Thursday, August 26, 2010

The History Of Apartments

The word apartment came from the French term appartement as well as from the Italian term appartamento, which means separate. Apartments, also known as flats, are house units located in an apartment building. This type of housing is often recommended to those who wish to stay temporarily in a place.

The history of apartments started way back in ancient Rome. The middle-class citizens of Rome occupied the capital citys great apartments. However, there were also records and evidence indicating that apartments were being used by people from the lower classes including the slaves and laborers.

As time passed, apartments or flats were developed and saw a wider use. During the early times, people who didnt have anywhere to live shared houses with other people. Some poor people had houses of their own, but their houses were considered inferior compared to those owned by the rich.

During the 10th century, the United States and Canada started building modern versions of apartments. Today, there are multi-room apartments that even large families can stay in, which are especially common in urban areas like New York City (NYC). For people looking for short term furnished rentals, NYC has different apartments available for rent.

Todays apartment buildings are usually built high, consisting of several stories, each with multiple apartment units. Real estate owners are aware of the increasing popularity of apartment rentals, as well as their potential as a fast growing business, such as short term furnished rentals. New York building owners have developed some of their property to be used as apartments to be rented out to people. Its a win-win situation for both landlords and tenants alike. Landlords profit from the monthly pay they get from their tenants, and the tenants get to have a great place to stay in.

Apartment sizes vary from one unit to another. For short term furnished rentals, New York apartment units can be just big enough for an individual, while large units for families can be as large as 90m2. The monthly price also varies depending on the size of the unit being rented out; larger units generally have a higher price rate compared to smaller ones.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Investment Property

During these times, there is really no wonder if you are going to venture in investment property. A lot of people want to try this out to secure their financial status so that they can fund the education of their children or in preparation for their retirement goals. There are also some people who want to try this out so that they can create a more passive income and they will not just rely on their regular employment. No matter what your purpose could be, investment property is indeed a venture that anyone can try.

But if you want to try this out, you should also know that there are a lot of things that you still need to take into account. As you must have already known, this is not an easy venture. There are still a few important things that you need to take into account so that you will be successful with this venture. When it comes to Investment Property, you should always consider the location of the property that you are going to purchase. And in order for you to do so, you have to consider the purpose of the estate. For instance, if you are going to purchase a townhouse, apartment, or a condo, it is necessary for you to make sure that it is accessible to all the major establishments such as churches, shopping malls, restaurants, and the likes. You should also be certain that transpiration is not a problem as well as the security.

Of course, you should also never forget to consider all the expenses that you may incur when you purchase a house or a condo. You have to make sure that you are aware of the principal and the interest rates that you will have to consider as well as the required annual taxes and the regular maintenance fees. Aside from these obvious expenses, you should also make sure that you will be able to accurately assess the costs that you may incur when maintaining the condition of the foundation, walls, roof, and the likes. All of these should be covered so that you will be able to accurately estimate if you will really be able to afford venturing in investment property.

You should also never instantly agree on the price that will be offered to you. It can be very helpful if you are going to look for discounts. When it comes to investment property, you have to determine if the discount is already deducted on the gross price. This is why it may also be every helpful if you are going to learn how to negotiate with these kinds of transactions.

Then, once you have successfully closed a deal, you can look for a tenant who can really pay the required rent. This is necessary because you do not want to get a tenant who is more of a burden than an asset. You should also be certain that they are responsible enough so that they will really take care of your property.

But if you are really clueless about all of these things, then it can be very helpful if you are going to ask for the assistance of professional agents. They are really experienced with these kinds of transactions and they also know where you can get huge discounts.

There are still some things that you need to consider when it comes to investment property, but these tips should be able to give you a good start.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Haunted Property Values

Most people may be rationalists, but in reality we all feel uneasy when we see a property that has a reputation of being haunted, or even left for a long time period to either sell or rent out. Indeed, in many Countries the fact a property is reputed to be "haunted" could leave that property hard to rent, and impossible to sell.


Business Owners and Investors should be extremely wary of the reputation of the building they move into, and research the buildings reputation, and history. This is very true in many Asian Countries-were the fact a property is reputed to be "haunted" could ruin a business.


Often rational people forget that a degree of people do believe in the supernatural, and would not dream of purchasing or renting a haunted property, unless the place was offered at a bargain price.


In Indonesia, and China were the belief in spirits is still very strong, even amongst the Western-educated elite, who run the Country.

Hotel owners and home owners have seen their businesses face ruination, as rumors of "Ghosts," often scare people away from the property.

This is also true in Germany and Eastern Europe, that in essence are scientific states, but in reality are littered with cheap unwanted properties, that no-one wants to live in because of rumors of being haunted.


Some savvy business and home owners create business by advertising the fact that a building is haunted, attracting curious guests, and customers. But outwardly in today's scientific World, most people are reluctant to admit to believing in "spirits," even if they would never rent or purchase a property that's reputed to be haunted.


Often we leave rationality behind, but if you are looking for a property or a business, research its history before you decide to move in.

Otherwise like the Owner before you, you could easily fall into a trap of owning or renting a "bad" property that can ruin your financial future.