Updated anti-flip article advice for condos at MGM MIRAGE CityCenter.

Aaron Auxier shares information about an update to the purchase contracts at CityCenter. Per MGM MIRAGE, buyers of condominiums at Veer Towers, Mandarin Oriental, and Vdara Condo Hotel will not be able to resell (known as flipping) their condos for approx. 18 months after original close of escrow. A move that Aaron supports as it removes inventory from the market for the near future. When it comes the the Las Vegas Strip condo market, the media has failed to properly educate the consumers. While most media reports lead the public to believe there are thousands of high-rise condominiums on the Strip, there is actually less. Most importantly, consumers need to be educated on the differences between condotel inventory vs. residential product and why gaming-company developers are hesitant to build residential on their prime Strip land. Aaron Auxier is world recognized for his New Age approach to the Las Vegas luxury real estate market and has been featured in/on NBC News, Wall Street Journal, ABC news, Los Angeles Times, CNBC, FOX News, Forbes, Fortune, CBS news, and more. Music by Chamber.

5 Fun Techniques - Prepare to Buy a Home While Prices Are Low

You can easily know this. The current housing downturn will end. But don't wait to prepare to buy a home. The home buyers who do their homework now by following these 5 steps will be ready to strike.

I recently received a newsletter from one of my favorite stock gurus. His name is Alexander Green, Chairman and Investment Director for the Oxford Club, a private investment club. In the newsletter "Real Estate: Why Greenspan Is Right This Time", Alexander Green comments on remarks made by Alan Greenspan regarding falling home prices. Mr. Greenspan had explained that real estate values might drop even further.

I don't have credentials like Greenspan and Green whom I greatly respect. Before I retired, I was a mortgage broker for many years. Prior to that, I sold real estate. Before that my husband was a real estate agent. Jointly, we have been professionally involved in over 3 consecutive decades of real estate markets and more than 5 decades in totality.

The reason I share this is to let you know that I have passed through every financial cycle and survived to tell about it.

Our introduction to working in real estate began in Long Beach, California. It was 1979 and we were in the middle of the Savings and Loan Crisis, a crisis that was just as devastating to the real estate market as the Credit Crunch we are experiencing today.

Here is what I learned. Timing the market can be frustrating and discouraging. But this is a fact. When news of doom and gloom overtake TV, radio and the internet, know that the worst of the credit crunch has passed. I have seen many people try to determine the exact time to buy a house, believing that they could pick the perfect low point in the market. It was seldom successful and ended up in frustration.

Here is what I think. In spite of what some professionals claim, the home you live in is not an investment. I tend to follow the views of Robert Kiyosaki in this regard, the author of "Rich Dad Poor Dad". When he explains in his book that a house is not an asset, he is saying an investment is something that puts money in your pocket. The home you live in is primarily an expense.

Long term, though, good news bears out that owning a home contributes to financial well being assuming the monthly payments are affordable. In addition, if you look at home ownership statistics over a 20 year period instead of a 2 year period, it is almost impossible to lose.

So, here is my recommendation. First stop waiting for the media to tell you it's okay to buy a house. They don't possess any insider knowledge regarding real estate trends or whether interest rates are getting better or worse. Truthfully, no one else does either. Even the so-called financial gurus received a surprise by the magnitude of this present crisis.

Second, begin a closer look into your market today. Begin looking for neighborhoods that you would like to live in. Study the prices. Use real estate websites to request notification every time a new listing comes on the market. You can even hunt for a good real estate agent using this service.

Third, set aside a couple of hours on a Saturday to visit several open houses. This can be fun. Talk to real estate agents. Get the lay of the land, so to speak. Educate yourself well in regards to your area.

Fourth, use the services of a mortgage company to become pre approved. The most important part of buying a home is knowing how much you are qualified to borrow. Make the decision to get pre approved before shopping for your most important purchase, a home.

Fifth, save, save, save. One of the most important reasons for mortgage pre approval is to determine how much money you are going to need for down payment and closing costs. These are important numbers to know before shopping for a home, not after you make an offer. The safest way to eliminate surprises and remain realistic while searching for your new home is mortgage pre approval.

In truth, no one can predict exactly when the housing market will recover. No one knows.

However you can count on this. This housing downturn will end. But don't wait to prepare. The buyers who do their homework now by following these 5 steps will be ready to strike.

Good luck.

IN DA ROOM PRODUCTIONZ PRESENTS:DE LOS ANGELES A MODESTO PT1

IN DA ROOM PRODUCTIONZ EN LA "LA FAMILIA" THE REAL ESTATE, MIGUEL ESTRADA, DEFSTAR, MELLOW MAN ACE....

Real Estate TV #2

Where is the real estate market going and Where is the Phantom inventory?

10 Top Reasons to Buy Real Estate Overseas

Imagine sitting on your veranda at the end of a fun packed day, lulled into a feeling of deep relaxation and happiness by a combination of the waves lapping the nearby shore and the cicadas doing their evening dance. Your family and friends are close at hand enjoying fine wine and great company and the sun is setting over the sea...you're vacationing in your holiday home overseas and you're living the dream.

Does that sound like heaven on earth to you? Yeah, it does to me too...so what's stopping you from realizing your dream of owning vacation real estate abroad? If something is holding you back from making the commitment to buy a second home overseas, here are 10 top reasons why you should stop listening to the nagging voice and start listening to your heart...

1) Wouldn't it be amazing to enjoy the culture and history, the beauty and geographic delights of a favourite country? If you bought real estate in your preferred overseas destination you could spend far more time getting to know the heart of the country and the soul of the people and you could satisfy your curiosity about the nation and the delights it has on offer.

2) You could spend more time dedicated to a favourite hobby or pastime or indeed develop new passions in an overseas location conducive to the types of activities you enjoy - whether that be skiing, golfing, fishing, hiking or just being pampered in paradise.

3) If you have an extended family and friends spread out all over the country or indeed the world, owning vacation real estate in a desirable holiday location would allow all of your friends and family to come together, relax and enjoy each others company.

4) Those with children might like to consider owning vacation real estate overseas in a location where its safer, where the environment is more appropriate for outdoors activities, where children can learn, develop, grow and experience a whole new world.

5) Real estate is a great investment - by combining the ownership of a home overseas with your long term financial plan you could be investing in an enjoyable and capital appreciating asset that could set you up for your retirement.

6) By buying a second home overseas you could be taking the first step on the journey to moving to live or work abroad in nation that is of interest to you or a location where there are many opportunities waiting for you. You can spend extended vacations in your new home and get a feel for whether a permanent move would actually suit you.

7) Alternatively, if you're approaching retirement, by buying vacation real estate abroad in a laid back country with a good climate and an affordable cost of living you might be taking the first step to retiring overseas!

8) Those who aren't sure whether they will get much use out of a second home abroad could rent out the property when they are not using it and derive an income from it - this income might even be sufficient to pay any mortgage or to fund your own trips out to the home once or twice a year.

9) Some countries in the world are known to have extremely exciting property markets where real estate has been undervalued and is now appreciating in value rapidly - if you want to get in on the act then buying a second home in such a location should fulfil your objectives.

10) Finally, those who enjoy DIY and home improvement might like the challenge of buying a rural rundown retreat overseas and restoring it to its former glory.

If you have a dream of spending time overseas in a home of your own, don't let anything hold you back from realising your aspirations.

South Central Farmers Standing Firm

One of the largest and most established urban gardens that supports over 350 families in south central Los Angeles is being threatened by real estate developers to be paved over and strip-malled. Checkout www.southcentralfarmers.org for more info.

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Foreclosure

Real estate investors often consider foreclosures profitable investments. While this may be the case for savvy and experienced investors, they can often carry a number of risks for less-experienced, first-time buyers. Tempting as foreclosures may seem, buyers need to educate themselves beforehand in order to avoid these five common mistakes.

Mistake #1 - The Sticker Price

While the price you negotiate for a foreclosed home may be significantly less than its value just a few years back, many such homes often require substantial repairs. Even if a house is only a few years old, it can deteriorate quickly. Therefore, unless you are planning on making these repairs yourself, be prepared to reserve an additional 10 percent of the purchase price for potential labor costs. It's important to keep these repair costs in mind when negotiating, so you do not end up foolishly over-investing in a foreclosed property.

Mistake #2 - Waiving The Home Inspection

Foreclosed properties are often advertised "as is" with higher discounts offered to buyers willing to waive a home inspection -- something (for reasons stated in Mistake#1) a buyer is never advised to do. Often such homes are neglected by owners who stopped caring about their home once they stopped making their mortgage payments. Inspections on many foreclosed properties commonly reveal leaky or damaged roofs,rotting foundations, malfunctioning plumbing, electrical, and mechanical and heating systems, mold and radon contamination and termite infestation. Without having an experienced home inspector examine these components thoroughly, a buyer could inherit a much larger and costlier repair job than expected.

Mistake #3 - Flipping

With many foreclosed homes expected to decline significantly in value in the near future, you need to think of a foreclosure as a long-term, rather than a short-term, investment. If you are just trying to cash in on a quick flip, a foreclosure is not for you. Only investors with the financial resources and patience for a long-term real estate investment and homeowners who can afford a fully amortized fixed-rate mortgage should consider buying a foreclosed property,

Mistake #4 - Location

Inexperienced buyers often assume discounted prices offered on foreclosures will compensate for a location in a less desirable neighborhood. As with any other kind of home purchase, your search should always focus on the worst homes in the best neighborhoods, to ensure yourself of the highest resale value in the future.

Mistake #5 Cloudy Title

If you find a foreclosure property you like, request a title search be done right away to ensure there are no liens on the property resulting from such debts as unpaid mortgages, home equity loans, or unpaid property taxes. These judgments often include late fees and other fines, and must be satisfied before the property can be sold.

a&E InTeRvEnTiOn Cristine and Kelly pt2

Cristine and Kelly: Cristine, a wife and mother with an abusive and dark past, is an alcoholic who drinks about 18 beers a day. Just three years ago, Cristine was top saleswoman at her Los Angeles-based newspaper; now, since her return to work after having her first child, the alcohol has damaged her career so much that she has yet to collect any advertising commission from ad sales. Her husband is a stay-at-home dad, but their "home" is Cristine's mother's living room floor due to Cristine's continuing business problems. Now Cristine's health is failing--she often works 4 hours or less a day due to stomach problems caused by her drinking--and the family feels an intervention is the only thing that can save her from herself, but Cristine wants no part of rehab after a disastrous stint two years ago. Kelly is an anorexic real estate agent and club DJ in Florida who weighs only 93 pounds and who often consumes less than 5% of her body's caloric needs for the day. She has a 6-year-old daughter who is sadly following in her mother's footsteps, imitating Kelly's disdain of food by refusing to eat her breakfast and leaving her lunch tray full of food. Kelly's boyfriend wants to come live with her in Florida but knows he cannot save Kelly by himself and needs outside help to break Kelly out of this destructive downward spiral. Everyone who loves Kelly is not only trying to save her, but also her daughter. Can Tara Fields and Jeff VanVonderen get through to two addicts who don't ...

Burbank Homes for Sale

Great Real Estate Website

The Sneaky Terms Used in Closing Costs

If the various terms and fees associated with closing costs intimidate you, you're not alone. Until you started house hunting, you probably never heard of GFE, YSP, PMI and other terms. I'll explain what these terms mean and more importantly, what they mean to you.

What Are Closing Costs?

The closing costs on a home mortgage are simply the collected little fees from everyone involved in processing the loan. Unfortunately these "little" fees can quickly accumulate into as much as 8% of your total investment. Generally, if you're paying that much you're probably paying too much. Some trick phrases to watch for are Good Faith Estimate (GFE) and Yield Spread Premium (YSP).

What Is GFE?

Don't pursue a loan too far if the lender doesn't provide you a GFE up front. The GFE is, well, the lender's good faith estimate on what your total closing costs will be. They should have an official estimate that you can use to compare against various online charts to make sure you're not getting fleeced. The final closing costs shouldn't be too far from the estimate, and they must provide explicit explanation for any significant differences between the final number and their GFE.

What Is YSP?

The YSP fee is something you want to avoid. If you see it in your paper work, feel free to give your broker a good cold glare. This is usually a kickback the lender is giving the broker for helping the lender secure a higher interest rate loan. When you see a YSP fee in your closing costs, in many cases you should stop signing right there and seek a better interest rate elsewhere.

What Is PMI?

PMI stands for private mortgage insurance. This is something you will have to pay if you make a down payment that is less than 20 percent of the value of the home you're financing. Its function is to insure the lender against a bad investment in case you default on your loan. PMI can add a significant amount to your monthly payment, which is why it behooves you to make as large a down payment as possible.

I hope I have helped clear some of mystery surrounding closing cost terms. GFE, YSP and PMI shouldn't look so obscure and odd to you anymore. Paying your closing costs is one of the more memorable experiences you'll have as it is the final step to the biggest investment of your life.

What to Do and What Not to Do When an Appraisal Comes in Low (Realtors Only)

Although you may have not experienced this for some time, you could get the call in the near future?. It's that dreaded call from the lender and he/she informs you that the appraisal estimate is lower than your sales price. Now what? You found a buyer you put this whole deal together it's hanging on a thread and now it is going to all blow up in your face!!

Do not do the following:

Do not panic (easy for me to say)
Do not get emotional
Do not threaten the appraiser and ask for their supervisor or boss!
Do not call the Appraiser and sarcastically ask them how long they have been doing this!
Do not supply the Appraiser with misleading sales outside of your market area to support your sales price
Do not ask them if they wear glasses (when they say no) you offer to buy them a pair.

Appraisers make mistakes from time to time and no one likes to have it rubbed in your face especially an Appraiser. Focus on the facts and find out what comps were used. If your working with a lender with staff appraisers it could be a rookies first report. It could also be an out of area Appraiser unfamiliar with your neighborhood and key characteristics that impact value. Do a little investigative research into the appraisers background by talking to your mortgage broker.

A few Mortgage brokers do a poor job in selecting appraisers. The only thing they ask of the appraiser when hiring them is " can you hit the number, how fast can you get the appraisal back to me and how much do you charge? Rarely is the question asked "how experienced are you" This could eliminate many of the problems with appraisals that can impact your transaction. It does not always have to do with value either. In the past, many new people flooded are industry and were taught to simply fill out a form, in this market you need experienced appraiser's who bring more to the table and who will act in the best interest of those that matter "your clients"

If an Appraiser asks you for data. DO NOT SAY THAT IS NOT MY JOB THAT IS YOUR JOB! The only time an experienced appraiser will ask you for information is when they have no other data available to support the sales price. You may have that missing piece or data that the appraiser is unaware of or is not available to them. So provide them with information to help if asked, it only benefits you in the long run!

Any argument about the value you make to an appraiser must be supported with data not emotion. "I have been working this area for years" or other similar statements will not sway the Appraiser.

The Appraiser must be able to support their estimate or conclusions with data not hearsay or opinions based on experience. With the recent emphasis on stamping out mortgage fraud the appraiser does not want to be unwittingly accused of contributing to this problem. Your professional conduct and factual, unemotional data to support your position will earn the appraiser's respect. Any other argument without support will go in one ear and out the other. The appraisers are not always right and if approached with the facts that support another value conclusion they should be able to change their final value estimate to reflect the additional data provided to support it.

If the appraiser is right, lick your wounds and understand it is not their fault. Do not shoot the messenger they are just doing their job. You may want to learn from this experience and make sure you revisit the manner in which you arrived at your list and sales price. Sometimes not doing your homework or pushing the upper limits can come back to bite you.

June 12 Mortgage Rate Real Estate and Economic Update www.MyBestMortgage.com

From his offices in Manhattan Beach California, Cyrus Shargh updates his clients, both purchase and refinance, and referral partners, Realtors, CPAs, Attorneys, and Financial Planners, on the latest move lower in interest rates.

Foreclosures in Los Angeles, CA

www.foreclosure1.com - Los Angeles is one of the greatest cities in US. Here is your chance to buy a nice home in low price!

Which House is the Right One For You?

There are many arguments about what kind of house is the best or the most beautiful or the most reliable. And many debates about how to find the right home for you. The truth is that there have been many new styles of homes developed recently, and that will continue into the future. So how is one to choose the absolute best house? It is a daunting task and involves a lot of time and energy. When looking to create your home house plans, forget all of those styles that just do not fit - stick with something simple and/or traditional.

When looking over cottage floor plans, for example, you will discover how simple they can be. However, cottage homes are also very cozy. Cottages are usually located in beautiful, serene locations - one of the absolute best qualities about owning this type of home. A cottage may be located next to a lake or even an ocean, allowing many activities once you move in and unpack! You can look into fishing or exploring the surrounding wilderness (which might end up being a forest or a beach, depending on which location suits you best). Also, cottages can make for great vacation homes. If you do not want to live near the ocean or in the forest for long periods of time, then why not purchase one so that you can just get away from the stresses of your daily life whenever you feel the need? So cottages work either as a permanent residence, or as a relaxing spot to spend your free time.

If you want something a little larger and located in highly populated areas, than drawing up ranch home plans would be a wise decision. Homes in this style are very popular because they are very affordable in addition to being great for any type of homeowner. The style is very traditional and something you will see in many neighborhoods regardless of where you live. This type of house is great for families just starting out - it is manageable and attractive. These types of homes are located conveniently so that you will not have to worry about long commutes to and back from work all week.

The De-Manhattanization of Las Vegas.

Aaron Auxier explains how the "Manhattanization of Las Vegas" theory was nothing more than a myth. From land-flipping developers using soft-cost entitlements to high-rise condo developers never even having their GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price) from their contractor, there never really was 100 Las Vegas luxury condominium projects to be built.

The 9 Mistakes Applicants Must Avoid When Contacting an Employer

There are several resources and tools on hand to guide and coach job seekers through the steps or process of a career transition. Most people benefit by learning what to avoid. At the same time, these tools and resources are equally very useful and suggest what you should do. If you found yourself in this group, here is a compiled list of things that may "turn off" a certain employer. Be sure to steer clear of the following.

1.) Do not send a resume without a cover letter-- well obviously, most employers can view this as being lazy.

2.) Don't call the manager and ask him to tell you more about the job or position posted before submitting your resume. If you saw a position advertised that appeals to you then go for it. Submit your resume with your credentials. You can always get the details later.

3.) Never ever "stalk" the employer. Faxing, texting, calling and emailing an employer on a day to day basis to see and find out if you've been selected for an interview looks very needy, and instead would not encourage or make the employer contact you.

4.) Do not submit your resume with the cover letter using each and every format known to man. Never email, fax and send a hard copy; only one submission is enough already.

5.) Don't email and then forget to give the attachments or provide blank attachments.

6.) Never state in your cover letter that you will call the employer but then you won't call at all. Better yet, just don't state that you really intend to call. Most employers don't have the luxury of time to field the calls from each and every job seeker.

7.) Do not ask if the job or position posted is still open within a week or two of the advertisement. You would want to give as several options and choices to yourself and getting your resume on their file could be of utmost importance-for now; most specially if the initial offer of the employer is not accepted or another additional prospective candidate is needed. Therefore, whether the job posted is open or not is almost irrelevant to you as a job seeker-just go for it.

8.) Don't just simply ignore or set aside the directions of the employer about the submission of your qualifications. If for instance, an employer has posted on his advertisement that he is looking for a technical writer and has asked for three writing styles and samples, then send three samples. I know a manager friend of mine that he received an email from an applicant saying he had so any good samples that in the end, he was unable to choose from three so he failed to send any.

9.) Do not expect for the employer to do he homework for you. You can browse the World Wide Web, go to the library and use your connections and network to find out what information is available about the company. Anyway, it is your job to research more about the company.

Video Tutorial--How to Block Users from Seeing Your Facebook Account

www.toddjoneshomes.com Todd Jones Todd Jones realtor Todd Jones real estate agent http facebook.com twitter.com Todd Jones real estate expert Todd Jones Los Angeles Todd Jones realtor Los Angeles Todd Jones real estate agent Los Angeles Todd Jones Los Angeles expert Todd Jones realtor...

Exciting Esthetics Jobs

One of the best ways to make your career exciting is to find a job that you are truly interested in. Esthetics jobs are career opportunities that are available for people who are committed to promoting healthy and vibrant skin. It is a field that is medical in nature and offers limitless job opportunities for people who are well-trained and experienced. Once you have completed the required training, it is quite easy to find employment in such places as spas, cruise lines, resorts, medical offices and health clubs.

Providing excellent skin care (which is known as esthetics) is a career choice that many people are now seeking. It is a fast-growing field and does require some schooling in order to obtain employment. So, before making the decision to become an esthetician consider the time, money and energy you will have to expend before this is a viable career choice for you.

When trying to find out all you can about esthetics, go to your local spa or esthetics school and ask questions. Find out what jobs are available and what you need to do to be fully prepared for employment. Networking is an ideal way to gain information and often results in job offers. Getting to know people who are already employed in the field is the first step in finding the perfect job for you. These same people should be able to advise you on the best schools to attend, the right courses to take and where they generally hire from. They also should be able to tell you which schools have the best reputations in the community where you want to work.

Esthetics jobs can be very rewarding, satisfying and lucrative. Your salary will depend on a number of things such as the area in which you work, your level of experience and education and the clientele of the area. It also depends on whether your employer is a high- or low-end provider of esthetic services. Of course, you likely will start out as an entry level employee with the chance of moving quickly up the career ladder.

3 Things You Should Bring to Every Interview

Your resume? A list of questions? Samples of your work?

Those three items might have immediately jumped into your mind; and they're very important.

But I'm also fairly certain you'll remember them.

Instead, the three things I'm reminding you to bring are items job seekers often leave behind. Unfortunately, doing so can sink the interview and cost you the job.

What are they?

Energy.

Positive attitude.

Enthusiasm.

Not exactly things you'll stick in your portfolio or your computer bag. But how you come across to the hiring manager is just as important, if not more so, than your background and qualifications.

You need to convey vitality, liveliness, and dynamism. What about your disposition and temperament? How do you come across? Finally, when you talk, is there a sense of excitement or zeal about what you do - what you've accomplished - the job in question - what you can do for the hiring company?

Candidates who are long on qualifications but short on these intangibles are typically excluded from consideration.

During interview debriefs, my clients would very often begin the discussion with an assessment of the candidate's energy level. Everything else was secondary. If the job seeker didn't rate well, there was a very good chance they simply wouldn't be invited back for another interview.

Sound harsh?

You might be surprised how poorly many people come across when they're interviewing. They're lethargic. Sluggish. Apathetic. Sometimes there's just no sense of enthusiasm. Or you'll get the defeated attitude...or maybe the malcontent throwing jabs at his or her former employer.

The hiring manager will move on to the next candidate if you forget to bring your energy, positive attitude and enthusiasm to the interview with you.

How do you come across....in person....and on the phone? (Don't forget the all important telephone interview may be the first step in the hiring process.)

You may be unsure. If so, don't feel bad. Many people have no idea how they're perceived.

Try this: think about friends or colleagues whom you'd describe as energetic and enthusiastic. What is it that makes them seem that way? What can you do to emulate that?

Don't forget the telephone. When all you've got to work with is your voice, do you convey a sense of energy to the person on the other end?

Enlist the help of friends. Conduct a mock face to face interview, and then a telephone screen. Have them help you analyze your presentation.

I'm not suggesting you behave in a manner that's totally out of character for you. Nor should you be self-conscious. Usually, it's just a matter of making some minor adjustments. It'll pay dividends, though, as you automatically increase your chances of performing well during interviews.

How Will The US Economy Recover?

You would probably have to have been living on a remote desert island for the better part of two years to not see any signs of the slowdown in the economy of the United States. Since August of 2007, the real estate market has been reeling from plummeting house prices, due primarily to increasing defaults on sub-prime mortgages. While these mortgages were issued to millions of borrowers with patchy or relatively poor credit ratings over the past several years, interest rates remained unusually low before the Federal Reserve began to increase rates over 2005-2006.

Up until late 2006, this process was self-reinforcing, mainly due to the delayed impacts of interest rate changes, not to mention encouraging profits for lenders, who would often repackage the loans into securities which could be sold to investors globally. Many analysts called it a new era in risk management, justifying the arcane nature of many of these new investment entities with ever-larger profits.

But just as higher interest rates began to take their deflationary effects on the larger economy, millions of sub-prime mortgages began to reset, their rates immediately dependent on available credit. Moreover, many borrowers were not made aware of the insidious nature of their home loans.

Often, their interest rates are artificially low for some period of time, usually one to two years, and then change to reflect market rates afterward. These "teaser" rates were designed to lure more potential homeowners, and they worked: all estimates of the amount of sub-prime mortgages number in the millions, and many consumer advocacy groups have decried the skyrocketing incidence of "predatory loaning" leading up to the credit crunch. Defaults have continued to increase, which has forced the financial institutions which invested in mortgage-backed securities to write down billions, eventually leading to the spectacular collapse earlier this year of Bear Stearns, formerly Wall Street's fifth-largest investment bank.

Since the securities made from these increasingly worthless mortgages have been so widespread, any effort towards recovery must first be focused on stabilizing borrowers, who are increasingly behind on payments. In this respect, the government has taken several different courses of action. In an effort to stop unnecessary foreclosures, the US Treasury has begun an initiative to freeze mortgage payments at current levels for qualified recipients. However, its restrictions make less than 5% of homeowners eligible for the program.

In addition, the Treasury has introduced a plan to reorganize and regulate the lending industry over the next several years, which should help streamline the financial system in the future. However, its greatest effect so far has been to distract from more immediate economic problems.

By far, the greatest player in the recovery effort has been the Federal Reserve, which reversed its previously hawkish view to drop mortgage interest rates multiple times, from 5.25% last summer to 2.25% now, with a further cut of 25 basis points highly likely at the next meeting. They have also taken the unprecedented move of making its "discount window" rate loans available to investment banks. This access has historically only been available for commercial banks up until this point as a matter of last resort, but by bailing out Bear Stearns, the Fed made a commitment to help troubled investment banks weather the credit crisis. A recovery will require a combination of liberal monetary policy, further government intervention on behalf of mortgage holders, and enforceable regulation in order to prevent another bubble.

Asking For the Job

In addition, the Internet has made the world a much smaller place, and job hunters find they're not only competing with their neighbors, but with a nation of job hunters.

It's tough.

Being Bold Without Being Brazen Is Key

For some, self-confidence is rarely a problem. They know what they have to offer, and they're happy to tell you about it. They wear a thick skin, so rejection slides off their back like water on a duck.

For many of us, however, the fear of rejection can be stifling. Herein, however, lies the key to getting the job.

If you've been invited for an interview, you've got a foot in the door, at least. If the interview appears to be going well, and you feel that you'd be a good fit for the position, then it's time to pull out all of the stops... it's time to ask for the job.

That's right. You need to ask for the job.

This is where many of us freeze up. But, really what's the worse that can happen? So, what if they so "no"?

Of course, there are subtle approaches to asking the employer for the job, ways around just point-blank asking the employer, "Can I please have the job?"

After having spoke with the interviewer for awhile, and you've determined you have the qualifications he is looking for in an employee, you can sum up your conversation something like this...

"After speaking with you about what your company is looking for in a candidate, I believe I would be a perfect fit with your company. Do you believe I would be a good fit?"

Or, you might consider talking and acting like you already have the job. Explain to the interviewer how you would handle the position, and what plans you may consider implementing while in your new position. For instance:

"I feel the way to provide the best customer service to those customers who are trying to track multiple orders on their accounts would be to create a spreadsheet that would update them on the status and whereabouts of their orders on a daily basis. I would send the reports out to them each day. It'll all but eliminate unnecessary phone calls and emails."

Bold? Yes... but oh so worth it if you the next words you hear are, "so, when can you start?"

Options When Tenants Breach the Lease

Being a landlord has a lot of privileges. It also has a lot of responsibilities and problems. One of the major causes of problems that landlords face is tenants breaching the contract. This usually happens when the occupants fail to pay the rent on time. There is also a breach of contract when a tenant breaks one or more of the agreed items stated in the lease contract.

If you are a landlord, what are your options when one of your tenants breaches your agreement? Will you evict him right away and terminate the contract? Take note though that this varies per state. Always consult your legal adviser before you take any drastic measures to avoid problems. The actions you will be taking should adhere to the tenancy laws.

The first thing you can do is to send a notice of breach of agreement. You can use the format provide in Form 20 which is the Notice of Breach of Agreement (by tenant). You may also use the Form 21, which is the Notice of Non-Payment of Rent, whichever is applicable. If you do not have copies of such form, you can just write your tenant a letter notifying them of the breach. The said notice should present the details of the breach. You should also specify in the notice the ample time for the tenant to remedy it to practice his right to cure. The time given should not be less than fourteen days.

There are also cases when the breach does give the tenant the right to cure. This means that the tenant is not given the chance to fix the breach. He is therefore given the time to vacate the property.
If the breach is about the tenant failing to pay the rent, wait for his reply. The tenant may explain to you his financial state and may propose a payment arrangement. You have the option on what actions you are going to take. Just make sure that you put it in writing. If you do not agree to the proposal, do not agree to it.

If your tenant failed to respond to the notice you have sent him. You can send him a Notice of Termination. Make sure that it is in the right form because it is not binding if the form you have used us wrong. There are different types of forms you can use. There is Form 1A, Form 1B and Form 1C.

You can also evict the tenant. You can do this after your tenant failed to take actions during the time given. You should file a lawsuit for eviction in your local court. It is your responsibility to serve the papers properly as stipulated in the tenancy laws. The court will not allow the eviction to push through if you fail to serve the papers properly.

The tenants have the right to respond to the lawsuit for eviction. The landlord can only evict the tenant only if the court issues a court order to evict. This shall be executed by the sheriff.

Once the lease agreement is breached, it is your right and duty as a landlord to take the necessary actions. However, see to it that you follow a due process to avoid more serious problems.

How to Choose a Real Estate Club

Real estate expert, Phyllis Rockower, teaches viewers how to choose an ethical, reputable club for real estate education.

Celebrity Taste in Homes

Famous people, either actors of stage or film, musicians or politicians, buy real estate for themselves or to own as investments. Celebrities have various tastes when it comes to real estate just like any other person but the difference is the spotlight. Therefore, some of the foibles witnessed by real estate agents have to be dealt with in discretion. The biggest real estate markets are Los Angeles, New York and London.

Some of these skills needed for discretion include the ability to get away from paparazzi as well as excellent knowledge of sophisticated security systems. This is because of security and safety but also because there are numerous blogs, some receiving as much as 300,000 page hits per day, and newspaper columns devoted to celebrity real estate dealings. Society loves to read of celebrities and where they live, what they live like and whom they are living with. The public likes to read about people who live in a fantasyland of excess and privilege.

Celebrities regularly use trusts or facade companies to mask their transactions. They carry out business in a different way from regular citizens. Many of them like the idea of shopping without actually buying anything. Security features such as high walls, sophisticated intruder-trigger alarm systems are what celebrities prefer. Buyers have to sign privacy agreements to look at any property linked to a celebrity, and that did not happen ten years ago.

Real estate agents who deal in the luxury markets rarely meet their celebrity clients until the deal is almost done, using assistants for the actual work. Celebrities also seek after anonymity because details of their net worth are readily available and it becomes a distinct disadvantage when negotiating the price of a property. Some celebrities buy property based on who owned the property prior, but most go for the value it adds to their investments instead. Some properties sell well when potential buyers know who the celebrity owner is and others do not, depending on the buzz the particular celebrity is carrying at the time.

By far the most important skill for a real estate broker to possess is a network of serious connections, being able to get business from a very choosy clientele is not easy. The way is smoothed over by whom you know. It is believed that entry-level houses that are deemed fit for an A-list celebrity costs about 1.4 million dollars.

Did You Sell Your Home Below Market and Not Even Know It?

When selling your home in California most real estate professionals rely on a property profile provided by a local title company which lists your property information taken from public records. This is common practice. In most cases the information from the city records provided in these reports is accurate, however in some instances it is not. It's these instances that can come back to bite you in the pocketbook or worse yet place you in a courtroom. Some of these cases are a direct result of differences in living area between the home and what is reported in public records Some, not all agents rarely verify this information stating a "Don't ask, don't tell" mentality. Here are a few reasons given to me from those that don't verify this information.

o· "This is a tract area all the homes are the same"
o· "We have a disclaimer that states" information deemed accurate, but not guaranteed"
o· The buyer should do their own due diligence when buying a home"
o· I've been doing this for years and have never had a problem before"
o· "That is what E & O insurance is for

Major lenders throughout the country do not rely on public records when lending on a home they rely on Appraisers to verify this information (Even in tract areas) The trend however unfortunately for the public, is to try to rely more on automated valuation models to "speed up" the process and eliminate the additional costs associated with appraising property .

Some agents however recognize the increasing potential liability and have sought out and partnered with Real Estate Appraiser' on their listings to verify that there is not any significant difference between what the city shows and what the Appraiser came up with. If there is a small variation between the two measurements then it is not likely a cause for concern and the agent can have the piece of mind that they did their "Due diligence". The floor plan can double as a marketing tool for the agent who uses virtual tours or similar on line marketing.

When appraising a home the difference in some cases between what the city shows and what an Appraiser measures could be significant. Let's say for this example that the home reflects less than what is truly there in terms of living area size... A room addition that is not reflected and not readily apparent. Based on city records the agent relied upon smaller homes to determine the asking price and eventual sale. The seller could have sold the home for much more as a result of this footage variance. The Appraisal in this instance will reflect that the home sold below market as the Appraiser will use homes similar in size to the home they measured which are larger. The buyer is thrilled to learn they got a deal (if they ask for a copy of the report) the lender is also happy because they have more equity as a result. Unfortunately for the seller they will never learn of this as they do not, nor can, get a copy of the Appraisal. The cost to the Realtor could be thousands as their commission is based on the sales price. One costly mistake like this could amount to far and above the cost of home measurements for years. The selling agent did not intend to undersell the property, but unknowingly did so.

How often does this scenario play out throughout the country we will likely not know as most buyers think it was their negotiating skills that got them the great deal. Lenders are not required to notify the seller that they sold under market. Appraisers report the property sold under market but are not required to notify the seller either. As a seller it may be good idea to have a pre-listing Appraisal completed or have an Appraiser measure prior to listing with a seasoned real estate pro, or ask your agent if part of their marketing package includes the verification of living area. What you don't know, could cost you?

Manhattan Community College Apartments For Rent

If you need an apartment near Manhattan Community College, there is an abundance to choose from. Whether you want all the amenities or you are a little more budget conscience, there is something to suit you. Listed below are just a few of the excellent apartments for rent near Manhattan Community College.

The Duane Street Apartments are located near fine dining and the Hudson River Water Park. For a one-bedroom apartment, you can expect to pay $3,995 a month. You will get beautiful city views, floor to ceiling Solarium windows and a gourmet kitchen in this luxury post war high-rise. Featuring a roof deck, fitness center, and pool, you would be lucky to live in the Duane Street Apartments.

At Hanover Square, one-bedroom apartments are around $3,600 a month. Featuring a marble bath and granite kitchen this is a truly luxurious apartment community. You will have access to the fitness room which has a rock climbing wall and a sauna/steam room. The recreation room has a fireplace, business center, big screen TV and billiards. This lovely apartment community is near shopping, nightlife, the park, and major transportation.

A one-bedroom apartment in the Washington Street Apartments costs around $3,600 a month. These furnished apartments are in a luxury high rise building with an elegant lobby and loft-style apartments. There is a landscaped riverfront roof deck and a fitness center, as well as an outdoor golf driving range. There is also a glass-encased lounge with billiards, large screen TV and seating area.

The Greenwich Street Apartments are a little more expensive, but the amenities far outweigh the cost. You can expect to pay $5,670 for a one-bedroom apartment. These units have high ceilings and wood floors. They are also very high tech. In each apartment there is a wall iPod port that is wired to the kitchen and bathroom ceiling speakers. There is a fully-equipped fitness center, sundeck, home media room/theater room with more than 1,400 movies, and a recreation room. You can also attend complimentary Pilates and Yoga classes, or partake of the complimentary breakfast and lunch dessert. You can relax in the billiards room with the huge TV, kick back in the Harbor Room, which has a poker table and dining area that is great for private parties, or find your muse in the library with its fireplace and grand piano.

Getting the Best Deals on Miami Beach Condos

Settling down in Miami Beach requires a residential unit that will fit your specification of a family home. Considering that the city is a hodgepodge of cultures, you can practically see dozens of different architectural designs available that will suit your taste.

One of the most sought after residential properties in Miami Beach are the condominiums. These luxurious homes are prized among the rest considering the functionality and the convenience of having one for your very own. Despite the fact that Miami Beach condos are quite expensive to acquire, as compared to other residential units like single-family homes or apartments, having one under your name is a big change in regards to your daily upkeep and lifestyle.

Finding The Right One

If you want to maximize your condo acquisition, you need to decide on several factors that will determine its usefulness for your needs. First, you need to do a little research regarding the prices of condominiums in Miami Beach. Though most of them are quite expensive for your taste, some of these residential complex do exists that providers lower rates than the rest.

Aside from the price, you need to look into the different amenities and facilities in a condo unit so that you can decide on which one would be perfect for your needs. Take into consideration the amenities of each unit, like the number of rooms, floor area, furniture and fixtures, and so on. Check also the available facilities that you will jointly own with the rest of the residents, such as swimming pools, housekeeping staff, security and privacy features, entertainment and recreational facilities, and so on.

The Status Of The Miami Beach Real Estate Market

If you want to purchase these luxury units at the lower price, then you need to keep a close eye on the real estate market of Miami Beach. We can never deny the fact that the prices of assorted residential units fluctuate depending on the status of the real estate market, as well as the demands and availability of these units for acquisition.

You might want to exercise a little bit of patience and wait until the prices of condo units in Miami Beach is at its lowest. You can consult a real estate agent to get the info you need, or hire their services to look for a Miami Beach condo that will fit your budget.

Considering that the real estate market of Miami Beach is currently recovering from the effects of the housing crisis that hit the entire U.S. You can safely say that the market will be returning to normal in a few years time, but the demand for such commodities is high considering that the prices are still lower compared to the market boom in the last decade.

http://epicmiami.com -- Miami Beach Condo

Los Angeles Tourist Attractions - The Hollywood Sign & Walk of Fame

The Hollywood Sign

These famous 50-foot-high white sheet-metal letters have come to symbolize the movie industry and the city itself. The sign was erected on Mount Lee in 1923 as an advertisement for a real-estate development. The full text originally read HOLLYWOODLAND, lined with thousands of 20-watt bulbs around the letters. The sign gained notoriety when actress Peg Entwistle leaped to her death from the 'H' in 1932.

The LAND section was damaged by a landslide, and the entire sign fell into major disrepair until the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce spearheaded a campaign to repair it. The 450-foot-long installation is now protected by a fence and motion detectors. The best views is from down below, at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Bronson Avenue.

Tip: Beachwood drive does not lead to the sign, as it appears to. If you want to reach the sign on foot, it requires a rather arduous 5-mile round-trip hike on the Brush Canyon Trail in Griffith Park - the trail head is at the end of Canyon Drive. (323/913-4688)

Hollywood Walk of Fame

When the Hollywood honchos realized how limited the footprint space was at Grauman's, they came up with another way to pay tribute to the stars. Since 1960, more than 2000 celebrities have been honored, along the world's most famous sidewalk, with a bronze medallion, set into the center of terrazzo star. Although about a third of the names are now obscure, millions of visitors thrill to the sight of names like James Dean, John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Louis Armstrong and Eddie Murphy.

The sight of bikers, metal-heads, homeless wanderers, and hordes of disoriented tourist all treading on memorials to Hollywood's greats makes for a bizarre and tacky tribute. But the Hollywood Chamber of Commence is doing a terrific job sprucing up the pedestrian experience with filmstrip crosswalks, swaying palms, and more.

The legendary sidewalk is continually adding new names. The public is invited to attend dedication ceremonies; the honoree - who pays a whopping $15000 for the eternal upkeep - is usually in attendance. Contact the Hollywood Chamber of Commence (323/469-8311), for information on who's being honored this week.

Are Real Estate Sales People Inherently Good Or Evil?

Some folks have a pretty dim view of our real estate professionals and attempt to categorize them with used car salesmen, stock brokers or lawyers and similar professional parasites - but I ask is this really a fair assessment? Many Famous Western Philosophers have attempted to argue the point and spent much of their life pondering the question is man inherently good or evil? Both, Kant and Eichmann have writings the size of books on this very subject.

Would it be too bold of me to hyperspace such hours of thought into a single comment on the banality of evil in relation to Realtors and those who call themselves Real Estate Professionals? After all what is a professional? If we look at the latter question, it appears that professionals are those who charge more than they are normally worth, but smile while doing so and dress for success as they overcharge. However, are we to say that Real Estate Professionals are in this same boat?

Real Estate Agents do call themselves professionals, perhaps to upgrade their status a bit in the eyes of a scrutinizing public. If they call themselves professionals, and they act like professionals, well, then if the duck quacks; what do they say about that? If they are professionals and professionals dress nice so they can charge more, then is that not a form of manipulation and trickery?

Is manipulation and trickery upon a client a good act of common decency and the utmost of humanity - or good? The Real Estate Professional swears by The REALTOR Code of Ethics to uphold the best interests of their client and the consumer. But, if manipulation and trickery is taking place then, that in itself is hypocrisy and unjust, creating falsehood, which is; Bad. Indeed, these innate characteristics are of the human realm.

Many Famous Philosophers, seem to think, after years of deep thought, well beyond the common real estate professional's mental abilities, that humans are in fact characteristically evil (bad), often using the words synonymously in their award winning voluminous manuscripts. So, it appears that if the general society at large believes that professionals are bad and the famous philosophers believe that Bad = Evil, then it stands to reason that the general public believes that Real Estate Professionals are Evil.

Now then, since Real Estate "Professionals" are evil (we all are no matter the profession) and there are some Realtors who are not professional at all, one could say that the "non-professional" real estate agents are good and the rest are evil. But, if a "non-professional" Realtor calls themselves a "professional" then they are lying and so they are Bad or in this case Evil, as well. Would that be a correct assumption? But when a non-professional acts in a non-professional manner, then they are being mean.

If they are mean, then they are bad and Bad = Evil, remember? So, anyone being nice in their comments below is "professional" meaning Bad or Evil. And anyone being mean-spirited below is bad or Evil, then obviously, all Real Estate Agents are evil, evil, evil. If you are too professional to leave a comment, you are Evil, and if you leave a comment below whether nice (acting professional) or mean (acting hostile and unprofessional) then either way you are Evil. Therefore, I conclude that ALL Real Estate Agents are evil. Now then does anyone see the problem here with Western Philosophy?

** Note: If this article offends anyone, get use to it, and if you have a problem with this line of logic take it up with Kant and Eichmann, as it is based on their years of work in philosophy. You are Evil - just face it, everyone is. Even me, because this article is mean to all, and that is bad = evil. See?