RealEstateInvestorsWebSites.net Unveils New Interactive Real Estate Investing Web Sites

A real estate investing and marketing firm, http://RealEstateInvestorsWebSites.net has unveiled new database-driven, web 2.0 interactive web sites for real estate investing. The web sites are created to make buying and selling houses easier and faster, as well as adapting to any real estate investing needs. A free local search engine optimization service for each web site delivered serves to increase visibility in the market and deliver more business.

A leading provider of real estate investing web sites, http://RealEstateInvestorsWebSites.net has rolled out a new version of database-driven, interactive web sites aimed at helping real estate investors maximize efficient use of their time by buying and selling or renting more properties faster. "With the adaptability to suit any real estate investing needs, it is now possible to have your web site fully customized for your business complete with your company branding within a few hours."

With numerous designs to choose from, investors that buy houses directly from motivated sellers can customize their web sites within just a few minutes and be online within one hour.

And with the ability to share properties on social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, Myspace and others, as well as the ability to automatically build a list of people looking to buy your properties, they make the work of selling or renting houses a lot faster.

The web sites are easy to control from a virtual back office (admin panel) designed for use by any real estate investor even if they are new to computers. They are designed to tell your story if you buy from motivated sellers and move your properties faster when you sell. And with free search engine optimization and help to target your local market on search engines, they also serve to attract more business.

Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet Predicts Four Key Trends in Outdoor Kitchen Design

Outdoor kitchen design is undergoing a transformation. A new report, released by Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet, the industry leader in outdoor kitchens, predicts four key trends will shape the market: outdoor kitchens increasingly built under shelter, the explosion of available features in high-end outdoor kitchens, artisanal cooking techniques that require specialized equipment and an influx of new design professionals from a broader range of disciplines.

Report highlights include:

More Design Professionals from Broader Disciplines

Once the domain of landscape architects and designers, outdoor kitchen design has seen an influx of new design professionals; in particular, interior designers are embracing the outdoors. In 2008, Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet saw consumers turning to interior designers to create their outdoor living spaces. The company predicts more designers of different backgrounds to start combining their expertise to bring outdoor kitchens to a new level. To address this trend, Kalamazoo offers outdoor kitchen design training programs to a variety of design professional organizations, including the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) whose members are interested in new business potential.

Bringing the Outside In

Outdoor kitchens began as a trend of taking the indoors outside; homeowners are now putting a roof over their outdoor kitchens. A sheltering structure provides a location for lighting, ceiling fans, helps retain heat from radiant heaters on cool spring and fall evenings, among others. More than 50 percent of designers attending Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet's kitchen design classes report seeing an increase in the number of outdoor kitchens being designed under a roof. Kalamazoo believes this trend will continue to strengthen and become more elaborate as more people combine their outdoor kitchens with outdoor living spaces.

Features Abound

Outdoor kitchens are evolving at a rapid pace, changing from "grill-centric" to true culinary work areas. The highest end of the market is demanding more sophistication, functionality and specialized appliances, including separate wine chillers for whites and reds, freezers and freezer drawers, multiple beer keg tappers, pizza ovens, wok burners and specialized storage. Kalamazoo sees the market's top end continuing its demand for specialized products while the middle market later incorporates proven pieces.

Artisanal Cooking Techniques

Cooking outdoors no longer means a sizzling slab of meat on a grill. The artisanal cooking trend, begun in high-end restaurants and moved into people's homes, expresses a reverence for the best ingredients used in simple combinations, prepared exceptionally well. Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet is now seeing the trend influencing people's choices in outdoor kitchen equipment: In 2008 the company's hybrid grill outsold its gas grill cousin by 10-to-1, providing proof that people want a versatile grill that allows them to cook over any combinations of gas, wood or charcoal; pizza ovens have become a popular addition to the outdoor kitchen, and Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet predicts the pizza oven to extend to more modest outdoor kitchens.

Appliance Art Releases an Inexpensive and Green Alternative to Purchasing New Appliances

For many, the kitchen is the most important room in the house. In the past, options for appliances have remained limited by color or texture. Decorating a kitchen relies heavily on personal taste, style, opinion and feel. It was with this in mind that GRIP Promotions releases its first ever line of consumer products: Appliance Art. Appliance Art is a line of appliance wraps that upgrade the cosmetic appearance of appliances. With static cling, magnetic and adhesive vinyl options, Appliance Art can be installed in a few minutes and will help to keep many junkyards, landfills, and appliance graveyards free from housing appliances that can still function for several more years.

"Our focus groups indicated that the main reason consumers replaced appliances was dissatisfaction of cosmetic appearance rather than the appliance malfunctioning," Said Grant Smith, President of GRIP Promotions. Grant adds, "It was in this research that we saw a demand for an inexpensive way to change the appearance of an appliance without replacing it. In this recession, feeling comfortable at home has become a higher priority. We wanted people to be able to feel that they can improve their homes without spending hundreds or thousands of dollars to replace items in their kitchens." Appliance Art, all options priced at $44.99 with free shipping, intends to add additional categories and appliance options on a weekly basis.

Press

GE Unveils “Net Zero Energy Home” Concept

A leader in Smart Grid solutions, GE today unveiled plans for a “Net Zero Energy Home” project which combines GE's most efficient appliances and lighting, the company's new energy management systems, and GE power generating and storing technologies in new home construction. When applied together, the system would enable a homeowner to achieve net zero energy costs by 2015. The Net Zero Energy Home project -- and new smart grid consumer poll data from the U.S. and the U.K. -- were introduced at GE's smart grid symposium at its Global Research Center in upstate New York.

As part of the company’s ecomagination strategy, the GE Net Zero Energy Home offerings will be comprised of three major groups within the product portfolio: energy efficient products including appliance and lighting products that will reduce energy consumption in the home; energy management products that will enable consumers to manage their costs and energy consumption; and energy generation/storage products like solar PV, advanced energy storage and next generation thin film solar that will play an integral part in the net zero energy home.

“Much of today’s electrical grid dates back to the days of our founder Thomas Edison," explained Mark Little, senior vice president and director, GE Global Research. "And while that grid has served us well for decades, we recognize that by investing in technologies to transform the current electrical infrastructure, GE will be able to provide powerful solutions for customers around the world for the next 100 years. We’re working with our utility and government partners to deploy energy-efficient technologies today, in a way that will empower consumers without compromising their lifestyle.”

One new product that will give consumers more control will be available as early as 2010, when GE will introduce the Home Energy Manager, the central nervous system for the Net Zero Energy Home that will work in conjunction with all the other enabling technologies in the home to help homeowners optimize how they consume energy. GE will also introduce a line of smart thermostats in 2010 that, together with the Home Energy Manager, will inform consumers on their energy use and empower them to make smarter decisions on their energy consumption. The smart thermostats can help consumers significantly save on their energy bills.

RentCharlie.com Helps Consumers Save Time, Money and the Environment

At one time or another, most people have rented a car or rented a hotel room. But now, courtesy of the new website RentCharlie.com, consumers can rent just about anything, from tools and equipment to property and party supplies.

If you don't need to buy it, rent it! Thanks to the new 100 percent free website, users save money and space while lessening the impact of production, distribution and product marketing on the environment. In today's economy, businesses and the general public are looking for ways to save. We are all more conscience of not only our bank account balances, but also saving ourselves time and space whilst trying to best limit our environmental footprint. Surprisingly, making slight changes - like renting over purchasing - can help address these issues and dramatically change the way we live and spend our hard earned dollars.

Renting Saves Money
When considering the cost of a new drill ($59-$159) compared to the cost of renting one ($5-$10 a day), it makes fiscal sense to rent. As a society, we accumulate unnecessary "stuff" constantly when, especially during times of recession, there is money to be saved through renting. Dr. Frank Shaw, Foresight Director at the Centre for Future Studies says the catalyst is the current financial turmoil, but the implications will be more far reaching, extending well beyond the recession.

"We are witnessing the beginnings of a mega shift towards the Rental Society in which the unsustainable growth in production and consumption will be reversed," he affirms. "The disposable mentality' will give way to efficient use and this will serve to reduce the adverse impacts on the environment."

Renting Saves Space
It's usually during spring cleaning when one notices all the "stuff" piling in garages and basements. Some have so much "stuff" that they have to put some of it in storage. Alexandria, Virginia-based Self Storage Association (SSA) indicates that the number of primary self storage facilities in the United States has nearly doubled since 2000. At the end of 2006, more than 51,000 primary self storage facilities dotted the country, with 23,075 of those facilities added between 2000 and 2006. Renting what one needs will stop some of that "stuff" from piling up, which will consequently save space, time and the cost of storing belongings.

Renting Helps the Environment
Every time something is purchased, there is considerable waste - manufacturing, distribution and packaging have a serious and negative impact on the environment. According to The Earth Group, 30 percent of landfill waste is created by plastic and paper bag packaging. Renting re-uses products as opposed to over-consuming products unnecessarily. The less "stuff" being made is better for our planet which is better for all of us.

RentCharlie.com was created in order to save money, space and the environment. With so many general search engines on the Internet today, niche search engines are providing better and more specific information to those who need it. Given that the North American rental market is a $39 billion industry, the creators of RentCharlie.com felt a niche search engine was appropriate. Their vision was to launch a search engine to provide reliable and accurate search results, making it easier for people, businesses and rental companies to connect with one another.

Megan Fox Chooses a Hollywood Hills Home

Michael Tunick, a top producer at Sotheby's International Realty's Sunset Strip office, proudly announced the launch of his enhanced website - MichaelTunick.com. This new service aims to combine Michael's successful business philosophy and client services with a convenient and accessible web interface.

The website design offers a straightforward way for visitors looking to learn more about the area, properties and lifestyle. A complimentary MLS search is provided, as is a 'Current Listings' page that showcases the many fine properties being handled by Michael. Users can also view the properties that Tunick has successfully represented and sold from this page.

Buyers and sellers will find an exhaustive catalog of Hollywood Hills real estate properties, as well as residences in Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Outpost Estates, Mulholland Drive, Nichols Canyon and the Sunset Strip. The homepage links to various pages that provide vivid descriptions of the range of homes available from single-family properties to condos and estates.

Click on 'Silver Lake Condos' for example, and you will be brought to a page detailing the advantages of owning a condominium in this neighborhood and its corresponding lifestyle. Every page also has a 'View Listings' button available for quick access to homes for sale, and the MLS search tab is always available throughout the web experience. The 'Buyers & Sellers' tab is crucial to learn more about the personalized services Michael offers.

The Los Angeles area is a highly sought after residential destination, and requires a strong resource to uncover and manage potential investments. Sites like MichaelTunick.com can certainly aid in optimizing the home buying and selling experience.

Press

Top Ten Southwest Florida Real Estate Deals

TopTenRealEstateDeals.com is a new independent website offering exciting and unique Top 10 lists of today's best deals on real estate for sale. Their current featured market addition is Southwest Florida.

"Right now is the time to buy in Southwest, Florida! With pricing at historic lows, low interest rates, and high inventory levels ... Why would you wait any longer?" says Southwest Florida Top Ten Concierge, Joe Muni.

The Southwest Florida list features the 10 best deals on a mix of waterfront homes and condos in the Southwest Florida area servicing Naples, Bonita Springs, Bonita Beach, Marco Island and Fort Myers Beach.

To view the Southwest Florida Top Ten Real Estate List visit: http://www.toptenrealestatedeals.com/luxury_real_estate/condos/regional/florida_southwest/.

This list is a welcome addition to their already extensive list of regional markets. To view a full list of their regional real estate markets visit http://www.toptenrealestatedeals.com.

The site also offers a weekly Real Estate Top 10 list of national deals in the United States.

In addition to the best home and condo bargains, the Top Ten research team looks for fun, eye catching deals. Recent Top Ten listings have included a spaceship house in Chattanooga, a cave home in Missouri, and a haunted house in Massachusetts.

Their independent Top Ten team focuses on uncovering the best luxury real estate deals from the web, newspapers, auction lists, and pre-construction ads while including only those deals that they feel are the very best bargains. The deals are not their listings, they do not broker sales, and they are not an agency. TopTenRealEstateDeals.com is a general media showcase of great deals on real estate for sale.

For further information, or to request an interview with a company representative, please contact their Internet Marketing Director, Jason Wakefield at press(at)toptenrealestatedeals(dot)com.

Press

It's A Great Time For Real Estate In Austin, Texas

TopTenRealEstateDeals.com is a new independent website offering exciting and unique Top 10 lists of today's best deals on real estate for sale. Their current featured market addition is Austin, Texas.

"According to Relocation.com, Austin TX is the #1 city to which to relocate for a fresh start. This means that if you're down and out somewhere else in the country, moving to Austin would lift your spirits and offer you a new, fresh start for life, family, and career. " says Austin Real Estate Top Ten Concierge, Donna Harris.

The Austin list features the 10 best deals on a mix of waterfront homes, ranches, and condos in the Austin, Texas area.

To view the Austin Top Ten Real Estate List visit: http://www.toptenrealestatedeals.com/luxury_real_estate/condos/regional/austin/

This list is a welcome addition to their already extensive list of regional markets. To view a full list of their regional real estate markets visit http://www.toptenrealestatedeals.com

The site also offers a weekly Real Estate Top 10 list of national deals in the United States.

In addition to the best home and condo bargains, the Top Ten research team looks for fun, eye catching deals. Recent Top Ten listings have included a spaceship house in Chattanooga, a cave home in Missouri, and a haunted house in Massachusetts.

Their independent Top Ten team focuses on uncovering the best luxury real estate deals from the web, newspapers, auction lists, and pre-construction ads while including only those deals that they feel are the very best bargains! The deals are not their listings, they do not broker sales, and they are not an agency. TopTenRealEstateDeals.com is a general media showcase of great deals on real estate for sale.

Press

Foreclosure Sale Stopped With Only Minutes To Spar

Minutes before a foreclosure sale a 68-year-old Orange County woman is given a second chance - a chance not many property owners get. With the housing market still down, foreclosures escalating and unemployment rates rising; statistics still show that those who face foreclosures don't get a chance to see the light in this dark economy. 68-year-old Shirley Jobe became an exception.

Jobe, a retiree with minimal income, was given twenty loans by Defendant Abex Mortgage Company involving eight different pieces of property she had accumulated throughout her life. She paid $800,000 in loans fees over four years. Her attorney Douglas J. Pettibone of The Law Office of Douglas J. Pettibone claims defendants manipulated and influenced Jobe causing her to refinance the properties over and over for the primary purpose of generating loan fees. With insufficient income to qualify for these loans, Jobe had fallen victim to alleged predatory lending practices.

"When Mrs. Jobe came to me she had 72 hours before her property was to be sold," Pettibone says, "I saw some clear violations of lending practices and I believe she was taken advantage of and the court eventually agreed with me".

Pettibone asked the court for an emergency order to stop the sale of Jobe's property. "Jobe knew what she was getting into from the beginning," representatives from Abex told the court, "Further [Abex] was the victim not Jobe". Pettibone claims defendants knew she wasn't able to pay off the loans giving them the opportunity to take her properties. The court agreed with Pettibone (Jobe v. Abex Mortgage Case No: CIVDS900081-San Bernardino Superior Court).

On the day of the sale the court granted Pettibone's request. Within minutes of the sale taking place Pettibone hand delivered a certified copy of the court's order to the sheriff effectively stopping the sale.

"We have taken all their leverage away", Pettibone says, who has tried in excess of 80 cases; "The case will settle…however it will settle on our terms - not theirs."

For now Jobe remains in the property.

Pettibone who runs his practice out of Irvine, California specializes primarily in business and real estate litigation and has devoted a portion of his practice to protection of predatory lending.

Press

Mortgage after Foreclosure: A Breath of Hope

There is no doubt that foreclosure can badly impact on your credit score for a number of years, particularly if you wish to buy a house. Obtaining a mortgage after foreclosure can truly become a nearly impossible job for you. Nevertheless, if you carry a bad credit rating as a result of foreclosure, you need not be burdened with a subprime mortgage with an irrationally high interest rate.

Throughout the first two years following foreclosure, you would have restricted options while looking for a new mortgage. Lenders usually would not accept you for a loan. Nevertheless, this helps you have the time to do something important.

Shop Smartly

There are steps that you can take to overturn a poor credit rating. Make timely payment of your bills and bargain a reduced interest rate on your credit cards. Finally, lenders wish to view a reliable track record.

Buying a new home signifies saving money for a down payment once more. After a foreclosure, mortgage rates might be exorbitantly hiked, as far as 3 to 4 percentage points over existing rates. However, if you can make a down payment of 20%, you can get better terms and conditions on your loan and stay away from Private Mortgage Insurance or PMI. Unluckily, when you have a credit score of 600 or below, you would usually have no option but to make a down payment between 5 and 20 percent in any case.

The solution to reducing your mortgage rate hence is to raise your rate of savings. For the purpose of doing this, you need to remain tolerant. Formulate a budget that incorporates earmarking of a major portion of your monthly income into a savings account. Subsequently, follow the budget.

Because mortgage lenders evaluate the past three years of your credit history, it is always beneficial to record on paper why there is a foreclosure on your credit report. Monitor your credit and always try to better it.

In the end, shopping smartly is the key to finding a mortgage after foreclosure. Evaluate rates on the Internet to obtain the best possible deal. Curb your spending and you can get a mortgage in spite of undergoing a foreclosure. As soon as you get it, you can again become a homeowner.


Contributed by Mortgage Fit Community

You can get a mortgage after foreclosure and purchase a home despite a bad credit rating.