & property buyers both deliver highly professional assistance and services, however they are different from each other. Before you take up the services of estate agents & property buyers, learn the nature of their job and the reason stating who should be dealt with under what conditions.

How real Estate agents & property buyers are different from each other? Lets discuss one by one:

Property buyers: They are more interested in buying your property. Suppose you are planning to sell your property, say your land, here approaching property buyers is a better option as they can offer you one of the best deals. Another reason is that they do not charge any kind of commission and usually buy property quickly.

Generally, people seek property buyers' assistance when they choose to sell their property really fast. There could be numerous reasons for that such as facing a divorce, relocating due to official transfers, professional investor wanting to cash out property, selling inherited property, not able to maintain your possessions so on and so forth.

Real Estate Agents: They provide highly useful services to those who either want to buy or sell real estate property. As a return, they get some percentage on the property as commission. Estate agents put all their marketing strategy, valuable time and efforts to let you find best deals on property.

Technically speaking if you want to sell property contacting property buyers is a fastest way to do that, however if you are planning to buy property consider real estate agents a better option.

Marketing Real Estate To Property Investors

The biggest difference when selling a property to an investor is keeping in mind you are not selling to a consumer but to another business. When selling the house you can often increase the price by making it aesthetically charming to the possible buyer. But that all changes if the buyer is an investor as they are not looking at the appeal of the house, rather that they are looking at how much income they can make out of it. The figures, for example rent, is more often than not more imperative than the building.

As an investor there are lots of ways you can raise rental income and below are a few ideas.

1. Do your research - look around at rental homes that are similar to the building you want to rent and find out how much rent is being asked for. Compare your charges to theirs; if you are charging less then you could reasonably raise the rent without losing tenants.
2. Though finishing a basement to code may involve significant investment, it may pay off in the long run.
3. Listen to what tenants want, the more you listen the more the you can make a home more attractive on the rental market. Laundry facilities, in fact all kitchen appliances, could make the house more rentable and bring in higher rental fees.
4. Can you update the insulation to lower the heating costs or switch to a high-efficiency furnace that will save on heating expenses?

Putting together a marketing plan, which will paint your property in a good light to investors, needs to be put in place once you have worked out and understand the financial worth of your home.

You are nearly ready to market your Calgary real estate property, before you do take a look at some final points that will conceivably make things run a little better:

• You may even have tenants, keep them informed about the decisions you make and what is going to happen. It is extremely disrespectful and unfair on existing tenants if you don't.
• Take the chance to listen to your tenants concerns, after all they are going to be worried that they will lose their home. The closing date is going to be crucial to rent payers so try and give them a rough idea when it will be.
• Even though property investors are more interested in the financial ramifications of the property, this doesn't mean you don't need to stage it properly; the property still needs to look its best.

Commercial Real Estate and Its Benefits

Some individuals who have gotten involved with commercial real estate feel like it was one of the best decisions they have ever made. The business of commercial real estate is a secret kept by those individuals who are involved in the world and succeeding at it. Some of the rewards and advantages of becoming involved with commercial real estate is far greater than the rewards and advantages of other real estate ventures. Any individual who feels as if the business of commercial real estate is something that they would not be able to succeed in is wrong and should really reconsider this idea. Anyone who has down a little bit of research in order to become more educated on the matter and has the proper amount of motivation needed in this business can succeed. After one has become educated on the matter, they may come to realize that the benefits of this business are much greater than the expenses associated with it. Individuals that become involved with commercial property and truly commit to it and succeed are able to enjoy a life that others wish they had.

The very first benefit of dealing with commercial property is that the individuals involved in this business are able to create a work schedule that is best for them and their unique situations. Commercial property enables individuals to either work full-time or part-time, but still obtain a level of wealth that they never thought they would.

Working part-time in this business can be just as effective as working a full-time job. Some individuals new to this business may decide to keep their job and work with the real estate part-time until their cash flow increases, then they commit to it full-time.

Full-time commercial real estate professionals are able to avoid dealing with a boss and get to be their own boss. They can work in the comforts of their own home and build their very own business from the ground up. A positive cash flow along with an impressive net worth can be built relatively fast.

An appealing benefit of commercial property is that individuals do not have to train for years and years and work themselves up the corporate ladder. The barriers to become involved in this business are few which allow individuals to dive in whenever they want.

One of the benefits that entice individuals the most is the amount of profit that there is to be had. The great thing is that with the amount of profit that can be earned individuals do not have to use a huge amount of effort. One commercial property deal can provide individuals with the same amount of profit as they would see if they sold 100 individual family residences.

No matter how many deals an individual makes in commercial real estate they have to use the same process every time. One of the key words used in the business of commercial real estate is synergy. It means that huge results can be had by making very small changes.