It may come as no surprise to you that real estate has created more millionaires than just about anything else out there. In fact, there is a government statistic that backs this up. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, only 1% of the population retires wealthy. That’s anyone with a net worth of $5 Million or more. What’s interesting to know is that the majority of this wealthy 1% club; about three quarters, did it through investing in real estate and business ownership.

You can choose to follow public option and listen to the media, or you can be smart and do what the wealthy are doing. They’re investing in real estate, and here’s why:

1. Income

How would you like to go on vacation for a month and still get paid? That’s what real estate can do for you. When you own a portfolio of properties, you can receive passive income, or “mailbox money.” This is the positive cash flow you get when your tenants pay rent. Build a big enough portfolio and your passive monthly income could swell into the thousands. I know one investor who purchases apartment buildings and his monthly passive income is over $100,000! The other type of income is active income. This is money you can make from various short term strategies, such as wholesaling, rehabbing, short sales, etc. Quick, lump sums of cash. Yes please!

2. Tax Deductions

Did you know that you can virtually eliminate your tax liability by investing in real estate? You see, as a real estate investor and business owner, you have over 400 tax deductions available to you. For example, the IRS generally will allow you to depreciate the value of the structure on a rental property over a period of 27 & 1/2 years. If you are a W2 employee, it would be like getting a pay raise. When I was working for a boss, I set my taxes up about even. So I didn’t owe anything and didn’t get any money back. Then one year I purchased a rental property, and when I filed my taxes the following year, I got a refund of over $10,000! Nothing had changed other than the fact that I bought the property.

3. Appreciation

Ask your parents what they paid for their first house. Of if you’re a little more “seasoned” in age, think back to what you paid for your first or second home. Now ask yourself what that house is worth today. I bet it’s hundreds of thousands more. Don’t you wish you had bought 10 or 20 of them back then? What would your net worth be today? Even when the market softens and goes through an adjustment, it typically swings right back. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Median Home Prices went down only twice in the 43 years between 1963 to 2006. Now if you were to look at 2007-2008, that may be the third time prices went down. But over time, real estate trends up. The population continues to grow and there will always be a need for housing.

4. Equity

It’s possible to lose equity, no question, but when purchasing real estate, you should always purchase the property below market value. This creates instant equity in the property. What better way to increase your net worth? I have a student who purchased six properties over a twelve month period. Their net worth increased to over $250,000 as a result of this. How long would it take you to achieve this without investing in real estate? Probably never.

5. Leverage

This one is huge. Let’s say you got a hot stock tip, and you went to your bank and asked them to lend you $100,000 so you could buy the stock. What would they say? Obviously they would laugh at you and think you’re crazy. But let’s say you wanted to purchase an investment property, do you think you could get a loan on that property if you have good credit? Absolutely. This is called leverage, or using O.P.M (other people’s money.) When you do the math, even if you receive a modest 6% appreciation on a property over time, you would still end up with a triple digit return because you are receiving that appreciation on the entire value of the property, not just your small down payment. The wealthy understand this, and it’s one of the reasons why they continue to get more wealthy every year. Because the poor and middle class invest in CD’s, Mutual Funds, etc. while the wealthy invest in real estate.

These are my top 5 reasons why you should add real estate to your investment portfolio. Are there risks? Of course. Any investment involves risk, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk. The longer you wait, the longer you delay your success. If you want to maximize your chances of getting into that wealthy 1% club, retire early and live the life you have always dreamed of, then it’s time to get in the game! If others can do it, why not you?

New York City can be taxing for tourists with shoestring budgets. Even a cheap package tour of the city can cost quite a bit, so, this class of tourists can benefit from cheap accommodations in New York. Rest assured as the Big Apple also has a big heart. There is everything for every class of tourist in it.

Cheap accommodations in New York for the budget-minded tourist are suggested below.

Chelsea Savoy Hotel: This is in Chelsea near the subways. It has dining options as well as night-life. A quad room is the biggest attraction in this hotel. It can accommodate four persons at a tariff of $145 to 225 per night. The range in price is available for various rooms with different amenities. Besides the quad room, each room at the hotel offers cable television, goose-down pillows, and an attached bath. The rate includes continental breakfast served from 7.30 a.m. onwards.

Colonial House Inn: This hotel is also located in Chelsea. It features both Economy rooms and Standard rooms on the one hand and Deluxe rooms on the other. The Deluxe rooms come with attached private baths, cable TV, and sinks. The other categories of rooms feature shared baths. Rates range from $80 per weeknight to $140 per weekend night.

Cosmopolitan Hotel: The hotel is conveniently located (in Tribeca) across the street from a subway that connects to tourist destinations within the city. Rooms feature private baths and cable TV. Some rooms feature twin double beds that can accommodate a total of four persons at $159 a night.

The Gershwin: The hotel is located on Murray Hill. Its rooms are clean. It also has a dormitory. Besides these, it also offers suites for families. Rates are $99 and upwards. Subways are located in close proximity of the hotel.

Larchmont Hotel: It is located in West Village. Its rooms feature shared baths and kitchenettes. Each floor has one kitchenette. Except for these downers, TVs, robes, sinks, phones, and Continental breakfast are some of the good amenities in every room. Rates range from $70 to $125.

The Marcel: The hotel is located in the Flatiron District near Gramercy Park. Room service, CD players, Goose-down pillows, and New York City bagel breakfast are some of the amenities offered in its small but stylish rooms. Besides these, a cappuccino machine is available 24 hours in the lobby of the hotel. Subways are close to the hotel. The other good thing about the rooms is that they have private baths. Room rates are $125 and upwards.

The Milburn: The hotel is in the safe Upper West Side family-friendly neighborhood. Rooms feature kitchenettes inside them. So you save money on your food expenses. Children (accompanying parents) stay free in the rooms. Rooms are big and can accommodate up to four persons. Room rates range is $129 to $245.

You can save money by finding cheap accommodations in New York. The money can then be utilized by you on better things!

Rustic country decor and how to decorate cottage style homes are extensions of American country style decorating. In addition, traditions are borrowed from French, English and some Swedish country looks. Rustic country decor can be defined as coarse, charmingly simple, unfussy, unfinished and yet with endearing qualities. Rustic country decorating includes the use of natural woods, aged surfaces, rough finishes and simple lines. Cottage style homes are comfortable, modest, quaint homes that can be made of thick stone or log wood.

Floors in rustic country decor and cottage style homes are made with stone or wood materials. Wooden floors were traditionally constructed with boards that were bare and simply waxed and hand-polished (high-gloss varnishes did not exist). Sometimes the boards were painted with light colors. If you like floor coverings, use oriental rugs and throws for visual warmth and color. Rustic country decor is about handcrafted objects, simplicity, furnishings that you enjoy and connecting back to nature.

Rustic cottage furniture is commonly made with pine and perhaps painted with hand-painted designs such as flowers, birds, animals, country scenery or leaves. Use ladderback chairs, rocking chairs, benches, wicker furniture and Windsor chairs. A large rectangular table made of pine is a good option for your kitchen or dining room table. To give your furniture a rustic look, brush a coat of paint on the furniture piece, then rub most of the paint off. After it dries, apply wood stain unevenly for an older weathered appearance. It will be perfect and rustic looking!

Baskets can be used to store wood, pine cones, flowers, plants and needlework. Brass candle holders, oil or kerosene lamps, sconces, hurricane lamps, tin lanterns, recessed ceiling fixtures or a vintage wrought-iron or metal chandelier provide successful lighting for rustic country decor and cottage style homes. Colors used in rustic country decor or cottage style homes are neutral tones ranging from white to bone, earth tones, red barn, blues and greens.

For rustic country decor in the kitchen, use open shelves, hutches, buffets, plate racks and cupboards for storage. Often, country kitchen storage is crammed with stoneware pots, plain glazed earthenware and glass jars. Kitchen pots should be made of copper, steel or cast iron — cookware tends to be large and plain. Use open shelving in the rustic country kitchen to display plates, dishes and dinnerware collections. Natural woods, light colors and bright fabrics work great for window treatments. Adding a rustic butcher block island creates a wonderful visual effect as well as provides useful functionality.

A rustic country decor bathroom has neutral tones or soft colored walls, antique-looking lighting, and wooden antiques or antique reproduction cabinets and vanity. Knowing how to decorate cottage style homes and bathrooms can result in creating a calm and elegant atmosphere. Clawfoot tubs, pedestal sinks, country style antique brass faucets and old-fashioned country cabinets provide the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to spend time there. Plain white towels are recommended instead of patterned or bright modern patterns. Use wicker or wire baskets to keep your sponges, loofas and shampoos handy near the tub or shower.

Understanding how to decorate cottage style homes means including items like quilts, antique furniture or reproductions, flea-market pieces, trunks, chests, armoires, stenciling, wallpaper, adirondack chairs, flower wreaths and bistro chairs. These types of elements give cottage style homes the kind of rustic country decor that is simpler, very personal and warmly inviting.

Whether in a seaside setting, an urban environment, a countryside location or a wooded mountain retreat, cottage style homes are cozy and unassuming, combining the past with the present. Read all you can find and learn what creating the rustic country cottage means to you no matter where it’s located. Enjoy expressing your personality and showing what the definition of home means to you.

Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing

When a marriage breaks down one of the biggest problem areas is finance. Each member of the couple has a feeling of insecurity immediately. Where, they wonder, will they live after separation and divorce? They will need to consider divorce mortgages – where the lender understands the situation from which the couple have come and does everything to help people make a new start.

A home, perfectly naturally, has a feeling of security, but as soon as that security is under threat, emotions are raised. A home is where you will have been with your spouse, and possibly raised a family too. So when things go wrong, it is no wonder that people put up their defences. However difficult it will be the subject of finances will have to be discussed between husband and wife, and divorce mortgages will have to be raised.

It is important to ensure that current payments on the house are maintained: existing mortgage payments, house and contents insurance, endowment policies. Arrangements to cover these costs should be made immediately, as non-payment will lead to anger, resentment, and worse – a possible blot on credit ratings.

Emotions will be running high, but it is important to discuss financial affairs sensibly with a view to the future for both parties. Independent legal advice is the best way forward as each seeks to secure a mortgage after divorce. If circumstances ended up meaning a court had to decide the division of finances then it may mean one party gets more money than the other, but both parties should realise that there is only so much to go round. Financial stress can be such that during separation and even after divorce, couples still consider living under the same roof to avoid the need for another mortgage after divorce.

If there is enough money in the pot to buy two houses, then mortgages after divorce would not present a problem, and a court would primarily be concerned about the welfare of any children.
However, if there is not enough money to fund two post-divorce mortgages, the court will of course consider selling the original home and dividing the proceeds as it sees fit. Again, the primary consideration will be for the needs of the children. A home has to be provided for any children, whatever the hopes and needs of the other parent.
It is unlikely that either party will ‘lose everything’ as the court has wide powers in aportioning assets. However, it could also rule that the deeds of the house are transferred in full to one party.

One or both parties can easily be left searching for a mortgage after divorce. It is very difficult thing to have to do at a time of great stress. Some building societies specifically provide divorce mortgages. Sometimes one party appears to take charge of financial affairs, and this can leave the other party feeling vulnerable and unsure. Mortgage brokers can help in this situation. Divorce mortgages cater for the fact that you may need to minimise your monthly mortgage payments until finances are under control. Divorce mortgages can provide additional features and benefits which will not be available when you choose a mortgage from a standard range.

Sure, replacement windows are a fast and efficient way to maintain your home’s windows. But there are times when restoration is the only sensible alternative. Many homeowners are proud of their old bungalow home’s architectural character, and wouldn’t dream of putting replacement windows in. Even so, drafty winter nights and high energy bills can get old real fast. That’s when it’s time to consider reglazing your windows.

To reglaze, you’ll need to remove the old putty around the glass. This usually entails stripping away some or all of the layers of paint that may have accumulated over time on your window. It’s possible to just sand way the paint locally in order to get the old glazing putty off, but as long as you’ve removed the sash and have it in front of you to work on, you may as well strip all of the paint off. This will have the added benefit of making it easier to open; old windows usually have so many paint layers on them that they no longer slide freely in their frames. Plus you can apply some good wood-preserving primer before re-painting.

Use caution if you are using a heat gun to help strip paint from the sash; you risk the glass breaking from sudden expansion. For this reason also, wear eye protection and gloves during the process. A heat gun will also help in the next step, removing the old glazing putty, but many restoration specialists advise against it, especially if you wish to use your old glass.

When removing the glass, watch for metal glazing points that hold the glass in place. These should be taken out. The glass panes can then be removed for cleaning. Also excess putty can be detached from the sash.

Sashes should be sanded, patched, and primed with an oil-based preservative primer. When the primer is dry, and prior to reinstalling the glass, lay a bead of oil-based glazing putty around the rabbet to seal and cushion the glass. Next place the glass firmly in the window and replace the glazing points. Now you can apply the final glazing compound. Knead the compound for a minute, and roll it in your hands to create a bead of glazing putty.

Place the compound bead along the edge of the glass, then using a stiff putty knife, flatten it against the sash and window. Try to do this in one smooth motion, and avoid going back and forth over the compound bead. Use the edge of the putty knife to remove the excess.

Your reglazed window can be repainted on the inside and outside once the putty has set has set, which is usually after about 48 hours.

House prices have been rising steadily for some time, and this situation has been fuelled by low interest rates. Danger signals should be seen by those buyers who have invested too heavily and who could face problems (and even repossession) if there is a rates ‘correction’.

Sales and prices do not, on the surface, show any signs of falling back, but rising unemployment and the resulting fall in demand could be a marker to future trends. If interest rates increase, anyone who has borrowed to the limit may find that repayments become a millstone. At the same time a negative equity situation, where the value of the house is exceeded by the size of the debt, would dictate against downsizing as a way out of the problem.

House prices are increasing at a very steady rate as demand provides a very profitable market for developers and estate agents. Homes priced well above the average are at the centre of the increases, but they are tending to pull other property prices along with them.

This is creating greater difficulties for first time buyers, which has resulted in relatively stable prices for starter homes in some areas. There is then an effect higher up the chain where those wanting to ‘move up’ the ladder have difficulty in selling their property.

Despite forecasts by economics consultants Capital Economics of prices dropping by 5% in 2006, there is no sign of this as yet. This forecast may however be the graffiti on the wall, to be ignored at your peril.

Although prices have continued to surge forward in most areas, with the Halifax Building Society predicting prices three times higher than forecast for 2006, some voices are urging caution.

Mortgage rate rises of around 0.25% are forecast by The Council of Mortgage Lenders for the immediate future, although things could improve in a couple of years. It is though an unwise man who puts too much credence in long term forecasts, especially in a situation with so many variants able to have an effect.

Short term forecasts are by their very nature a little more reliable but may still require a moderate pinch of salt. Economist Jim Cunningham of CML is expecting a continuing vigorous house market, but adds the rider that interest rates will have a considerable bearing on the outcome. Taking into account the above mentioned potential mortgage rate increase, house sales could continue to increase, but much more modestly than recently.

With gloomy forecasts like this being broadcast, it follows that lenders are viewing their operations more carefully, and are likely to be rather more cautious about the size of loan which they will consider.

Another interesting factor is the introduction of home improvement packs, which will add cost and possibly delays for sellers, and could result in a ‘blip’ in the market if the number of houses available should fall as a result. As was mentioned above, there are many variants which can affect the market!

None of the above should be taken as suggesting that everyone should sit tight and wait for improving conditions. If you wish to go into the market with your house then do so, but in a slightly less relaxed manner than could have been the case last year. Large debts are a worry at any time, and an increase in interest rates could depress the market when buyers are faced with mortgages which are increasingly costly.

‘Bricks and mortar’ have always been a reasonably secure investment in the long term, but short term fluctuations can make life distinctly uncomfortable for investors. The Roman saying ‘Caveat emptor’ (let the buyer beware) shows that even in those far off days, Hadrian could have had problems financing his wall.

BD’s Mongolian Grill has to be one of my all time favorite restaurants to visit. You may be wondering what exactly BD’s Mongolian Grill has to offer. Basically, you walk in and you’re seated by a friendly host or hostess. They start off by asking you if you have been to the restaurant, and if not will give you the run down in the steps it will take to get your meal. Just make sure as you glance at the food when you walk in, you realize there are uncooked meats up at the buffet. If you go and fill your plate with food without promptly stopping by the cook at his round-table of food incineration, then you obviously are hungry, and may prefer to take a night-cap at your local hospital for relief. This definitely would be one expensive food bill. The next time you mention “check please”, the doctor will probably be probing inside your stomach with some form of digestive evacuation device.

To continue on this exciting adventure of food nourishment, BD’s Mongolian Grill not only offers a Mongolian style buffet, but they also have a salad and soup bar if you’re not that prevalent into meats. On the other hand, you could just fill up your one-rounder bowl with baby corns, bamboo, broccoli, pineapple, or any other non-meat foods, gently placed in the buffet only to be disturbed by your savory appetite. Even before you visit the buffet lines, you receive your choice of rice including brown rice, fiesta rice, or white rice and a side of fajita wraps. I actually will wiggle my fajita wraps in front of my main course hoping the meats and vegetables will aimlessly wonder their way onto the flour bed of enticement. Ok, now I’m confused, was I talking about reviewing a restaurant or another type of trip that involved George Washington’s face on the dollar bill?

If youre looking for a great place to relax with an upbeat casual atmosphere, BD’s Mongolian Grill has that very settling family atmosphere with even live music on the weekends. If you have just moved in the Oldsmar area, this would be a great place to meet some new people especially out on the patio area. Every time I have gone to the BD’s restaurant, a manager will always come by and ask me how my experience was from service to food. Knowing that Im a regular to BD’s, this is what keeps me coming back, their great customer service and the food, obviously. Their catchy T-shirt slogan, “We do it on a grill” states as they really cook food on a grill right in front of you, or in my mind, someone is going to need to get to the doctor suffering from 3rd degree burns on their rear end.

BD’s Mongolian Grill is located in the AMC Woodlands 20 Movie complex on the same line of businesses near Belles Outlet off of Curlew or Tampa Road in Oldsmar, Florida. I appreciate your time in reading my review of BD’s Mongolian Grill and will continue with more reviews on whatever strikes me as worth writing about to make an article.

Special bad credit mortgages are available for teachers. Educators have access to some exclusive mortgage products that are not available to other individuals. There are several low-interest mortgages open for teachers with bad credit. These teacher-specific bad credit mortgages have several advantages that ordinary mortgages do not enjoy.

A bad credit mortgage is an affordable way to clear your bad credit. You are very often asked what your credit rate is when you apply for a mortgage or home loan. Your credit worthiness is determined after considering the credit score contained in your credit report. A credit score less than 620 is considered a bad credit. However, many loan providers do not consider bad credit a hindrance in granting you a loan. A teacher with a credit score ranking below 620 can also obtain a mortgage thanks to special bad credit mortgages. There are different mortgages available for teachers with bad credit. Teachers can find a bad credit mortgage broker or lender via the Internet.

Different bad credit mortgage lenders have different requirements. They usually lend money after determining three important factors: they view the credit, check whether the person is capable of repaying the amount, and check the assets and establish the capability to undertake stronger down payment.

Many mortgage lenders are considerate to teachers, as teaching is a safe and sound profession involving little risk. As teaching is a long-term career, a teacher is treated as a low-risk applicant. Some lenders even take the risk of not accepting any deposit from teachers. Also, teachers enjoy many advantages such as low application fees.

Build your dream house without lifting a saw or paying a general contractor. Get a better quality house for less money.There are many secrets to the building industry and general contractors that builders want to remain a secret. You could be paying less money by cutting out the “middle man.” Not only could you build your own house but design it the way you want it.

Many people assume all builders actually know how to build. This is not true. You want to build a house that you know is a solid investment and better quality. So it makes sense for you to design and build your own home. Whether you want a rancher or a mansion you can do it yourself.

There are lots of ways to save money and time in the building industry. Even if you want to build your own house or have someone else build it,you can still have inside knowledge on many money saving secrets. Secrets that could save you hundreds even thousands on the building and designing process.

There are many aspects to building a home that you need to know before you begin such an expensive project. Know what to look for in designing your home to meet your needs and specifications. Don’t get scammed by general contractors and other people of the building industry such as electricians and plumbers just trying to make a huge profit.

Keep your designs intact with your budget. Be prepared and get the secrets you need to build a beautiful home to enjoy for years to come.

If you live in the Los Angeles area, or are moving to Los Angeles, you would probably like to be as close to downtown as possible. Finding an affordable apartment in the downtown area is difficult, but possible. Listed below are some very nice apartment communities that you should consider.If you live in the Los Angeles area, or are moving to Los Angeles, you would probably like to be as close to downtown as possible. Finding an affordable apartment in the downtown area is difficult, but possible. Listed below are some very nice apartment communities that you should consider.

Virgil Square is located near highways 101, 110, and I-10. Shopping, restaurants and entertainment of the Wilshire District and downtown LA are easily accessible from Virgil Square. The apartment community has flexible lease options and studio apartments go for around $1,065 while one bedroom apartments are started at $1,280. This gated community offers a pool, on-site maintenance and laundry facilities.

Hampshire Place features studios at $1,235 and one bedroom apartments at $1,430. This apartment community has a pool, spa, sauna and fitness center. Other amenities include package receiving, on-site management, and laundry facilities. Located in the mid-Wilshire District, Hampshire Place is close to downtown, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and USC. The location also provides easy access to many freeways.

The Chadwick Apartments have studios starting at $1,150 and one bedrooms are at $1,450. The community is located in City Heights in Wilshire, putting it near major freeways and downtown. For those times that you want to get away from it all, there is a pool, spa, sauna, BBQ/picnic area, and a rec. room. If your idea of relaxing is to indulge in some heavy sweating, you will be interested to know that the Chadwick offers a fitness center, club house and a variety of sports courts. The community is gate controlled, has night patrol and on-site management.

The Pegasus Apartments is located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. You can rent a studio for around $1,250 and a one bedroom for about two hundred dollars more. The original building was constructed in 1949, but was remodeled in 2003. Amenities include a pool, fitness center, sundeck and playground. This controlled-access community also offers a business center, laundry facilities and plenty of storage space.

The charming community of Rancho Los Feliz Rentals is located on five acres of gorgeous trees, paths and streams. It is near five different freeways and provides easy access to downtown, Glendale, Griffith Park, Pasadena and Hollywood. Just a few of the amenities are a 24-hour fitness center, heated pool, spa, sauna and sundeck. Rancho Los Feliz even has a library and internet café. Studios start at $1,089 and one bedrooms start at $1,189.

There are some really great cheap LA apartments in the downtown area, many with incredible amenities. All you have to do is decide which one suits you.