Why not consider buying ground rents? These are often freehold (or perhaps head leasehold) interests in buildings which are arranged as flats, those flats having been sold off on long leases. You receive a modest but very secure income stream – and often with added benefits. Depending on these benefits, and possible angles for added … Read more
We have talked about the first two tips of successful property negotiations: being well prepared and knowing the art of making offers. Let’s continue with the other three tips to negotiate for a good bargain. Tip #3: Think win-win 1. Return of favor The key to winning a negotiation is to temporarily put aside what … Read more
In its new report, entitled “Doing Business 2015: Going Beyond Efficiency”, the World Bank has found that Malaysia ranks first out of the emerging economies in East Asia and ranks fourth out of all the countries in Asia. Malaysia’s ease of doing business ranking has also improved two positions over last year, moving from 20th … Read more
Searching for a suitable home can be a daunting task, especially if you are in a foreign country. At times you may find yourself at the mercy of people and circumstances beyond your control. In my experience in the property market, I have come across many stories, some are downright outrageous and I remember being … Read more
In a tenants’ market, it is commonplace to see tenants bargaining with landlords for a good rental deal. I shared a private apartment with two flatmates between the years 1999 and 2003. The 1,700 sq ft flat previously tenanted at $2,500 was let go at $1,800 a month after being left vacant for some time, … Read more
It’s not always an easy process to buy a home. Many first-time homebuyers encounter obstacles, and it’s not unusual to run into flying monkeys and wicked witches along that yellow brick road to home ownership. The first step in home buying is to prepare for the obstacles. An experienced real estate agent can help you … Read more
I have written hundreds of articles about the home buying path and gone into excruciating detail about every single step involved in buying a home. It dawned on me that buyers really need a basic overview. Especially for first-time home buyers who aren’t familiar with the process. Bear in mind that the steps in the … Read more
The National Association of REALTORS® would like me to tell you that all agents are ethical, honest, experienced and care about their clients — especially about first-time home buyers — but that would not be true. It might be true about the majority of the agents in the business, but it’s not true about all … Read more
Question: What are the Benefits to Paying Cash for a Home? A reader asks: “We aren’t bragging or anything, but my wife and I have saved enough money to pay all cash for a home. We know we might get a better rate of return in the stock market, but with prices the way they … Read more
Question: What Do We Need to Know About Buying an As Is Short Sale? We had been patiently waiting for the bank to approve our short sale for almost two months. We are first-time home buyers, and I can’t believe the great deal we’re getting on this place. The problem is we could not do … Read more
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