Baton Rouge Louisiana Real Estate News & Listings Presented By RE/MAX Firsthttp://www.glendadaughetyteam.comThu, 23 Feb 2012 10:48:32 GMTLakes @ Bluebonnet

INVESTORS! IT'S YOUR CHANCE! SHORT SALE! Gated community! Minutes from Perkins Rowe, Mall of La., LSU and Interstate 1-10. Corner lot with balcony. Large bedrooms with walk-in closets. Master bedroom could be up or down. Double enclosed garage, maintenance free living. Bank approval.

]]>http://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/property/10600-Lakes-Blvd-1108-Baton-Rouge-Louisianahttp://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/property/10600-Lakes-Blvd-1108-Baton-Rouge-LouisianaWed, 22 Feb 2012 22:35:36 GMTSouthdownsSOUTHDOWNS VINTAGE COTTAGE! WALK TO LSU, THE BEAUTIFUL LSU LAKES, MAJOR SHOPPING, NUMEROUS RESTAURANTS, AND BEST OF ALL---IT'S ON THE SOUTHDOWNS MARDI GRAS PARADE ROUTE!! Formal living and dining-- great for entertaining! Quaint Den has wall of built-ins and windows that overlook large backyard. Hardwood floors downstairs, NEW Carpet upstairs! Upstairs has a wonderful Bonus/TV room, two large bedrooms, bath and a full kitchen---perfect for those teenagers or long term guests. Large apartment behind carport (329 sq ft) is presently used as seller's office. It includes a bedroom, bath and kitchen. The large lot is landscaped with Japanese Magnolias, numerous Azaleas, several Camelias and two ancient Live Oak trees. The location and beautiful setting of this property could be yours to enjoy!]]>http://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/property/1708-HOOD-AVE-BATON-ROUGE-Louisianahttp://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/property/1708-HOOD-AVE-BATON-ROUGE-LouisianaFri, 03 Feb 2012 00:36:37 GMTWedgewood SubdivisionEASY ACCESS TO 1-12!! WORKSHOP, DECKS, PORCHES, IMMACULATE HOME! IT'S PACKAGED AND WRAPPED FOR YOU IN THIS PROPERTY! The home has been pre-inspected so there will be no surprises, and an Old Republic Home Warranty is in place for your convenience. Great home for entertaining with large living room, cathedral, beamed ceiling, corner fireplace, and beautiful wood floors. You'll also find the wood floors in the large foyer and hallway leading to the bedrooms. Ceramic tile in the dining, kitchen, breakfast, both baths, and laundry. NEW carpet in all bedrooms. The Master Suite is large, the master bath has been totally redone with a large tub, double vanities, and faucets and more! Lots of windows for a nice sunny atmosphere. Roof is architectual-2007. Refrigerator, firepit, carpet cleaner, all window treatments, birdbath and outdoor rug remain without warranty or value. The home is wonderful and the outdoor area is even more so---it's filled with decks, patios, beautiful landscaping, storage areas, and a workshop! The sellers are moving out of state and wish they could take their home and neighbors with them!]]>http://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/property/2127-LIMEWOOD-DR-BATON-ROUGE-Louisianahttp://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/property/2127-LIMEWOOD-DR-BATON-ROUGE-LouisianaMon, 16 Jan 2012 20:01:50 GMTWedgewood SubdivisionPerfect location for Medical Facilities, Library, Major Shopping and I-12. You will love sitting on the long front porch in this beautiful Acadian style home! NEW Architectural roof, in addition to stainless steel Kitchen appliances and ceramic tile floors and countertops, new designer colors and upgraded bathrooms are just a few amenities in this newly renovated home. Formal Dining Room with wood floors, large Living Room with Fireplace. All bedrooms are large especially the 17x16 Master Suite. If you want lots of space in a well-maintained, move-in condition home make your appointment soon!]]>http://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/property/2021-ASPENWOOD-DR-BATON-ROUGE-Louisianahttp://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/property/2021-ASPENWOOD-DR-BATON-ROUGE-LouisianaTue, 29 Nov 2011 23:50:20 GMT680 SHARP LN 101, BATON ROUGE 70815Chateau Deville Condominiums is a great location for easy access to I-12 and major shopping. A roomy 2 bedroom/2 full bath condo with an open floor plan. A large living room and breakfast area, also kitchen has plenty of cabinets. Fresh paint throughout, except in the bedrooms. Ceramic tile in the kitchen & bathrooms. High ceilings, lots of closets & storage space, and with new windows. Wonderful location and home that can be yours to enjoy!!]]>http://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/property/680-SHARP-LN-101-BATON-ROUGE-Louisianahttp://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/property/680-SHARP-LN-101-BATON-ROUGE-LouisianaWed, 23 Nov 2011 20:16:00 GMTVillage CoteTUCKED AWAY SUBDIVISION WITH EASY ACCESS TO BATON ROUGE OR DENHAM SPRINGS! THIS LOCATION IS IDEAL ALSO FOR 1-12 ACCESS! Well maintained home with new laminate wood floors, new sinks in both baths, new cabinets and countertops, A/C and Heat only 3-4 years old, roof--6 years and Double-paned windows throughout the home for low utility bills. Wonderful Living Room with raised hearth fireplace with gas starter opens to kitchen and breakfast room. Large laundry room with pantry shelves. Plenty of parking space with two carports! Former garage is now workshop or wonderful storage space. Privacy wood fence, lovely backyard, security system and Old Republic Home Warranty in place for your convenience, not to mention a BREC park at the end of the street. This home is a wonderful place to come home to at the end of the day!]]>http://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/property/3216-MONTREAL-DR-BATON-ROUGE-Louisianahttp://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/property/3216-MONTREAL-DR-BATON-ROUGE-LouisianaThu, 10 Nov 2011 00:33:39 GMTBroadmoor TerraceYOU NEED TO SEE THIS NEWLY REDONE HOME IN THIS FABULOUS< OLDER NEIGHBORHOOD WITH LARGE, TREED LOTS and convenient to almost everything including the Interstate. Beautiful original wood floors in living room, hallway and all three bedrooms have been refinished. New ceramic tile in den, kitchen, breakfast and laundry room. New kitchen appliances: Smooth top electric stove, dishwasher, built in microwave, counter tops and backsplash. Washer and dryer remain with the house. Fresh paint through out the home with designer colors, new light fixtures. Electrical outlets have been redone through out entire house and storage area. New extension to the breakfast bar for added space. The open, flowing floor plan can easily accommodate your family and they will love the big backyard and covered patio. The metal storage building remains. A/C--1998, Roof--2008. It's ready for you!!!]]>http://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/property/10323-S-RIVEROAKS-DR-BATON-ROUGE-Louisianahttp://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/property/10323-S-RIVEROAKS-DR-BATON-ROUGE-LouisianaSun, 16 Oct 2011 19:18:29 GMTGreen Trails at ShenendoahFABULOUS CARIBBEAN/NEW ORLEANS STYLE HOME OVERLOOKING THE LAKE! IT WAS THE "MODEL HOME IN 2008" SO IT HAS ALL THE CUSTOM AMENITIES ONE WOULD EXPECT----Central vacuum system, granite slab counters, travertine backsplash, stainless gas appliances, pot filler above the stove, huge island with breakfast bar, and wide plank floors. Large formal living with fireplace and formal dining both with beautiful wood floors. The amazing Master Suite is downstairs with a large walk-in closet to die for! Furniture style vanities, custom framed mirrors, tiled shower and lots more. Bedrooms upstairs are large with good closet space. The newly built GAZEBO in the backyard and lush landscaping makes for a very desirable setting. The large garage is A/C and Heated which offers additional living space if needed. The subdivision is complete with Club House, Tennis Courts and Swimming Pool!]]>http://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/property/15646-GREEN-TRAILS-BLVD-BATON-ROUGE-Louisianahttp://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/property/15646-GREEN-TRAILS-BLVD-BATON-ROUGE-LouisianaTue, 20 Sep 2011 21:48:02 GMTCollege HillsCOLLEGE HILLS!!! PRIME LOCATION FOR LSU! HIGHLAND AND PERKINS RD SHOPPING, GREAT RESTAURANTS!!! Wonderful 4BR/2BA, wood and ceramic tile floors, MASTER BEDROOM IS DOWNSTAIRS!!! Formal living and dining room, cozy den newly updated kitchen with granite counters. Large bedrooms upstairs with good closet space! Very large lot, plenty of room for a pool! Enjoy the covered patio for those family get-togethers! A well-maintained home that anyone would appreciate. A special retreat to come home to at the end of the day!]]>http://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/property/633-BURGIN-AVE-BATON-ROUGE-Louisianahttp://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/property/633-BURGIN-AVE-BATON-ROUGE-LouisianaMon, 19 Sep 2011 18:04:39 GMTHighland Creek SubdivisionHIGHLAND CREEK SUBDIVISION! EASY ACCESS TO LSU, PERKINS ROWE, MALL OF LOUISIANA, AND THE INTERSTATE! You'll enjoy the fact that you can move right into this updated home. New wood floors, new interior doors and knobs, new ceramic tile in baths, new light fixtures and fans, all new appliances in kitchen. Wonderful living room with cathedral, beamed ceiling, corner fireplace and French doors that lead to backyard. Good, open floor plan that flows well. Terrific closet space and good size bedrooms. The deck and arbor in the backyard are added amenities for your enjoyment!]]>http://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/property/518-HIGHLAND-CREEK-PKWY-BATON-ROUGE-Louisianahttp://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/property/518-HIGHLAND-CREEK-PKWY-BATON-ROUGE-LouisianaWed, 14 Sep 2011 20:45:15 GMTReal Estate BlogCheck out my Real Estate Blog for the latest Baton Rouge and surrounding Parishes Real Estate and Community info!

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]]>http://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/Blog/Real-Estate-Bloghttp://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/Blog/Real-Estate-BlogMon, 10 Sep 2007 16:49:00 GMTBaton Rouge Affordable Housing in Melrose PlaceBaton Rouge Community College offers incentives to move to this Baton Rouge community

Melrose Place (not to be confused with Melrose Place East, consisting mostly of rentals) is a Baton Rouge community offering up and coming real estate value.  This are is known for its Baton Rouge affordable housing in a neat, fairly modern neighborhood.

Location has its benefits in this Baton Rouge community.  Melrose Place is situated on Baton Rouge real estate between the Bon Carre Business Center and Baton Rouge Community College.  This easy access to employment and a business center, as well as the proximity to a growing educational institution, makes Melrose Place a desirable location for a Baton Rouge home.

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]]>http://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/Blog/Baton-Rouge-Affordable-Housing-in-Melrose-Placehttp://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/Blog/Baton-Rouge-Affordable-Housing-in-Melrose-PlaceTue, 26 Jun 2007 17:25:00 GMTBriarwood Estates, Baton RougeGreat Baton Rouge home receiving update

One of the best Baton Rouge real estate values to come along in awhile.  This home listing in Popular Briarwood Estates in Baton Rouge is receiving an update right now.  This beautiful home is located in a lovely area of Baton Rouge.

The current owners are transferring, and the new master suite is just being completed.  It has a large walk-in closet, updated bath and a sitting room.  Other features of this Baton Rouge home include a formal dining area, an office, a sunroom and plenty of counter space in the kitchen.  A great real estate value at less than $300,000!

To take a look at this great Baton Rouge real estate, and to see other Baton Rouge real estate values, contact Glenda Daughety.

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]]>http://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/Blog/Briarwood-Estates-Baton-Rougehttp://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/Blog/Briarwood-Estates-Baton-RougeTue, 26 Jun 2007 17:11:00 GMTLSU Plans to Get Another Live Tiger as MascotAfter the deal of Mike V, LSU begins the search for Mike VI over objections of PETA

PETA wants LSU to use a human mascot now that the bengal tiger mascot, Mike V, has died.  However, LSU insists that a live tiger mascot is an integral part of the Baton Rouge community, and the search for Mike VI is on.  The Advocate reports:

"The live tiger mascot has been part of the LSU family and community for 71 years, and we will be getting a Mike VI, said Ginger Guttner, spokeswoman for the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, which is leading the process.

LSU insists that its treatment of the live tiger mascot is humane, even though PETA does not agree.

 

For more Baton Rouge community news, and to search Baton Rouge real estate, contact Glenda Daughety.

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]]>http://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/Blog/LSU-Plans-to-Get-Another-Live-Tiger-as-Mascothttp://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/Blog/LSU-Plans-to-Get-Another-Live-Tiger-as-MascotTue, 26 Jun 2007 16:58:00 GMTCheck out my NEW Listings!

Woodland Crossing--> Click here for a Virtual Tour!
Denham Springs, LA - 

 

S Harrells Ferry Landing--> Click here for a Virtual Tour!
Baton Rouge, LA -  Secluded, one street subdivision in fast growing area of Baton Rouge.  Across from Runnels School.  Only 5 years old in immaculate condition with designer colors thru-out.  Formal Dining, fabulous Living Room with corner fireplace overlooking backyard with covered patio and large decked area.  Wood, ceramic tile and carpet floors.  Office could be 4th bedroom.  Kitchen has NEW Granite slab counters, backsplash and NEW stainless steel appliances.  You'll love coming home to this one!

 

Broadmoor Park-->  Click here for a Virtual Tour!
Baton Rouge, LA - WHAT A FABULOUS HOME TO COME HOME TO! INVITING OPEN FLOOR PLAN, MANY NEW UPDATES INCLUDING DESIGNER COLORS, AND WOOD FLOORS. FORMAL LIVING ROOM, WONDERFUL KEEPING ROOM, AND LARGE SUNROOM - GREAT FOR OFFICE OR PLAY AREA FOR KIDS. WALK-IN CLOSETS IN EACH BEDROOM. LOTS OF CABINETS IN KITCHEN AND ROOM FOR AN ISLAND. WORKSHOP WITH ELECTRICITY. GREAT LOCATION FOR SCHOOLS, SHOPPING, LIBRARY AND MEDICAL FACILITIES. YOU'LL LOVE THIS BEAUTIFUL HOME!

For more listings visit us at www.GlendaDaughety.com!

 

 

 

Wonderful NEW subdivision just off I-12. Almost one year old home with many updates. Ceramic tile thru-out except bedrooms. Upgraded carpet in bedrooms. Built-in microwave, backsplash with ceramic tile, custom blinds through-out. Open floor plan for entertaining, large island and corner sink in kitchen, walk-in pantry, wonderful master suite. Great yard for those cookouts. Double garage.

]]>http://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/Blog/Check-out-my-NEW-Listingshttp://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/Blog/Check-out-my-NEW-ListingsTue, 20 Mar 2007 18:10:00 GMTCoping With A Changing Mortgage Market

After rising all last year, interest rates recently fell for six consecutive weeks to their lowest point since July.

Less than a year ago, experts everywhere, from the Federal Bureau of Investigations to the Federal Reserve, questioned appraised values of homes. Now, as the boom wanes, lenders are more certain mortgages are backed by accurately valued collateral.

That doesn't mean lenders aren't still going gangbusters on riskier, high-leverage loans for those who qualify even if income, employment and asset documentation aren't checked.

Along with housing market change comes mortgage market change in a symbiotic -- sometimes nightmarish -- relationship of ebbs and flows that can leave consumers tossing and turning at night.

Fortunately, for home owners and those looking to buy, the fundamentals still apply.

Sound, consistent financial behavior can be like a dose of NyQuil.

Here are some timely mortgage tips to soothe your worries and to help you sleep more soundly.

 

  • Pull your credit report. Before you shop for any credit, pull your credit report from the only federally sanctioned free service, AnnualCreditReport.com. You don't have time for surprises. Know what the lender will know before the lender knows. You may need to make changes to your credit report, housing budget or timing, depending upon what you find.

     

  • Mortgage money shop. Shop several or more lenders and loan programs, as well as title and escrow fees, online and off to get the best deal. To make the best comparison, compare all loan costs whenever possible including rates, points, brokers fees, originating fees, yield spread premiums, recording fees, title and escrow costs, everything that will wind up on the HUD-1 Settlement Statement.

     

  • Mortgage rate locks for home buys, refinancing and equity taps, are always wise, especially during market shifts. Right now, they are crucial because experts expect the upward trend in interest rates to resume.

    A rate lock takes the uncertainty out of which way rates are moving or even where they are, because it's a lender's guarantee your mortgage will come with a specific interest rate, points and other terms. Get the lock in writing and lock in as many costs and terms as possible, including the lock's effective date, expiration date and any post-lock options, should the lock expire before the deal is done.

     

  • A preapproved mortgage goes hand in hand with the rate lock. Get preapproved with a bona fide, carved-in-stone preapproval that guarantees in writing a loan amount, interest rate and as much of the other loan terms as possible.

    Prequalification only indicates you are creditworthy enough to obtain a loan and lets you know how much the lender is willing to lend you, which could be more than you can afford.

    With a preapproval, instead of shopping around with a nebulous loan amount, you'll be shopping for a home with a mortgage and along with personal satisfaction, it will give you a negotiating edge with the seller who'd rather not deal with slouches.

     

  • For current homeowners, take control of your equity and use it wisely to boost, not bust your home value. Any equity loan, by nature, is an equity depleting loan.

    Take cash out primarily for capital improvements (not all home improvements are created equal) that will help hold or improve the value of your home, especially during times of flat and falling home values.

    Home equity can be a real gold mine, but you don't want to drain your mother lode.

    "Taking control of your home equity means not allowing interest rates to push you into making a hasty decision," says Jim Ferriter, an executive vice president with GMAC Mortgage. "Instead, take a deep breath, contact your mortgage professional, and carefully explore your options. In addition, consider seeking the assistance of a financial planner or tax advisor to provide additional insights about managing your home equity in light of your other personal finance decisions."

    Fundamental advise is to tap your equity for well-investigated business opportunities, education and other investments that give you a return equal to or better than the cost of equity loan. Debt consolidation can be a wise use of equity provided you plan to actually pay off the debt and close, in writing, consolidated accounts.

    Consolidate debts with care and advice from MyFICO.com or other sources that can help you prevent lowering your credit score when you close too many accounts quickly.

    For emergencies -- medical, job related, child birth, deaths and the like -- consider, with determined discipline, keeping a line of credit on standby. Remember, once you are out of work, lenders are less likely to grant you a line of credit.


    Written by Broderick Perkins

    • ]]>    http://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/Blog/Coping-With-A-Changing-Mortgage-Markethttp://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/Blog/Coping-With-A-Changing-Mortgage-MarketFri, 09 Feb 2007 15:38:00 GMT    New Year's Resolutions for The Home


    Whether you're a new homeowner or you've been in your house for years, why not resolve to make 2007 "the year" you whip your house and household finances in top shape? It could prevent you from encountering costly problems down the road - and assist you in getting top dollar when it comes time to sell.

    The first thing you should do is develop and then implement a maintenance plan.

    "A homeowner who makes the necessary yearly investment will end up saving in the long run because routine maintenance can help avoid larger, more expensive repairs that can add up to the tens of thousands of dollars or more," said Mike Kuhn, director of technical services for Housemaster, a New Jersey-based home inspection company. "It is just like giving your home its annual physical."

    The Insurance Information Institute, the American Society of Home Inspectors, and the National Association of Home Builders offer a host of maintenance tips - tips that you should resolve to adopt wholeheartedly in the year ahead.

     

  • Water. Check visible water pipes and sewer lines for cracks, rusting and leaking; turn on faucets to test water pressure and volume; and look for clogged or sluggish drains or dripping faucets. If pipes are galvanized or steel and the house is old, be sure to check carefully along the entire length of the pipe. Wrap your pipes with heating tape every winter and insulate unfinished rooms such as garages if they contain exposed pipes. Also check for signs of leaking or rusting on your water heater.

     

  • Electricity. Check your electrical system's load center and see if there are fuses or circuit breakers; also check its age and look for signs of wear or exposed wires.

     

  • Heat. Check your heating system for gas leaks and cracks in the heat exchanger. Maintain your furnace, fireplace, boiler, water heater, space heater and wood-burning stove and have your heating system serviced every year. Clean and vacuum dust from vents, baseboard heaters and cold-air returns.

     

  • Gas. Check smoke and fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and change your heating and air conditioning filters. Have your appliances inspected for gas leaks and adequate ventilation.

     

  • Insulation. Your attic should be five to 10 degrees warmer than outside air. Check weather stripping and caulking around windows and doors and replace or repair it as needed. Also repair broken glass and loose or missing putty on windows.

     

  • Basement/Attic. Well-insulated basements and crawl spacers will protect your pipes from freezing. Check the basement for signs of water leaking, dampness, flooding, dry rot and termites. Check the attic for signs of leaks and any rodent or insect infestation.

     

  • Exterior. Remove all debris from gutters. Maintain your steps and handrails. Inspect your roof for damaged or loose shingles; gaps in the flashing where the roofing and siding meet vents and flues; and damaged mortar around the chimney (especially at the joints, caps and washes). Inspect your home's exterior walls, looking for possible weather-related damage like cracks and loose or crumbling mortar.

     

  • You should also resolve to get your finances in order. Eric Tyson and Ray Brown in their book Home Buying for Dummies say it's especially important to build up your reserves and get your financial house in order after you buy a home.

    You should begin by resisting the temptation to splurge. Refrain from using a credit card and keep your other financial goals, like retirement, in mind. You should have at least three months' salary in your emergency fund. Try to stay away from unnecessary spending until you reach this goal.

    Think about E-payments, which ensure that you never pay late, and late payments can tack on an extra five percent late payment fee.

    You'll also want to think about taxes and refinancing options.

    If home prices have dropped in your neighborhood since you've moved in, you may want to consider appealing your assessment since the tax is based on your home's value in most communities. Also keep your financial documents organized so you'll be more prepared at tax time.

    If interest rates go down, think about taking out a new loan at the lower rate to replace your original loan. Be sure to consider how much refinancing the loan will cost you. Refinancing won't benefit you unless you plan on staying put for at least five years.

    Also, plan and budget for any major repair, remodeling or decorating projects you'd like to pursue in 2007. Take your time, shop around for the best prices, and if you're hiring a contractor, get plenty of references.

    If you've been putting off landscaping your house, make plans to do it now. The right landscape can increase the value of your home by 15 percent, allowing you to recoup 100 to 200 percent of your investment, according to the Association of Landscape Contractors of America.

    And if you do any home improvement projects, keep your receipts. You may be eligible to minimize the capital gain that may come your way when you eventually sell. The improvement must be one that permanently increases the value and useful life of the house (like a new roof).

    By keeping your house and finances in order in 2007, you're sure to thank yourself at this time next year.


    Written by Michele Dawson

    • ]]>    http://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/Blog/New-Years-Resolutions-for-The-Homehttp://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/Blog/New-Years-Resolutions-for-The-HomeFri, 12 Jan 2007 12:37:00 GMT    Buying Houses Just One Way To Invest In Real EstateBuying Houses Just One Way To Invest In Real Estate

    Everyone generally understands that as a real estate investor, the concept is to let someone else's rent payments pay for your mortgage and to hopefully come out with a positive cash flow at the end of the month.
    There are plenty of ways to get started in real estate investing. Here are some one-line descriptions of how to do it including the pros and cons of each alternative.
    Foreclosure
    How it works: Purchase the property at a courthouse auction -- hopefully for less than it's worth. Fix it up, sell it or rent it out.
    Pros: This is a common sense approach to getting started in real estate investing. If you can get the property for a wholesale price and then rent it out for more than your mortgage, you're on your way to building wealth one month at a time.
    Cons: You get into the property and find out it has major problems costing a lot more than you'll ever recover. Ever heard of concrete being flushed down the drain (usually out of spite from the former owner)? It means having to remove all the sewage drains. Hidden defects can run costs up and give you a red ink bath before it's done. Since the bank/note holder is selling the property as-is, there's not much recourse.
    Fixer-Upper
    How it works: Purchase a property that needs major repairs. This is not a property that just needs paint and carpet. This type of property usually has rot, flooring, roofing, basement and just overall problems. But that's what makes it so enticing.
    Pros: For investors with their repair ducks lined up in a row, this can be a good money maker. The key here is to hammer on the seller early in the negotiating process. Get the house for as low as possible and know what your bottom line really is.
    Cons: For those wanting to flip the property, if you can't make $30,000 -- $50,000 on the projected profit, then you may want to pass. Why? An unseen defect can run into the tens of thousands of dollars really quickly.
    Retail Investment
    How it works: Keep your eye open for under-priced properties in an area where rentals are brisk. This would be a house that really does just need paint and new carpet. Be sure you know what the rents are before going into the property. You want a positive cash flow before you even walk into the property.
    Pros: A house that is in good shape can rent for years without any major expenses if it was taken care of early on.
    Cons: Good rental properties -- say, in a college town or near a military base -- don't come on the market often, so you could be waiting a while before you find one. (Experienced investors usually scoop these up before the novices even know they're on the market.)
    Paper Real Estate
    How it works: This one is where you invest in the mortgages of real estate instead of the real estate itself -- financing second trusts, purchasing mortgages at a discount, wraparound mortgages, etc.
    Pros: For those who have cash, this one can give major returns on your money. For example, if you can pick up a $20,000 note at 12 percent for $15,000, your return on the note jumps to 16 percent. This is not going to fluctuate like the stock market is sure to do.
    Cons: Your mortgagee (the borrower) could skip town, leaving you to foreclose -- right behind the first-trust note holder who usually gets paid first in a foreclosure.
    These are just a few of the ways you can get started in real estate investing. For more education, find a good REALTOR® to start working with who can show you the ropes and help you avoid the pitfalls. Written by M. Anthony Carr
    Wondering What Your Home Is Worth? -- Let me show you.

    ]]>    http://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/Blog/Buying-Houses-Just-One-Way-To-Invest-In-Real-Estatehttp://www.glendadaughetyteam.com/Blog/Buying-Houses-Just-One-Way-To-Invest-In-Real-EstateMon, 08 Jan 2007 14:02:00 GMT