You should always let a licensed Dallas real estate agent assist you in finding the very best deals on new homes in the Dallas, Texas Area. This will save you and your family a good bundle on cash.Did you know that there are many new businesses relocating to the Dallas area? If you are one of those business owners that are moving relocating there then you should consider seeking the assistance of a licensed Dallas real estate agent who if able to help you in handling all the errands of your next purchase. Time is defiantly on your side when it comes to buying when you have a professional helping you.If you don’t happen to be a Dallas local and you don’t live around the Dallas, Texas area, it just might be wiser to find a top producing Dallas real estate agent who knows their way around the city. Specifically, knows the better communities that would be of better fit for your lifestyle and family needs. Some of the other perks of having an agent representing you are having the inside scoop on upcoming listed properties that are on the brink of being listed. So many times before a property goes up for sale the real estate agent listing it will know about it. This might help you get a first pick on a great home before someone else has a chance to buy it.With many folks, just like you, relocating to the Dallas area for work and other reasons, having the assistance of an insider can help you tremendously in obtaining the best deal possible on a house that otherwise you may not have even known about. You can get that edge over competing buyers and other agents only when you purchase your next home using the representation of a Dallas Real Estate Agent.Did you know that real estate agents have more access to properties than anyone else? Many real estate agents who have the access to the MLS can find anything from a luxury modern home to a large ranch style home or even a little home at a really low price. For whatever you have in mind there is Dallas agent that is there to assist you.Let’s focus on a very important task that your agent can help you with. Your agent has access to mortgage brokers that are willing to finance your home and the best price and rate. A good Dallas real estate agent can also speed up the approval process by making the necessary calls and guide you through the essential steps of buying a home. They are usually able to write up any contracts related to the sale without the need of a real estate attorney. Bottom line, if you’ve never purchased a home you’ll find that using a real estate agent can make the dull process of home buying seem more pleasant. Don’t miss out on the next great deal and hire yourself some help.Purchasing any real estate anywhere over leasing a condo may seem like a terrifying thing to do. But remember that in the long run you will be pleased with the decision of buying over renting. Don’t hesitate; real estate is on your side.
Uncommon View – Commercial Real Estate Development
This is a story I heard growing up:
When my grandfather was 10 years old he found a penny. With that penny he bought a pencil. He sharpened that pencil then sold it for two cents. He took that two cents and bought two more pencils, sharpened them and sold them for four cents. He reinvested his four cents in four more pencils, sharpened them and sold them for eight cents. Then, again, he bought eight more pencils, sharpened them and sold them for sixteen cents. This went on until my grandfather had amassed $10.24. That’s when my great Aunt Sophie died and left us her portfolio of shopping centers, office buildings and rental homes. Our family has been in the real estate business ever since.The story isn’t true, but it taught four valuable lessons:1) Sweat equity is a powerful tool;2) If you reinvest your earnings, wealth can grow geometrically;3) The BIG money is in real estate; and4) It would be nice to have a rich Aunt Sophie.Like most families, we didn’t have a rich Aunt Sophie, so my parents focused on lessons 1, 2 and 3. I mention this story as a backdrop. My life growing up was always about real estate.In my article “Keys to Closing Commercial Real Estate Transactions”, I mentioned my father because he was, and is, a wiz when it comes to commercial real estate. It was through him that I came to represent commercial real estate developers.What I didn’t mention was that my mother was active in the family real estate business as well. While my father focused on commercial land development, my mother focused on residential real estate. I should have known better than to mention one but not the other. This article could be sub-titled “Keys To Maintaining Harmony”.What does maintaining harmony have to do with commercial real estate development? Stick with me on this, then decide.My mother cared about “quality of life” issues. Comfortable homes. Neighborhood parks. Safe streets. Good schools. Museums and other cultural enhancements.I remember watching my mother lay out walking paths around detention ponds in residential developments and looking through catalogs evaluating park benches and playground equipment for neighborhood parks. As a residential real estate investor, developer and broker, my mother focused on “living environments”. If families were going to live in her neighborhoods then the neighborhoods had to be “family friendly”.As you might imagine, with my father focused on commercial development and my mother focused on residential quality of life issues, conversations around the dinner table were always interesting, and sometimes dicey.On one side of the table, my father envisioned expansive commercial development for retail shopping centers, office buildings, restaurants, hotels, theaters, warehouse superstores, entertainment centers, nightclubs and more.On the other side was my mother insisting upon neighborhoods with comfortable homes, safe streets, parks and other open areas, dry basements, clean air, clean water, and minimal noise and light pollution.According to conventional wisdom – derived from public zoning board and plan commission hearings and community planning group meetings when commercial development is proposed near existing homes and neighborhoods – one might expect a clash of ideas turning into heated challenges and demands to forego development. Fortunately, our dinner table was nothing like most public hearings.My mother and father each respected the vision of the other and understood the natural symbiotic relationship between residential and commercial development. Instead of complaining that one was trying to destroy the vision of the other, they anticipated each other’s legitimate development and environmental needs and sought reasonable accommodation when possible. Sometimes they couldn’t agree, but there was always a meaningful attempt to understand the viewpoint of the other, exchange ideas and come to a mutually respectful and workable plan.My mother was a resourceful advocate. She made my father think about how commercial development would impact residential neighbors and plan ways to mitigate adverse consequences on families. Long before coming into their current vogue, I learned at our family dinner table the concept of “lifestyle commercial centers” and complementary residential/commercial mixed use developments.The point for commercial developers and residential advocates is that they should each turn down the volume of their development debate and respectfully listen to what the other is saying. When the other has presented legitimate concerns or needs, those concerns and needs should be reasonably accommodated where possible. An idealistic dream? Perhaps. But I grew up watching it work.To be sure, not all expressed concerns are legitimate and not all proposed accommodations are possible. In those cases, resolution must necessarily be left up to public plan commissions, zoning boards, and municipal trustees or aldermen to arbitrate and decide the debate. As guardians of the public welfare entrusted with promoting the best interests of the community at large, they must decide. In a fair and evenhanded political environment, your best bet for prevailing is to demonstrate that you have listened with respect and have made reasonable and conscientious efforts to promote public harmony rather than discord.POINT: If you are a commercial real estate developer proposing a commercial development near existing residential neighborhoods, don’t pretend they don’t exist. Think about how they will be impacted and include in your development plan ways to mitigate any adverse consequences created by your development. Talk to your residential neighbors. Listen to what they have to say. They are not ALL crazy. Sometimes (often, actually) they have legitimate concerns about real problems. If you can include in your development plan a way to economically fix a problem they already have (such as flooding, blight, inadequate parking, lack of sufficient parks or playgrounds, poor traffic circulation, etc.), your chances of favorable governmental action to approve your development plan goes up.Whether you are a commercial real estate developer or a neighborhood advocate, understand that, whether you like it or not, conditions change. Nothing stays the same. Obsolescence and blight are natural products of time. Redevelopment is coming. If not today, then someday.Which brings me back to my point of promoting family harmony by making amends to my mother. You don’t necessarily have to read what follows. This is primarily for her.My mother retired last year but says she still enjoys reading my newsletters and articles. Perhaps a mother’s love, but she always likes to read what I write about real estate and real estate development. She says her favorite is a poem I wrote about “real estate development” called The Great Pyramids Of Egypt Are In Disrepair. She thinks I should share it.The poem was written in 1992. I have to admit, it never occurred to me that the poem was about “real estate development”. I can assure you, I was not consciously thinking about real estate development at the time I wrote it.But my mother is a smart woman and I have learned my lesson. I am not going to lightly cross her again. So, in the interest of family harmony, here it is. I leave it to you to decide if it is about real estate development. If you don’t think so, please don’t tell my mother.THE GREAT PYRAMIDS OF EGYPT ARE IN DISREPAIRWe looked deep into each other’s eyes and said:
“Our Love will last forever”.When I was two my parents built a new house
next door to the one we rented from my grandfather.
It was “ultra modern” with all the latest conveniences
A garbage disposer – dishwasher – central air –
central vac – wall-to-wall carpet – a private den –
We had a bird bath – and two hundred newly planted Scottish pines.It’s a parking lot now –
The church next door needed it.
Business was good.The church doors were padlocked last year.
God moved down the street to nicer quarters.I saw a news clip recently.
The Great Pyramids of Egypt are in disrepair.
They may not last unless work starts soon.
Sometimes the damage can be too great.
Even mummies get so wrapped up in what
they are doing they can begin to unravel.Yesterday a friend asked: “Whatever happened to that girl?”The POINT (according to my mother):Change happens.
What seems new and permanent today
Will be gone tomorrow.No time stands still.
Real Estate projects are no exception.
Redevelopment is coming.
Best Cities For NRIs To Invest In Real Estate
NRIs often hear stories about investors hitting jackpot by buying and selling properties back home. Very often, they also hear about someone who has lost money in a project that never materialized or in which issues crept up, rendering the property impossible to sell.Eager to bag a slice of the pie, the NRI begins researching how to invest in the Indian market from abroad and which city, to begin with, only to get lost in contradictory sources.It is a fact that the Indian economy is expanding rapidly; in fact, the World Bank projects that India will surpass China as the world’s fastest growing large economy by 2017. For those looking to become real estate investors who wish to participate in India’s growth, choosing which part of the country to buy-in can be a challenge. After all, the economy may be making great strides at the national level, but what forces at work at the local level? Put another way, which city or cities can promise the greatest returns?We have compiled a list of the best cities for real estate investment. Some of these are large metros, known to be the hubs of many industries. Others are smaller, upcoming cities which show a lot of promise in their growth rates in population and per capita income amongst other factors. Read on to identify which city may be the best for you to invest in real estate.1. BangaloreThanks to its combination of rapidly growing population, well-paying jobs, and low real estate prices, the hub of India’s IT industry has become the hub of its property investment as well. JLL recently published its annual ranking of the world’s most dynamic cities, in their City Momentum Index, affirming that Bangalore is the fastest-changing city on the planet.By some estimates, 40 percent of India’s IT industry is based in this one metropolis. These changes have made it the most attractive place in India for real estate investment. A recent survey pegged Bangalore as the top real estate opportunity across Asia-Pacific.All of this makes Bangalore the most desirable place for real estate investment in India.2. PunePune has displayed rapid population growth over the past decade with a growth rate over 30% during this period. The average white collar salary in this city is second only to Bangalore. Currently, property in this city is affordable as compared to other cities, which shows that it’s a good time to invest.The city also benefits from being close to Mumbai. It also holds opportunities in the education, IT, automobile, and engineering sectors. This is yet another example of a formerly slow city that has experienced rapid recent growth and change.The good weather all year round is an added benefit for NRI investors here. A new international airport and increased metro connectivity will bring even more growth and positive change to the city in coming years.3. ChennaiHead over to the capital of Tamil Nadu for yet more real estate investment opportunities. Chennai is also in the leading pack, with a high growth rate in population (30%) and reasonably high average white collared salaries. This industrial city also has many companies that do IT and financial services.The government has made road connectivity a priority here in recent years. This has helped the city and the surrounding area develop faster and attract new business opportunities.A coming monorail and elevated railway line are sure to further help with this connectivity.4. VisakhapatnamAs far as population and area, Visakhapatnam (Vizag) is one of the biggest harbors in India. Because of this, it is considered the commercial hub of Andhra Pradesh.A quickly growing IT industry coupled with good infrastructure makes this city a desirable place for real estate investments.With the first phase of the Vizag Metro Rail slated to be completed in December 2018, transportation options will also soon open up in this city.5. MumbaiAs a growing city with modern urban development, Mumbai is a good real estate investment choice for a non-resident Indian who cares about lifestyle.Considered the financial capital of India, this city is hard to beat when you compare the level of infrastructure with other cities. Target a premium property in an upscale neighborhood for the best return on your investment. There are several luxury hotspots in Mumbai that place you near high-end retail stores and restaurants.As India’s financial hub, Mumbai also attracts many investors and corporate firms, providing plenty of work opportunities. If you want an internationally competitive work culture, this is the city.Mumbai has great education facilities, including international schools. Political stability and easy resale options are added incentives to make Mumbai your investment realty location.6. BhiwadiAs the third-largest industrial hub in India, Bhiwadi is a manufacturing hub for some major firms. Companies like Gillette and Honda ensure plenty of local work opportunities.Real estate projects are also cheaper here than in other cities. The affordability right now makes this a great investment realty choice for the long term.The Indian government has proposed projects in Bhiwadi including new high-speed public transportation. This will make this city even more desirable in the years to come.7. KochiKochi, the commercial hub of Kerala, has seen new real estate prospects thanks to recent changes.An upgrade of the sea port and privatization of the local international airport brought in new business prospects.Many NRIs are already investing in Kochi. In fact, only some 30% of investors in real estate in Kochi are locals.Part of what makes this city so appealing is its recent developments in infrastructure. New planned developments include the Vallarpadam International Container Trans-shipment Terminal, which will expand investment opportunities for this port city.An “oceanarium,” or marine research facility that also doubles as a tourist attraction, is another proposed project that’s sure to attract even more opportunities to the area.8. Bhubaneswar and CuttackThese twin cities in east India are growing education and IT hubs. This boosts real estate development in the area.The real estate market is well-regulated here since most of the available land is still owned by the government.Plans for new commercial projects, a wider highway, and the new Kalinga Nagar Industrial Complex add to the reasons to target Bhubaneswar and Cuttack for real estate investment.9. CoimbatoreThe second largest city in Tamil Nadu boasts a stable industry that revolves around textiles and spinning.Engineering, IT, and manufacturing have added to the industry in Coimbatore in recent years, providing economic growth and increased work opportunities.A planned airport expansion will increase the ease with which travelers and business opportunities can flow into the city. And a proposed bus rapid transit system provides added options for transport on the ground.ConclusionThere is a long list of cities in India that are great opportunities for real estate investments.You may choose an established, major hub like Bangalore, or a newer and growing location like Kochi. It all depends on exactly what your future plans are for your investment.With so many cities undergoing rapid developments and offering new opportunities, it’s hard to go wrong if you consider the key factors to select cities of choice for real estate investments.Don’t be intimidated by the process of investing in real estate. Instead, reap the benefits the coming years will have for real estate investments in India and ride India’s economic growth wave.Have you invested in any of these cities? Share your experience with us in the comments section below!