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How to Add Google Maps
to Your Real Estate Website

By: Michael LaPeter

Google Maps have been around for a while now, but there still aren’t very many real estate agents who use them on their personal or farm real estate websites.

Whether you’re focusing on a neighborhood or a subdivision, you can quickly and easily use Google Maps to create a useful, local resource that you can provide to your farm or use to attract buyers interested in the area.

Local, accurate information from a human, whether in the form of Google maps, single property websites, or hyper-local sites, is one of the best advantages we can provide as real estate agents, and it’s one of the hardest areas for national conglomerates and huge search sites to break into.

It’s easy to get started using Google Maps
You can use the the place-mark pins as I have in this example, or you can draw shapes on the map for subdivisions or bigger buildings. You could make a “buyer’s tour” for out of town buyers, perhaps highlighting desirable (or especially undesirable) areas, and including points of interest with your own personal commentary.

Why not have the first point start at your office?

1. To get started, sign in or create a Google account then Google “Google maps” and click the first result to go to their map section.
2. Then click “create new map” near the top left corner, and start plopping down points of interest. After you put down a point, you can add details into You can put in links to things such as your MLS listing, single property websites, etc.
3. Once you’ve created your map, you can then embed it on your site or link to it by clicking “Link” near the top right corner and cutting and pasting the code they provide. You could also add the same Google map to your single property websites for maximum exposure. Either way, they’re an easy and effective way to show you’re a local agent.

While there are more advanced ways to integrate google maps into your site, those methods usually involve the assistance of a professional web developer.

I’d suggest getting started with the above method first, to decide what aspects you like about Google Maps. Then, you can save more time and money when you decide to work with a professional web developer.

Along with Google Maps, don’t forget to also add plenty of high quality photos to the rest of your site, as this can also help buyers get a great sense of a local area.

Author Resource: Michael is an active real estate broker and writes frequently on real estate marketing. Michael is also the founder of Bold Virtual Tours, a web 2.0 marketing tool that lets real estate agents create stunning virtual tours and single property websites easily. He also writes on the Real Estate Marketing Blog there.

Article From RealEstateArticles4U.com

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Tax Deductions Help Recoup
Lost Revenue In Real Estate Investing

By: Christine OKelly

Everyone knows the government will always get their tax money one way or another. That doesn’t mean you have to automatically turn over a higher percentage of your real estate investing profits than the law requires.

With good property management, you may be able to be entitled to substantial income tax deductions that help to increase your profits. This article will help to identify some of these legitimate tax deductions and will show you how you can benefit from them.

The Home Office

Many people avoid taking a home office deduction, but if you carefully follow the guidelines provided by the IRS, this could be a big savings to you.

This would include a portion of:

• Utilities
• Furniture
• Office Equipment and Supplies
• Telephone expense

You may even able to deduct a portion of your real estate taxes.

The office area of your home should be dedicated exclusively to your real estate investing and property management activities. This means just because you have a computer in the den that you keep property management records on you can’t claim it as a home office if the den also has a television or other entertainment activates that a family would normally enjoy.

If you follow the IRS guidelines and you should have no problem.

Travel Expenses May Be Deductible

If you have real estate properties spread out over an area of any size, you most likely will have to travel to check on them. This is true, even if your real estate investments are all within your immediate local area.

A portion of your gas expense and travel allowance as established by the IRS is deductible. You will need to keep an accurate record and log your travel. This goes for everything that is associated with your properties, for example, a trip to the hardware store for a replacement faucet or lumberyard for a gate repair. If you have properties outside of your immediate area, a portion of travel expense as well as meals and accommodations may also be deductible.

Taking Care Of Business

In real estate investing, almost anything associated with the property can be deducted from the income produced.

Possible Real Estate Investment Deductions:

• Property management expenses
• Interest on the loan secured by the property
• Repairs that are made - although some major repairs or renovations may need to be spread out over a longer time period.
• Depreciation on the property.

The government allows you to depreciate a portion of your cost each year as an offset to your income. This will of course reduce your initial cost for tax purposes and will affect the capital gains taxes when you go to transfer or sell the property.

A good property management company can advise you in greater detail.

Insurance Coverage Is Important

You should always have adequate insurance coverage for all perils including fire, wind, and flood. If you have a mortgage on the property, the lender will require full coverage to protect their interest as well. Insurance is not cheap, but necessary. The premiums you pay are a direct expense associated with the property, thus count as a legal deduction just as your real estate taxes would count.

If you have several properties that require the employment of others, and you provide insurance coverage for them as well, this too can be a deductible expense.

Legal And Professional Fees

Real estate investing can be complicated and you’re not expected to know everything or to be an expert in every field. There will be times that you may have to hire an attorney or an accountant.

Legal And Professional Fees Deductions:

• Plumbers
• Electricians
• Painters
• Other trade professionals

A number of expenses are commonly associated with property management and real estate investing.

Become familiar with the ones that you can put to work for you by reducing your taxable income and then document them accordingly. If you don’t feel comfortable in deciding which expenses you’re entitled to, consult with a good property manager, accountant, or tax attorney.

Author Resource:-> Christine O’Kelly is an author for Chicago Beal Property, the property management experts. Beal Properties help those involved with real estate investing make the most of their investments by using their expertise gained through over 80 years of experience.

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Adverse Credit Mortgage
Will I Always Have to Have One?

By: Jason Haines

People with Adverse Credit often mistakenly think that they will not be eligible for a mortgage due to their credit problems. However this is not always the case as there are adverse credit mortgages that can help to get you on the property ladder should your credit rating not be perfect.

An adverse credit mortgage can be the stepping stone to obtaining a standard mortgage in the future as your credit rating repairs itself with each met mortgage payment. So if you have CCJs, a history of missed payments or other credit damaging factors there is no need to fret about not being able to get a mortgage.

Will I always have to have an adverse credit mortgage?
If you make all of your adverse credit mortgage payments on time each month, you will be undoing the damage to your credit rating.

You may find that this could take some time as many defaults will stay on your credit file for 6 years, but as time progresses you will find that you get back on the right track.

After a period of time, usually around three years, you will then be able to apply for a standard mortgage.

It is always recommended that if you are unclear as to what your credit history will show you should check this with the two main credit agencies before you apply for a mortgage. The two main credit agencies are Experian and Equifax, with most of the mortgage lenders using Experian for their credit checks they are always a good starting point.

Adverse credit mortgages can provide the solution to many peoples problems who in the past thought that they would never be able to own their own homes. There are certain terms that are attached to an adverse credit mortgage such as having to pay a higher rate of interest than a comparable standard mortgage, but to many this is a small price to pay to get a mortgage.

With the credit crunch we have seen many of the adverse credit mortgage lenders struggle to obtain funding and subsequently most of these lenders have stopped offering new mortgages to customers. There are still some mortgage lenders out there offering mortgages for people with a bad credit history.

Adverse credit mortgage advice
For more information on getting an adverse credit mortgage you can visit one of the many online mortgage comparison websites and take a look at the list of adverse credit mortgage lenders that could help you. Or if you would rather speak to a fully trained independent mortgage advisor who offer fee free impartial advice with no obligation.

Author Resource: Jason Haines is a protection and mortgage advisor at godirect.co.uk, one of the UK’s most trusted information sites about personal finance. Here you can find details on the best bad credit mortgages available today and the cheap redundancy and income Protection illness quotes.

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Why Choose an FHA Loan?

By: Daniel Riley

The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) insures loans against default, protecting both lenders and borrowers. It neither makes loans directly nor sets the interest rates on loans it insures. FHA insured loans can be used to purchase new or refinance existing:

• 1-4 family homes
• Condominiums
• Mobile or Manufactured homes on a permanent foundation

Many excellent reasons exist to select an FHA mortgage, particularly if you fit one of more of the following qualifications:

• You are a first-time homebuyer;
• You are unable to offer much of a down payment;
• You would like to have the lowest possible monthly mortgage payments;
• You have concerns regarding monthly mortgage payments increasing at some point;
• You have concerns regarding the consequences of falling behind on your monthly mortgage payments;
• You have concerns about even being able to qualify for the loan in the first place;
• Your credit is less-than-ideal;

If any of those factors apply to you, then an FHA mortgage might be just thing for you to apply for. This is because FHA mortgages are insured, offering several protections and benefits otherwise unavailable to you through most other loan packages.

The benefits of an FHA mortgage include the following:

• Lower Rates: Since it’s the Federal Government insuring FHA loans for the lenders, FHA mortgages typically offer interest rates considerably lower than the norm. For this reason alone, it is always worth comparing all other loans available at any given point in time against FHA-insured loans.
• Less of a Down Payment: FHA mortgages can be obtained with only 3% down and, unlike most other mortgages, permit the down payment come in the form of a gift from employers, family members, or charitable organizations.
• Easier to Qualify: As FHA mortgages are insured, lenders are generally far more willing to offer loan terms and qualifications that are easier to meet.
• Lower Credence Given to Credit: FHA loans are ideal for people with poor or less-than-perfect credit, as even people who’ve suffered credit and employment challenges (including bankruptcy) can still qualify for one.
• More Protection: The FHA was formed in 1934 to help people buy and keep their homes, and they’re not about to watch the homeowners they help then lose those homes to foreclosure. Rather, the FHA offers numerous options to FHA mortgagees in a bind, a boon most conventional loans don’t come close to.

Author Resource: Somerset Mortgage Lenders has been in business since 1979. Whether you are looking to refinance your mortgage, consolidate your debt, improve your home, we can help. Call us toll-free at 1-800-675-9783 or visit us online.

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A Reverse Mortgage For Your San Diego Property

By: Terry Parker

If you have a San Diego property, and are sixty two years of age or older, you may be a good candidate for a Reverse Mortgage. A Reverse Mortgage is different from a traditional mortgage loan in that it does not need to be repaid as long as you live in the home. With a Reverse Mortgage, you can use the value, or equity, or your home as a way to get cash, through several dispersal methods. These include receiving the cash all at once, in a single lump sum payment, in regular monthly installments, as a credit line and as a combination of these methods.

Qualifying for a Reverse Mortgage in San Diego does not require the borrower to meet a set monthly income minimum, as is the case with more traditional types of home loans. This is because again, no monthly repayments are required as long as you live in the home. Homes eligible include single family dwellings or two to four unit properties that are owned and occupied by the borrower. In addition, townhouses, detached homes, and n some cases, manufactured homes are also eligible, and it is possible for individual condominiums to qualify under this type of loan as well.

Seniors may be concerned that their home will be taken from them if they outlive the life of their loan, or that if they opt for a reverse mortgage, they will not be able to pass their property on to their chosen beneficiaries. In actuality, as long as you or one of the borrowers lives in the house and keeps the home owners insurance and taxes paid and up to date, the reverse mortgage does not need to be repaid, and you will never owe more than the value of your hone.

When you decide to sell your home, or when it is no longer being used for your primary residence, either you or your estate will repay the amount that you received from your reverse mortgage, leaving the remaining equity to you, or your heirs.

With a Reverse Mortgage, as with any type of loan, there are certain risks and requirements that you should be aware of, and these may vary slightly both by state and region. Your San Diego mortgage lender should be the first person whom you consult, and will be able to give you individualized advice and information to help you determine whether a reverse mortgage is right for you.

Author Resource: To learn more about your next San Diego Reverse Mortgage visit our website.

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10 Facts about Reverse Mortgages

By: Christine Harrell

Reverse mortgages are more popular than ever among those aged 62 and over.

In fact, the number of Reverse Mortgages issued doubled between 2003 and 2005 yet many people still either haven’t heard of reverse mortgages or aren’t quite sure about how they work to relieve the financial pressure of the retirement years. If you’re in or entering your retirement years or have aging parents that need financial assistance, you’ll want to know more about this very unique financial product.

What are reverse mortgages?

These mortgages aren’t like traditional home equity loans where homeowners borrow against the equity in their home and pay a balance back each month. Though reverse mortgages unlock the equity in their homes, there is no amount to pay back each month. Instead, the amount issued to the homeowner isn’t owed until the home is sold or until the death of the homeowner.

Who qualifies for reverse mortgages?

RMs are available to those aged 62 and older. Some types of government backed mortgages require that applicants have an income below a certain level. However, privately funded reverse mortgages don’t often impose income restrictions.

I’m over 62 but my spouse is not. Do we qualify for a reverse mortgage?

In order to qualify for reverse mortgages, both applicant and spouse must be 62 or older. The age requirement is applicable to only those on the title of the home. If only one spouse is on the home’s title, then the age of the other spouse is irrelevant.

Can the equity from reverse mortgages be used for any purpose?

Propriety or non-government reverse mortgages can be used for any purpose. Whether to travel, pay medical bills, or just to increase monthly cash flow, it’s up to the homeowner to decide what to do with their earned equity. However, the money received from government insured single purpose reverse mortgages is limited to paying for specific items such as home repairs or taxes.

Does getting a reverse mortgage require a credit check?

No. Since RMs are not loans, there is no need for a credit check.

How are the payments from reverse mortgages issued?
Homeowners can choose either to receive a lump sum payment for the amount they qualify for, or to receive monthly payments, referred to as tenure. While a lump sum payment gives you the advantage of having all of the funds at your disposal to use as you wish, with monthly payments the remaining balance can earn interest until it is dispersed. For homeowners that prefer the benefit of both a lump sum payment and monthly payments, there is also modified tenure that combines the two options.

Do I have to pay taxes on money received from reverse mortgages?
No. Unlike home equity loans, the money received from RMs isn’t considered a payment; it’s your own money, not additional taxable income.

With the funds received from a reverse mortgage affect my government benefits?
This depends on how you choose to have the money issued and how you use the money. Since the money is not considered income receiving monthly payments from RMs does not affect government benefits such as SSI or Medicare. However, if you choose to take a lump sum payment, any amount remaining one month after receiving the money can be considered a resource and can affect your benefits.

I own more than one home. Can I get reverse mortgages on all of the homes that I own?
No, a RM can be taken only for your primary residence. The types of primary residences that apply are single family homes and qualified town homes, condominiums, and manufactured homes.

Do I have to own my home outright in order to qualify for a reverse mortgage?
RMs are available even for those that owe money on their homes. However, you’ll need to use the money from the RM to pay off the outstanding debt. So while you may not receive a lump sum payment or extra money each month from the reverse mortgage, you can eliminate your monthly mortgage payment to increase monthly cash flow.

Before taking out a reverse mortgage, be sure to speak with a loan counselor who can help you to better understand how the details of a mortgage of this type apply to your particular situation. Reverse mortgages are a great option for seniors who have worked hard to build equity in their homes and need extra income after leaving the job or who just want to enjoy their retirement years.

Author Resource: Christine Harrell is a freelance copywriter. For more information on reverse mortgages or California mortgages, visit www.AmeritekMortgage.com.

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Options to Finance your New Home

By: Joseph Kenny

Are you feeling overwhelmed with the sheer number of different types of mortgage loans?

Not sure which one will work best for your situation and needs? Read on for tips to help you compare the advantages and disadvantages to the most common types of mortgage loans.

First, it is important to understand the difference between a variable or adjustable interest rate mortgage and a fixed rate mortgage.

• With a fixed rate mortgage you gain the advantage of monthly mortgage payments that do not change; however, your interest rate may be slightly higher than what is offered with an ARM.
• With an adjustable rate mortgage while you will typically have a lower introductory interest rate, that rate may fluctuate over the duration of your loan. This can mean your monthly mortgage payments may become higher or lower, depending on whether interest rates are raised or lowered.

Beyond adjustable rate mortgages and fixed rate mortgages you also have other options in terms of how long you finance your home. The most common terms are 15, 25, 30, 40 and now even 50 year mortgages in some areas. Keep in mind the longer you finance your mortgage the less your payments will be per month, but the more you will pay in interest over the duration of the loan.

There are also special types of loans offered which may offer certain advantages. These types of mortgages include FHA, VA home loans, Balloon Loans and Hybrid Loans.

FHA Home Loan

A FHA home loan is often attractive to first time home buyers because it allows the purchase of a home with a lower down payment, in some cases as low as 3%. There are certain qualification regulations in order to be approved for a FHA home loan; however. You must have good credit history and enough income to cover the loan and your other financial obligations. Typically, all of your housing costs each month, including house note, property taxes and insurance cannot exceed 29% of your gross monthly income. In addition, your housing costs plus your other monthly long-term debt should not exceed 41% of your gross monthly income.

VA Loans

VA loans are made available to veterans of the U.S. armed services for the purchase of homes. With this type of loan you can purchase a single family home, condo, new construction or even a manufactured home. You should be aware that you’ll usually need to pay a 2% fee when the loan is closed. One of the best advantages to this type of loan is that 100% financing is available. In addition, you don’t have to worry about private mortgage insurance, which is required in certain cases when you are financing more than 80% of the home’s value. You may also be able to take advantage of a competitive interest rate.

Balloon Mortgage

With a balloon mortgage you may be able to lower your monthly payments by agreeing to pay a portion of the mortgage in a lump sum at the end of the mortgage. The disadvantage to this is that you will have to come up with the money or try to extend the loan; which may or may not be available.

Hybrid Loan

With a hybrid loan you can sometimes take advantage of a lower interest rate in the beginning of your mortgage, perhaps for three to five years, when you may be struggling more to make the payments. After this time period has passed, the interest rate will rise and you will be responsible for a higher monthly mortgage.

Author Resource: Joe Kenny writes for the Credit Card Guide, offering views on credit cards in the UK, visit them today for some great 0% balance transfer offers and start clearing credit card debt today.

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