Posts Tagged ‘Guide’

postheadericon San Francisco Area Tax Attorney Releases “U.S. Estate Tax Planning for Non U.S. Residents and Non U.S. Citizens” Guide


Palo Alto, CA (PRWEB) February 21, 2011

Silicon Valley estate planning and probate lawyer Janet Brewer has released a new guide, “U.S. Gift Tax and Estate Tax Planning for Non-Residents and Non-Citizens”, highlighting key issues to consider when aspects of an estate cross international borders. The free guide is available for download at calprobate.com/international

Smart planning is essential because federal estate and gift tax laws are tough on non-citizens, even if the non-citizen has a green card, said Brewer, who frequently prepares estate plans for foreign nationals who own property or live in the U.S. In addition, many clients have assets both in the United States outside of the U.S. and not all countries recognize trusts and other tools that work within the United States.

“The tax effects of poor estate planning can be devastating,” cautions Brewer. “And, as with all estate plans, there is no opportunity for a ‘do-over.’ Heirs and loved ones will have to live with the results of what is taken care of — or not taken care of — now.”

While certified public accountants (CPAs), financial planners and other professionals can be helpful in the day-to-day management of financial affairs, it takes the special expertise of an estate planning attorney to make sure the transition of assets to heirs will go smoothly. International estate planning experience is all the more important when a non-citizen is involved.

The guide outlines key elements in an international estate plan, including:

What is considered home for the purpose of estate planning?
How the tax law treats non-citizens and non-residents differently from citizens
Treatment of minor children, including issues surrounding the choice and citizenship of a guardian
One useful estate planning tool, the Qualified Domestic Trust

“The tax rules for a noncitizen and nonresident are even more complex if he or she dies owning ‘U.S. situs’ assets,” adds Brewer. “The most common U.S. situs assets are real estate located in the U.S., stock options in a U.S. company, stock ownership in a U.S. company, and a U.S. company’s corporate bonds.

“For example, many people think land in Silicon Valley is very cheap right now. They are flocking to Los Altos, Palo Alto, Atherton, and other San Francisco Bay Area communities to purchase houses and condominiums. These real estate investors may be quite right some of the real estate in the Bay Area is at its lowest price in years. But if they are not U.S. residents and something were to happen to them, they are only entitled to a $ 60,000 exemption from U.S. gift and estate taxes non-resident aliens (NRAs) pay a much higher rate of gift and estate taxes than U.S. citizens. The good new is, with careful international estate planning, nonresidents and noncitizens can avoid tax traps.”

“When someone works hard to build up an estate, it can be devastating for the family to see it eroded by fees and taxes that could have been avoided,” said Brewer. “With this new guide as a start, families will know what kind of legal help they need, and the right questions to ask.”

The guide is one in a series of estate planning and asset protection guides offered by Brewer. For example, Brewer published a year-end tax law update for Bay Area families in December; before that, she published an alert for Bay Area CPAs about gift tax law changes. In August she published a guide telling the dos and don’ts when picking a trustee in California estate planning. Those who opt in to Brewer’s mailing list get the earliest notice about new resources when they come available.

About the Law Offices of Janet L. Brewer

Janet Brewer is a Palo Alto probate, trusts, and estate planning attorney with an advanced degree in tax law. She has practiced California estate planning, advanced gift-planning, and California probate law exclusively since 1991, and is Certified as a Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. Learn more at calprobate.com or call (650) 325-8276.

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postheadericon Chain Store Guide Releases the 2nd Annual Fastest Growing Restaurant Operators Report


Tampa, FL (PRWEB) June 09, 2011

Chain Store Guide has published its 2011 2nd Annual Fastest Growing Restaurant Operators Report

The focus for 2011 is on slightly larger companies (at least 50 locations at the time of last update) and their growth over a three-year time span, reflecting the strength of their concepts during the heart of the recession. Which Wich and Five Guys made the list this year as well, but it also includes eight other vibrant operations.

The list includes only original concepts, and thus excludes franchisees.

The top 10 is dominated by companies that offer affordable luxuries. Premium burgers and gourmet yogurt restaurant operators account for half of the top 10. Sandwiches are represented as are Buffalo-style chicken wings. Nowhere on the list are companies primarily offering pizza, cheap hamburgers, fried chicken, tacos, or classic American food.

“In this economy, its vital to know whats working for businesses, and working well,” said Carmen Vasquez-Perez, Chain Store Guides Sales and Marketing Director.

Business owners want to look at current trends to keep their business plan healthy; and we have our finger on the pulse of the foodservice industry.

The release of the 2nd Annual Fastest Growing Restaurant Operators Report comes as a result of Chain Store Guide’s longevity and excellent relationship with the foodservice industry.

Chain Store Guide offers other product lines in the foodservice industry; online market segments include Foodservice Distributors, HVIR, Grocery and Convenience Stores, Single Unit Supermarkets, and Wholesale Grocers.

About Chain Store Guide

Chain Store Guide researches all major retailers, restaurants, distributors and wholesalers in the United States and Canada with contact information on over 700,000 establishments.

Chain Store Guide provides business intelligence in print directory, online web application and customized database formats. Chain Store Guide retail and restaurant databases are used by manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, brokers, real estate professionals, retailers, analysts, consultants and other professionals seeking to gain insight into retail and foodservice markets in the U.S. and Canada. Since 1934, Chain Store Guide has been the leading data source for in-depth information on retailers, restaurants, and foodservice operations.

For more information contact us at http://www.ChainStoreGuide.com.

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postheadericon Real Estate Guide to Buy or Rent Whangarei Northland and Coastal Property in New Zealand

business may be focused in so many aspects as an investment and as a method to earn money from. You can be a real estate agent and enjoy earning money while on the other hand, there are those who have the capital to earn being an investor in the buy and sell arena for a real estate business. In Whangarei New Zealand, however, there is a lot of available real estate business investment that you can get in to if you want to earn a significant amount of income from it.

A may earn through real estate business by selling real estate property in so many ways and methods but so far, there are a few tips that I would like to give you to be able to earn good in this business. To be able to market a real estate property, you have to know where you can make such move or where to post your for sale property using the internet because we all know that the internet is the best medium there is if you are selling anything today. A few good ways to seek refuge for your product are forums and classifieds. Today there are a lot of free classifieds that you can post your for sale product. Forums can also be a good way to sell real estate. You can also try to market your real estate property using social media sites where you can post to multiple people who might just be interested to buy a real estate property in Whangarei. So far these are just a few ways and I know that there are a lot out there.

In a real estate investment, there are a lot of different types that you can sell for interest of those who might be looking for the perfect type of property. Different people have different preferences for a real estate property that they wan to buy or rent or even lease for a period of time so to be able to allow your target clients to get a glimpse of what is there in the real estate industry in Whangarei Nez Zealand, you must have access to the different types of real estate properties being sold in the market today and make a list of them all. This is for the purpose of having each type under your profile just in case you have to present a client the different types of real estate property that you sell for choosing.

To get you an idea of what is in store if you are looking to sell real estate these are a few types. , farmland real estate, northland real estate, beach real estate, resort real estate, ridge real estate and more. So far these are just a few but always feel free to make it more appealing and diverse for your clients. We all know that selling a real estate property either if it is for rent, lease or total sale depends on the choices that you can offer for your clients.

http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/real-estate-guide-to-buy-or-rent-whangarei-northland-and-coastal-property-in-new-zealand-587799.html

postheadericon A Guide To Finding Luxury Real Estate

Everyone has dreamed at one time in their life about being able to buy a vacation home on the beach or in some other exotic location. If you have finally come to a point in your life where you are able to start searching out luxury real estate, you are a very lucky person who is about to become the favorite friend of many. Finding a vacation home will be similar to when you purchased your first home, but for some people the criteria are a bit different.

Vacation homes are about having fun and getting away from it all. What this means for most people is a beach house on an island or if you love to ski, a lodge in the mountains or on the edge of a private lake. Whatever your idea of a perfect vacation home, there is sure to be a realtor who will be able to help you find you the home of your dreams.

Something that will be similar to when you bought your first home is that you will need to come up with a list of features you want your new home to have. Maybe you love the idea of waking up and being able to see a view of the ocean from your bed. Make sure that you let your realtor know that this is what you want.

For some people, deciding on a location may be the most difficult part of their decision. This is when research will definitely come in handy. Even if you do not know what part of a city you would prefer, you should at least narrow it down to a city or two so that your realtor can be as helpful as possible and not waste time showing you places you are definitely not interested in.

One way to make this decision is to take a trip to the places you are considering. Think about things like how close your first home will be to the vacation home. And although you may not be worrying about price, some areas may get you a better house for your money.

If you had not realized already, your family and friends will likely want to come with you or visit you in your vacation home. Be sure that if this is the case for you that you look for a home with extra space for guests. Perhaps an en suite on a floor away from the master bedroom would be a great idea to provide everyone with their own privacy.

Since many vacation homes are in remote places, and for good reason, there may be other things for you to consider before buying. Finding a place that is fully furnished will mean that you do not have to try to furnish another whole house. A house that already has furniture is sure to save you time as well as headaches and will allow you to move right in.

Of course there is a lot more to think about when considering buying luxury real estate, especially in an exotic location. Things to remember are finding a good realtor and making a list of what you are looking for in a home. If you can figure these two things out, the rest should be fairly easy.

http://business.ezinemark.com/a-guide-to-finding-luxury-real-estate-31e20c00d1d.html

postheadericon Costa Mesa Real Estate Guide

Millions of people often migrate to the United States each year chasing the ‘American Dream’. This is turn creates a huge demand for real estate property, both commercial and residential. One of the most beautiful places to do business and live in has got to be Costa Mesa, California. The vibrant city life together with its mixed culture creates a perfect environment for one to work and live. If you have just moved or are planning to shift to Costa Mesa and are in search for property to rent, look no further. Purchasing a property immediately might be difficult given the high rates. Unknown to a majority of persons is that California is one of the American States that is most expensive to live in.

However, as you settle and plan to acquire your own property, you will need a place to rent. Having recognized this need, the article seeks to provide a helping hand in searching for real estate to rent in Costa Mesa.

Whereas, some may be tempted to look for news paper adverts when searching for real estate Costa Mesa, unknown to them is that they are limiting their horizons to the type of properties that are accessible to them. The web is by far the best platform to locate Real Estate Costa Mesa given that at the click of a button it makes available to you a variety of property from the comfort of your house or office.

Nonetheless, no matter the method that you have decided to use, the following are points to consider at all times:

- Neighborhood: There are several real estate property that are located in upscale and middle class neighborhood in Costa Mesa that you can choose from depending on your budget.

- Amenities: Check whether the house is close to a supermarket, school or gym.

 

http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/costa-mesa-real-estate-guide-4111413.html

postheadericon A Guide to Going Bankrupt in Real Estate!!!

First off, watch some late night infomercials on TV. And possibly order some real estate tapes from Carlton Sheets. This will provide you with a positive upbeat attitude and a sense of false confidence that is essential in order to go bankrupt. Believe that after listening to some tapes, you can compete with people that have done this 7 days a week for years.

Second. For your first investment, buy in a city you know little to nothing about and avoid using a buyers agent who does know the city. Go directly to the sellers agent. The best way to make a truly horrible decision is to avoid any outside advice. The best part of this is that avoiding a buyers agent usually doesn’t save you any money since the selling agent simply makes more when you deal with them directly.

Look for a discount or a distressed property over a good long term investment. Late night infomercials and Carlton Sheets talk a lot about this. Getting equity at the point of sale. One thing about distressed properties with desperate sellers is that they frequently are in crappy areas with low appreciation rates. Buying a property at under market rate in an area with low appreciation potential versus a property in a good area is the kind of short sighted thinking that will really help you reach the goal of bankruptcy and foreclosure.

When you talk to people including your realtor, try to spend time talking about all the crap you learned from your book or light night infomercial. The more you listen to other people, the more you might get different perspectives and the higher chance you might learn new things. This could really hurt your chances of going bankrupt so avoid listening to anyone. Remember you know everything even if you only got interested in real estate last week.

Be positive to the point of stupidity. Alot of investors I know always think about how their situation would be affected by a 10 or 20 percent drop in the market before making a purchase. You should avoid this kind of thinking. You need to be blinded by greed. You should only fantasize about how you are going to double your money.

When calculating your monthly cashflow, assume that you will have 100% occupancy all the time and no maintenance cost. While you are at assume that its going to rain money tomorrow.

Also, be stubborn when renting your properties. Decide upon a number say $ 900 a month and refuse to budge. Come up with some bizarre logic about how the property deserves $ 900 a month. Lose months of rent having the property sit vacant instead of going down $ 50 on the rent. Instead of responding to the market make statements like “Well the markets wrong then”.

As you move closer to foreclosure, don’t alter your spending habits. Don’t move into a smaller house or cut spending. Act like nothing is wrong.

Overextend, overextend, overextend. Are you approved to buy one house. Why not buy 5, heck why not 20. Instead of building up a portfolio of properties over time, gaining experience along the way, just buy alot of properties next Tuesday.

Alot of people are getting into the foreclosure game. Their is no reason you should be left behind. Throwing caution to the wind and filling your eyes with greed and you should find yourself walking down the golden path to foreclosure.

This is not a definitive guide to foreclosure. Alot of people end up in foreclosure due to many things unforeseen events like unpreventable family illness, divorce or job loss. This is simply a guide to what I call elective foreclosure.

http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/a-guide-to-going-bankrupt-in-real-estate-168810.html

postheadericon Simple Agents And Brokers Guide To Selling Commercial Real Estate

Article by ReinaldoFinch

If you are just starting out as a real estate agent, it can be difficult to get started selling commercial real estate. However, commercial real estate is the big money maker in the real estate business. Since commercial real estate has become quite popular since it is such a money maker, it can be difficult and expensive to get started in this type of real estate. There are, however, a variety of ways that you can get started and start getting more commercial real estate deals if you are willing to do a little work.

Online Free AdsOne great way that you can get started in selling commercial real estate as an agent is to use inexpensive methods of advertisement. One great way to get the word out there about the property you are trying to sell is to use free online ads. There are a variety of different websites that are available for you to post classified ads on that list a property, or even multiple properties for sale, and the great thing is, you will not have to pay a penny. Not only is this a cheap way of exposure, but it is also a quick way to get your property noticed. Many times, your ad will be seen quicker when you put it on the web and by many more people. Local newspapers take more time and money to get you the exposure and only reach a local group of people, while advertising with free online ads can get your world wide exposure and help you sell the commercial property.

Free Real Estate PublicationsAnother way that newer real estate agents can get their commercial properties noticed is to advertise them in free local real estate publications. Whether it is a publication specifically for real estate or a publication that only includes real estate, this is a great way to advertise your property for free. This is an excellent way to gain local exposure, not only for the commercial property you are trying to sell, but also for you as an agent. Make sure that you continue to run ads for your property in these types of publications. Even though at first you may not see results, remember that many times it takes awhile for commercial real estate to sell, but perseverance can lead to a large pay off when you finally sell the property.

Quality SignsIf you are trying to sell a commercial property, especially one that is near a well traveled road, you may want to invest in a quality sign to advertise the commercial property. A small unprofessional sign may not attract any attention at all, but a larger sign that is well crafted and attractive can get the attention of many people who are driving by. You never know who may drive by the property and see your sign. While it will take a bit of money to get a great sign, it will be worth the money that you spend to get your property noticed. One never knows when a local business will need a new site, or someone with money to invest will be looking for an opportunity, and your sign will make sure that they will see your property when they drive by, which may lead to a sale.

Establish Business ConnectionsAs a new real estate agent, one of the best things that you can do is to start establishing business connections with a variety of different people. Speak with other real estate agents that are successful in selling commercial real estate and learn from their mistakes and their successes. Also try to get involved with local business people and know the market that you are trying to sell in. Often, if you can get the word out that you have a great piece of commercial property, it may spread to the right business people that will want to check it out. A great deal of being successful in the commercial real estate market has to do with the connections that you have, so work on making various business connections.

Find Your Own LeadsEven if you are working in a broker’s office, you should not expect the leads to be coming your way within the office. More than likely any leads within the office will be given to someone with more experience in commercial real estate until you have proven yourself to excel in this field. You will have to take the initiative to get the job done, and it is possible with a great deal of hard work. Check out the Chamber of Commerce in your area and find out who the business people are. You may also want to attend local zoning meetings where you will meet prospective investors who are looking for great properties. Even hitting up your local golf courses can help you make friends with local business people who may be prospective clients.

While it may be difficult to get started as an agent in commercial real estate, it is definitely possible if you are willing to work hard. Using the internet to advertise as well as free local publications can get the word out quickly and inexpensively so you will save money and get a broader base of exposure for what you are selling. Signs will also provide great exposure and show that you are serious about the commercial real estate business. Also important is making the right contacts and finding your own leads so you can excel in this business and prove to be a great commercial real estate agent. There is a great deal of money to be made in the commercial real estate industry, and hard work, dedication, and patience on your part can help you become successful.

http://goarticles.com/article/Simple-Agents-And-Brokers-Guide-To-Selling-Commercial-Real-Estate/3743763/

postheadericon Turkish Real Estate Investor Guide

Investor interest in the Turkish real estate market has been steadily on the increase, despite the downturn affecting various other world property markets. Not only is the investment market progressively growing, lifestyle purchases are gaining appeal from many European buyers.

Buying a property for either investment or lifestyle follows a very straight forward process, where additional incentives have been imposed by the Turkish government to further attract buyers. These incentives include the temporary lowering of title deed fees, along with the absence of capital gains taxes on properties re-sold after a specific time period.

Interest in Turkey’s sought after emerging real estate market has developed significantly with various benefits including pre-EU property prices, strong capital growth, economic stability and ideal buy-to-let market opportunities.

The payment of a holding deposit will be required once the property to be purchased has been selected. The holding deposit may vary between developers or agents, yet usually amounts to approximately €3,000 or £2,000. The holding deposit will remove the property from sales listings while the legal paperwork and due diligence is carried out.

Variations in payment schedules will occur between re-sale and off-plan properties, as often re-sale properties will require the buyer to move directly into the completion phase once the legal due diligence has been carried out. Once the due diligence has returned a satisfactory result for moving ahead with the sale, a reservation deposit will be paid. The reservation deposit will also vary between developments and can range between approximately 10% and 40% of the purchase price. Part of the legal fees may also be required at the reservation deposit phase.

The buyer’s representing solicitor will arrange the necessary military clearance that is required by all foreign purchasers in Turkey. Military clearance is simply required to ensure that the property to be purchased is not located within specific restricted zones, such as military land and other land protected for historical, cultural, or ecological reasons.

Once the military clearance has been obtained, the property title deeds will be ready for the official change of ownership in the local notary office. Upon completion of construction, the final payments for the property purchase will be arranged in the local notary office. This is the moment when the remaining payments for the property purchase are due, along with the remaining legal fees and the required associated purchasing costs.

Associated purchasing costs in Turkey are quite reasonable, amounting to approximately 5% of the property purchase price. The costs relating to the issuing of the title deeds have been reduced from 1.5% to 1% in an effort to assist the housing market during the economic downturn. Other required fees include Stamp Duty at 0.75% and the Notary Registration fees which are between 0.1% and 1% of the purchase price.

Legal fees will vary between firms and will be based on a percentage of the purchase price, often between 1% and 2%. Value Added Tax (VAT) will also be charged on properties with a surface area greater than 150m2, and is charged at 1% of the purchase price.

Other taxes that will be charged on property ownership in Turkey include residential real estate tax and rental income tax, with deductions available to assist with increasing the rental market. Capital gains tax is charged at 20% upon selling the property, although this tax is abolished if the property is owned for a minimum of 5 years prior to selling. This has been an excellent incentive by the Turkish government to discourage speculative buying leading to excessive, fast and unsustainable market growth.

Most nationalities are freely able to purchase property in Turkey, yet some nationalities will require a letter of intent to purchase, to be submitted from a legal representative. When unsure, checking with a local Turkish embassy or consulate will prove accurate and up to date information on various nationalities.

The mortgage market in Turkey is constantly undergoing reforms, bringing improved availability and interest rates to the public. Non-resident buyers are now able to obtain a loan from within Turkey to purchase property from both the re-sale and off-plan markets. Mortgages can be arranged with either fixed or variable interest rates, with many providers offering up to 85% of the property valuation price.

The growth and development of the Turkish real estate market amongst foreign investors has been largely attributed to the excellent realistic opportunities the market represents for pure investment, buy-to-let and lifestyle purchases. All of the factors relating to an ideal investment opportunity are present in the Turkish property market, ensuring stable growth opportunities for the long term outlook of the market.

http://www.bukisa.com/articles/235865_turkish-real-estate-investor-guide

postheadericon Real Estate Investing. A Guide

Real estate investing entails the acquisition, ownership, administration, rental and sale of real estate for profit. Enhancement of real property as a component of a real estate investment strategy is usually regarded to fall under real estate investing otherwise known as real estate development.

Real estate constitutes an asset  form which comes with limited liquidity applicable to other investments, it is highly dependent on cash flow. In the event that these issues are not well interpreted and managed, the level of risk increases. Falling into negative cash flow for some time often sees complicates poorly managed real estate investments.

Real estate markets in a number of jurisdictions are not as well organized in comparison to other more liquid investment options. An investor trying to evaluate prices as well as investment opportunities faces challenges in that properties not directly interchangeable. Thus identifying properties to invest in can be cumbersome.

Information asymmetries are also influential in the dynamics of real estate markets. This raises transactional risk, yet offers a number of opportunities for investors to secure properties at bargain prices. Real estate investors normally make use of a diversity of appraisal methods to establish the value of properties before buying.

Distinctive sources of investment properties incorporate:

    * Private sales
    * Real estate agents
    * Market listings (via a Commercial Information Exchange or Multiple Listing Service)
    * Wholesalers (which include financial institution real estate owned departments and public agencies)
    * Public auction (estate sales, foreclosure sales, etc.)

Real estate assets are generally costly as compared to other investment instruments (which include stocks or bonds).

 

http://www.bukisa.com/articles/451108_real-estate-investing-a-guide

postheadericon Real Estate Guide to Buy or Rent Whangarei Northland and Coastal Property in New Zealand

Real Estate Investment in Whangarei New Zealand

Real estate business may be focused in so many aspects as an investment and as a method to earn money from. You can be a real estate agent and enjoy earning money while on the other hand, there are those who have the capital to earn being an investor in the buy and sell arena for a real estate business. In Whangarei New Zealand, however, there is a lot of available real estate business investment that you can get in to if you want to earn a significant amount of income from it.

Whangarei Real Estate Agent Marketing Tips

A Whangarei real estate agent in New Zealand may earn through real estate business by selling real estate property in so many ways and methods but so far, there are a few tips that I would like to give you to be able to earn good in this business. To be able to market a real estate property, you have to know where you can make such move or where to post your for sale property using the internet because we all know that the internet is the best medium there is if you are selling anything today. A few good ways to seek refuge for your product are forums and classifieds. Today there are a lot of free classifieds that you can post your for sale product. Forums can also be a good way to sell real estate. You can also try to market your real estate property using social media sites where you can post to multiple people who might just be interested to buy a real estate property in Whangarei. So far these are just a few ways and I know that there are a lot out there.

Different Real Estate Property Investment and Sale

In a real estate investment, there are a lot of different types that you can sell for interest of those who might be looking for the perfect type of property. Different people have different preferences for a real estate property that they wan to buy or rent or even lease for a period of time so to be able to allow your target clients to get a glimpse of what is there in the real estate industry in Whangarei Nez Zealand, you must have access to the different types of real estate properties being sold in the market today and make a list of them all. This is for the purpose of having each type under your profile just in case you have to present a client the different types of real estate property that you sell for choosing.

To get you an idea of what is in store if you are looking to sell real estate these are a few types. Coastal real estate, farmland real estate, northland real estate, beach real estate, resort real estate, ridge real estate and more. So far these are just a few but always feel free to make it more appealing and diverse for your clients. We all know that selling a real estate property either if it is for rent, lease or total sale depends on the choices that you can offer for your clients.

postheadericon A Guide to Going Bankrupt in Real Estate!!!

First off, watch some late night infomercials on TV. And possibly order some real estate tapes from Carlton Sheets. This will provide you with a positive upbeat attitude and a sense of false confidence that is essential in order to go bankrupt. Believe that after listening to some tapes, you can compete with people that have done this 7 days a week for years.

Second. For your first investment, buy in a city you know little to nothing about and avoid using a buyers agent who does know the city. Go directly to the sellers agent. The best way to make a truly horrible decision is to avoid any outside advice. The best part of this is that avoiding a buyers agent usually doesn’t save you any money since the selling agent simply makes more when you deal with them directly.

Look for a discount or a distressed property over a good long term investment. Late night infomercials and Carlton Sheets talk a lot about this. Getting equity at the point of sale. One thing about distressed properties with desperate sellers is that they frequently are in crappy areas with low appreciation rates. Buying a property at under market rate in an area with low appreciation potential versus a property in a good area is the kind of short sighted thinking that will really help you reach the goal of bankruptcy and foreclosure.

When you talk to people including your realtor, try to spend time talking about all the crap you learned from your book or light night infomercial. The more you listen to other people, the more you might get different perspectives and the higher chance you might learn new things. This could really hurt your chances of going bankrupt so avoid listening to anyone. Remember you know everything even if you only got interested in real estate last week.

Be positive to the point of stupidity. Alot of investors I know always think about how their situation would be affected by a 10 or 20 percent drop in the market before making a purchase. You should avoid this kind of thinking. You need to be blinded by greed. You should only fantasize about how you are going to double your money.

When calculating your monthly cashflow, assume that you will have 100% occupancy all the time and no maintenance cost. While you are at assume that its going to rain money tomorrow.

Also, be stubborn when renting your properties. Decide upon a number say $900 a month and refuse to budge. Come up with some bizarre logic about how the property deserves $900 a month. Lose months of rent having the property sit vacant instead of going down $50 on the rent. Instead of responding to the market make statements like “Well the markets wrong then”.

As you move closer to foreclosure, don’t alter your spending habits. Don’t move into a smaller house or cut spending. Act like nothing is wrong.

Overextend, overextend, overextend. Are you approved to buy one house. Why not buy 5, heck why not 20. Instead of building up a portfolio of properties over time, gaining experience along the way, just buy alot of properties next Tuesday.

Alot of people are getting into the foreclosure game. Their is no reason you should be left behind. Throwing caution to the wind and filling your eyes with greed and you should find yourself walking down the golden path to foreclosure.

This is not a definitive guide to foreclosure. Alot of people end up in foreclosure due to many things unforeseen events like unpreventable family illness, divorce or job loss. This is simply a guide to what I call elective foreclosure.