Archive for June, 2009

Land Properties are Selling Faster Then you Can Imagine

Friday, June 26th, 2009


There is no doubt that the nation’s housing market has tendencies to hit some low points, but the market for land properties is a different story. In many states across the United States, there are ample properties for sale, be it ranch land, hunting land, or vacant land for sale for potential residential properties. Recently, there has been a rush to purchase land for sale from recreational land to the mountainous woodlands. Many people invest in land properties while prices are so low and affordable, with plans to create a retirement home.

In some ways, buying land and buying a second home are similar. They both have the potential to make money. A second house can make money through rental income. Land can make money through leases for farming, hunting, fishing, ranching, etc. Also, when buying a second home and buying land keep in mind that the most important component when looking for land for sale is location, location, location.

Because of the affordable acreage for sale, more people are finding vacant land for sale. It is said that remote backlands are now becoming popular since riverfront properties are being taken. But the land for sale has often times gone through the typical story; a picture perfect piece of land that stays just that-something to look at- but nothing more. When looking at vacant land for sale, it is important to ask the question: will a house be built? If so, take into consideration how electrical power and water can get to the property.

Also, if land properties are being bought as investments, remember that it might be tougher to sell if people are looking for houses, not land for sale. The US has 1.5 billion acres of rural land, which is estimated to be about 65% of the country. The prices of the land for sale vary widely, with rural land for sale costing about $250 an acre, while forest land for sale in Iowa is $3,000 an acre, and $27,000 an acre in Colorado for pieces of riverfront properties.

In some cases, it might make a lot of sense to buy land farther in advance if there is any intention of building on the property. Properties and land for sale tend to go fast, especially the scenic plots that many people are fond of.

When looking at land for sale, it might help to have a local land agent that can survey the land. Often times the property lines are not defined as well, and soils may be too soft to support a building in the spot that is intended to be built on. Also pay attention to the accessibility of the particular piece of land. Some properties have make-shift roads that end up not being legal roads.

In urban areas, properties are often zoned to prevent certain types of buildings. Rural land for sale, however, does not contain any zoning, so a dream property could one day be surrounded by shopping centers or mobile homes. Any local land agent will also be able to look up zoning permits and other caveats for the property and other land for sale around it.

Prices of land for sale often don’t move in the same flow as housing prices. Home prices generally follow the trend of inflation rates. But for land properties, price appreciation typically ties in more closely with the potential of activities such as farming. In general, land prices do not fall as drastically as housing prices, since a housing market can be overbuilt, but land can’t. On the other hand, land prices can be greatly affected by recreational demand. Land has become such a profitable investment recently, that the higher demand is increasing the prices of land for sale.

For more info about east texas real estate or about farm and ranch real estate and even about farm land please review one of these links.

Mobile Foreclosures – Buying Homes in Alabama

Friday, June 26th, 2009


Imagine owning a home with 4/2 beds and bathrooms. Many of the people in the world find it difficult to pay for a one bedroom home let alone a 4-bedroom home with two baths. The fact is since the economy has hit rock bottom many people now can own this kind of home and all they have to do is to look in the Mobile foreclosures listings. Right now, you can buy a four bedroom home with two baths for as little as $50,900.00, and pay as little as 4.61 percent interest rates on that loan.

Mobile foreclosures are easy to find. The Internet is saturated with foreclosed listings, bank foreclosures, federal and government homes, HUD homes, and so forth. At this time, the unemployment rate in Mobile, Alabama is 7.3 percent, which compared to national average that is 6.9 percent.

Mobile, Alabama is the third most famous city in the United States and is the seat of Mobile County. In 2006 more than 190 thousand people were living in the area but since then the number has increased. Mobile Alabama provides the only saltwater port into Alabama foreclosures and it is located on the Mobile Bay. The city’s origin made it the Capital of the Colonial French Louisiana in the 1700s. More than 300 years later, Mobile expanded and now they have a record of officially flying six flags, which include Britain, France, Spain, and the Republic of Alabama’s Confederacy, as well as the United States.

The economy over the past five years has undergone major expansions. There is several local and national in addition to international corporations there that has funneled more than nine billion dollars into Mobile. This brings it to a GMP rate of over 20 billion and it has the potential of going well over 200 billion. Thus, Mobile then is one of the top 10 most prosperous cities in the United States.

Job growth in Mobile has exceeded to 22 percent in the last five years and it is projected to increase to over 32 percent within the next three years. This is mostly because of the ThyssenKrupp Steel Plant and the State Dock growth. There was a notable surge of average wages at 30 percent, but this was due to the Katrina disaster. Since then things have improved for Mobile residents, which means that the job place is lucrative. Thus, moving to Mobile, Alabama may be a good idea right now. So be sure to look on the Mobile foreclosures list to find a home.

Take a Vacation to the Exotic Island of Koh Samui

Thursday, June 25th, 2009


Koh Samui is the Thailand’s third largest islands, situated in the Gulf of Thailand, roughly 40 kilometers north-east of Surat Thani town. This fantastic tropical island is also sometimes referred to as the Coconut Island, because of countless number of coconuts that it produces per month. Koh Samui is actually an Amphoe (district) of Surat Thani province. The amphoe of Koh Samui is further sub divided into Ang Thong, Li Pa Noi, Taling Ngam, Na Mueang, Ma Ret, Bo Phut, and Maenam. Each of them has their uniqueness and significance, and presents a diverse range of attractions.

The prime draw of Koh Samui is unquestionably its long stretch of tall coconut lined white sandy beaches. Most popular among the beaches in the area are Chaweng Beach, which is much famed for its exuberant nightlife; Lamai Beach, which is one of the best in the area; Bophut Beach, whose area is home to the much famed Big Buddha statue, apart from a variety of trendy shops and cozy restaurants; Maenam Beach, which is a tranquil area perfect for families; Big Buddha Beach, which get its name from the enormous statue of Lord Buddha situated here.

Choeng Mon Beach, whose area is dominated by some of the deluxe resorts; Taling Ngam Beach, one of the island’s most remote spots; Lipa Noi beach, which offers mind blowing views of beautiful sunset; and Nathon Beach. All of these beaches in the area serve a perfect setting to indulge in an array of activities, no matter it is to get a pampering massage, savor seafood specialties such as barbecued chicken and sarongs, and dine in candlelight on beach mats. Further, many of the beaches in the area are a haven for water sport activities such as sea canoeing and kayaking, swimming, deep sea fishing, parasailing, jet skiing, scuba diving, and much more.

Now we will discuss some of the top attractions in Koh Samui. The major attraction of the island is its serene natural environment consisting of lush green forest areas, incredible coconut plantations, dazzling waterfalls, splendid coves and bays, and granite boulders. Discussed below is some of the not to miss attractions in the island.

Butterfly Garden: Sprawling over an area of about 3000 square meters, this fantastic garden is home to a large number of beautiful as well as rare species of butterflies such as colored lepidopterans.

Samui Aquarium: Located within the Samui Orchid Resort, the aquarium holds the distinction of being the only privately owned salt water aquarium in the country. It is home to some exotic varieties of water specialties. Apart from these, one can see here animals such as Asian Bengal and Leopard Tigers.

Magic Statue Garden: A visit to Koh Samui would be incomplete without taking a tour to this amazing destination, situated deep within the jungle clad mountains. This fruit garden was built by Nim Thongsuk – a Samuian fruit farmer, and that too in 1976 when he was about 77 years old.

Big Buddha: Otherwise known as Pra Yai, this is probably the greatest of all attractions in Koh Samui. One of the specialties of this 12 meters high golden image of Lord Buddha is that it can be seen even from several kilometers away. This landmark is located in the north-east corner of the island.

Hin Ta Hin Yai: Both of these are two much famed granite stone formation that stands out among numerous outcrops that is spread along the coastline of Samui. These rocks, literally meaning Grandfather and Grandmother, are sometimes associated with the origin of Mui people.

Overlap Stone: This is a great spot to savor the natural beauty of the place.

Above all, Ko Samui is much favored for its intoxicating nightlife, superb dining options, and rich cultural heritage.

When comes to accommodation, Koh Samui provides visitors to choose from an array of accommodations to choose from, such as upscale hotels, highly sophisticated resorts, modern apartments, and incredible condominiums. Also, a popular accommodation choice in Samui is villa, complete with facilities that a world-class resort renders.

Nowadays, many of the villa providers in the scenario provide services in the form of packages, covering airport transfers, facilities for sightseeing, rental cars, rental equipments for enjoying different water sport activities, and services of daily maid and gardener. There are also some service providers that render special discounts when you make bookings of a particular villa or during a stipulated time period.