Complete Marketing Advantage

John Murray is a member of Complete Marketing Advantage, known as "CMA." It is one powerful real estate networking group. Formed in late 2000, this group consists of some of the Conejo Valley's finest real estate agents from different offices, all working together to serve their clients' needs. This networking group goes above, beyond and over the top to market their clients' listings, find their buyers homes and do this in unique ways not available to other agents that are not a part of this networking group.

The agents in this group meet twice a month at a local breakfast cafe, rain or shine, to pitch and update their listings, wants and needs. Often, an agent who pitches a property in the meeting may have the perfect buyer for what was described, which, among all of the other marketing devices and tools one can use as an agent, is a very powerful tool in serving the seller to the utmost.

Like other agents not in the group, they, too, offer a variety of the customary marketing concepts, but these agents are able to go beyond the scope of the ordinary to the extraordinary. Also, armed with brochures of their listings, the agents pass out these sheets, all taking turns describing the merits of the property they are showing. These are quality real estate agents offering the complete and ultimate advantage to their clients and their marketing needs.

The CMA agent has a variety of areas for their advertising which also sets them apart from the ordinary. The Acorn Newspapers, the Mann Theatre and Homes & Land Magazine are all part of their networking sphere. CMA agents' broad spectrum of experience allows an enormous amount of knowledge and education to pass between each other. The agents' interest in the quality of their community and those it attracts help to inspire the link and connection each has for the other in this network where information, contacts and experience is exchanged for professional purposes.

Your Front Entry: On Duty 24/7   (ARA) - Your front entry needs to be on duty 24/7. Not only does it present a welcoming invitation for guests to enter your home, it also needs to shield you from prowlers and burglars, insulate your home from extreme temperatures and ensure safety and property protection from storms with high winds, flying debris and driving rain.

"Homeowners want beautiful doors and windows that enhance the curb appeal of their home, but they also want them to provide security against break-ins and performance against the elements," says home improvement expert Tom Kraeutler, AOL's Home Improvement Editor and co-host of "The Money Pit'" nationally syndicated home improvement radio show. "Fortunately, several easy improvements can help homeowners secure their home's entryway, from upgrading the materials to simple changes in lighting and landscaping."

Here are some ways to ensure your front entry has what it takes to provide security and protection 24/7:

Upgrade your Locking Systems

Unlocked or improperly locked doors and windows are responsible for nearly half of all home break-ins, according to the Home Safety Council. You can upgrade your locking system by adding a surface-mount, rim-mount or vertical deadbolt lock. Better yet, choose a door with a multi-point locking system that engages the door frame at three points instead of just one.

Choose Durable Materials

Whatever locking system you choose, your door's weakest point is generally the area surrounding the lock, especially if it is a wood door, which can warp or crack over time, making it an easy target for an intruder to kick in and enter. That's why it's important to choose an entry door made of an exceptionally durable material, such as fiberglass.

"Doors made of fiberglass are great for entryways because they can provide the rich look and style of wood doors, but they are extremely strong and won't warp, crack, rot, swell or split like wood, or rust, ding or dent like aluminum and steel," says Kraeutler. "They can also withstand temperature extremes, high humidity, and they're easy to stain or paint."

Manufacturers offer a wide variety of fiberglass door lines to choose from, available in dozens of designs to complement the most popular types of home architecture. Some leading door makers also offer fiberglass doors that replicate the look and wood-grain texture of mahogany, walnut and cherry.

Weather the Storms with Impact Glass

You might think doors made with glass would compromise security and privacy. However, impact-resistant glass is now available in decorative designs and patterns that are so beautiful, no one will be the wiser. In addition to providing beauty and home security, "impact rated" glass is approved for installation in areas with the most stringent building codes, meaning it can withstand severe storms with heavy winds, rain and flying debris. Impact glass is also available in clear, grilles-between-glass or Low-E versions for improved energy efficiency.

Be Wise with Windows

For the safety of your family and property, choose windows for your home - especially near the entry - made with tempered safety glass. Two panes of glass are adhered to a durable plastic interlayer, much like a car windshield. If someone tries to break it, the glass will shatter, but broken pieces remain adhered to the interlayer, preventing glass from falling into the home. Be sure to only open windows that young children cannot reach. Simonton offers ventilation locks that allow windows to be partially opened for fresh air while remaining securely locked.

Protection for Patio Doors, Too

Patio doors have a reputation as easy targets for intruders. In addition to security concerns, many patio doors are susceptible to air and water infiltration.

Look for a patio door system such as Therma-Tru's Tru-Defense System that offers a Design Pressure rating of 40 or higher. This means that the system can withstand structural test pressure of 60 pounds per square foot; the equivalent of 150 mph winds; will not allow air infiltration under 25 mph winds; and prevents water penetration under test conditions equal to 8 inches of rain per hour driven by 49 mph winds. Ask for a high-performance sill that will resist rotting and swelling, especially if you live in a rough coastal climate.

Adjust Landscaping and Lighting

Take security a step further by adjusting landscaping and lighting to eliminate places where burglars can hide in waiting or enter unseen. Trim shrubbery near doors and windows and illuminate porches, garage doors and rear and side doorways.

Inside lighting is important too, so install timers that automatically turn on lights at a certain time every day, even if you're not there. Lighting manufacturers also offer one-touch lighting control systems that let you turn on lights from anywhere, even in your car - so you can avoid entering a dark house.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

It's Easy Living GreenEco-Friendly Homes Reduce Carbon Footprint, Save Energy, Money   (ARA) - Everywhere you turn, there's something "green" - whether it's a commercial for a hybrid car or a reminder to pick up reusable bags at the local grocery store. The green movement is under way and concerned Americans are looking for ways to do their part to reduce energy use and pollution, and preserve natural resources.

Whether by changing their daily routines like biking to work instead of driving, or taking up a new hobby like planting trees in the community park, more and more Americans are going green. One aspect of the multifaceted greening of America is the building and buying of "green" or eco-friendly homes.

According to a recent survey conducted for McGraw-Hill Research and Analytics, consumers list environmental concerns among the top three reasons to purchase a green home, along with lower operating costs and health benefits for occupants. Across the country, homebuilders and homebuyers are realizing the benefits of green building and living, from reduced construction waste to better indoor air quality. Homes planned by green developers can also reduce utility bills by more than 50 percent, minimize pollution and demands on infrastructure, and provide greater environmental protection.

"It's amazing how small steps can add up to big results," says Fred Maas, president and CEO of Black Mountain Ranch LLC, the developer of Del Sur - a new green 1,800-acre master-planned residential community in San Diego, Calif. "For example, tankless water heaters are as much as 50 percent more efficient than conventional water heaters - and heating hot water is second only to heating and cooling in terms of residential energy use. If every household in the United States converted to high-efficiency, tankless water heaters, America could save the equivalent of 300 million barrels of oil a year and reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by up to 150 million tons."

Similarly, replacing just one light bulb in each American home with an efficient compact fluorescent bulb could save enough energy to light more than three million homes for an entire year. This could save more than $600 million in annual energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an amount equivalent to removing more than 800,000 cars from America's roads.

Residents of the Del Sur community are learning firsthand the advantages of green home features. Del Sur used its unique size and buying power - 2,500 market-rate homes and 469 low- and moderate-income homes - to negotiate lower prices for solar, tankless hot water and weather-based irrigation systems, making these energy-saving, environmentally-friendly features more affordable for homebuyers.

"All things being equal, homebuyers want to go green, but they don't want to pay a fortune to do so - and they shouldn't have to. Our vision of sustainability is to integrate a core set of ‘attainable' green elements into our homes that do their part for the environment and increase value and savings for the consumer," says Maas.

By providing homebuyers with green features at lower costs, homebuilders can help to reduce the nation's carbon footprint and preserve the environment without putting all of the burden on the homeowner. By taking advantage of available tax credits and incentives, it is possible to equip homes with solar photovoltaic technology to generate electricity at a reasonable cost, greatly reducing homeowners' electric bills.

"Our homeowners with solar power can draw power from the grid at night and make the meter spin backwards during the day," says Maas. "Some have cut their electric bills to nearly zero. When homeowners realize the savings, they really get a kick out of showing their new energy bills to neighbors and friends in the community."

"When I see American families living the Southern California lifestyle in 3,000-plus-square-foot homes with gourmet kitchens and all the latest appliances - and their monthly electric bill is close to zero - I know there's no barrier to America going green," says Maas. "We're doing it here in San Diego and I think that, community-by-community, the entire nation can go green."

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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SIDEBAR:

Top Five "Green" Living Facts

* According to a recent McKinsey Global Institute report, the U.S. residential sector is second only to Chinese heavy industry in terms of inefficient energy use.

* The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that if every American home exchanged the five most frequently used bulbs with efficient compact fluorescent bulbs, one trillion pounds of greenhouse gases would be kept out of the air over the course of the bulbs' lives (a lifetime range of five to as many as eight years or so). That's equivalent to the annual emissions of 8 million cars, the annual output of more than 20 power plants, and $6 billion in U.S. energy savings.

* Many conventional building materials and coatings release chemical vapors into the air, sometimes for decades after construction. Green building design and construction dramatically reduce or eliminate emissions of volatile organic compounds, such as formaldehyde.

* According to the Environmental Protection Agency, nationwide, landscape irrigation accounts for almost one-third of all residential water use. If all residential irrigation systems in the United States were replaced with weather-based systems (systems that adjust irrigation levels based on local weather conditions), America would save 24 billion gallons of water annually.

* The National Association of Home Builders estimates that building a 2,000 square-foot home in the United States generates an average of four tons of construction waste. With a little planning and preparation, it is possible to recycle as much as 90 percent of the construction waste from the homes without raising costs for builders or home buyers. Green home building practices could eliminate more than four million tons of construction waste annually.

When Investing in a Vacation Property, Be Sure to Compare Options   (ARA) - Investing in a vacation property is an investment in memories. It promotes relaxation and spending quality time with friends and family. But with all the options available, there are a lot of things that should be considered before making a final decision.

"Choosing the right vacation property is complex," comments Steve Greer, CEO at The LUSSO Collection, an organization that specializes in luxury vacation residences. "It's not as simple as buying a second home or participating in a shared-usage program. People need to take a close look at their expectations and all the cost considerations, so years down the road they are happy with their choice."

Second-home ownership is one option. This could include buying a home by the slopes, a villa on the beach, or a penthouse in the city. Club membership is another option. This is a situation in which a group of people share the use of a collection of properties. Here's how both of these options compare:

Second Home -- Vacation homes are permanent destinations that work well for those who know they enjoy one area, want to return time and time again and might need to stay for an extended period of time.

* Positive
Owning the home gives the person the freedom to decorate, organize and change the home to fit their needs.

* Negative
Home maintenance often takes a lot of time and can be costly. If you live away from your vacation home for most of the year, you will need to hire someone to clean and care for the yard. When you are at the property, this maintenance can take time away from more preferred activities. And with any home ownership, there is bound to be unanticipated problems and expenses.

"Owning a second home is an option that seems to make sense in the beginning, but if you investigate the restrictions and maintenance costs associated with this ownership, many people think twice," comments Greer.

Destination Clubs -- Destination clubs consist of members who join a country club type of organization to utilize a portfolio of properties that the club owns.

* Positive
The clubs work well for people who enjoy the privacy, space and conveniences a home offers, but don't want to be tied down to just one location. Additionally, members don't have to worry about maintenance because the organization takes care of each property. Certain destination clubs also provide vacation planning and on-site concierge services that you would normally find at a luxury hotel.

* Negative
Decor and amenities are determined by the club. Although this freedom is forfeited, this could also be viewed as a positive depending on what you value. Some people prefer not to spend their own time on these items and find comfort in knowing the organization is consistently keeping the properties in top shape.

Chris Cowan of Dallas, Texas, has experienced the hassles of second-home ownership and decided to become a member of the LUSSO Collection. "My wife and I have owned mountain houses, ranches, and still have a lake house. LUSSO is such a relief. They eliminate the maintenance, staffing, and upkeep hassles," comments Cowan.

With a single-tier membership structure and a members-to-residence ratio of 5.5-to-1, LUSSO is a choice that makes sense for a lot of people. Residences are fully equipped with all needed items including a Lincoln Navigator, golf clubs, a gourmet kitchen stocked with pre-arrival groceries and amenities for all travelers regardless of age.

With an economic structure that is similar to a country club, members pay a fully refundable deposit (currently $425,000) and annual dues for unlimited access to the club's portfolio of residences and services. Properties are in locations such as Lake Tahoe, Calif.; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Aspen, Colo.; Manhattan; Hawaii; the Bahamas and other choice destinations. For more information, visit www.lussocollection.com, or call (866) GO LUSSO.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

A Cost-effective Way to Add More Living or Work Space   (ARA) - There's no slowing down Mary Cordes of Hayden Lake, Idaho. The 85-year-old recently came out of retirement only two years after ending her life-long career. "I closed down the art gallery and framing shop I had run for 25 years back in 2006, thinking it was time to retire, but retirement just didn't agree with me," she says. "I went stir crazy."

So she decided to open a new art gallery on a smaller scale. It was originally supposed to go up in her backyard, but instead ended up on the site where her old home once stood. "I used to live in a house on beautiful Lake Coeur d'Alene, but it burned down in 2005. We were planning to rebuild, but then my husband died and it became too much for me to handle on my own, so I changed my plans."

Before the fire, she had planned to set up a backyard pottery studio next to the lake inside a yurt -- a portable, tent-like structure with circular lattice walls and a cone-shaped roof supported by rafters that meet a center ring. But with the house and her husband gone, she decided to make it into something more: an art studio/gallery where local artists, including herself, would be able to gather, customers could come to find unique pieces, and everyone could enjoy the scenery.

The majority of people who purchase a yurt are putting them on vacation properties and some in remote areas where they were only going to be used for a portion of the year. However, Mark Altmann of Rainier Industries, a leading manufacturer of yurts, indicates that recently there have been a lot of people buying them to expand living space instead of adding on to their homes. Among the more common uses for yurts: as a guest house, home office, secluded spa enclosure, art, music or fitness studio.

"They make a lot of sense from a cost savings perspective," says Altmann. "Starting at just $5,500 for a 16-foot structure, they are an affordable alternative for people who want to add living space, but are on a tight budget." The average home addition now costing upwards of $78,000, according to Remodeling Magazine's 2007 Cost vs. Value Report.

Cordes spent about $15,000 on the Eagle Yurt she purchased from Rainier in late 2007. The structure is 30-feet in diameter, which offers plenty of room for her gallery. "I got help from my son and we got the structure up in November right before the snow came," she says. "As soon as the snow melts and temperatures warm up, we're going to add on a deck overlooking the lake, and an entryway. I'm also going to move in the easels and partisans where the artwork will be put on display." Cordes plans to open her new business in the late spring or early summer.

To learn more about yurts and the various types available, log on to www.rainieryurts.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

In a Down Market, Just Add Color   (ARA) - When it comes to your home's exterior, color is currency. With millions of homes across the country currently on the market, smart homeowners are differentiating their houses and wowing potential buyers with color - from the roof all the way down to the landscaping.

"Fortunately, you don't have to resort to beige siding and basic black shingles to play it safe when it comes to exterior color," says Leslie Segrete, co-host of the Money Pit home improvement radio show. "Contrast can be tastefully done with the home's enduring architectural elements, while bold or trendy can be reserved for elements that are more easily changed, like landscaping."

Whether you're planning to sell your home in this highly competitive market, or just create a classic look you'll enjoy for years to come, here are some things to keep in mind when adding color to create curb appeal.

From the Top Down
Homeowners might not think of their roof as a part of the overall aesthetic of their home, but it is one of the first things a prospective buyer sees. A roof can account for as much as half of your home's exterior, yet is an often-overlooked design opportunity. "A new roof is certainly a selling point for a house, but an interesting new roof - one that makes a statement with color or design - can really help pump up curb appeal and enjoyment," Segrete says.

Color choices in asphalt shingles have been expanding in recent years, and it's no longer necessary to resort to costly exotic materials - like tile or slate - to create a character-filled look. You can add elegance or whimsy by creating patterns with splashes of color outlined in a contrasting color against a conservative background. Owens Corning, America's number one brand of roofing shingles, offers a wide selection of shingle colors that can be used in contrasting colors to create eye-catching designs in your roof shingles.
You can see examples of a diamond motif and download information from the Owens Corning website, www.owenscorning.com/ibs2008.

Color Cues
Color can help sell a house, real estate experts agree, and a poor color choice can alienate your neighbors; not only will it be an eyesore but it can devalue your home and others around it.

According to Segrete classic, clean and elegant, white consistently shows up on the top of the list in surveys of Americans' most popular color choices for homes. Earth tones of beige, green, brown or tan usually follow closely in terms of preference. While, historically, the more conservative colors have been popular to Americans, times are changing and homeowners are becoming more adventurous with color. Blues and grays are slightly less popular, but still considered within the range of what's acceptable. Reds and pinks are the least popular, unless, of course, your home has a brick façade or is in a tropical or historic neighborhood.

Whatever color you choose, don't forget that complementary colors and shades can be used to highlight the architectural style of your home. Darker color blends provide contrast while lighter colors simplify a home's lines and angles and can make the home appear larger. For example, you may be able to get away with lavender on a gingerbread-style Victorian, but the color would be far less appropriate on many of today's modern homes.

Liberty to Landscape
Landscaping is the area where homeowners can have the most versatility - and fun - with color. Because plants are not permanent, it's possible to take risks or make bold statements with color choices. If you don't care for something or your real estate agent advises you to tone down the color scheme, it's relatively easy to redo small landscaping elements.

While you have more wiggle room choosing plant and floral colors, do keep in mind positioning and location, especially for large elements like trees or shrubs. Generally, you want colors near the home that will contrast or complement the color of the house itself, and remember to avoid one of the worst landscaping faux pas - obscuring windows or the front door with large trees or shrubs.

With a little know how, homeowners can easily differentiate their home from the neighbors, and in a down market that can make other sellers green with envy.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Seven Tips for First-time Homebuyers   (ARA) - If you've ever thought about owning a home, now may be the time to take action. Lower interest rates combined with a large inventory of homes in most markets across the U.S. may translate into a good opportunity for buyers in negotiating the terms of a sale with a seller.

The home buying process may seem daunting to someone who has never purchased a home before. But, through home buying educational seminars offered in your community, and with the assistance of an experienced loan officer, a first-time home buyer can obtain a better understanding of their financing options, leading to a more positive home buying experience.

"Whether you've been dreaming of owning a home for years or you've just decided it would be a smart financial move to make, your first home buying experience will be a memorable one," says Jim Ferriter, executive vice president for GMAC Mortgage. "It's important to learn about your financing options in order to find the mortgage that's right for you."

Ferriter offers the following tips for first-time home buyers:

1. Educate Yourself About the Mortgage Process - By taking the initiative and learning about the mortgage process, you can be more confident in the financial decisions you are making. It's important to learn about different types of mortgages, how much you can afford, how your credit impacts your interest rate, and the benefits of home ownership. A mortgage tutorial is available at http://smartedgebygmac.com, which breaks down the home buying process into easy-to-understand steps.

2. Save Just a Little Bit More - It's not only important to save money for the down payment and closing costs, but it's important to factor in some of the other costs of home ownership such as decorating, repairs and maintenance. Many mortgage lenders recommend that first-time home buyers have at least three to six months of additional savings in their possession in anticipation of these additional expenses.

3. Check Your Credit - An individual's credit score will have a significant impact on his or her mortgage loan approval and interest rate. A good first step in financing a home purchase is to check your credit history. You can request a free credit report from any of the three credit reporting bureaus: Equifax, TransUnion or Experian. Carefully review your report and contact the credit reporting bureaus to correct any inaccuracies.

4. Shop Around for a Mortgage Lender - As you start thinking and preparing for the home buying process, start shopping for the mortgage lender from whom you would like to obtain a mortgage for your new home. Because this process is new, it's easy to go with the first lender or loan officer you meet. Instead, take your time and shop around. Start by asking friends, co-workers and family members for recommendations. When you've identified two or three loan officers, ask for references. In addition to pricing (interest rate and closing costs), focus on customer service as well as other services and tools that a mortgage lender may be able to offer you.

5. Get Pre-approved - Before you start working with a real estate agent, consider contacting a mortgage lender to obtain a pre-approval credit decision. A loan officer will review your financial status, including your income, cash flow and credit score, to help you determine the maximum monthly housing payment for which you may be able to qualify, and, if qualified, "pre-approve" your mortgage before you've found a home. Armed with a credit pre-approval, you can start searching for homes with a much better idea of your price range, and in turn save time as you will know the right homes to focus on. Obtaining a pre-approval may offer more confidence and certainty to home sellers in your ability to purchase the home.

6. Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions - Once you've found your new home, the mortgage lender will help you through the details of the loan process. From application to closing, your loan officer will work through the financing process with you, just as your real estate professional should do in the home buying process. Throughout the process, read all loan documents carefully, and involve an attorney, if necessary.

7. Inspect - Before you commit to purchasing a home, don't forget to hire a licensed home inspector to conduct a thorough assessment of the property. An inspector can alert you to any major problems with the home, and/or help you understand potential short-term and long-term home maintenance issues.

For more information about the process for buying your first home, contact an experienced loan officer at GMAC Mortgage by calling (800) 888-GMAC or by visiting http://www.gmacmortgage.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Your Credit Score: A Home Improvement Power Tool   (ARA) - What's the most powerful tool you can employ in your home improvement project? It's not a great contractor, creative architect or even a lot of do-it-yourself know-how.

"Your good credit score is a powerful tool for achieving your home improvement objectives," says Maxine Sweet, vice president of public education for Experian. "Your credit score can impact the financing you need to pay for your home improvement project."

If you're considering a home improvement project this year, the first step to accomplishing it should be to make sure your finances are in order. A recent Experian-Gallup survey indicates that most people know their credit rating is important, and 19 percent actually say their happiness depends on it. A third of those surveyed said they intend to take steps this year to improve their credit rating.

Next, set the budget and scope of your project. What exactly do you want to achieve and how much are you willing and able to spend for it? Are you refurbishing your kitchen to improve resale value? Or adding a room for your growing family? Know what it will cost to reach your goal and take steps to ensure you can stay within your budget.

Once you know how much money you'll need, you can explore your financing options. Some popular financing tools include home equity lines of credit (HELOC) and bank loans. A HELOC allows you to borrow against the equity you already have in your home but with the flexibility of a credit card; you can draw the money as you need it up to your approved amount. A traditional second mortgage can provide you with all the funds in a lump sum up front. In many cases, the interest on both may be tax deductible. Do your research and consult several mortgage professionals before deciding which product is right for you.

Before you apply for any financing, be sure to check your credit report and score for free with enrollment in Triple Advantage at www.FreeCreditReport.com.

If you have some blemishes on your credit report, try following these steps to better stay on top of your credit situation:

* Pay your bills on time. Delinquent payments and collections could potentially have a strong negative impact on a score.

* Keep balances low on credit cards and other revolving credit. High outstanding debt could lower a score.

* Apply for and open new credit accounts only as needed.

* Pay off debt rather than moving it around. Also don't close unused cards as a short-term strategy to raise your score. Owing the same amount, but having fewer open accounts may lower your score.

To learn more and obtain a copy of your free credit report and score with enrollment in Triple Advantage, go to www.FreeCreditReport.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Are You Dumb Enough to Be Rich?A Smart Real Estate Investor's Secrets Revealed   (ARA) - The cost of living is higher than ever, there's weakness in the job market, stocks are in a free-fall and the housing market is in a slump. Sounds like a bad time to be a real estate investor, or is it?

According to G. William Barnett II, author of "Are You Dumb Enough to Be Rich?" from AMACOM Books, exactly the opposite is true. "These are the times smart real estate investors live for. There's more money to be made in chaos than at any other time, and no other investment strategy has created more millionaires than real estate," he says.

In the just released second edition of his book, Barnett, who has more than a decade of experience in real estate investing, has added chapters that lay out his strategies for being successful in the current marketplace. The key, he says, is knowing how to decipher not only which markets to invest in, but which neighborhoods hold the key to wealth.

"One of the greatest frustrations I had early in my career was reading about places where great things were happening, but not having the confidence to take advantage of them," says Barnett, who still regrets not investing in Hawaii back in the late 1990s when the crash of the Japanese stock market sent housing prices into a free fall. "Back then, I told my wife we have to invest in Hawaii. She said, ‘No, we don't know anything about that market.' If I had known then what I know now, boy would I be better off."

Barnett has spent the past decade finessing an investment strategy he calls "Hot Mapping," which is outlined in the new edition. "Basically it's a business overlay that you can apply to any market in the U.S. to identify the areas in that market you should be investing in," he explains.

Here's a brief synopsis of how it works. Step one is to establish a market's median price which you can do with the help of resources on the Internet. Next you'll want to purchase two maps. One electronic, the other a 6-by-6-foot map that covers the town or county you want to invest in. Step three will be to break down the market from a pricing standpoint using color coding.

"Once you finish making your map, pick up the classifieds and start adding pins representing each of the homes for sale. This technique gets you to the point where you can just pick up the phone, call an agent and tell them exactly which subdivision you want to look at and how much you're willing to pay. You're in essence equipping the agent to do a great job for you," says Barnett.

In "Are You Dumb Enough to Be Rich?," Barnett offers other strategies for making a fortune in real estate, including instructions on how to find and take ownership of troubled properties before they go into foreclosure and how to move faster than your competition when it comes to getting your hands on lists of already foreclosed properties the banks and mortgage companies want to sell.

As for the housing markets Barnett likes best right now, he says number one is Las Vegas, which currently has $10 billion worth of commercial construction going on and will soon have a demand for thousands of new employees. He also likes San Diego, which due to this summer's fires doesn't have enough housing to meet its citizens' needs; and Central Florida which thanks to the Disney empire will always have room for growth.

"Real estate is cyclical. Before you know it, the economy will recover and banks and mortgage companies will once again become more creative in their lending practices. Then there will be another string of foreclosures, and smart investors like you will be lined up to help clean up the mess," says Barnett.

The second edition of "Are You Dumb Enough to Be Rich?" is available for purchase at bookstores nationwide or visit www.amacombooks.org for more information.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Four Ways to Find a Contractor You Can Love   (ARA) - When it comes to sheer potential for relationship disaster, the worst in-laws in the world can't compare to a shady contractor.

Hire a questionable contractor and you could be setting yourself up for serious heartache. Find a contractor you can love and you'll be building the foundation of a lasting, happy relationship - not to mention the home of your dreams.

But the numbers show that many Americans have difficulty finding reputable contractors. In fact, the Better Business Bureau logged more than 9,600 complaints against contractors in 2006. Of the 3,800 different categories of complaints accepted by the BBB, those against contractors rank lucky 13 in terms of prevalence.

Here are four steps towards building a lasting, happy relationship with a quality contractor:

1. Run From . . .

Despite the volume of BBB complaints logged against certain contractors, most are honest and operate within the law. The Federal Trade Commission offers the following tips for recognizing a contractor who possibly isn't on the up-and-up:

* Beware of signs such as soliciting door-to-door, only accepting cash, not having a listed business number in the local telephone directory, or offering to do your project with materials "leftover" from a previous job.

* Watch out for contractors who want you to obtain required building permits or find them new customers (some will offer discounts if you find them new business).

* If the contractor is offering something that seems too good to be true - like exceptionally long guarantees or offering to do your home as a "demonstration" - it probably is too good to be true.

* Finally, if a contractor pressures you for an immediate decision to hire him, or to borrow money for the project through his preferred lender, you may want to take your business elsewhere.

2. Check Them Out

Don't hesitate to check out the background of the contractor you're considering for your job; he won't be offended if he has nothing to hide. Likewise, find out if he intends to subcontract some work, and do a background and financial check of those contractors as well. Fortunately, there are a number of resources with information on contractors, from the BBB to Web sites that maintain databases of contractors, such as ContractorCheck.com.

Launched by Experian, the company known for its credit reporting and protection services, ContractorCheck allows consumers to search for contractors in their area, check a specific contractor's business background and avoid contractor fraud. For each contractor in the database, consumers can check to see if he is bonded, the status of his business license and insurance, how long the company has been in business, and if the contractor has any judgments or liens against him.

3. Talk to People Who Already Love Them

During your dating years you probably "checked out" prospective dates by talking to their friends and others who knew them. You need to do the same kind of word-of-mouth research before committing to a contractor. Talk to past clients to determine how reliable, speedy and reasonably priced they think your contractor candidate is. Were they pleased with the work but thought it took too long to complete? Did the contractor deliver on-time and on-budget?

Reputable contractors maintain a list of satisfied contractors who have agreed to act as references. If your potential contractor can't provide the names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of past satisfied customers, you may want to ask yourself why he can't.

4. Get it in Writing

Good contractors will give you a binding estimate in writing. They also won't work without a written contract. The contract should clearly spell out, in easy-to-understand terms, exactly what the project will cost, what will be accomplished and the anticipated time frame for completing the job. Don't hesitate to get an attorney to review the contract before you sign it, especially if you are dealing with a high-price-tag project.

Beware of verbal agreements; as the saying goes, in a court of law, they're often as good as the paper they were written on.

Courtesy of ARAcontent