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Built to last?

by

Assetz

One of the major themes for those looking to buy investment property overseas has been the question of whether they should opt for traditional markets or emerging markets. With so many new opportunities arising for investment in places where it would have been impossible not so long ago (eastern Europe being an obvious example) the temptations are many.

The argument for leaving behind established markets is that these can be saturated in places, offer nothing new and lack the potential for making money that an emerging, fast-growing market could offer. On the other hand, it has been suggested, with the existing markets investors could be sure that they were not leaping into the unknown. The chances of enjoying a huge, sudden return might be less, but so were those of losing one’s shirt.

Speaking up for one of those established markets,

French property firm

VEF’s spokesperson Cherise Williams suggested the main issue was not whether people could make money in the short-term out of new markets, but whether such markets could ever compete with the time-honoured traditions of France which ensured an enduring appeal.

She stated: “

France Property

didn’t just appear out of the middle of a desert because of a group a rich developers. France has many sustainable qualities that many emerging markets cannot compete with the heritage, the culture, the food, the lifestyle, the climate and multitude of landscapes all contribute to its long lasting popularity.”

Ms Williams added that because of this there was rarely an emotional attachment to places with new markets but ephemeral appeal, from which investors would soon move their money on to other markets.

She concluded: “Once the capital appreciation starts to slow down in that particular market, the investor will either move on to other emerging markets or consider making a long-term investment with a view to retiring in countries such as France.”

For all these reasons, it may indeed be that France offers a good long-term bet, along with other established markets such as Spain and Portugal. But it is far from clear that all emerging markets will fail to have a lasting appeal.

For example, Cape Verde, one of the most notable boom markets, may have

a whole range of issues in its favour, not least for British investors. Being the closest tropical islands to Britain and in the same time zone may enable it to establish a lasting appeal as a sun, sea and sand destination in the way Spain is now. This proximity advantage will enable the archipelago to offer itself as a more accessible alternative to the Caribbean or the Maldives. Barring an earthquake somewhat more powerful than the recent one in Lincolnshire, this is an advantage which is not going to go away.

Commenting on the islands recently, Simon Conn, sales and marketing director at overseas mortgage broker Conti Financial Services, told the Independent: “Cape Verde is a good bet because, as an ex-Portuguese colony, it is politically and economically stable.” While this aspect may be another good reason to back the archipelago, it could also be a good one to reject other emerging markets. Mr Conn told the paper there were corruption and planning problems in Turkey, property purchases in Thailand can only be done jointly with a national who must have the majority share and in Egypt raising finance is hard.

Recent figures for investment overseas by Britons have shown that both investment in traditional markets and new ones is high. Of the 242,000 purchases made by British nationals last year, figures from the Association of International Property Professionals indicate 25.4 per cent were in Spain and 17 per cent in France, Ready2Invest reports.

While this shows that the two main destinations for buyers (many for holiday homes rather than to make money) were the familiar top two, this still left the majority buying elsewhere. Add to that the fact that the number of purchases was 21 per cent up on 2006 and a clear picture emerges – that in a diverse market, both the long-standing appeal of traditional markets and the excitement of new ones are attracting plenty of investors.

In today’s world Property investment is an excellent investment option especially investment in UK

Jim Barnaby is a real estate investment broker and successful property investment adviser delivering research and selected UK and overseas property investment solutions with experience in spanish properties, french property investment, German property, Cyprus holiday homes,

Property in Cape Verde

, German property investment,

cape verde property

buy to let property

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By Robert Skvorecz

For many families, getting ready for Easter dinner means preparing a ham, dyeing some eggs and breaking out the dinner chafers to keep food hot throughout the evening. Yet while most families will be having a traditional meal with familiar courses and deserts, some intrepid chefs will venture off the beaten path and prepare unique and one-of-a-kind recipes to make their holiday meal something special. Chefs trying to turn a few heads with their Easter-themed dessert might consider using some unusual ingredients, like marshmallow peeps.

For the uninitiated, peeps are small fluorescent marshmallow candies shaped like bunnies and baby chicks. Over the years, the popular Easter treat has found its way into a number of after dinner treats like cupcakes, cookies and even mixed drinks.

One of the more challenging peep recipes is the so-called Easter Turducken. For this culinary concoction, intrepid chefs will require a package of peeps, a box of miniature Cadbury cream eggs and a hollow chocolate bunny.

Simply cut a small hole in the bottom of a peep and push the egg into the treat. Next break the chocolate bunny and use pieces of the crumbled candy to cover the hole. Heat the treats in a lined dinner chafer near the end of the meal and serve to hungry and happy guests. Wire chafing stands provide a safe and sturdy way to keep delicious meals hot throughout the holiday celebration and ensure each bite is as fresh as the last. Wire chafing stands are very important tools in keeping dishes hot, as well as making an event a true success. The strength and durability of wire chafing stands help determine how successful both the food and the holiday meal will be.

‘Besides thinner wire and less substantial welds designed to save material costs, typical wire chafer stands made overseas today are placing support legs in a very narrow pattern to save shipping and storage costs,” explains Skvorecz. “The risk to consumers is that this dramatically reduces their stability. The legs are just too close together for safety’s sake making it far too easy to accidentally tip over.”

Skorr wire chafer stands use a multi-patented design with four flat-bottomed corner legs for the widest stance and greatest stability in the market. Because the legs are placed in the corners with a stance significantly wider than typical overseas product, the wire chafer stand has maximum lateral support to prevent tipping and rollovers.

For greater structural integrity to prevent collapse, Skorr uses wire of significantly heavier gauge and stronger welds than imported competitors. For critical support of the food and steam trays, which can weigh up to 30 lbs. when fully loaded with heavy entrees and water, Skorr’s design provides eight vertical supports extending from the table to the upper rim vs. typically four for imported chafer products.

The company’s design also protects retailers and caterers from the fire hazard of customers trying to put lit fuel cans under the wire chafer stand, rather than placing the can, then lighting it. Since Skorr’s design avoids the vertical wires midway between the length of the foodtray, which is typical in imported wire chafer stands. This eliminates the drop hazard of customers snagging their thumbs on the wires.

Skorr wire chafer stands have won the Best Quality Award from the Professional Chefs Association. Unlike imported products – which can contain sharp edges due to handmade production processes – Skorr wire chafer stands are precision-made and environmentally friendly. Skorr wire chafer stands are irreplaceable for any party, tailgating, or catering event.

About the Author: Robert Skvorecz is the owner of Skorr Products, which he founded in 1992. His backgrounds in both marketing and product and machine design have allowed him to develop affordable, convenient, and sturdy wire chafing racks for Skorr Products.

skorrproducts.com

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By Rich Phillips

Sound Advice for the First Time Home Buyer

A home is probably the most money any American will ever have to spend in their lifetime on a purchase. If you and your family have to live with each paycheck as it comes in, whether or not to buy a home can be one of the toughest decisions to make. It is a scary situation for many people but when it comes down to the bare facts, there is no other choice than to buy a home. You are making an investment in your future and that can’t be done when you’re living in an apartment. If you look at the facts, paying rent, utilities, and phone and cable in an apartment may actually be more than you would pay if you owned your own home.

The first thing you need to do is hunt for a loan. Here is where you need to take some time comparing prices. Never jump at the first loan offer just because the lending company said yes to your application. Look around and try to find the best rates before you commit to a loan.

It is a good idea to have your finances in order. Keep a number in your head that you know you will not go over and stick with it. Some lenders offer loans larger than what you can actually afford so be very careful. If you know you need a smaller loan, don’t be pushed into something you know you can’t afford.

Once you have gone and applied for the loan, the lender will tell you exactly how much you qualify for. Discounting what you have as a down payment, make sure you look at homes that are within your price range so you do not get stuck trying to pay off a loan that was too big to begin with.

Tips for the First Time Home Buyer

When buying your first home, there are many things that you should learn before jumping into your first purchase and one of them is the taxes on the home. Each area or district has a different tax bracket and these taxes vary from location to location. If you are a first time home buyer, it is always much easier to have the taxes included in your mortgage. This way you do not have to worry about coming up with large payments twice a year; they can be spread out through the monthly mortgage payment leaving you more money during the month. Your payment may go up on your loan but it will be just a fraction to cover the average tax on the home.

If you think that adding the tax payment into your home mortgage is something you can’t afford, you may want to look in a different area or even look at a lower priced home to cover the cost. If you choose to go with another lender, you can do that too if you do it within a 10-day period. This will change your credit rating one time but it will allow you to find the best lender with the lowest price that you can afford. You can shop around until you are happy with a loan and then make sure you get pre-approved to help you out during the bidding process. Being pre-approved gives you the best chance at getting the home of your choice.

When your loan is finally approved, it is time to go shopping if you haven’t started already. Find yourself a realtor who is professional and willing to take the time to find you a good home. The good thing about a realtor is he doesn’t get paid until you purchase a home so make sure he knows what you are looking for so he can search and find the best homes in the area that meet your needs or preference. Sitting down and telling him what it is you want will allow him to get out there and start checking out new properties as they become available. If you have a particular neighborhood in mind, let him know.

About the Author:

First time home buyer programs

: list of programs, grants, loans,

down payment assistance

, tax credits and aide for first time home buyers. Visit

buyerprograms.net

to see programs in your area.

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By Carl Hampton

It now seems almost impossible to turn on the TV or open a newspaper any more without seeing another advert for some credit repair service. My email box is overloaded with subject titles like Credit problems? No problem! or We can erase your bad credit 100% guaranteed.. This must be a great business to be in, some of these companies are now using telemarketers to offer their services. They all seem to make the same misleading claims, Create a new credit identity legally. or We can remove bankruptcies, judgments, liens, and bad loans from your credit file forever!

Dont for one moment believe these misleading statements they are nothing more than a scam, lies designed to get their hands on your hard earned money. These companies appeal to anyone who has a poor or bad credit history. They will often promise, for a fee of course, to clean up your credit report. This will then allow you to get that car loan you wanted or that mortgage you were turned down for, maybe you need a higer score to secure a job. The real truth is, most of them cant or won’t deliver what they promise you. Once you have paid them hundreds or sometimes even thousands of dollars in fees these companies normally do nothing to improve your credit score what so ever. Some will simply just vanish with your money. There really is only one way to clean up your credit report and that takes time, a conscious effort on your part and a personal debt repayment plan that will improve your credit score over time.

Here are some warning signs to look out for should you decide that you would rather use the services of a credit repair company rather than do the work yourself. Stay away from companies that fail do tell you your legal rights, they must by law tell you what you can do for yourself for free. A big red flag to watch for are companies that recommend that you do not contact a credit reporting company directly. Do not give your money to any company that suggest you try to invent a new credit identity, with a new credit report by applying for an Employer Identification Number to use instead of your Social Security number.

Please keep in mind you could be charged and prosecuted for mail or wire fraud if you use the mail or telephone to apply for credit and provide false information. It is a federal crime to lie or give misleading information on a loan or credit application, to misrepresent your Social Security number, and to obtain an Employer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service under false pretenses.

The Truth, The Whole Truth and Nothing But The Truth

It is not possible to legally remove any negative information from your credit report that is accurate. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) does allow you to ask for an investigation of any information listed on your credit report file that you dispute as inaccurate or incomplete. There is no charge to you for this service. Everything a credit repair clinic or service could do for you legally, you can with alittle time and effort do for yourself at little or no cost.

According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), You are entitled to a free credit report if a company takes adverse action against you, like denying your application for credit, insurance, or employment, and you ask for your report within 60 days of receiving notice of the action. The notice will give you the name, address, and phone number of the consumer reporting company.

You are now also entitled under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to one free credit report from each of the consumer reporting companies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnionreport once a year, the year runs from September to end of August. You will also receive an updated report every time to submit a change to your report or ask for an item to be investigated, giving you the results of the investigation. The free credit reports will list all of the items shown on your credit report but will not come with your credit scores, these you are required under the Act to pay for, normally around $5.00 from each provider.

About the Author:

CarlHampton.comfcdtcm.comiNeedCreditNow.com

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By Fred Romano

There exist some good credit cards having rewards to decide on. When making reference of the rewards, many of the cards have affiliated themselves with dealers together with other establishments. In the event that you get your items through the establishment or retailer that is involved themselves with your card, you then have the option to accumulate bonus points or reward points. Some top credit cards has joined hands with many of the prominent air carriers to present you rewards for your next flight ticket. Moreover, they present a number of air miles cards in which you are able to acquire air miles by using them and you could pick the carrier you hope to go on a trip with.

As compared to other cards they have cheap rates of interest as well as fees and some of the cards they offer are 0% prime rate the moment you purchase and balance transfers except you’ll not be able to get a reward for it on balance transfer. Consider that a lot of the cards with annual fees feature greater rewards in contrast to cards without yearly premium; nevertheless the majority of the fees based cards are business linked. Most other cards promote cash rewards plan which is exceptional and when you maintain a savings or checking account in the bank where you’ve your regular credit card applied, they send your cash rewards into the account the moment it hits a given balance.

It will be a most preferred and trouble-free alternative to enjoy the cash rewards. You may find several banks together with other credit card issuing establishments who supply rewards for their prominent credit cards in Canada. For instance, Capital One, Bank of Montreal, American Express, MBNA, Scotiabank, and CIBC. Be familiar with that when you have a major card maybe with rewards or not, you should not rely on it. In no way be dependent on the credit card to pay for your wants as an alternative, use your cash so long as you’ve got.

It is advisable to use your prominent credit card in an emergency scenario and critical issue is that you must reduce your overheads so that you can repay what you owe and mortgages and maintain a solid credit record. Most of the main credit cards are provided by the financial institutions and have specific credit limits. A small number of cardholder permits the bank to bill for up to their credit limit and instantly settle the dues if at all in its entirety. Amongst the two most known main cards are Visa and MasterCard that’s popular and allowed worldwide.

As soon as you are in need of a major credit card with rewards, you need to accomplish your homework online using the internet. You’re able to analyze it quickly and what’s fantastic on it is that it is even feasible for you to submit an application for your card on the internet. The only thing you would like to accomplish is to complete their applications online via the web and wait for the result either using your e-mail or via postal mail. You should be safe in finding a card with rewards and endeavor to have the cheapest interest rates if at all feasible. And, figure out what other charges they might levy in any event. Be prudent in seeking your card.

About the Author: Fred is an expert in the field. For more information on Canadian Credit Cards, and Top Credit Cards Please visit: http://www.ratesupermarket.ca

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By Morgan Hamilton

Comparing low APR credit cards can be your first step towards substantial savings if you currently carry a monthly credit card balance. Let us first define exactly what APR is. APR is short for annual percentage rate and is basically the effective rate of interest that a borrower will pay on a loan.

Stated another way, APR is the total cost of credit that a consumer will pay, including one time fees. It is expressed on an annualized basis to make it easier to compare loan options offered through different lenders. In the United States the lenders, in our case the credit card companies, are required by law to disclose their rates to the consumer.

The concept of APR can be applied to such financial instruments as auto loans and savings accounts as well. Comparing low APR credit cards online is a rather easy task when you go to a quality web site such as Find-Cards-Now.com. It is a secure site that lists well over 130 cards from the top issuers in the industry.

Transferring high interest balances from existing cards is beneficial for two reasons; first off, the savings realized by transferring to low APR credit cards are immediate. You can literally save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars depending on the size of the balance you carry.

And secondly, because you are paying less out on interest, you will be able to increase the amount you pay on the principle, thereby paying the card off quicker. Of course, this will require financial discipline, but the savings realized is well worth the effort. We would all like to increase our incomes. Sometimes the best way to do that is by cutting expenses.

You will find that most credit card companies will offer low interest cards, including issuers such as Discover Card and American Express. Be sure to read the terms of service carefully. In many cases the interest rate being offered will be an introductory rate that will expire in six months to one year. These are important details that must not be overlooked.

You need a good to excellent credit rating to be approved for low APR credit cards. If you are unsure of your current credit history, I suggest taking advantage of one of the many services that allow you to obtain your credit score. It is always a good idea to periodically check your credit record.

About the Author: Morgan Hamilton is a financial adviser that specializes in the credit markets. Using Low APR Credit Cards responsibly is an excellent way to cut expenses and save money. Visit

find-cards-now.com

to obtain more information.

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