How to Research Real Estate Property for Liens

An important part of buying real estate property is searching for property liens. This is something that many people do not realize that they need to do. They should not always trust the seller's word. Doing a property lien search should be a top priority when you are buying property. You do not want to unknowingly buy a house that has liens. As a buyer, you may be responsible for paying off those unpaid debts. Also, if the land has a lien on it, it can be forced into sale by a lender to pay part of the debt.

For the most part, liens are a matter of public record. To find if there are any liens on a piece of real estate property, you can use three main options.

The Internet
The internet has become a great resource if you are looking for information on a piece of land. Much of the data about property liens are available on government websites. Search your county recorder, clerk or assessor's website for information. All you need is the name of the property owner or the address.

Local Government Offices
If your county does not have the data available online, then visit the county recorder, clerk or assessor's office in person. If you visit the offices is person, you have the staff there to help you find the information you need. The staff may also give you advice on what other information you a need to find out about a piece of property.

Title Company
If you do not have the time to do the research, you can hire a title company. A title company will search through public records and verify the owner of the land. The company will also search for any property liens or back taxes owed on the property.

When researching a piece of property for information, make sure the basic information is correct. It is very easy to misspell the street address or the owner's name. If you do discover liens on a property and have not purchased the property, then ask for advice from a real estate agent or a lawyer who has experience in this area.

Researching a piece of property for liens is a way to protect yourself and your investment. You do not want to be responsible for someone else's debt. Taking time to do all the necessary research on real estate property will save you from a lot of trouble down the road.

Researching Real Estate Investing

Author Zora Neale Hurston has defined research as formalized curiosity. She said it is "poking and prying with a purpose." It is also necessary in whatever field you want to be successful in. You need it more in real estate investing (REI) because the capital involved in usually huge. You wouldn't want to go bankrupt just because you did not properly inquire on a few matters.

Books and magazine articles are always helpful whenever you do REI research. A book will be able to discuss matters extensively because it has the luxury of length. Feature articles on big shot real estate investors, meanwhile, will provide you with inspiration. Successful investors are often featured on real estate related magazines.

Then there's the Internet. They say that nowadays, you'll find anything through the web, even love. Cyberspace is also a good source of information on anything about real estate investing. Try typing the keywords "rei wired" on Google and feast on an array of results. You can also key in very specific phrases like "rehab hard money," which means you are looking for hard money financing for a house rehabbing project.

Be careful though as you might get inaccurate information from the Net. Some people who are too opinionated for their own good can also submit articles, which might later confuse you with false information. Be sure that you're getting information only from sites that are credible.

To avoid being duped into faulty ideas on the web, the best way of research in real estate investing is perhaps talking to REI experts. Attend seminars by experts whenever possible. Problem is experts usually have a tight schedule touring the country and even other nations to share their knowledge. You can't expect REI experts to visit your area every so often. If in case they do hold a training seminar in your county, will you be able to afford it? Let's accept the fact that a lot of people would pay thousands just to hear some secrets from successful investors.

Researching Real Estate Before a Buy

Before you buy real estate, you should know as much as you can about the property and the previous owners. Since this is a big decision, most people need to know as much as possible about the investment before they make the decision to buy. This means considering things like the overall value of the property. It means knowing the neighborhood well. If you want to know the most you can about any investment, it is often best to turn to the experts who can help you in the area.

How to Gather Information

If you want to find out as much as you can about a piece of real estate before you buy it, turn to local agencies that can provide that information to you. As a buyer, you do not have to pay out of pocket for the services of these providers. Rather, you can simply agree to work with the agent and he or she can help to track down the types of property right for your needs. This professional's job is to help you to find out as much as you can about the properties you plan to buy, too.

What can he or she help you with? What should you know before you actually make the decision to invest? There are countless things to keep in mind including the following:

-What features does the property offer? When were additional features added?

-What did the property sell for when this owner purchased it? This can be important in situations where the sale is recent or when you want to consider the overall increase in value.

-Are there any liens or other loans against the property that may make buying it more difficult? What could hold up the sale of the property?

-Are there any concerns with the property such as water problems, foundation concerns or major system repairs that need to be handled?

-What is the neighborhood like? While you may be able to tell some things from driving through it, it is often best to find an agent who can tell you about the actual neighbors and the street's overall vibe.

Having as much information as possible about the property can help you to make a decision about any property. In real estate, where the value of buying is so important, it is hard to make a decision without knowing all of the facts possible. Most people can learn more by simply taking the time to gather information about the investment including its current condition, its history and its neighborhood. Turn to a professional who knows the area well to help you with this need.

Real Estate Research Managers: Job Profile and Requirements

Research managers have now become so important in property market that their views are almost the starting point of any and all types of real estate transactions.

What do they do? In fact, real estate developers, property managers, property brokers, property advisers, agents, counselors, appraisers, finance and investment professionals, property investment analysts, etc. all depend on the data provided by research managers.

Research managers collect primary and secondary data, views, actual and potential transaction details etc., analyze these data by the use of economic and statistical tools and make formal conclusions which in turn help real estate professionals in making their own decisions about sales, purchase, investment, portfolio adjustment, site selection, price appreciation and depreciation etc.

For example research managers collect relevant primary and secondary data related to sales and leasing of commercial property in a particular market in a given time period. Similarly, they find the approximate number and areas of ready to move commercial property that is expected to be released in the market in next three months. They also meet the potential buyers of commercial property and potential clients interested in taking commercial property on lease to understand their requirement in next few months (for example next three months). After getting all the relevant data, they analyze and interpret the data to make it usable for real estate professionals. Users, in turn, use the research results to understand the market, especially the way market will move in next few months. Based on the research conclusions, real estate professionals also decide their pricing strategy, leasing rates, selling & investment strategies etc.

Overall, research professionals are responsible for market analysis, forecasting, trend analysis, preparing market reports, analysis of user behavior etc. in different markets and segments of real estate.

Working Environment They are required to work for eight hours per week. However, for entry and junior level research professionals, only a part of their job requires them to remain in office. Otherwise, most of their requirement is outside of their office and have to work beyond eight hours. Research managers work with different types of professionals from across different sectors and specialties.

Employers Research managers work for developers, international property consultants, property brokers & advisers, large property agents, property venture capital funds, private equity investors, housing finance institutions etc.

Employment Prospect Since the Indian property market is on growth path and international property developers, consultants, investors, lenders etc. are setting shops in India and since the concept of commercial transaction in the Indian market is growing, there is huge growth prospect for research managers in the Indian property market in the time to come.

Education Bachelor's or master's degree in real estate, urban planning, architecture, economics, statistics etc. is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Personality Traits
• Ability to understand, interpret and analyze data, providing insights into market trends
• Excellent communication skills
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills
• Ability to learn internal and external data delivery systems (PropTools, MLS, etc.)
• Ability to work independently
• Analytical skills
• Knowledge of statistical tool, techniques and software

Compensation In terms of compensation, research professionals command a good premium in the market.

Tips for entry: In India, IDS National Institute of Real Estate Management (NIREM), and EduMark Realty Education Services offer short term as well as long term courses in real estate research. However, there are many other institutes that offer courses in related areas such as economics, architecture, planning etc.

Having Professional Research and Due Diligence Done Before Real Estate Investing

Having professional research done before real estate investing is probably the most important stage to ensure you are purchasing a profitable property. Yet, many real estate investors underestimate or skip the due diligence process, only to suffer the consequences later down the road. From analyzing the actual property and its neighborhood and speaking to professionals or experts in the area to visiting the neighborhood and making in-person reviews of the property, professional research will help you avoid real estate investment mistakes. Indeed, when it comes to research in real estate investment, scrutinizing every facet of the potential property as well as your own investment goals so you get the highest possible return on investment.

Step 1: An Initial Review of the Property and Neighbourhood

Before you close a real estate deal, you obviously want some information about the property and the neighbourhood. Regardless of whether you are purchasing residential or commercial property, professional research at this stage provides a broad scope image of the potential property. You may have already found some properties of interest, and you want to learn the demographics and economic conditions of the city and neighbourhood. Much of the early due diligence in real estate investment is conducted through phone calls and online research and it will help you quickly weed out properties that don't fit your needs.

Step 2: Get Acquainted with Local Professionals/Experts

The second stage of due diligence that should be done before investing involves getting a more personal look at the neighbourhood and sub-markets where the property is located. Again, much of this research can be conducted from the home or office. This stage of due diligence provides an excellent opportunity to learn more details about the sub-markets and individuals where the property is located. This stage of due diligence should involve a detailed list of questions that will help give you a clearer image of your investment property.

Some questions you might want to ask include:

• Does the area show signs of economic improvement?


• Are the utilities and service you require already set up?


• Does the neighbourhood offer the appropriate amenities (grocery shopping, schools, restaurants etc)?


• What is the typical rent for the area?


• Are there many vacant properties?

The second step of professional research and due diligence should provide more details of the property and location further allowing you to narrow your list of potential investment properties.

Step 3: Visit and Consultation

If you or a research professional have conducted the first 2 stages of due diligence and you still find the property favourable, it's time to tour the property and the surrounding location. This stage allows you to validate the research you or your experts have already done. Stage 3 of due diligence provides a more personal experience not just of the property, but of the sub-markets and surrounding amenities to ensure that you meet your investment needs. Speak personally to professionals and experts who live and work in the area for even more information about your investment.

Step 4: Validate your Investment

The final step of having professional research and due diligence done before investing in real estate involves careful analysis of the property and grounds. You want to know what kinds of deferred maintenance will need to be done, while also validating the financial aspects of the investment. This includes evaluating potential cash flow or rental income, the costs of maintenance, purchase price with regards to market value, the taxes involved, verifying the age and condition of the property (e.g. the age/condition of the roof, electrical, plumbing, and other cosmetic factors), and other legal details.

While this article provides only a brief overview the professional research and due diligence that should be done before real estate investment, it hopefully elucidates the necessity for due diligence as well as the exhaustive nature of the process. For many novice real estate investors, hiring a real estate expert to conduct this research and due diligence can help to ensure that nothing is overlooked so your investment is a profitable one.

Real Estate Research By Talking

Real estate research might start with a look at the U.S. Census information about a town. It can include inspections of specific properties, too. There are many statical tools and information that can help, but don't forget one of the easiest and most useful research tools: talking. Let me explain with a true story.

My wife and I were on vacation, and stopped in Farmington, New Mexico for a few days. We were about to buy a house for a winter project. The plan was to fix it up and sell it in the spring for a profit.

Just prior to making an offer, we took a last walk-through. As the owner showed me around, my wife started to talk to the woman who was renting the home. She told Ana that half of the outlets in the home didn't work, as well as other useful information.

This got me thinking, and I went down to the basement for a second look at the wiring. Not only did the house likely need all new wiring, but I found a garden hose attached to a natural gas line. The owner shrugged and said, "You can just cut that off."

To this day, I don't know what that was about, but for these and other reasons, we didn't buy the house. It helps to talk to anyone you can when looking at a house or other real estate investment. Neighbors and renters are especially helpful.

Real Estate Research - Choosing a City

Talking to a lot of people isn't just useful for information on individual properties. It is also a great way to research a town. I once called the Chamber of Commerce of Deming, New Mexico. The chairman's casually commented that the city was using up the water faster than the aquifer was being replenished. They had no back-up plan. This was enough for us to cross Deming off our list.

If you want to know about a town, use the phone first. Find any excuse to call anyone from a real estate agent to a random resident. Ask about crime, whether the local government welcomes new businesses, what the climate is like. Have houses been sitting for sale for a long time, or do they go fast? What are the good and bad things about the town?

Before we moved to Tucson, Arizona, part of our real estate research was to call people in potential towns to see if they owned a snow shovel. If so, we crossed the town off the list. Two places can both get 45 inches of snow per year, but in some it stays all winter, and in others it melts before noon. The snow shovel question told us the truth behind the statistics.

Once you're in a town, a good local bar can be a great place to do your research. After a beer, patrons will tell you what big employers are about to move in or out of the town, how fast homes are selling, whether there are gangs, and much more. Talking to people is a good way to do real estate research, but verify what you hear. People do sometimes exaggerate.

Keyword Research - Its Importance to Your Real Estate Business

For the success of the SEO campaign of your real estate business, the first and the most important factor to consider is keyword research. You should really be careful with this as your keyword choices will matched with those search terms used by people seeking for properties in the area where you are focusing.

Prospective buyers would easily find your real estate website when you know exactly what your target audience is looking for. Your target audience should be those people who are really interested and ready to buy properties. These kinds of home buyers really know what they want and they are looking for right website to whom they can purchase properties to.

In choosing keywords you can opt for long phrases or keywords as these are much easier to get ranked and there is a great possibility that your every visitor will be converted to clients.

For you to able to determine the most effective keywords or phrases to use in your website, you have to base it on the search popularity if it is high and competition should be low. You should picked keywords or phrases with the most number of times searched and that can be found in the fewest number of pages of a particular search engine. What is important here is the quality of traffic you get and not the quantity.

A good keyword research will help your prospects get into your website and be able to read the valuable information you have. For your website to get high position in search engines you need to find keywords with enough worthwhile searches.

Keyword research is a vital part of real estate marketing. Without it, the search engine optimization you are implementing in your site is useless. It is best to know your target audience first for you to be successful.

How To Find Your Real Estate Bargain To Add To Your Investment Property Portfolio

Finding a real estate bargain that suits your purposes usually takes some time and investors need to learn the art of patience so that they do not jump in and buy when there is a better buy just a few weeks away. It takes some research, being constantly on the lookout and being very proactive in the real estate market in order to find those real deals. When building your investment property portfolio it is not something that should be rushed into. It can take quite a few months to find the right property.

The rewards, though, are well worth the wait.

Here are some some tips to help you in searching out a bargain, although do keep in mind that not all tips will suit your particular criteria:

• know your target area, walk it, drive it and visit it several times a week so that you know exactly what is going on


• know the prices in your target area


• know the rents in your target area


• keep an eye out for properties that have been on the market for over 3 months


• look for renovation potential


• can a property be subdivided to get two investments from one?


• search through the deceased estates, public trustee and mortgagee sales websites


• ask around in your target area to see if the neighbors know anyone who might be selling sooner rather than later - you might be able to do a private purchase and save commission

Personal Circumstances Can Force Sales

These are sales that can be difficult to negotiate as the emotions run high, but if it is a mortgagee sale for example, then you are dealing with agents or even directly with the bank.

Often times people who have been left a property in an estate do not want to keep owning the property and they are not able to renovate it to make it more saleable (either because they live so far away, or they do not have the funds) so therefore the property can be bought at a very good price. Estate properties have often been let go a little as the owners have got on in years and have not been able to maintain the property as they would have years ago. The renovation potential is often very high with these properties. Sometimes even just a quick, economical face lift can upgrade the property dramatically.

Sometimes it is a long protracted illness that forces a home owner to sell as they can no longer pay their mortgage or they need funds for medical bills. Then too, are the broken relationships which do bring a number of properties to the market each year.

The point is, if you know your target area exceptionally well you are able to make quick and informed decisions. As I said, it may take a while to find the right property, but it is better to wait for the right property rather than just buy the first 'good' property that comes along as these properties often do not have the financial gain that the 'ideal' property has to offer.

Check out the seller before making your offer:

• do they need a quick settlement


• do they need a long settlement


• are they emotionally attached to the property


• do they want to stay on as tenants

These answers can influence how you write your contact and can often put your contract ahead of others if the clauses suit their requirements.

Take the time and to find your real estate bargain to ad to your investment property portfolio and you will not be sorry.

Behind the Scenes Real Estate Investing - Preparing a Property Information File

I am going to give you a sneak peek behind the curtain of an up and running real estate investing business. In our real estate investing business, we compile a Seller Property Information File that includes all the information we need to know to put together a deal. Here is a quick run down of what we include in that Seller Property Information File.

First, we have a Property Information Sheet that we use when we initially talk to a seller on the telephone. On this sheet, we write down all the info about the property, the seller and their situation.

Next, since I primarily buy and hold property as long-term rentals, I do my Net Operating Income analysis on the property using the Net Operating Income Worksheet. This worksheet allows me to run through all the income and expenses of the property to find out how much debt the property can actually support. This tells me what I can afford to pay for the property to have break-even or better cash flow.

Next is the Public Record Information Sheet that we print out from public records. It tells us information about the property, including the last time it sold, and any liens on it. It can also tell us who the owner of record is for the property (which occasionally is not who called you).

We also do a quick search for comparable sales to find out what we think we could sell the property for. If you have access to your local MLS or an extremely helpful real estate agent or broker, you can get this information from them. Otherwise, you may need to compile this data from public records or free websites that help you determine property values.

If there are any recent MLS listing sheets including Active, Expired, Previous Sales and Listing History sheets, I like to include those in the file as well. That way if I need to go back and look at what happened in the past through the MLS, I will have a much better understanding.

Next, I print a map and directions from Google Maps. Obviously, I don't want to miss my appointment with the seller because I got lost along the way.

I usually also run my full Offer Generator Analysis on the property and include a print out of it to give me an idea of the various offers I can make on the property. I can adjust them when I get out there if I find the house needs more or less repairs or is in better or worse condition for sale than I anticipated.

You should have a car file full of all the standard documents that you need. I like to include my Credibility Packet and, of course, a blank Contract To Buy.

My assistant will usually help me get the entire Seller Property Information File together before I go out to meet with the seller.

Property Investment Is Real Estate!

What is the point of spending more money than you would on any other product in your entire life, if you haven't researched and understood the underlying fundamentals of the place you will be living or investing in?

The purpose of this article is to provide some clarity on the subject of property investment in relation to the Australian residential real estate market.

In Australia there are more than 9million private dwellings to house a population of almost 23million according to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics Census in 2011. This means, there is approximately 2.6 people living per household.

If you were buying a property in this scenario would it be a 1 bedroom or a 3 bedroom?

Property investment research is a practical and logical field in which a myriad of interconnected factors are at work to create changes in property markets.

What would happen next if the population had a median weekly household income $1,234?

Shopping = $250

Travel = $100

Entertainment = $100

Miscellaneous = $300

This leaves roughly $450 a week for the property, which is the median monthly mortgage repayments as of 2011 in Australia.

How much can this actually enable the average Australian to buy?

Being generous and based on borrowing calculators, estimates are less than $200,000, which means a hefty deposit and plenty of saving. This shows you need to know and understand the market you are entering, or else you may be building or buying a product that no one can actually afford or want. This severely dampens future investment prospects as your 'exit strategy' is limited.

Understanding means:

• The economics of the market such as what do people do for income?


• Are they secure and stable industries?


• Is there a lot of wealth in the area?


• Will the population retire and want to move elsewhere?


• How many people live per household?


• Links to public transport such as trains, buses and airport?


• Local amenities such as educational, entertainment and leisure facilities?


• Government spending to increase amenity and efficiencies?


• Surplus of available properties on the market for sale or rent?

Without the above examples and many more, how can you be sure the property investment will be stable and actually have demand long into the future?

The final goal is to paint a full picture of the macroeconomics, microeconomics and 'intangibles' within the market to truly understand the way the market fundamentals operate.