Ken Kapur's Blog

Webinars to Attend Before Buying a House In Silicon Valley

Ken Kapur — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 09:12:44 -0700

Welcome to the Zip Realty Home Buyer University Free Online Workshops!

Here you will find a growing library of workshops that you may view

completely free of charge which will provide valuable information that

you will need as you prepare for your home purchase.

There is nothing being sold here so view them all at your earliest

convenience.

Online Workshop Schedule

Time To Rake In

Ken Kapur — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 09:13:45 -0700

Most realtors claim that their clients are simply “waiting for the right time.” Well, if you are planning to buy real estate, why not strike now while prices are fairly low? Not only can you find great properties for yourself, but you can also buy other properties that have the potential to go UP in price in a little time and then sell it for a huge profit! Take a look in San Jose. Between $255000 and $260000,out of 23 listings , only 4 were active ( not sold yet) and 19 are pending sale as of today, Street AddressList PriceBldg SqFtAgeDOMClassStatusLot SizeCity

2736 MURTHA DR	$260,000	1,015 SqFt	56	37	1	5,220 SqFt	San Jose
1578 TOLBERT DR	$260,000	1,007 SqFt	33	263	1	6,098 SqFt	San Jose
253 CHALET AV	$260,000	1,054 SqFt	52	463	1	6,000 SqFt	San Jose
1569 CHRISTOPHER ST	$260,000	1,178 SqFt	53	103	1	5,565 SqFt	San Jose
1412 MOUNT HERMAN DR	$260,000	1,368 SqFt	50	6	1	5,300 SqFt	San Jose
1652 HAVANA DR	$260,000	1,439 SqFt	52	231	1	5,300 SqFt	San Jose
1246 POMPANO ST	$259,950	1,040 SqFt	52	21	1	5,777 SqFt	San Jose
3156 ROCKY MOUNTAIN DR	$259,950	1,040 SqFt	51	20	1	4,968 SqFt	San Jose
1805 DARWIN WY	$259,900	1,472 SqFt	52	2	1	5,150 SqFt	San Jose
479 SALMON DR	$259,900	1,029 SqFt	52	203	1	5,500 SqFt	San Jose
531 NOKOMIS DR	$259,900	1,070 SqFt	38	9	1	6,305 SqFt	San Jose
2604 RIVERMONT CT	$259,900	1,176 SqFt	32	70	1	7,120 SqFt	San Jose
872 S 2ND ST	$259,000	1,218 SqFt	106	14	1	5,125 SqFt	San Jose
1391 BAL HARBOR WY	$259,000	1,381 SqFt	52	35	1	5,000 SqFt	San Jose
494 NERDY AV	$259,000	1,113 SqFt	53	102	1	5,000 SqFt	San Jose
963 MELBOURNE BL	$259,000	1,354 SqFt	57	33	1	5,100 SqFt	San Jose
335 CURETON PL	$259,000	1,120 SqFt	64	22	1	4,895 SqFt	San Jose
2552 LILLIPUT LN	$259,000	1,242 SqFt	52	35	1	6,900 SqFt	San Jose
1725 COOLEY DR	$259,000	1,171 SqFt	31	126	1	6,290 SqFt	San Jose
4070 SAN RAMON WY	$259,000	1,123 SqFt	52	146	1	5,000 SqFt	San Jose
3287 MOUNT LOGAN DR	$256,000	1,198 SqFt	51	1	1	5,300 SqFt	San Jose
2513 SLEEPY HOLLOW LN	$255,000	1,120 SqFt	52	59	1	5,000 SqFt	San Jose
1747 BERRYWOOD DR	$255,000	1,100 SqFt	56	11	1	8,000 SqFt	San Jose

Information contained on this report is designed for accuracy but is not guaranteed.

Some people are actually buying rental properties such as homes or condos that have been known to produce short term rental income. This web site calls this a smart move because if people are hesitant to BUY real estate but need places to reside, rental properties are their only other solution.To learn how you can make money in this hot market, you masy have to pay small amounts to buy knowledge ,but you will find it worthwhile. So as you can see, while there is a bit of a mess to the real estate game right now, there is no reason that you should avoid it. In fact, that website specifically shows you how you can benefit from the current condition of the market. Interest rates are near lows and property values are 50% of what they were only 5 years ago.

Top 3 and Bottom 3 Cities in Santa Clara County for Pending Sales Vs Active Listings

Ken Kapur — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 08:33:11 -0700

Top 3 cities in Santa Clara county for sale of Single Family homes are Gilroy, San Jose and Palo Alto and the bottom 3 are Los Gatos, Saratoga and Santa Clara. The reason could be that Gilroy and San Jose have the largest inventory of homes below $400,000 and they are selling briskly.


	For The Month of May, 2011

Single Family Homes

Town	Active	Pending Sale	Ratio
Gilroy	146	203		0.72
San Jose	1353	1864		0.73
Palo Alto	49	65		0.75
Sunnyvale	93	114		0.82
Mountain View	33	39		0.85
Menlo Park	64	73		0.88
Los Altos	55	47		1.17
Cupertino	62	52		1.19
Monte Sereno	11	7		1.57
Morgan Hill	180	113		1.59
Santa Clara	550	303		1.82
Saratoga	137	56		2.45
Los Gatos	150	48		3.13

Active Listings Vs Pending Sales in Various Price Ranges in San Mateo County

Ken Kapur — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 08:20:58 -0700

It is apparent that below $400000 , the sales are very brisk and the supply cannot even catch up with the demand. However above 3 million, we have a glut of homes . Out of 138 total listings only 22 were listed as sales thus we have now a supply of 6 months which is not as bad as in Santa Clara for the high priced market where we have a 13 month supply of homes above 3 Million.The reason for this is that financing is not as easy to get as banks are very gun shy.Already burnt badly , they do not want to take a chance.Already Bank of America is going to reduce Conforming loan limit from July 1 even though FHA loan limits are not going to change till Oct. 1, 2011

San Mateo County	For The Month of May, 2011

Single Family Homes

Range	Active	Pending Sale	Ratio
3 Million to 30 Million	116	22		5.27
2 Million to 3 Mil	75	18		4.17
1Mil to 2 Mil	291	147		1.98
900k to 1 Mil	82	39		2.10
800k -900K	87	53		1.64
700K to 800K	110	74		1.49
600K-700K	116	71		1.63
500K-600K	162	117		1.38
400K-500K	206	199		1.04
300K-400K	100	117		0.85
200K-300K	29	99		0.29
100K-200K	4	21		0.19

Number of Current Listings VS Pending Sales in Santa Clara County

Ken Kapur — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 08:06:03 -0700

It is apparent that below $500000 , the sales are very brisk and the supply cannot even catch up with the demand. However above 3 million, we have a glut of homes . Out of 70 total listings only 5 were listed as sales thus we have now a supply of 13 months which is an ominous sign for the luxury market as it has become a buyer's market.

Santa Clrara County	For The Month of May,2011

Single Family Homes

Range	Active	Pending Sale	Ratio
3 Million to 30 Million	65	5		13.00
2 Million to 3 Mil	117	27		4.33
1Mil to 2 Mil	461	287		1.61
900k to 1 Mil	120	97		1.24
800k -900K	180	121		1.49
700K to 800K	227	158		1.44
600K-700K	310	203		1.53
500K-600K	327	326		1.00
400K-500K	398	525		0.76
300K-400K	250	614		0.41
200K-300K	110	438		0.25
100K-200K	11	48		0.23

What Was The Price Range Where There Were No Sales Last Month

Ken Kapur — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 09:16:22 -0700

See Below The Price Ranges and Number of Currently Active Listings and Number of Pending Sales In Santa Clara County. In Good School Districts sales are Still Excellent

House Price Range	Active	Pending Sale	Ratio
			Pending/Active
100K to 300K	724	1096	1.51 Highest Sales
300K to 500K	464	277	0.60
500K to 700K	641	212	0.33
700K to 800K	275	123	0.45
800K to 900K	231	88	0.38
900K to 1,000K	149	75	0.50
1,000Kt To 1,100K	73	38	0.52
1,1ooK to 1,200 K	103	40	0.39
1,200K to 1,300K	106	32	0.30
1,300K to 1,400K	57	33	0.58 Not Bad
1,400K to 1,500K	63	19	0.30
1,500K to 1,600K	60	20	0.33
1,600K to 1,800K	83	34	0.41
1,800K to 2,000K	66	13	0.20
2,000K to 2,200K	44	11	0.25
2,200K to 2,500k	96	13	0.14
2,500K to 3,000K	89	16	0.18
3,000K to 5,000K	65	7	0.11
5,000K to 10,000K	49	0	0.00 Lowest Sales
10,000 to 15,000K	5	1	0.2

How Gold Rose Last Year ? Can Real Estate Follow

Ken Kapur — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 02:55:57 -0700

Selling Like Hot Cakes

Ken Kapur — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 02:48:26 -0700

In Cupertino , which has good schools, 19 out of 28 currently listed homes are pending sales and there are multiple offers (Between prices of $890,000and $1,000,000) Why wait? Before you know all the best buys will be gone.Rates are near lows and NOBODY will ring the bell before they start rising again.

Street Address List Price Bldg SqFt Age DOM Class Status Lot Size

22632 ALCALDE RD	$999,888	1,400 SqFt	53	27	1	10,045 SqFt
22311 STEVENS CREEK BL	$998,800	1,075 SqFt	57	45	1	11,900 SqFt
10690 STOKES AV	$998,000	1,666 SqFt	41	399	1	7,455 SqFt
10481 GLENVIEW AV	$998,000	1,668 SqFt	52	28	1	6,300 SqFt
10500 MADERA DR	$998,000	1,600 SqFt	53	5	1	10,000 SqFt
7834 FESTIVAL DR	$989,900	1,190 SqFt	48	5	1	6,489 SqFt
20682 SCOFIELD DR	$988,000	1,678 SqFt	60	8	1	9,768 SqFt
1087 NOVEMBER DR	$978,000	1,126 SqFt	48	10	1	6,100 SqFt
10176 JUDY AV	$968,888	1,648 SqFt	62	95	1	9,375 SqFt
20321 CLIFDEN WY	$968,000	2,029 SqFt	46	8	1	8,346 SqFt
751 STENDHAL LN	$968,000	1,516 SqFt	50	8	1	9,200 SqFt
19691 AUBURN CT	$960,000	1,738 SqFt	49	20	1	8,640 SqFt
10816 ALDERBROOK LN	$950,000	1,272 SqFt	56	15	1	6,634 SqFt
10403 S BLANEY AV	$949,000	1,832 SqFt	48	11	1	7,700 SqFt
10122 S TANTAU AV	$948,888	2,053 SqFt	62	104	1	9,375 SqFt
19132 TWIG LN	$948,888	1,644 SqFt	62	43	1	10,032 SqFt
7510 DE FOE DR	$938,000	1,265 SqFt	52	14	1	6,050 SqFt
19751 DRAKE DR	$929,900	1,498 SqFt	49	19	1	7,592 SqFt
10776 CARVER DR	$925,000	2,203 SqFt	56	104	1	5,885 SqFt
6450 MYRTLEWOOD DR	$924,950	1,701 SqFt	52	28	1	11,224 SqFt
7669 SQUIREWOOD WY	$908,000	1,190 SqFt	50	1	1	5,994 SqFt
10205 PASADENA AV	$899,000	1,092 SqFt	91	98	1	6,240 SqFt
6390 MYRTLEWOOD DR	$890,000	1,259 SqFt	52	8	1	6,000 SqFt

Information contained on this report is designed for accuracy but is not guaranteed.

How A Foreign National Can Buy Real Estate At Such Low Prices?

Ken Kapur — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 02:43:58 -0700

How a Foreign National Can Buy Real Estate in AmericaPosted on May 17, 2011 bykenkapur

Opportunities for real estate investment for foreigners is wide and varied in the United States. It doesn’t matter where you’re from and what currency you’d be using to purchase a property, you have a property waiting for you.

There are generally three kinds of real estate investment available to foreigners. These investments include the commercial estate investment and residential property investment. Residential properties are further classified into single family properties, apartments or condominiums and recreational properties. Regardless of what kind of real estate you are interested in, there are all sorts of tax ramifications, financing options and legal requirements that you have to deal with.

Why Should You Invest in the U.S. Real Estate Market?

You’ve probably heard of the increasing number of foreign real estate investments in the United States. This is not surprising. With the troubles that the real estate investment market is facing in the United States, greater opportunities in real estate investment were opened to foreign investors.

With the dollar’s value in its all time low, foreign investors are finding real estate bargains all over the United States. There are no shortages of deals in this market. More and more distressed properties are being sold everywhere and foreigners are pouring in millions buying these foreclosed or distressed properties. The United States real estate has become a fairly attractive long-term investment for foreign investors.

In November of 2006, the National Association of Realtors released a report entitled “Foreign Investments in U.S Real Estate: Current Trends and Historical Perspective”. The report showed that there has been a steady increase in foreign real estate investment in the United States. This is especially after the euro and the loonie became stronger in the face of the continuous devaluation of the US dollar. Prime bargains were opened to foreigners. Many foreigners have now looked into the possibility of retiring or settling in the United States.

If you’re a foreigner, you would find a lot of reasons why you should invest in the United States real estate market. Aside from the fact that the floating exchange rate has given you a lot of leverage over the bargaining table, the financial market is a pretty good reason why you should invest in the US real estate.

The financial market in the United States in relation to the real estate market is quite liberal and the restrictions against foreign investors are pretty reasonable. This is ideal for foreign companies that are seeking to invest in the real estate market in the United States in order to avoid tariff restrictions and are considering setting up an office or a company in the United States.

Furthermore, despite the devaluation of the US dollar and the wide foreclosures of a lot of property, the real estate market remains to be stable, though slightly shaky, due to foreign investors’ capital appreciation. Domestic real estate buyers may not necessarily share the same opinion, but the market has remained to be strong for foreign real estate buyers. This may be largely credited to the fact that there is minimal risk for them.

Why are Foreign Real Estate Investments Safe and Profitable?

There are a lot of investments you can make, but the safest you can make right now is investing your money in real properties. This is another good reason aside from the fact that you can make a pretty nifty profit, if you like, particularly now with the widespread property foreclosures and seemingly continuous US dollar devaluation. This is especially true if you are going to use the euro or the loonie when making your investment.

But why is US real estate investment safe for foreigners?

It is undeniable that stock investments are not a safe avenue at this point. The recession has not only affected the US economy; the same recession has greatly affected worldwide stock investments. Stocks values are dropping. It is also a fact that even without the current economic situation, stock values fluctuates.

On the other hand, real estate investments are pretty stable if you would compare it to stock investments – or even bond or mutual fund investments. With real estate investment, you’d be putting your money in an investment that would grow in value as years go by.

What are the Benefits of Foreign Real Estate Investment?

US state government supports foreign investments and along this line has formulated various tax breaks to encourage foreign investment on real estate. Many of these tax breaks are not available in many countries. In fact, most countries would frown at foreigners owning real properties within their territory.

Foreign real estate investment in the United States is open to everyone. As long as you can afford to buy the property or at least comply with the mortgage requirements and payments, you can secure for yourself a pretty good property in the United States. Again, with the current economic situation of the United States, this is the perfect chance for you to make an investment.

Another great benefit that you can take advantage of is the availability of mortgage financing. Lenders have opened their doors to foreign investors who are looking into purchasing a property. So, you don’t have to actually deplete your bank account. You can actually secure a mortgage loan and gradually pay it off.

I’m Canadian, What Are My Financing Options?

There is a steady increasing rate of Canadian real estate investors in the United States; and accordingly, the government has made certain that they have attractive financing options available to them.

If you’re Canadian – or if you’re a foreigner – you’d find a lot of reasons why you should buy a piece of real property in the United States. For Canadians, the parity of the currencies or the apparent devaluation of the US dollar is a pretty good reason itself. But how do you finance your purchase?

There are various financing options available to you depending on which state you are in. In Arizona, for instance, you’d get favorable financing terms if you are purchasing a property for recreational purposes, that is, you do not derive any income or benefit from your purchase or ownership. You will be required, however, to sign up a disclosure agreement and give a 30% down payment for your loan. To qualify though for a loan, you may be required to show availability of liquid reserves for a period of three to six months. You may also be required to present a minimum of 3-month bank statement.

If you are purchasing a property for investment, you’d probably meet stricter terms. Requirements may be more stringent. For instance, you could be required to give a down payment of more than 30% and you may be required to show one year worth of liquidity reserves.

Regardless of your reasons, if you feel like you can fulfill the requirements of a financing loan, you can then proceed to actually applying for a mortgage loan. Also, keeping yourself updated with the financing terms flux may be a wise idea.

Understanding the Tax Ramifications of Real Estate Investment

The first foreigner to have ever bought a real estate property in the United States was Peter Minuit. This opened the doors to foreign real estate investors. After a couple of centuries later, foreign real estate investment has grown into huge proportions, accounting for billion-of-dollar worth of industry.

The low risk attached to US real estate market, the availability of countless properties, and the steady market liquidity attract foreign investors in droves. The initial snag, however, is the process of understanding the legal ramifications of foreign real estate investment.

What you have to understand is that foreign investment in the United States can take a lot of forms. A foreigner has various options. He can acquire direct interest. He can acquire an interest in the real estate through a partnership, a corporation, or a limited liability company. The latter is the typical structure used by foreign investors.

Limited partnership or Limited Liability Company offers financial protection or indirect asset protection, especially in cases of bankruptcy, law suits and taxes. Foreign investors are generally taxed on the property as if they hold the property in direct interest.

Ideally, you should secure the services of a real estate accountant to help you out with the tax ramifications, but it would help if you, at least, know the basics before you actually talk to an accountant.

There are tax consequences that you have to deal with when you buy a real estate in the United States. You would need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number which you will use with all your tax transactions. Your investment in real estates can be treated as a portfolio investment and will be accounted for as an investment income which can either be fixed or a periodic income. This is typically taxed at 30% on gross revenues. This tax though does not apply though to all foreign investors. Tax rates would vary depending on the tax personality the foreign investor opted for. For instance, a corporation would be taxed differently.

Other things that you should take note of are availability and requirements of tax refunds and state tax laws on real estate properties as they may differ from federal laws, among other things.

By knowing all these things, you may save yourself from a lot of hassles when you finally approach a real estate accountant. You’d be in same wavelength when you finally get down to talking business. It is, however, very important that you secure the services of an accountant. You’d have an easier time dealing with the taxes ramifications. You’d also have assistance ensuring that you comply with all the accounting aspect of your investment. This is especially true if you are purchasing a real property for investment purposes.

Do You Need to Secure the Service of a Real Estate Lawyer?

If you are considering buying a property in the United States, you need to secure the services of a real estate attorney – someone who could help you with the legal issues concerning your purchase. It is tempting to forego securing the service of a lawyer to save money, but this could cost you a lot of money in the long run. Make sure that you have an experienced and trustworthy lawyer to help you out. Make sure that you have thoroughly checked out his credentials, profile, history of successful cases handled by him, and other factors that would influence your decision. You could check online and look for a lawyer working within the state where you are considering purchasing a property.

Functions of a Real Estate Lawyer

There is no actual distinctive function for a lawyer in a real estate case. However, you would really need the assistance of a lawyer for various tasks. A real estate lawyer would review the sales contract for you. He would also check on the title and other documents relating to the property. A lawyer would also review your mortgage contract and make the necessary adjustments or corrections. You could also get him to review with you the legal and tax issues concerning the purchase. A real estate attorney could also make the necessary adjustments relating to various expenses and costs involved in the purchase. He would assess your eligibility for tax refunds and draft the documents and statements relating to this.

Putting it simply, a real estate lawyer will be your watchdog. He would guide you through the whole process of purchasing a real estate in the United States in order to make sure that you will be legally protected. You will have a capable and trustworthy liaison to help you out with the contract. He will also face legal disputes if any arise.

Tips on How to Invest in Real Estate Successfully

Now, if you’ve fully bought into the idea of real estate investing in the United States, you might just want to know how to go about investing in real estate successfully. If you want to be successful in this venture, the first thing that you have to avoid is overanalyzing. Of course, it is a good idea to carefully think through your actions but it is a bad idea to overanalyze your investment to nonexistence. You might lose a great opportunity.

Before you purchase the property though, it might be wise to check the property value. If it sits well with you and you can reasonably afford the property, go ahead and make the purchase.

If you are considering the property for a quick flip, make sure that the property is in perfect condition and in good area. This is to ensure that you could double or actually triple your return of investment. If you can inspect the property yourself, do so. If not, a good and trustworthy agent can help you with this task.

Another important thing to remember when you’re buying real estate is good financing. You should take your time to carefully consider all your financing options. Foreign investors can email in their queries to various lending institutions. It is a good idea to make sure that you’ve had their terms and rates on paper because they tend to change these terms and charge you with a lot of junk. Your real estate agent can help you with reviewing the escrow charges.

The bottom line, however, is that it is very important that you do your homework before you actually buy a real property. Investing in real properties in the United States can be profitable especially during these times. In fact, it may be the wisest and most perfect investment you can make right now.

Maria Gudelis has been a real estate investor and entrepreneur for over 10 years. She has investigated or bought properties all over the world including Mexico, Ecuador, Canada and the U.S.A. Past co-founder of the Southern California ‘Forum for Women Entrepreneurs’, her passion is to help other entrepreneurs leverage technology and real estate to be successful in their businesses. Her website is at http://www.maria-gudelis.com

Article Source: EzineArticles.com