Why the Republic of Panama?

WHY PANAMA?

Panama is more than just a Canal?it is definitely way much more! The Republic of Panama is a cosmopolitan metropolis with a great biodiversity of nature where you can find a mix between tranquility and a well developed city.

In fact, Panama is a paradise to invest, to enjoy, to shop, a paradise of service, of friendly people, with seven ethnic Indian groups that still conserve their millenary traditions, with a Canal serving the world in between two oceans, a Canal considered to be the eight wonder of the world, with a variety of the most famous international chains of hotels, convention centers and a sustainable ecology in development, Panama is this and way much more!

Panama is considered to be in the 3rd position for ?best place to retire in the world?; The Republic of Panama is also considered to be the best place to live outside the United Estates. This is according to the renowned ?International Living? magazine and experts that promote the life style of US citizens retired in foreign countries. The ?American Association of Retired Persons? a magazine for retired people, has also considered Boquete and Chiriqu? in the Republic of Panama to be one of the four best places to have a home outside home. This rating was given after ten key indicators that included security, beauty, costs, climate, political stability and others.

Everything is relatively close and accessible in the Republic of Panama ?Center of the World and heart of the Universe? counting with direct flights from the United Estates, Europe, Asia and Latin-American, with more than 150 private banks, business centers where you can buy or sell any type of product at the best international prices. Panama is a commercial empire!

The Free Trade Zone (Colon City) in the Republic of Panama is the second most important trade center of the World after Hong Kong. This position is given since Panama has the best route or shortest from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean to move global trade. For these reasons, the Republic of Panama offers a great variety of Malls (Multiplaza, Multicentro, Los Pueblos and others) and duty free shopping centers with an excellent relation between quality and price where you will be able to experience the best shopping of your life!

INVESTING IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA:

When you buy in the Republic of Panama, you will find more amenities than in other retiring heavens such as Costa Rica, the costs are simply lower as well as crime rates. In the Republic of Panama you will find less bureaucracy and less interference with the local authorities when is about investing.

The Republic of Panama is one of the most globalize countries in Latin America. Panama is also a member of the (OMC) which stands for ?Organizaci?n Mundial de Comercio? or ?World?s Commerce Organization?, it is also part of the (ALCA) ?Area de Libre Comercio de Las Americas? or ?Free Trade Sector of the Americas? in which the Republic had the privilege to be the convention center for 2 years in a row (2001 & 2003) and has already started negotiations to be part of the (MERCOSUR) and (APEC).

You would not require special permits or inscriptions previous to your investment in the Republic of Panama. The Law of Stability of Investment (1998) protects all foreign investors from any change on taxes, the 10 year labor laws and other costs after an investment has been registered.

The Republic of Panama has proportioned various ways to incentive foreign investors which include;

* A US dollar based economy.

* Low inflation rates without risk of currency changes

* Total absence of exchange controllers

* Same treatment to foreigners and locals

* One of the most flexible countries in the world

* No restriction to foreign owned corporations

* No restriction to fusions, acquisitions or corporations of shared risk

* An existing Free Trade Zone

* A large percentage of bilingual labor force

* The Republic of Panama is nominated #1 in the region for low cost of living and low operational cost from the Tripartite Committee which consists of the Latin American and Caribbean Economic Commission (ECLAC), the American Estates Organization (OAS) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

The Republic of Panama is totally covered by the OPIC, MIGA, IDB and other multilateral entities.

The Politic Risk Service (PRS) named the Republic of Panama to be one of the three countries in the hemisphere with best qualifications for investment.

These are just some of the reasons why Panama is the best place for your businesses and investment.

COST OF LIVING IN PANAMA

The Republic of Panama has costs of a third world country in a first world country. Panama Real Estate cost can be 1/10 of values in the United States and the cost of living is about ? to all mayor cities in the US. Below is a quick list of mayor living cost as reference, in many cases retirees can Sell their present Living properties, buy one better in Panama for ? of the cost and live a better Life Style for many years with the ? of their sale, with change.

Estimated Monthly Fixed Costs in US dollars:

Electricity in Panama $80.00

Water in Panama (Very Safe to Drink-The Best in Latin America) $20.00

Phone Bills in Panama (Includes Monthly Fee and Estimated Usage) $50.00

Living Maid in Panama (If you can afford it its highly recommended) $150.00

Cell Phone cost in Panama $50.00

Condo Maintenance Fee in Panama $150.00

Internet Service in Panama (Residential) $20.00

Cable TV Service in Panama $50.00

Gasoline in Panama (2.35 per Gallon ? Estimate) $50.00

Groceries in Panama (Monthly for Family of 4) $400.00

Fire Insurance in Panama (Building) $150.00

Health Insurance in Panama (Basic Coverage for Family of 4) $150.00

Car Insurance in Panama (Based on a $25,000 Auto) $35.00

Private School Fees in Panama (per kid) $130.00 -$500.00

Additional Expenses

Private School Tuition in Panama $300.00

General Medicine in Panama $35.00

Dentist in Panama consultancy $35.00

Gymnasium monthly fees in Panama $45.00

Dinner at a luxury restaurant in Panama (2 pax) $50.00-$80.00

Movie theater fees in Panama $3.50

Taxi fees in Panama $1.50

Tax (ITBM) in Panama 5%

SECURITY IN PANAMA

The Republic of Panama is the safest country in Central and South America. It counts the highest qualifications on security for tourists according to the Pinkerton Intelligence Agency, is a warm, economic, comfortable and adventurous place to retire, invest and live how you have always dream of.

CLIMATE IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

The Republic of Panama counts with the ideal geographical position and atmospheric conditions. Here in Panama, you can find the perfect climate for al tastes, sunny, tropical, warm exotic beaches and over 1,200 islands that surround us. At the same time you can enjoy a fresh climate at the high lands of Chiriqu?, El Valle, Boquete or Cerro Azul among the most popular spots at a few hours from Panama City.

It is very important to mention that in the Republic of Panama there are no hurricanes, active volcanoes or earthquakes because of its privileged geographical position.

The Republic of Panama counts with to climatic stages ?Dry? (December-April) and ?Green? (April-December) seasons. The Green season its know for the drastic changes of sun light and tropical rain that makes the country ?Green?.

The temperature in the Republic of Panama during the year is 27? C y 16?C-25?C in the valleys and mountains. The north winds refresh us during ?dry? season. The tropical rains are usually in between 5 to 45 minutes while the sky partially opens and lets the sun rays penetrate or country.

GENERAL INFORMATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

?Panama seems to be apart from Central America sustained by its canal, banks and a free trade zone? The Economist.

GEOGRAPHY IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

The republic of Panama occupies 75,990 km2 with 9 provinces: Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui, Colce, Veraguas, Darien, Colon, Los Santos, San Blas and Herrera. Up north the Panamanian coastline borders the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific on the Southern coast of our Isthmus at only 1hr from each other. On the west side of the Republic of Panama is Costa Rica and Colombia on the East Side.

POPULATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

The Republic of Panama has 2,839,177 million habitants (July, 2001). It is a mix of ethnicities from different origins; Spanish conquerors, blacks and indigenous groups. Panama is a place where all cultures collide.

RELIGION IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

The Republic of Panama has the following religious statistics; Catholics: 85% ; Christians: 12%; Orthodox: 3% ?Hindus, Muslim and Buddhists? All cultural groups practice their religion freely in the Republic of Panama.

LANGUAGE IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

Spanish is the official language in the Republic of Panama. However, English is used frequently by Panamanians and businesses in the Republic of Panama.

POLITICAL SYSTEM IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

The Republic of Panama has a stable democratic political system who actually promotes the foreign investment. Panama is an independent nation that counts with a wide legal frame which supports the national security for Panamanians and foreigners. Panama?s actual president is Mr. Martin Torrijos.

CURRENCY IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

Since 1904, the Republic of Panama uses the Balboa as its currency. The Balboa is equivalent to the US dollar which circulates in the Republic of Panama as well. The Republic of Panama has maintained the lowest inflation rates in the hemisphere (2%) in the last 40 years. Traveler checks, credit card or debit cards can be used to makes payments in the Republic of Panama.

BANKING CENTER

Panama City counts with over 150 international and local banks offering a modern legislation on IBC?s (International Business Corporations), Private Interest Foundations, high interest rates on certificates of deposit and more! Banks such as Citibank, HSBC, BNP/Paribas and Dresdner are some of the ones you will find in the Republic of Panama.

TIME IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

The official time of the Republic of Panama is the same as the East Coast of the United Estates which is (GMT-5).

ELECTRIC POWER IN PANAMA

The electric power in the Republic of Panama goes at 110w-60hz and 220w.

TELEPHONE SERVICE IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

Internet, phone lines and cell-phone services are excellent. You can make or receive international phone calls in Panama City. The country code for the Republic of Panama is 507.

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

Because of having an excellent geographical position and one of the most important routes in the world for international trade, ?The Panama Canal?, our country is one of the most important spots for logistics on transportation and cargo services in the world.

The Republic of Panama counts with modern ports on the Atlantic Coast as well as the Pacific Coast. Our ports are connected with a Panamanian Rail Way. We count with excellent roads, national and international airports in which all are capable of processing cargo.

The Republic of Panama offers one of the most important maritime systems of commercial routs in the world.The public transportation cost in Panama City is of less than 25cents of a US dollar; taxis fees in Panama City starts from $1.00 USD per passenger, in case of an extra passenger you should add a 25% or 25cents per dollar.

You can reach any province of the Republic of Panama thru de Albrook bus terminal or by contacting a local tour operator. We suggest a private tour services such as the fist private tour service in the Republic of Panama. (www.panamaprivatetours.com).

An example of the price for a bus ticket to David, Chiriqu? is of $10.60. However, this may take long hours and a few stops to eat, etc. In order for you to travel comfortable we suggest a local tour operator as mentioned above.

DRIVERS LICENCE IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

Any driver?s license is valid in the Republic of Panama for 90 days. However, you should always carry your passport in case you get stopped by a police officer. The minimum age required to obtain a drivers license in the Republic of Panama is of 18 years of age.

MEDICINE AND MEDICAL SERVICES IN REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

The Republic of Panama offers medical services that are top rated like in the United Estates and other countries. Panamanian medical top standards include the public and private service as well. You can find a wide range of hospitals, pharmacies, laboratories, ambulance services; insurance companies that are just a part of a complete medical service system and medical specialties that are found in Panama and Central America. In Panama you will also find a large number of medical professionals; surgeons, medics, paramedics, nurses with vast experience that will confirm the best medical assistance for you and your family.

The Panamanian health center ?Ministerio de Salud?, is the institution in charged of determining and conducting health politics in the Republic of Panama.

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

Private and public schools in Panama are supervised under the Panamanian Minister of Education. Panamanian school systems are organized under primary and secondary ?high school? levels which are six years each. University degrees are also offered in the Republic of Panama. There are also a few US universities such as Louiville and Florida State University. The Republic of Panama has over 20 different universities.

Monthly fees for School Trasnportation in the Republic of Panama: US$ 35.00

TOURSISTIC DESTINATIONS IN THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

The Republic of Panama is ?affordable tourism? For many, Panama is the today?s best country for ecotourism. The unique geographical position that Panama has ?a bridge connecting two continents? gives the opportunity to enjoy fascinating primitive tropical rain forests and a biodiversity that counts with over 944 bird species. This is more than in the United Estates and Canada together!

It is convenient to know, that all this nature is accessible at only 1 hour from Panama City. Panama?s National Parks are vast with almost 5 million acres in size; this makes 25% of Panama?s total size. Panama has plenty unexplored virgin forests and for those who have, there is a local saying: while in other countries you see 20 tourists observing one bird specie, in Panama you find one tourist observing 20 species.

Panamanian National Parks that we recommend you to visit:

1. Altos de Campana Natural Park

2. La Amistad Nacional Park

3. Marino Isla Bastimentos Nacional Park

4. Cerro Hoya Nacional Park

5. Isla Coiba Nacional Park

6. Chagres National Park

7. Dari?n National Park

8. El Cop? National Park

9. Camino De Cruces National Park

10. Metropolitano National Park

11. Portobelo National Park

12. Sarigua National Park

13. Soberan?a National Park

14. Volc?n Bar? National Park

We cannot leave our beautiful beaches behind! Panama has over 1,200 islands and 2,400km of coast including the Pacific and Atlantic coast together. There is a wide range of beaches to pick from starting from all inclusive resorts to fascinating getaways. Both coasts in the Republic of Panama are separated by only 55 miles, this means that you could snorkel on the Atlantic coast in the morning and bathe in the Pacific after.

Many international experts are impressed by the world class adventure that river navigation offers in the Republic of Panama. This includes kayaks, tubes, rafts and motorized river boats. Panama has river sites where you could find 20 rapids in one afternoon. Canoe excursions, excursions, rappelling and surfing offers similar experiences to anyone looking for extreme adventures.

The Republic of Panama is characterized by its fishing. Even from Pre-Hispanic times, the rumors were that Panama had abundance of fish in its coasts and that ?Panama? meant abundance of fish in local Indian dialect.

There are many options for fishing in the Republic of Panama. The most fascinating aspect is that you could fish at a short distance the following styles; fly fishing, trout or big game fishing at Pi?as Bay. We recommend www.panamaprivatetours.com as the most comfortable and private option to travel in the Republic of Panama.

HOW TO GET INTO THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

The following lists of countries do not require a visa to get into the Republic of Panama:

Germany, Hungary, Argentina, Israel, Austria, Italy, Chile, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Pollony, El Salvador, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom, Finland, Greece, France, Singapore, Guatemala, Switzerland, Honduras, Uruguay, Holland, Luxemburg, Belgica, Bolivia.

Countries that require a visa to access the Republic of Panama: Chad, Chipre, Egypt, ilipines, Peru, Dominican Republic, Thailand, Ecuador.

Countries that can get into the Republic of Panama using a tourist card: Antigua / Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, South Korea, Curacao, United Estates, Vatican, Granada, Greece, Guyana, Isladia, Jamaica, Japan, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Norway, New Zealand, Paraguay, Samoa, San Cristobal / Nevis, San Marino, Saint Vincent, Santa Lucia, Sao Tome, Sweden, Suriname, Taiwan, Trinidad / Tobago and Venezuela.

The remaining nationalities require authorization and visas to access the Republic of Panama.

Estamped Visa: You can get a stamped visa at Panamanian Consulates in your country.

Authorized Visa: The authorized visa can be obtained at Panamanian consulates in your county with direct authorization from Migration in the Republic of Panama as well as an authorization from the Panamanian Security Council.

Tourist Card: This card can be purchased for $5.00 USD and is sold at travel agencies or airlines. Every tourist must have a valid passport except US citizens that would only need to present a valid ID.

HOW TO SEND YOUR PET INTO THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

The following list of requierements are for the pet lovers who wish to bring thei own domestic animals into the Republic of Panama.

- The first step to bring a pet into the Republic of Panama is to get a hold of a health and rabies certificate given by a veterinary. Both documents must get stamped by the Panamanian Consulate.

- Three (3) days before the animal?s arrival, you must present an application to the Department of prevention and control of Zoonosis. The document must include the general information of the animal; age, sex, color, name, etc. The flight number, airline, owner?s information must be given as well. This application must specify the duration of the animal; permanent or temporary.

- You must pay the amount of $130.00 USD in concept of quarantine to the National Bank of Panama. This branch is located in the International Airport.

- Alter presenting the National Bank?s receipt to the department of quarantine, you will be free to enjoy your pet?s company in the Republic of Panama.

As a matter of fact, the Republic of Panama is one of the 5 countries with out rabies!

For more information please log in www.panamahotproperties.com or contact us at info@panamahotproperties.com

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How to write more powerfully for PR offline and online

Years ago when my Dad owned a group of local newspapers I spent my school and college vacations working in the editorial office. We used to amuse ourselves over our sandwiches at lunchtime looking through and trashing the endless press releases that would arrive in the mail each day, all beautifully produced with glossy photographs (this was in pre-internet days).

Years ago when my Dad owned a group of local newspapers I spent my school and college vacations working in the editorial office. We used to amuse ourselves over our sandwiches at lunchtime looking through and trashing the endless press releases that would arrive in the mail each day, all beautifully produced with glossy photographs (this was in pre-internet days).

We trashed them because all but the odd one or two were ill-considered, highly subjective, barely camouflaged advertising copy that had about as much editorial news value as last weeks shopping list.

Why am I telling you all this?

Because despite the fact that this happened many years ago, its still happening today. Both offline and now online editors continue to laugh sardonically at the self-promoting garbage they receive from corporate sources exactly as my Dad and I laughed umpty-dump years ago. I salivate just thinking about how I could spend the fortunes wasted on those releases and photographs over so many years.

And why does this continue to happen? I believe it is because the organizations who send out this stuff particularly their financial managers just cant get their heads around the difference in culture between what they want to say, and what editors need to deliver to their audiences.

Good PR advisers try hard to compensate, but ultimately its the client who pays their fees, and if the client insists on issuing garbage theres not much a PR adviser can do other than resign the business.

Time after time after time Im called into companies and asked to comment on why the PR coverage they get in the media is so poor. 99 times out of a 100 its because theyve issued press releases that are only of interest to themselves and their bosses. And yet when I point this out to them they cant understand it.

But our development team worked 14 hours a day for three years to win that contract! they shout indignantly. And the CEO had to cut short his vacation in Turks & Caicos just so he could sign the documents by the deadline! I mean, its the most important thing to have happened to us in the history of the company!

I know, I croon soothingly, but those points arent of much interest to the readers of your regional business press, or your trade press for that matter.

Well, maybe not, they reply. But they are very relevant to us, and to our shareholders. Thats why we made such an elaborate issue of those points in the press release.

Ah, I think to myself as I gaze out of the window to see if my creatively-parked car is going to attract the attention of passing traffic policepersons. Here is another problem we encounter with press releases.

Its called when is a press release not a press release? The answer is, when a press release is to be used to impress all sorts of people who are not members of the press. Only we want them to think that this is what the press will write about us, so we put it in a press release. That would be okay as long as thats as far as it goes.

But the awful truth is the same document (paper or electronic) really does get sent out to the press. And quite rightly they ignore it, once again because it is of no interest to the readership of the publication concerned.

For Heavens sake, you folks who do this sort of thing, please grow up and face reality. If you want to promote your achievements to your share/stockholders or staff or suppliers or whoever, then just go ahead and do it and dress it up in press release costume if you must, although I dont think that fools anybody.

But whatever you do, dont send it to the press and dont kid yourself or anyone else that to use the same document for both purposes is a way to economize. Its a sure way to shoot yourself through the foot and indirectly could cost you a fortune.

If you want to get coverage in the media then you must forget all elements of self-congratulation. Whatever information you send out has to have something in it for them (the audience) - something new, interesting and relevant. It doesnt have to be earth-shattering, just worth reading.

If your organisation has done something brilliant and youre proud of it, by all means say so; just be sure to emphasise whats great about it for the audience and/or the rest of the world, not merely for yourselves. Let the facts tell the story. If your organisation genuinely deserves to be congratulated, it will be.

And you dont simply have the audience to consider in this case, because unlike the forms of communication you control, with media coverage the decision of whether or not to transmit your message rests with someone else usually the editor. Editors and journalists are either very busy or very lazy or both (and dont chastise me for admitting that, guys. Ive been there, done it, got the T shirt and drank too much in the brasserie at lunchtime too.)

If you supply them with material they can see is relevant to their readers and preferably is usable with the minimum of editing, they will warm to it a lot faster than something that may hold a grain of interest but will take someone a whole evening to rewrite and several phone calls or e-mails to check for accuracy.

Try to match the style and writing approach of the publication. If youre sending a release out to several publications that circulate among the same readership, then one release should be relevant to all. But if youre aiming at different press groups say the trade journals and the business pages of the regional dailies you will need to rework the approach of your press release according to the different audiences.

Youll usually find that the basic core of a press release can remain pretty well the same across all media groups, because it consists (or should consist) of the pure facts the old journalists formula of who, what, how, where, when and why.

What changes is the angle, and particularly the lead-in. That means the headline, which should be short and attention-grabbing, and then the first two or three sentences that support the headline and set up the whole story. Often its worth trying to work in a clever bit of word-play with headlines, but be very careful a pun or play on the words that doesnt work is worse than writing the headline straight.

By far the best guidance youll get, though, comes from studying the audience the people who read the publications. What in your story is going to interest them?

Readers of a trade journal will be interested in whats new and different about your new product and how it could improve the way they do business.

Readers of local or regional business sections will be interested more in how your new products manufacturing and distribution, say, will impact on the local business community and economy.

Local general newspapers and other media will be interested in the human side, i.e. how many new jobs the factory producing the new product will create.

etc.

And one last tip on how to get the best from press releases use quotes from the key people involved in the story.

Not those awful, meaningless corporate-babble quotes you so often see in company press releases We are delighted to be able to announce the new contract at this moment in time and we have every confidence that our latest investment will be of significant benefit to our you know the type of thing. These are usually the first elements that get chopped out by the editor.

Its perfectly OK to write quotes for your senior people, by the way. They very rarely give real quotes for anything other than TV or radio interviews but dont seem to mind quotes being written for them, provided theyre given the opportunity to check them before theyre issued.

So, write them quotes that far from being beatific banalities actually are telling important parts of the story. This is good for two reasons:

1.It makes your senior exec look intelligent and aware of whats going on in the organization, which is 100% more than the banality-quote will do for him/her.

2.Because its an important part of the story and contains useful facts, the publications staff will be far less likely to edit it out.

Possibly youre beginning to feel that in order to get press coverage youll have to turn yourself, your product and your entire board inside out and upside down. You could be right, but thats PR. Remember that press coverage is not advertising**. Yes, its free and thats wonderful, but as always theres no such thing as a free lunch.

Editors will only put your stuff in, for free, if it is genuinely good for their publication and their readers, not for you. They do not care about your sales figures. They care about their own sales figures. Successful PR people and writers of press releases always, always bear these points in mind; in fact thats why theyre successful.

**An exception to this is whats known (in the UK at least) as advertorial. In case you dont already know this is advertising copy written in editorial style, but the space it occupies is really an advertisement you pay for. If youre obliged to write it, please just try to make it as honest as you can. Not easy.

Online tips

Nearly all the theory pertaining to offline PR is relevant to the online equivalent especially in terms of what content is of interest to publishers and what isnt.

Online publishing of relevance to organizations usually falls into one of two pretty obvious groups; one, websites, portals etc that are totally independent and uniquely on the web, and two, those which are the online alter egos of offline publications.

In either group if you want the publications to take your releases or submissions seriously, its very important that you follow the format and structure of articles that appear on the websites concerned. Whatever you do dont make the mistake of submitting a general press release to these organizations, even though you do it by e-mail.

Check first how long the teaser paragraph is that appears on the home or section page, and check how they lay out the full articles. Then submit material that fits perfectly, both in style and in word counts. Heres why:

1.You will be saving them the trouble of reworking your piece which makes it attractive in the first place

2.Because it fits so perfectly you will discourage them from changing anything, which is also a huge advantage for you.

The other point I would make about online press work is dont assume that just because you submit a release to the offline publication (and even if they run it) it will be forwarded automatically to the publications website. It wont. At least not necessarily. And Ive found that one out the hard way, believe me.

Treat offline and online versions as entirely separate entities; find out who the movers and shakers are on each, and often youll see that the online version is run by an entirely different group of people.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Canadian-born Suzan St Maur is a leading business writer based in the United Kingdom. You can subscribe to her business writing eZine, TIPZ from SUZE on her website. And check out her latest book, POWERWRITING here: http://www.pearsoned.co.uk/bookshop/detail.asp?item=100000000016610&affid=STM or on B&N and any of the Amazons.
Suzan St Maur 2005
http://www.suzanstmaur.com

The Basics of Selling Your Home

Last week, I described the necessary steps that one should take when buying a home. Now, I will do the same for those who wish to sell their homes. First, you should make sure that you work with a real estate professional that will guide you through the process of selling your home. In conjunction with your agent, you should determine the asking price by reviewing comparative market analysis. This shows how much homes similar to yours in the same area have sold or are selling for. Another item to keep in mind when deciding upon your price is the amount of time you are willing to wait for a buyer to make an offer. The process of working with an agent will include signing a listing agreement, which is an agreement between you, the seller, and your real estate agent. It enables your real estate agent to represent you as your exclusive Seller?s Agent. The contract usually includes such items as the length of the listing period, desired sale price, and the amount of commission for the broker. An important factor in determining the right agent is to you know the marketing plan before obligating yourself to a contract. The obvious goal is to sell your home for the highest possible price in the shortest amount of time.

When you prepare your home for the sale, you want to make sure that it has good ?curbside? appeal, because buyers often look closely at the outside appearance before they even consider the inside. Make the outward appearance of your home as inviting as possible, but also ensure that the inside shows as being in good condition. Interested buyers for your home will present offers to your agent, who will then present these to you. A seller can accept, reject, or counter-offer . Once you accept one of these offers, a formal contract of sale will be negotiated and signed. Part of the contract usually allots the buyer a certain amount of time to have the home inspected by a Property Inspector. After this inspection is complete, the Buyer?s Agent will tell you that your home is in a secure contract, and the selling process will continue. The contract of sale says that the sale is subject to a clean and marketable title, which is the seller?s responsibility. Other ?must dos? that need to be taken care of before the closing are the appraisal, survey of the property, and final loan approval. After all of the above steps have taken place, there will be a final walk through of the home to make sure everything is in order. And, finally, the closing will take place.

For even more information of selling your home, and for FREE forclosure lists visit Walnut California Real Estate

How Affordable Is Really Affordable?

You?ve found your dream home and can?t believe the price! You?ve never been so lucky. So, how can you make sure your affordable dream home truly is affordable? First, make certain you?ve viewed several properties in the area and compare the pricing. It?s hard to know if you have selected an affordable home if you?ve only viewed one property in that area. After you?ve viewed several properties, then you can assess whether or not the home you?ve selected is in a comparable market price range.

Also, consider checking with your local property assessor?s office or tax assessor in order to compare market values of these homes. Secondly, make sure you?re not paying for decoration. Imagine the home or property completely bare. Would it still be worth the price you?re paying if all of the fancy decorations were taken down? Be sure you?re not paying for ?window dressing? that will be gone the moment you sign the closing papers. Imagine the home decorated the way you envision and you?ll know whether or not it?s suited to you.

Lastly, inspect, inspect, and when you?re finished with that, inspect some more. Most homes have records available at the local courthouse or property assessor?s office. It?s important to make sure you?re not purchasing a home in a flood-zone or on an earthquake fault. Also, the housing authorities sometimes keep records on things such as termites and other housing damages. Once the house passes these tests, turn that key and enjoy your new and affordable home.

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The Sellers Even Took The Light Bulbs!

After being in residential real estate over ten years, you think you have heard or seen it all. Late this last winter I was at a party and some new first-time homeowners shared with me their recent experience at a final walk-through before closing. They met their real estate agent at the property filled with excitement for their last look before they took legal ownership and possession. The buyer thought the house looked strangely dark when they drove up. It was dark, very dark! The sellers had taken every light bulb inside and out. They reasoned since they weren't attached that they could take them along with the rest of their personal property. While this isn't typical, you should know the difference between personal property and a fixture.

-Personal property. Defined as items that are easily removed and not permanently attached to property. Rugs, draperies, furniture, mirrors hung as pictures, fireplace tools, draperies, patio furniture and outdoor play equipment, appliances and window air conditioners are typical personal property.

-Fixture. Personal property that has permanently been added to real estate. Built-in bookcases, closet organizers, light fixtures (but not their light bulbs!), automatic garage door openers are some examples of fixtures. Heating ,cooling, plumbing systems are fixtures too, but don't readily fall into a gray zone.

-Bill of sale. All personal property included with the sale of a property is transferred from the seller to the buyer through a bill of sale. Make sure you deliver or receive one for all personal property conveyed at closing or escrow.

-Exclusion. Items that are fixtures that the seller wants to take at closing are exclusions. All exclusions showed be listed in a contract to purchase. List excluded items on listing sheets and call attention to excluded items during home showings with the use of signs on or near excluded items.

-Buyers should develop early on a checklist of all contractual inclusions to verify that have been left by sellers at final walk-through.

-Disclose to buyers that some items in your home are leased such as your security system or cable box.

Mark Nash is the author of Fundamentals of Marketing for the Real Estate Professional, Starting & Succeeding in Real Estate, Reaching Out: The Financial Power of Niche Marketing, and 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home. Mark is a contributing writer for: Realtor (R) Magazine Online, Broker Agent News, Real Estate Executive Magazine, Principal Broker, and Realty Times. His tried and true real estate tips has been featured on Business Week, CBS The Early Show, CNN, HGTVpro.com, The New York Times, and USA Today. Purchase his books at http://www.1001RealEstateTips.com .

Classic Toys ? Intrinsic Magic

Toys today seem to come with a host of electronic features. They can dance, sing, jump, giggle even wet their nappies (why would anyone want a toy like that?).

However, some child psychologists actually advise against giving very young children any electronic toy. They believe that babies and toddlers need to develop their hand and eye coordination, their imagination, and their motor skills?so giving something that moves and grooves at the touch of a button is counterproductive. The best educational toys are the Classic Toys.

Dolls

Dolls are certainly Classic Toys. Archaeological excavations have unearthed dolls that date back to thousands of years (talk about being sturdy!). These dolls may not have been able to sing or walk on their own, but they helped comfort a sick or frightened child, and were part of several imaginary adventures. These classic toys are also important in practicing social skills. As your child ?interacts? with the toy, she plays out gestures or roles that she?s observed from adults around her. One of the best accessories for dolls are dollhouses, which make the imaginary games so much more real.

Wooden blocks

Wooden blocks are Classic Toys that your child will use for years. Younger toddlers would prefer to just bang them against each other?which builds their hand eye coordination and gross motor skills. As they gain greater control of their hand movements, these classic toys can be used to build towers, bridges and houses. The letters and numbers carved or painted on the side of wooden blocks also make them a great start to reading!

Balls

Does your child spend hours in front of the TV? Get him to play outside; where he can get the exercise he needs from running, jumping, and playing catch with friends. Child nutritionists are actually concerned that the sedentary lifestyle of kids today are leading to skyrocketing statistics of childhood obesity. So these classic toys can actually be exactly what the doctor recommends.

Rocking Horses

Look at any illustration of a children?s room, and you?re bound to find a rocking horse included in the tableau. Rocking horses are some of the world?s most cherished classic toys, and are made of such fine craftsmanship and have such universal appeal that they are often passed down from one generation to the next. While they traditionally come in dappled gray, you can find them in many, many colors and sizes.

Kites

?Let?s go fly a kite, up where the air is light?? so goes the song about these classic toys from the classic musical Mary Poppins. While kites have no batteries or gizmos attached, they are a feat of skill?you need good aerodynamics. In fact, many see them as the precursor to planes, since the Wright Brothers studied kite movements while working on their historical invention.

The great thing about kites is that they can bring many happy hours of parent-child bonding. Make one together, and then take outside when the weather?s right. For some people, kite flying is a serious hobby, and they join worldwide kite flying competitions.

About the Author:

Wishrooms.com offers unique Kid Furniture for bedrooms and playrooms at affordable prices!

Top 10 Critical Mistakes Homebuyers Make and How to Avoid Them (Part two)

6.Waiting for the ?bubble? to burst. Hot markets come and go. Cold markets come and go. Markets become over-priced, then over-time become under-valued. If you are waiting for a severe correction in real estate prices, pull up a seat, because you might be waiting a long time.

Homes, unlike other investments (the stock market for example) are valuable in two ways: 1) Psychological value - homes have value because everyone thinks they should, and 2) ?real? value (people, homeowners and renters, need shelter).

Because homes are valuable in both respects, home values historically will usually only level out after a hot market. Sometimes homes will lose some value but not very much. St. George homes lost about 5% of their value after the last hot market in 1995?sort of like a balloon deflating because it took several years for this to happen.

If I were looking to buy a home I would be more concerned with interest rates and less concerned with playing with bubbles.

7.Not choosing a real estate agent carefully. In our town about 75% of real estate agents have been in the business one year or less. I suspect that this is true nationwide. The hot market of 2005 caused everybody and their brother to want to get their real estate license. When you contact a local agent, you probably have a 3 out of 4 chance of getting an agent who is severely under-qualified to represent you in the purchase of $250,000+ investment?your home.

You?ll want to contact at least four agents to make sure you are getting the best one you can find. Ask questions and then trust your instincts as to which agent is the best one for you.

8.Not having a home inspection done by a Professional Home Inspector. A good, experienced Home Inspector will catch problems in a home that most homebuyers would miss.

I have seen all of these items missed by a potential homebuyer, but caught by a home inspector:
a.A dryer vent, venting into the attic
b.A ground fault interrupt breaker not working (this can kill you!).
c.Evidence of termites
d.Aluminum wiring
e.A roof leaking into the attic, but not into the main part of the home (yet!).

Several years ago I became aware of a transaction in our real estate office where the buyers decided not to have a professional inspection on an almost new home they were buying. They ?inspected it themselves? to save the $300. Too bad they didn?t catch the fact that some of the basement windows leaked badly when it rained. The water stains were clearly visible had they known to look. That turned out to be a huge mess involving lawyers, threats and grief. This could have been avoided by paying the $300 to have a Professional Home Inspection.

9.Not receiving a home warranty at closing. It?s 3:00 AM. You wake up hearing water running in your newly purchased home. It keeps running. And running. You get up to check it out and find your basement floor covered with water from the broken water heater. Luckily the damage from the water is minimal. You go to look for the Home Warranty confirmation in the documents you received when you bought your home the previous month. You know that the home warranty company will replace your broken water heater for only $55. Suddenly, you slap your hand to your forehead and make the Homer Simpson ?Douhhh? sound as you realize that you didn?t get a home warranty because the seller wouldn?t pay for it and you certainly didn?t want to pay for it.

Lesson learned, always get a home warranty you buy a new home, even if you have to pay for it. It is money well spent. I would never buy a home without purchasing a home warranty. I never sell my own properties without a warranty for the buyer. It just makes good sense.

10.Not meeting the neighbors before you make an offer. Don?t you really hate it when your neighbors suck? Don?t you think it would be a good idea to do a little door knocking before you buy your new home? How about going online to look at your state?s website for registered sex offenders?

I did a little door knocking before I bought a foreclosed home in St. George. I was buying the home for my personal use and as part of the ?due-diligence? I decide to meet the neighbors. I asked which house was the ?bad house? on the street. I came to find out it was the home I was buying because the previous owners were noisy, rude, dirty, and didn?t care for their home. I changed that by buying the home and moving into it.

There you go; 10 simple steps to keep yourself, as a homebuyer, out of hot water. Violate any of these steps and you may end up losing a little or a lot of your hard earned money. Now go out and find the home of your dreams!

About Me:
I have lived in beautiful St. George, Utah since 1998. I have been a real estate agent here (Washington County, Utah) since 1999. I have survived terrible housing markets and thrived in amazing markets (38% home appreciation in St. George in 2005). For more interesting articles, or to sign up for receiving my weekly St. George foreclosures email please visit my website: DonGlasgow.net. I also provide homebuyers with instant access to the Washington County MLS. I have gotten tons of compliments on my website, so make sure and check it out!