Buying in Spain What is a Buyers Agent and how can they Help?

1.An overview of buying in Spain

The climate and lifestyle in Spain coupled with the property boom in the UK in the late nineties and early 2000?s has meant people are considering a second home in Spain ? or permanently moving here to start a new life. Whatever the reasons there appears to be 2 types of buyers.

1.Those that prepare and research everything
2.Those that have little time or inclination for preparation

Many buyers have seen property exhibitions run by large companies who appear to offer the world. They sign up for inspection trips believing that they will see a few properties and then have time to look around other areas and other properties.

However the reality of these types of trips is that there is little time to do anything except look at houses the developers choose to show you ? often in areas which the buyer doesn?t really wish to move to.

Often buyers believe the TV programmes that promulgate British TV ? such as ?A place in the Sun? - that for a few thousand pounds one can buy their dream Villa in Spain ? this just isn?t the case anymore. Most of these programmes were produced 2 ? 3 years ago and give buyers unrealistic expectations. Because of the influx of foreign buyers, prices in most areas of Spain have shot up considerably ? on average around 20% per annum over the past 5 years but near the Costas a lot more. Consequently the number of agencies selling properties has grown proportionately.

People on the whole ? for whatever reason - tend to visit Spain with little or no preparation. Busy lifestyles lead to limited time. So many people will just hop on a plane and hope for the best ? some are lucky others spend their trip searching fruitlessly, visiting estate agents offices, seeing properties that neither meet their needs nor their purpose for buying in Spain.

Many agents have a philosophy of once you are in their office don?t let you go until you agree to visit something. They spend little, if any, time finding your real requirements ? to them all that matters is the amount of bedrooms, the area and the price ? but to you the buyer there are other more subtle factors, such as schools, hospitals and a feel for the area, which no amount of words can put across.

Estate Agents operate by taking on a property from a client. They differ from the UK in that the seller determines the price they wish to receive and the agency adds on their fees. In most cases these fees vary from between 3% and 10%. However some unscrupulous agencies will charge upwards of 25% and more if they feel they can get away with it.

The net result of all this is that you are visiting people who have the sellers interests at heart, will pressure sell you into buying something you don?t necessarily want, will happily trail you around countless number of houses ? usually just to give the sellers the impression they are doing their job. Thus because buyers are stretched for time they will accept anything just to get on the ladder, and end up with the wrong property in the wrong area ? and possibly return to the UK after a year or so because they don?t like the lifestyle.

And worse still they probably paid well over the odds for their property because they don?t speak Spanish and went to an English agent ? which means they are paying usually 10%+ on top of what the owner wants ? in some cases much more. So when they try to sell later ? they cannot without losing money.

2.The results

So the net result of not preparing and just going to an estate agents is

?Using agencies with other peoples interests at heart
?Wasted time as agents show buyers round properties not meeting criteria
?Wasted trip due to fruitless search (and the cost involved in arranging another trip)
?Accepting the wrong property because ?time is running out? and the need to get on the ladder
?Paying over the odds for the property ? due to high agents fees and....
?Not being able to negotiate a good discount because it is not in the agents interests to do so
?Eventually having to either go home or sell on at a loss because of over inflated prices
?Frustration at the whole process of buying in Spain
?A general feeling that no-one is listening to their needs
?An Increase in costs due to price rises in the meantime
3.The Solution

The solution is very simple. Instead of using someone who has the sellers interests at heart use some one with YOUR interests at heart ? a Buyers agent. If you only have a limited period of time then it is much better to do a little preparation and get someone else to do your legwork for you. Then when you do visit you will see a handful of properties ? all of which you will have a fairly good chance of buying because they meet with your criteria.

4.What does a Buyers agent do

?Establish your criteria
?Search for property and view each one then Select properties for you to view
?Process the formalities - take you to the Police station to arrange your NIE number (crucial before buying a house) and arrange a Spanish Bank account
?Guide you through the purchase process, including the notaries and translation service where
?required.
?Where needed provide additional services such as finding builders to do work, interior designers buying a car etc.

4.1.Establishing your criteria

Firstly they should discuss with you your requirements on the phone, email or face to face.

They should endeavour to establish important criteria such as

1.Area and location
2.Reason for purchasing
3.Maximum budget
4.Other requirements - Type of property, State of property, Minimum # of Bedrooms, What kind of work you are willing to do, What you are willing to accept, What you are NOT willing to accept, How much land you require and for what reason (where appropriate) 4.1.1.Area

Probably the most important criteria is the area. Once you have established an area you want to live in then the rest is secondary. It is generally easy to find specific types of property in an area once the area has been decided upon ? providing you are realisitic in your requirements (there?s not many places where you can find a 3 bed villa with a pool for the price of a sandwich and a coffee from Starbucks).

One of the most common mistakes buyers make is to try to buy a property before establishing an area. Sometimes this works ok but most times it is a disaster, leading to disappointment and wasted time, as well as additional expense. Some research can be done beforehand, but the buyers agent can help to establish an area based on your requirements. For example do you speak Spanish? No then you need a predominantly English area unless you are willing to learn. Do both partners drive ? if not then what happens if you buy a secluded property when the non driving partner wants to go visit people and the driving partner isn?t around ? they will drive you straight back to the UK. Need to work, then going to a sparsely populace village could be commercial suicide. These are factors that are more than just the price of the house and how many bedrooms it has.

4.1.2.Reason for purchasing a property

The reason for buying the property is almost as important as the area. For example if you want a property for investment purposes it is no point in buying inland as you will get very few rentals ? in spite of what agencies may tell you. There is only one constant with rental properties ? the beach gets the highest premium. You may well be able to increase the rental income by adding a pool, but most holidaymakers want to be within striking distance of the beach.

Or you may be buying a holiday home for occasional use and rental, a place to live semi permanently or a permanent residence. All of these factors need to be clarified as they all have a bearing on the area and location within the area.

For example older people want to be close to Hospitals and Medical care, the towns and where one partner only drives within walking distance of amenities so if anything happens to the non driver the other can cope without upheaval.

Young families need to be close to schools and amenities, clubs and other societies to enable comfortable living. Do you want to live in the country but close to a town, or in an urbanisation where you have neighbours close to hand.

The rest of the requirements are self explanatory. The buyers agent will try and determine your minimum requirements so they can discard any properties that don?t meet them ? after all there is little point in visiting a stunning property if you need 3 beds and it only has 2 ? this would compromise your living and in time would mean you have to move on.

4.1.3.Maximum Budget

Obviously very important. But you have to remember a number of things. First of all the advertised price isn?t the price you pay. You must add another 10% for legal fees etc on the purchase price of the property or 12% if you need a mortgage. You pay 10% of the declared value. It is customary in Spain to only declare a percentage of the purchase price. This is known as BLACK and WHITE Money. Ie the black money is the undeclared amount.

Whilst completely illegal it still goes on and is dependent upon YOU as a buyer whether this is something you wish to do. DO NOT be pressurised into doing this it is fraud and all you are doing is leaving yourself open to paying someone else?s tax bill.

You must also take into consideration exchange rates. You may have had ?200,000 last week when the ? was high against the Euro but this week it may have gone down again. Allow for this fluctuation by setting your budget a bit lower or by fixing the rate beforehand. Most agents will have a relationship with an exchange company and can guide you here.

What about furniture. Will you bring your own with you, or get some whilst over here. Most Spanish people tend to leave their furniture in the house ? lock stock and barrel. You need to agree with the sellers what?s being left and make sure you get it in writing before you sign contracts. If you are going to buy when you are over you need to allow around 10% of the purchase price for furniture. 4.1.4.Other requirements

All your other requirements are taken into consideration too. A buyers agent will only provide you with properties that meet your minimum requirements, taking into account price and area. Where they believe these requirements to be unrealistic, they should guide you as to acceptable solutions.

By working with you and advising you honestly they should ensure you get the results you want .

4.2.Search for property

Once they have established your criteria they will search for properties in the area you have indicated using your criteria. Typically this can take up to 3 weeks depending on the area and your requirements (obviously the more flexible with criteria you are the more matches you will get the quicker it will be). A good buyers agent will personally visit every property before they send details to you.

They will then send you a list of about 5 ? 10 properties for you to look at. From this you will agree a list of properties you wish to see and create an agenda for your visit.

Experience suggests that anything more than half a dozen properties will overload you and will not add anything to your overall choice. By limiting properties to your selected criteria they will ensure that you get your perfect property very quickly. Think of it as a dating service for property. It usually works because most people buy the first or second home they see. 4.3.Process the formalities

There are two very important things you must do before you buy a property in Spain. The first is go to the police station and obtain a NIE number (Numero Identificaci?n Extranjeros ? A foreigners Identification Number). This allows the authorities to know who owns property in their area and is essential for buying a home or any other large purchase (such as a car).

This is a mere formality, for which you only require a copy of your passport, and a signed application form. You will require this identification number for non-nationals should you wish to open a bank account in Spain

Next you need to have a Spanish Bank account. Although not entirely essential you need to pay bills regularly (in Spain Bills are paid every two months rather than quarterly). Missing a bill can mean disconnection from the service and an embargo put on the property (similar to a CCJ in the UK). Most Bills are paid by Direct Debit ? so it makes sense to have a Spanish Bank account. Also if you have a mortgage then you will need to have a Spanish Bank account.

After this you are free to buy your property.

4.4.Guide you through the buying process

Once you have chosen a property you should ensure that pre-contract enquiries and searches are carried out to protect your best interests. Evidently, the first step is to introduce you to a solicitor who specialises in drawing conveyances. Your decision to employ a lawyer will provide you with peace of mind and save you considerable expense in the long run.

Once you have chosen a lawyer, the conveyancing process commences with the pre-contract enquiries and searches. These procedures are the same for newly-built and second-hand dwellings.

Second-hand homes: It is usual to sign an option contract, and pay 10% of the purchase price, from which any amount you may have previously paid as a booking deposit must be deducted. Prior to paying over a deposit you shuld carry out pre purchase searches (or your solicitor should)

The balance is paid, in the majority of cases, within 30 to 60 days. On payment of the balance of the purchase price, the vendor is bound to sign the Deed of Conveyance transferring the property to you, or to the person or company you designate.

It should be remembered that where the vendor is a non-resident you must retain 5% of the purchase price stated in the Deed of Conveyance. This 5% must be lodged with the Spanish Inland Revenue as a payment on account by the vendor in respect of his eventual capital gains liability generated as a result of the sale. Your agent should assist you with this if there is no bank mortgage involved (usually the banks retain this on your behalf and pass it to the hacienda directly)

Newly-built homes: In most cases the developer will offer a standard contract of sale, requiring an initial down-payment and a number of interim or staged payments, which are generally linked to progress of construction and completed work stages. In most cases, the final payment is made when the Licence of first occupation is granted.

Likewise, if the developer has financed the development through a mortgage loan, the purchaser may assume the mortgage instead of making the final payment. Should you not wish to assume the mortgage, the developer must discharge the mortgage, and will be liable for any expenses or outlay entailed in the discharge of mortgage. Be careful to ensure he does not try and pass this amount to you. You will need to ensure this is in your contract

Any interim payments you may make to the developer while construction is in progress must be guaranteed by a performance bond or insurance policy called a bank guarantee

4.5.Help you with other services

Seldom does your purchase finish at the notaries office. Typically most agents will help you a little afterwards with things such as transferring bills into your name etc. However for most this is where the transaction ends.

But what about when you need a builder to turn your plot into your dream home, or to renovate your house, or even buy a new car and transfer everything into your name. This can prove as stressful as buying a house.

As your buyers agent they should be happy to either put you in contact with local people who they know to be good, or they can manage your project for you and ensure that the work gets done in accordance with your wishes ? very important if you are not here to oversee everything yourself.

Finally there may be times when you just need to call someone to talk over a problem or ? in some cases ? someone to speak Spanish on your behalf. It has been known for customers to call and ask if we can speak to an assistant at a shop in order to get the message across to them. We are more than happy to do so ? and it doesn?t matter how long after you bought your property ? our service doesn?t stop when you buy a property ? after all you may be our neighbour and a client again one day in the future.

5.The benefits of using a buyers agent

There are many benefits of using a buyers agent. Firstly and most importantly you have someone batting for your side. They will negotiate on your behalf and because they find your property via other means than using an agent then you can be assured of getting the best possible deal. In short then the benefits are

1.Someone with your interests at heart
2.Vested interest in getting you your property ? therefore will listen to your requirements
3.Local knowledge of the areas you wish to live in
4.Able to bypass agents or at least negotiate on your behalf
5.Save you frustration of endless visits to inappropriate properties
6.Save you time allowing you to get on with purchasing your home
7.Could save you substantial amounts of money (upto 10-30% of the purchase price)
8.Will ease you into the process of buying in Spain

If you have any comments on the subject matter or want any advice then please feel free to contact me. vbtudor@spanishproperty-direct.com and for more articles about buying in Spain look at the website http://www.spanishproperty-direct.co.uk If you would like a free copy of the e-book - An Insider?s Secret Guide To Buying A Property In Spain then drop me an email and I will send you a copy by return.

Mazda Kabura Concept: Fun and Dynamic

Mazda Australia will showcase its much-admired Kabura concept car in Sydney. The magnificent lineup includes the new CX-7 crossover, BT-50 truck range, and Mazda6. These vehicles will astound the crowd of this year's Australian International Motor Show.

This year's Australian International Motor Show will be very important for Mazda Australia, says Doug Dickson, Mazda Australia's managing director. Not only will we be able to showcase two new cars, but we are very proud to have the Kabura concept car in the country. Kabura signals Mazda's future design direction and we are very excited with the result.

The Kabura concept features a compact sports vehicle that uses 2.0-litre MZR engine to combine fun and functionality to driving pleasure. It is especially designed to cater to drivers who appreciate dynamic and sport driving without sacrificing comfort and functionality. Kabura concept car is not a traditional car - that is the edge of incorporated to it.

With Mazda6 Diesel on sale in October, the CX-7 on sale in November and the BT-50 range in December, this motor show will provide an excellent forum for us to talk to our customers and introduce these new Zoom-Zoom models, Dickson added.

Kabura, which was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, shows striking themes and technologies. It is equipped with 3+1 seating arrangement to provide greater passenger comfort without escalating size or weight. Kabura uses powerful Mazda mechanical parts and accessories to boost its overall appeal. It incorporates some of the remarkable Mazda MX-3 parts. Additionally, the concept car also uses rear-drive layout identical to that of Miata.

Mazda CX-7 is the automaker's latest SUV addition. It is said to embrace the 'soul of a sportscar' philosophy of Mazda which means excellent driving dynamics coupled with practical function. It is also equipped with Mazda's Active Torque Split All Wheel Drive system. The latter includes dynamic fuel injection parts Mazda injectors, which are incorporated to Mazda6 MPS.

Mazda Atenza or Mazda6, on one hand, replaced Capella. So far, the diesel-powered vehicle is the first generation of Mazda's stylish, youthful and spirited range. The new BT-50 truck range was given an exciting blend of sophistication and functionality to come up with outstanding and versatile trucks.
About the Author

Margaret Adams is the present manager of the largest auto manufacturing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This 35 year old maiden is a certified car enthusiast.

Buy to Let in France

What is a buy to let in France?

The buy to let scheme in France is where a property is bought and then leased to a property management company. The property management company then finds a tenant, maintains the property. In short looks after the purchaser?s interests and makes sure the property is occupied by a paying lodger.

Unlike with a leaseback, a buy to let property is not let to holiday makers and so ?downtime? is limited. Other advantages are that there is no furniture to buy, the property is let unfurnished and the terms, when compared to a leaseback, are more flexible. For example it is possible to break the contract with the management company at anytime.

How long is the lease period?
Normally there is a three year lease period. During this time, as with any property you will not have access to the residence for personal use.

What is the rate of return?
The average gross return is between 4-5% before costs on any extra guarantees. This of course can very from region to region.

When can the property be sold?
As with all property, a buy to let can be sold at any time. If there is a lodger, the chances are that full market value for the property will not be achieved.

For more information on buy to let in France, including property listings see www.myinvestmentinfrance.com My Investment in France is a fully licensed Paris based English speaking real estate agency. If you are looking for property in Paris My Investment in France will help you find it. They have a large selection of Buy to Let properties in Paris and the C?te d'Azur.

First Time Home Buyer Programs

Eventually, everything boils down to owning that house that you have been dreaming of. You have tried and have become tired of living in apartments, in condominiums, in rental homes, and in your parents? living room. However, you still crave and long for that structure that would be under your name and that you can call your home. And if luck prevails, you may own the home that you have been dreaming of.

One of the things that helps out first-time home buyers are first-time home buyer programs. These programs have been designed to assist people who are engaging in buying a home for the first time. Also, they have been designed to assist low-income families or to interest first-time home buyers. These types of programs assist those people who are in dire need of help when it comes to purchasing a home.

One of the tips that these first-time home buyer programs give to interested parties is that every buyer should be able to take full advantage of the various programs for first-time home buyers, because these can greatly assist them in obtaining lower interest rates. Most of these groups that provide first-time home buyer programs are generally aware of the situations that different types of interested parties have. That is the reason why these groups have also considered these situations and have provided various kinds of assistance for people with different needs.

Knowledge of how these first-time buyer programs work could prove to be an essential tool in taking advantage of them. Further information could be gathered through the Internet, or people could also get in touch with these groups that provide first-time buyer programs.

First Time Home Buyer provides detailed information on First Time Home Buyers, First Time Home Buyer Programs, First Time Home Buyer Grants, First Time Home Buyer Loans and more. First Time Home Buyer is affiliated with Home Owner Insurance Rates.

Why Do Successful Realtors Earn Money When They Sleep?

With the Internet penetrating every aspect of our life, it?s getting impossible to stay uninvolved. You can?t ignore the World Wide Web with its millions of users, or else it will ignore you. If you deal with vacation rentals business, but you haven't yet gone online, you are missing an opportunity to vastly increase your exposure to potential customers and increase your revenue.

?I wish I could work 24 hours a day as my web site does?, - said one of my friends. And here it is, the main secret of online presence: You can be in many right places at many right times. In fact, the time and place are always right on the Internet. Discover other secrets:

Full automation of your business
If your business is online, you can earn money round the clock. The property management software, which your rental portal is based on, automates guest-owner negotiations, accepts payments, tracks the statistics, shows property photos, and displays the available/ reserved dates for a property. The best thing about it is that it requires no involvement from your side.

Money Flow
You may charge property owners for being listed on your rental portal. This is more convenient than taking commission on every rent. A regular, stable income is better than one time commission ?jackpots? from rents; at least if you intend to be in the business for a long time. Still, no involvement from your side is needed. Owners can simply pay the membership fee via a built-in credit card processor. You may clean your teeth, sleep, eat, do whatever you want to do; the Internet means that you can accept payments from eager property owners to your online account at any time.

Word-of-mouth advertising
Those who offer rental property via your web site and see good results are likely to recommend you to their colleagues. Thus, more and more owners will want to be listed on your web site. The more owners you have, the more money you earn.

Likewise, those who rented a property via your web site and liked the ease and availability of the online service are likely to recommend you to their relatives or friends. Bringing them to your web site is better than to just giving your phone number. Via phone, you can not show property photos and very often can not check immediately the availability of the property within the specified period of time.

Affordability
To market your properties online you do not have to invest a lot of funds. You may purchase a turn-key solution and install it in a few clicks. It costs from $200 to $400 depending on the features. Other expenses you will have are customization costs (if needed), hosting fee, and advertising. But the online world charges for all this much less than an offline one does. All this can be done from your home computer, isn?t it a real honey?

Quick return on investment
The beauty of taking your business online is the speed you start returning your investment with. Most online realtors state that to become conspicuous in an Internet media is easier and quicker than in other media. Indeed, you may promote your rental web site all over the world. Anyone from any location can access your web site 24 hours a day. More visitors result in more customers. Would you mind being globally known?

Dear realtors, I urge you to take your business online. Do not lose precious time.

Stacey Daniels is an advertising copyrighter and a marketing consultant of iStateSoft LLC

The Lowdown on Britax Car Seats

As a parent, not only do you want the absolute best for your child, but you'll also do anything in your power to keep them safe and out of harm's way. Britax, the number one selling child's car seat in England, Europe and Australia, has a real, honest investment and passion for designing, developing and producing the safest possible travel for all of our children. Car seats save the lives of countless children around the globe, and Britax wants you to know that they are working continuously on ways to save even more.

From the first moment that you hold your newborn in the hospital, concerns about getting your newest family member home safely fill your mind and don't go away, as keeping your child safe will always be a main priority in life. You need to choose a car seat manufacturer that values the insurmountable amount of trust that you have placed in their hands. You can rest assured that Britax is and will continuously work with leaders of in child car safety seat field to ensure that they are consistently pushing the boundaries of both the design and safety aspects.

Just under 10 years ago, Britax introduced its exceptional line of child car seats to the finicky U.S. market to the delight of both high-end carmakers (like Porsche and Mercedes) and ecstatic parents. American moms and dads were completely enamored with a car seat that has increased side impact protection and a unique pitch control system that reduces forward movement in the unfortunate event of an accident.

Other than safety, concerns of parents also include their child's comfort in the car seat, as harsh fabrics can damage baby's delicate skin.. Britax has heard the calls of troubled parents throughout the UK and around the globe and implemented the Comfi-Flex system. This system combines areas of stylized, soft-to-the-touch fabrics that are not only breathable and flexible, but durable and cleanable as well. The areas of the seat where baby's bare skin is in direct contact with the seat, such as where those precious cheeks touch the side wings, will never be of concern again!

Another concern of parents is the overall cost of car seats. For this, Britax has created the unique, Adjusta-fit system; enabling your Britax car seat to grow as your child does with the adjustable headrest and harness. The same seat can easily accommodate your child from birth to 65 pounds.

The wide variety of Britax car seats for children offers a product for every need and lifestyle. Britax believes that not only should a car seat be fitted to your child's weight, but also should fit your automobile, as even the safest car seat in the world won't function the way it should if it can't be installed properly.

About the Author

Before The Hydration Backpack! Find Out How Johnny Did Without It

Back in the days before the hydration backpack, Johnny (fictitious character) was mountain trail riding with his water bottle securely attached to his bike frame. When Johnny decided to hydrate himself while extensively riding the winding trails, he decided to reach down and grab his bottle when a tree suddenly jumped out in front of Johnny!

Johnny swerved to get out of the way, but it was too late! He crashed, taking an enormous tumble on some rocks! As Johnny finished counting the little birdies flying around his head, he noticed that his water source flew over the mountainous cliff and now Johnny was out of H2O to quench his extreme thirst.

What's Johnny to do now? He's miles from the next water source, and his injury is going to keep him out of commission for a while. Johnny soon realizes he's becoming very dehydrated as the hot afternoon sun is beating down on him that day. As Johnny sat under a tree to keep cool, he tended to his wounds and collected enough strength to get up. There's a problem, though. During the cycling crash, Johnny damaged his bike, and now he has to walk the trail all the way back.

Johnny's safety is now in jeopardy because he has to trek several miles in the heat with no water, and getting hydrated is not in the picture for several hours. Dehydration was now a major concern, and unfortunately Johnny had no choice but to deal with the situation at hand. Now if it was the future, and Johnny knew that one day there would be hydration backpacks available, do you think he would have purchased one for his next outdoor adventure? You better believe he would have!

It's now winter and Johnny's ordeal back in the summer is now a distant memory. Johnny has now packed his snowboard gear to head back to the mountains for some extreme boarding in some fresh powder. Johnny has not learned his lesson, because there happens to be hydration systems specially designed for snowboarders and skiers in a variety of backpack styles. Unfortunately Johnny is not aware of this, and he heads up to the resorts with his bulky over-the-shoulder canteen.

Johnny is pumped, and his adrenaline is shooting through his veins as he witnesses incredible powder on the top of the peak. Johnny, with his human instincts, makes sure that his canteen is full to the rim with fresh water, and that he has it securely over his shoulder. As Johnny arrives at the top, he notices that there are untouched trails with no tracks whatsoever, and he excitedly attempts to take on this un-chartered territory.

Johnny grabs his so-called water source and takes a big swig before he heads down the secluded trail. He's making great time and as he's cutting through the powder with precision, you won't believe what happens next! A tree jumped out into Johnny's path and knocks him out cold. When Johnny awoke, he noticed his board was split in half, and those birds flying around his head came back, but this time the birdies brought friends.

What's Johnny to do now? No one has been down this path for the entire day, and just by looking at his situation, there's a slim chance anyone will find him. Lucky for him, the day is somewhat warmer than other days, and he's extremely thirsty. As Johnny starts to walk back up the mountain in the deep snow, he is getting tired and thirstier. Johnny starts to think back now to his summer experience, and then said to himself, here I go again!

Johnny didn't even make it halfway up the steep hill when he soon realized that he was completely out of water. Now, not only was he out of necessary H2O, but he also didn't bring a backpack with him so he did not have any spare dry clothes, or any safety items to assist him in emergencies such as this. Johnny was in a pickle again, and it was clear that he didn't learn his lesson from the last incident when he was severely dehydrated and almost never made it back.

If Johnny had a hydration pack at that moment with a reservoir full of water, and with an additional bladder in his pack for backup, do you think his situation would have been better? You bet it would have!

Johnny Finally Learned His Lessons, And Seeks Out A Hydration System!

Johnny decides that enough was enough, and he started to search the Internet to find himself a system that could take care of his hydrating needs, especially under emergency situations that he has experienced in the past. As Johnny typed in hydration systems, he noticed that these really cool and functional hydration backpacks were popping up online, and he was extremely fascinated.

When Johnny started to read further, you could see the excitement come over him. He was like a Camel at an Oasis party, and he was absorbing all the information available to him. Johnny quickly noticed there were several backpack models and many styles to choose from. He was planning his next adventure, and with a complete hydrating system with ample bag storage, he would finally feel confident that he would remain fully hydrated, and be completely equipped with all his necessities.

The summer rolls around again, and Johnny decides to go kayaking and do a little camping as well. He's feeling confident because he just made the purchase of his new hydration daypack that came complete with a comfortable padded shoulder strap, secure waistbelt, and harness to take the strain off his back while hiking to his camp destination.

The pack was equipped with a 100 oz reservoir, and with his experience he decided to purchase an extra water bladder for backup, plus Johnny also made sure that he got a backpack big enough to carry extra dry clothing, and additional supplies.

Nothing was going to stop Johnny now, and being an extremely good kayaker, he had no worries that this outdoor adventure was going to be a successful one. Johnny jumped into his kayak with this new hydration pack in hand, and as he was paddling through some wild white water back to his camping spot, you won't believe what happened next! A tree fell out of the woods right on top of Johnny's head and knocked him out of his kayak. Can you believe his luck? But don't worry because he was feeling ok, even though he was counting a couple of pickerels flapping around his head along with a few birdies! As Johnny sat on the shore of the river watching his kayak float away, he had a smile on his face, because even though he had to walk several miles to his camp, at least he was prepared this time with his brand new hydration backpack system!

Things were looking up for Johnny this time, and getting dehydrated was a thing of the past. As he stood up to make his long journey back to camp, Johnny excitedly looks around to get his backpack and test out his wonderful pack's features. He was waiting to use the bite valve system that allowed him to draw out the cool refreshing water, and re-hydrate his extreme thirst. You won't believe what happened next! Johnny mistakenly strapped his hydration pack to his kayak, and now he just realized that it's floating somewhere down stream.

The moral of this story is that hydrating your body with a quality functional hydration backpack system is not only convenient, but can be a indispensable way to maintain your hydration levels in your body, while you're taking part in your favourite outdoor event. However, when you decide to venture out on your desired sporting activity, whatever you do, don't take Johnny!
About the Author

About the author: William is the Author of Hydration Backpacks.com available at www.hydration-backpacks.com Your source for Hydration Packs! Read our variety of articles on hydration systems offering information and tips, plus personal product reviews on top hydration pack suppliers.

Quick Tips To Finding A New Rental Home

Before the Journey:

Know what your looking for! Spend 5 minutes and write down a short shopping list of what exactly you need and want. Are you looking for hardwood floors, dishwasher, Washer/Dryer, Fireplace? Try and separate your list from needs and wants. Cover all your needs first. Anything left over would be an added bonus.

Be prepared!

You?ll first view the unit. If you want to be accepted into a particular unit, why not look your best? Bring your own pen, Resume, Credit Check, Pay Stubs or Tax Returns, References and proper identification ready. Some units also require your license plate number. Most people don?t come to a viewing with that much information. The landlord or property manager will know you?re a dedicated and responsible individual by your actions.

Your References!

So many times this office has contacted references that were caught off guard. When you add someone as you reference, make sure they know they?re your references!

On the Hunt:

Daytime! Everyone is different. However, we?ve had the most success with showing rental units during the daylight. In the daylight you?ll have a better understanding of the defects and what exactly the place has to offer.

The Tour!

Do you like the place? Why not see what kind of water pressure it has. How many electrical outlets are there? Open up the closet and just see if you have enough space for your items. How?s the Neighbors! Don?t be afraid to knock on the doors and meet them. You?ll want to make a friend but also make note of important character factors. If you like to enjoy having a quiet home. Ask the landlord if they have had any problems with regards to noise volume.

Will It Fit?

You might have a larger sized couch or kitchen table. When your in your possible place, you should see if your kitchen table will fit in the appropriate area.

Close the Deal:

Be prepared! We already talked about being prepared. But just as a re-cap. Bring your own pen, Resume, Credit Check, Pay Stubs or Tax Returns, References and proper identification ready. Some units also require your license plate number.

Your Lease!

What are the utilites included and what are YOU responsible for? Can you have your cat, dog, bird, fish? What is the security deposit? And will there be mandatory charges such as carpet cleaning when you decided to move?

We hope our basic list has helped guide you through the basics of renting a home, apartment or vacation rental. Remember to try and view as many places as possible. You?ll have a good idea of what your money will get you with the more units you view. Happy hunting!

Shane Toews is a Licensed Realtor who helps others to educate themselves on current real estate issues. He also provides assistance on how to locate quality homes, apartments or vacation rentals in Canada's Fraser Valley area. Visit his website RentFraserValley.com for more information on Canada's Fraser Valley Real Estate Market

Connecticut Mortgage What to Expect When Buying a Home in Connecticut

Maybe you?re buying your first home in Connecticut, or perhaps you?re relocating to Connecticut from another state. Either way, it?s important that you educate yourself on Connecticut home loans before shopping for a home and mortgage. This article explains what you?ll need to know before buying a home in Connecticut:

The median price of a home in Connecticut is $166,900. Recently, homes in Connecticut have been appreciating at rates comparable to the national average. However, in some parts of Connecticut, appreciation rates are at an all time high. As a result, income levels in many parts of Connecticut are too low to purchase a median-priced home with a conventional loan. In fact, homeowners in many Connecticut cities pay more than the recommended 30% of their incomes toward housing.

The price of homes in Connecticut varies widely between zip codes. For example, in Greenwich, Connecticut, the median price of a home in the summer of 2005 was $1.2 million; however, in Westport, Connecticut, the median price of a home was $750,000, and in Danbury, Connecticut, it was $365,000. Average interest rates in Connecticut are below the national average.

Connecticut state law does allow the issuance of home equity lines of credit; however, it does not allow borrowers to draw on them by means of a credit card or similar device. The borrower must draw on their loan by obtaining a check or cash distribution from their lender.

Connecticut?s Fair Housing Act prohibits mortgage lending discrimination against individuals based on their race, color, religion, gender, familial status, or national origin.

Jessica Elliott recommends that you visit Mortgage Lenders Plus.com for more information about Connecticut Mortgage Rates and Loans .

Wake County NC: A Very Desirable County to Live In

Wake County has been voted one of the best places to live and work in North Carolina. This is largely because of all the things there are to do in and around Wake County. Wake County is even home to Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina. This is a very large city and can be considered the center of activity for North Carolina.

Raleigh has proved to be a very desirable city to live in. The government has taken steps to bring in business and help keep the city in good condition. They even passed a large recycling bill to help keep things clean.

The nicest thing about Raleigh and Wake County in general is the abundance of wildlife. The area hasn?t been urbanized like a lot of counties across the U.S. While there are still a lot of houses, streets, and city blocks there are trees and parks all around. You can still find beautiful neighborhoods where you can sit on the porch and listen to the birds sing.

The reason for all this wildlife is because of urban forestry. This is a fancy way of saying the government helps plant trees and takes care of wildlife in general. It helps to keep the area looking good and healthy.

Wake County also offers an abundance of recreation to people seeking a little fun. There are a lot of golf courses scattered throughout Wake County and the surrounding cities. There are also local school games for people who enjoy watching sports.

There is even an abundance of arts and museums in and around Wake County and especially in the Raleigh area. This has helped attract people who enjoy relaxing and learning the history of the region.

Wake County has proved to be a good all around place. It attracts some people for its abundant business and good job opportunities and other people because of the relaxed lifestyle that can be had. If you need a good all around place to move then you should really consider Wake County.

Visit the Wake County Real Estate team and move to Wake County: www.jmphometeam.com

Colorado Luxury Real Estate

Housing is one of human?s basic needs. However, there are a few people who can afford to buy several homes in different places even at very high prices. For some people, it is fulfilling, and it gives them a different sense of satisfaction when they are able to buy a luxury real estate to add to their long list of properties. If you are one of these few people, perhaps you would like to own a piece of Colorado luxury real estate.

Luxury real estates can be found in two of the finest resort towns in Colorado, Aspen, and Vail. A few can also be found in the suburbs of Denver. These places have always been known to have premium luxury real estate that would-be real estate owners will surely love.

World-class skiing and high-class living ? these attract the rich and famous people from around the world to buy and own a property in Aspen. If you love powder skiing, you will certainly enjoy the back-country skiing that is offered by Aspen Mountain. There are also plenty of spas, parks, shopping centers, and other beautiful locations that will certainly make you enjoy a little bit of luxury.

Just like Aspen, Vail is also a famous resort town for luxury real estate because the largest single skiing mountain in North America is located there. This place has world-renowned slopes for skiing, cross-country skiing, and snow boarding that are attractive to many.

Meanwhile, Denver, the central location for Colorado real estate, is considered a modern metropolis with a lovely night scene, strong cultural feel, and big-city sports teams. If you love the outdoors, you would certainly love to own a home in this place because it is located by the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

Whether you want a luxury real estate property in Aspen, Vail, or even Denver, there is one that will surely catch your eye.

Colorado Real Estate provides detailed information on Colorado Real Estate, Boulder Colorado Real Estate, Colorado Springs Real Estate, Colorado Luxury Real Estate and more. Colorado Real Estate is affiliated with Colorado Vacation Rentals.

14 Steps to Creating a Real Estate Business Plan You Can Use

This model of business planning and goal setting for Real Estate Professionals breaks the process down to five sections and fourteen steps.

SECTION A: The Big WHY

It is important to first look at who you really are and what your core values are. These things will drive you and carry thorough to your business.

Step 1 - What is your purpose?
Uncover your purpose, what provides the foundation of our values, vision and goals.

Step 2 - What are your values?
Know your core values which dictate what is important in both life and business: how business should be conducted, your view of humanity, and your role in society.

SECTION B: Vision - Goal Setting

This is where you take a hard look at where you are at and figure out where it is you are going in your business and in your life.

Step 3 - The Year in Review
Recognize what it is you have done this year, celebrate the accomplishments and also look at what may have stopped you short of reaching a goal.

Step 4 - Is your life in balance?
The Wheel of Life, sometimes called the Balance Wheel, will help you visualize your current situation, providing a snapshot of how you see your life today.

Step 5 - Business Review
Take a look at the results of the last 12 months. Did you reach your goals and achieve what you wanted?

Step 6 - Goal Setting
Don't hold back, dream LARGE, think BIG, aim HIGH.

Step 7 - Production Goals
Work the numbers. Create specific number goals for the next one to five years.

SECTION C: Creating an Action Plan to Achieve Your Goals

All Real Estate Professionals know they need a Business Plan. By following these steps you will create a plan that will help you hit your business goals.

Step 8 - Define Your Niche and Value Proposition
Become a specialist and build perceived value. Know your true value and learn to articulate your value proposition to your clients.

Step 9 - Lead Generation/Marketing Plan
Recognize what specific changes to your current plans are necessary to make in order to reach your goals.

Step 10 - Define Your Team Organizational Structure
Understand the organizational structure of your team.

Step 11 - Development Plan
Capture all of those things you have wanted to research, create, do, perfect, delegate and implement in your business.

Step 12 - Budgeting
Review your expenses for the current year and include any new marketing and development changes.

Step 13 - Production Plan
Create and monitor goals on a monthly basis in order to hit your production goals for the upcoming year.

SECTION D: Achieving Your Goals: How do I get there from here?

By breaking your large goals into smaller steps you will always know what you need to do next in order to keep working toward hitting your business and personal goals.

Step 14 - Creating a Master Project List
Change your goals into projects to actively work on over the next twelve months, and from this create a Master Project List.

Real Estate and Life Coach Cheri Alguire has partnered with hundreds of Real Estate Professionals to help them become more successful in business and in life. Coach Cheri is also the creator of the highly sought-after Five Year Business and Life Planning Guide for Real Estate Professionals. Learn more about this and Coach Cheri's other products and services at http://www.NextLevelServices.net

Exclusive Backgammon Accessories

Are you searching for the perfect gift that includes backgammon accessories? Backgammon accessories are a perfect gamers gift, for all occasions, for birthdays, holidays, even for graduations! In this guide, we want to tell you about some of the backgammon goodies you can purchase for the gamer you know and love most. Plus much more than you probably expect.

One of the favorite accessories a gamer will love is the entire backgammon set for the traveler, one that is hand held and which is electronic. While you will find various types of electronic backgammon our there, the best is going to be the game that has multi levels for those who are advanced in this game and need a little challenge. This makes a great accessory for their life because they can practice alone when on the go, or they can use their handheld to play multi player when on the go and traveling. Adults and children alike love this accessory.

Another great accessory for the backgammon lover is the personalized dice cup. This may or may not have the players name on the cup, but it could have a favorite scene, picture, date, or be a color or made from a type of material that the player loves to hold in their hand. Fabric covered cups, colored picture cups, or soft flexible dice cups are favorites. Most are at reasonable prices.

Great backgammon accessories include those that make the game portable. Leather carrying cases, hard board boxes so all the pieces never get lost, and then there are the accessories that personalize the game board.

Leather carrying cases make the game portable and lovely to look at. Leather comes in a variety of colors so you will be able to find one you enjoy. Hard leathers, soft leathers and leathers that are tinted in color.

Personalize the game board with letters or stickers that will adorn the playing board, or the carrying case of the player. You can find all types of stickers that accent the other interests of the game that you can use as accessories for the board. Laminating paper, stickers, and even glue can be used to create those perfect accessories that will make the gamers dreams come true so they never lose their game boards. Personalization makes for a deeper gratification from the gamer.

Dice are the other accessory you can purchase to complete your personalized backgammon set. Dice from glass, crystal, plastic, colored, or even that are filled with water are the dice that no one else is going to have! Every backgammon set has dice in the set, and the best types of backgammon gamers have a great set of dice to match their cups. Find a set of dice that are legal for the game, yet different from others to give you a great feel of the casino right in your own game.

? backgammonholygrail.com
About the Author

Baby Car Seats

Although parents take so much trouble to choose a high quality baby car seat to carry their precious bundle of joy in the car, one of the saddest aspects of child safety on the roads is that in most cases they do not fit the seat correctly. According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) almost 80% of child safety seats are badly fitted or misused.

The most common errors are harness straps that were loose and safety belt attachments that are incorrectly fastened. These mistakes are defined by the NHTSA as 'critical' because there is a possibility of serious injury in the event of an accident. So most baby safety seats are not nearly as safe as parents think, and many babies are at risk.

How then can you be sure that your baby will be safe in the car?

First, make sure that you are using the right type of seat for your baby's age and weight, and that it is facing the right way. Some multi-purpose seats can be fitted to face either forward or backward and the fitting will change as your child grows. Babies under one year old and under 20 lb in weight should have rear-facing seats. But note that all child safety seats, whether forward or backward facing, should be fitted on the back seat of the car.

It is also possible to buy infant seats for young babies. These are designed to be rear-facing only, so you will need a new seat when your child gets bigger. However, they will be a better fit for your newborn baby and they are easier to store and carry, being smaller. You can carry your sleeping baby around in his or her safety seat.

If you prefer, you can buy a convertible seat that can be adapted to fit babies and toddlers. Convertible seats are larger and heavier and you are more likely to leave them in the car all of the time. They must be fitted in the rear facing position for young babies and then when the child turns one or weighs over 20 lb, the seat can be turned around to face the front. A convertible seat will usually hold children up to 40 lb.

But whatever type of seat you select, the most important point is to fit it correctly. You must read both the instructions that come with the car seat and the owner's manual for your car. First, make sure that you have the seat firmly and correctly buckled into the car. Then make sure you know how to fit and secure the harness straps that hold your baby inside the seat.

Don't guess - have your baby's seat checked by a qualified technician if you are not 100% sure that you have it correct. US visitors can go to http://www.seatcheck.org to find a child safety seat inspection center near you.

If you are considering buying a used seat or accepting one as a gift, consider the age and condition of the seat. Seats that have been used by several children in a family, or seats that have been in an accident, may be worn or broken and not safe for a baby any more. The label should tell you the date of manufacture and you should not use a seat that is more than five years old. Make sure that you have the manufacturer's instructions and that all the parts are included. If the instructions have been lost, you may be able to find a copy online, but make sure you have the right manual for your exact safety seat. If not, do not use the seat, even if it was a gift. It is not worth taking the chance.

Above all remember that in an accident, your child's life depends on the baby car seat.

Another great concern when it comes to your baby's safety is choosing a safe baby crib. Check out my article Baby Crib Safety for useful information on how to choose a safe baby crib.

By Roberta Sullivan

Home Sales Set Record for First Half of 2006

Resale housing activity in Canada?s major markets in the first six months of 2006 surpassed all previous records for the first half of any year, according to statistics released by The Canadian Real Estate Association. Sales activity remains on track to set a new annual record in 2006 even though further expected price increases and recent mortgage rate hikes will cause transactions to soften marginally in the second half of the year.

Actual (unadjusted) home sales via the Multiple Listing Service? (MLS?) in Canada?s major markets numbered 186,177 units in the first half of 2006 ? up 3.6 per cent from the previous record for first-half activity set in 2005.

Surging activity in Calgary and Edmonton remains the driving force behind the continuing strength of national residential sales activity. New records for resale housing activity for the first half of the year were set in a number of major markets including Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, London, Sudbury, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City.

Seasonally adjusted MLS? home sales in the second quarter of 2006 numbered 84,391 units ? down just slightly from the record levels posted over the past year. Actual (unadjusted) sales reached the second highest level on record for the second quarter period, and were less than 0.5 per cent below activity levels reached during the second quarter of last year.

Seasonally adjusted home sales activity eased by less than one per cent from the previous month to 28,185 units in June 2006. Monthly sales activity ebbed in Toronto, Edmonton, Halifax, and a number of other markets, which more than more than offset monthly gains in Calgary, Ottawa, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Montreal, and London.

Actual (unadjusted) MLS ? residential new listings totaled 308,923 units in the first half of 2006 ? a new record for the first six months of the year, and the highest level on record for any six month period. New listings were up by 4.6 per cent from the first half of last year. They were 2.3 per cent higher than the previous record set in the first half of 1990, which is the only other six-month period on record in which new listings topped 300,000 units.

There are no signs that new listings have peaked, as seasonally adjusted quarterly and monthly new listings reached their highest levels in more than 15 years. Driven by increases in Victoria and Montreal, seasonally adjusted new listings in the second quarter reached the highest level since the fourth quarter of 1990. A rebound in Calgary helped to push major market new listings to the highest monthly level since May 1991.

The major market MLS? residential average price at mid-year was up by 11.8 per cent compared to December of last year. It was also up by 12.2 per cent year-over-year in the second quarter, which tied with the second quarter of 2004 for the highest year-over-year price growth of any quarter in the past 15 years. The 6.8 per cent jump in price from the last quarter was also the highest quarterly increase since 1989. Average price in the second quarter of 2006 set new quarterly records in almost every major market in Canada.

The major market MLS? residential average price reached $304,328 in June ? up 11.8 per cent from the same month last year. Average price has posted double-digit year-over-year gains in every month during the first half of 2006, and reached the highest monthly level on record in June in Calgary, Edmonton, London, Montreal and Quebec City. Average price edged down slightly from the record levels reached in May 2006 in a number of other markets.

?With interest rates having peaked, strong employment and rising after-tax incomes will no doubt keep resale housing activity strong over the second half of the year,? said CREA Chief Economist Gregory Klump. ?The housing market is tightest in Alberta, where a sizzling job market is stoking buyer demand and fueling remarkable price increases.?

?The rise in new listings in Montreal and Toronto gives buyers in those centres a wider selection of homes to choose from, and will keep price increases in those markets below those for major markets in British Columbia and Alberta,? Klump noted.

http://www.tomwhitfield.ca

Las Vegas Mayor: Pro Team in Southern Nevada a 'Guarantee'

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to attend a Monday Night Football game live in Las Vegas? What would the NBA or NHL playoff experience bring to 'Sin City'? Or how about an Opening Day MLB start in the desert?

I can tell you exactly what it would be like. The back of your game ticket would be a scratch-off lottery game for lap dances and convertibles. There would be brilliantly lit slot machines in the bathroom stalls. At halftime, an opposing fan would be lowered into a cage and fed to a pair of white Bengal tigers. The vendors would be seven-foot mutants from Eastern Europe and the cheerleaders would be South American vixens. There would be midgets and clowns and a giant money tree that one lucky fan would get to shake at each home game.

It would be beautiful.

Las Vegas and a professional sports team are a natural fit. There are few things as American as the cultish pride, monetary excess and choreographed violence involved in pro athletics in this country. It's in our blood. It's our birthright. And America's Playground is the only city in the country that could possibly match that sort of frenzy and bacchanalia stride-for-stride.

The population of Las Vegas has tripled over the course of the last 20 years to 1.8 million, and it remains one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Its economy pumps out a staggering $72 billion annually, with nearly 38 million tourists blowing through town each year and contributing their mortgage/retirement/child's college fund to that honey pot. If we assume three-fifths of all Las Vegas visitors are sports fans - a measurement the Founding Fathers would approve - that would yield a pool of roughly 24 million fans to draw from.

I've said before that just like Dallas is America's Team, I truly think that a team in Las Vegas would be the World's Team, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman said. We really have the type of cosmopolitan people out here that would embrace the hometown team.

Goodman is an outspoken, martini-swilling, showgirl-loving Philadelphia native and the ace in the hole for the city's bid for pro sports. He is disarmingly honest, and has the guile and zeal one would expect from an attorney who used to defend such ruthless mobsters as Meyer Lansky and Anthony Spilotro. Goodman is on record in support of canings and thumb amputations as punishment, and has shown up in public surrounded by Elvis impersonators. Would you bet against him?

Goodman has lobbied and prodded owners and commissioners in all major sports to relocate or expand to his orgiastic oasis. Vegas currently hosts major events in boxing, NASCAR, Arena Football, Triple-A baseball and tennis. Also, the city locked up a bid to host the 2007 NBA All-Star Game. They will be the first non-NBA city to do so.

With the recent financial difficulties of pro sports franchises in Florida, Portland, Seattle, San Diego and New Orleans, the number of potential suitors for Las Vegas seems to be at its pinnacle. Goodman said that discussions have been eal hot with the NHL.

However, not everyone shares his optimism.

I believe Las Vegas will not be seriously considered until someone steps up and builds a new arena to host a team, said Jay Kornegay, executive director of the sportsbook at the Las Vegas Hilton. Right now it seems like Las Vegas is just being used as a pawn for some owners to strike deals around the country.

Sin City's greatest strength is also its greatest weakness when it comes to seducing a team into its hypnotic trance. The reason there isn't a team in Las Vegas already has little to do with being the 47th ranked television market, its lack of a state-of-the-art arena or its graveyard of defunct pro franchises since 1976. No, Las Vegas doesn't have a team today because it permits legalized gambling and is seen by some as a modern Sodom and Gomorrah.

It's true that gambling and hedonism are at the soul of Las Vegas. But that's what gives it such a unique relationship with Sports. Vegas is Switzerland with slot machines. The hometown loyalty is to the point spread and every precious edge that she provides. People there are fans of everyone and no one, with allegiance based on whoever provides the best opportunity for a payday. Sports fans in Las Vegas are mercenaries, bounty hunters and war profiteers. And it's unlikely that their attitude will ever change.

That is what strikes Fear into the rulers of the major sports. They are afraid of point-shaving or players consorting with criminal elements. They are scared of anything that could be viewed as a conflict of interest and their hard-line stance against gambling is done in an effort to preserve the integrity of the game. (That is, the integrity remaining after sham officiating, performance enhancing drugs and uneven distribution of wealth.)

Needless to say, this stance by owners and executives is the height of hypocrisy. Goodman stated that the NFL's public actions and outward opposition to gambling is he most disingenuous reasoning that he'd ever heard. He also believes there's already illegal gambling at live sporting events in most other sports.

There's more bets taken during an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden then there is on that game here, Goodman said. Think about it, you going to sit around watching 10 guys run up and down the court for two hours without some money going around? I didn't think so.

For my money, the owners and execs are the real criminals. They are vicious and vile, feasting on the flesh of children and old people. Just look at Al Davis. They loot the public treasury for a new stadium. They charge $8.50 for a beer. They claim their low-rent, second-rate organizations are perpetually ebuilding. They draft emotionally unstable and intellectually shallow children, get them hopped up on Potential and mescaline and turn them loose on society. Then the players are cut loose after they become multiple felons.

It's inconceivable that owners and league executives can pass judgment on Las Vegas or legalized professional gambling on the basis of some moral authority. They have more blood on their hands than most, and since they wouldn't resist the urges of greed and temptation they don't expect anyone else to either.

They don't realize the Nevada sports books and the league are on the same side, Kornegay said. We both want 'true' games. If anyone gets hurt on a crooked game it's the sports books. This is why we have so many policies, regulations and procedures to make sure the games stay true.

Someday they will realize that they need us a lot more than we need them, Goodman said of sports leagues.

The NHL and MLB have stated that if Las Vegas was awarded a franchise the casinos and books would have to agree not to take bets on the home team. This arrangement was a condition of hosting the NBA All-Star Game, and had been in place for UNLV and Nevada athletics until recently. The NBA has said that the books would have to agree not to take any action on any NBA games - period - before Las Vegas would be given its own team.

Over $2.5 billion was gambled through legal channels in Las Vegas in 2005. Nearly $400 million of that was on the NBA. Those are high stakes for casino owners and operators, especially since they form the backbone of the local economy but stand to gain little from the presence of a pro team. Also, what if Las Vegas were awarded an MLB team and it made the World Series, or if they got an NFL team and it played in the Super Bowl? There would be riots in the street and potentially billions of dollars lost.

Should Las Vegas have a pro sports team? Could it even handle one? We will see. But when asked what the odds of Las Vegas having a pro franchise by 2010 were, Goodman didn't hesitate: It's a guarantee.

Hmm. A guarantee in Vegas? If you're willing to buy that, I'm willing to bet that you'll be welcome in Sin City anytime.
About the Author

Check Doc's Sports site for daily sports betting articles, College Football Odds, NFL Odds, and Sportsbook Bonus info.

The Parent?s Guide to Wheeled Backpacks

As practical as backpacks are, more and more children are ending up in doctor?s offices or hospital emergency rooms with symptoms like ?rucksack palsy? tingling and numbness in the hands and arms caused by overloaded and improperly worn school backpacks.

Concerned parents are buying wheeled backpacks for their kids in an effort to prevent long term health problems for their children.A wheeled backpack is basically a backpack that has been outfitted with wheels to it can be towed along on the ground as well as being carried like a regular backpack. Except for their lack of heavy duty wheels and more durable coverings, kids wheeled backpacks are similar in function to wheeled overnight bags used for business travellers. A wheeled backpack is a safe way for a young student to move heavy textbooks from home to school.What to Look For In a Kids? Wheeled BackpackThe best backpack with wheels will have nice wide padded shoulder straps. It should also have a well padded back section to protect your child?s back and shoulders from bulky books with pointed edges.Get a backpack constructed out a built to last material like polyester or nylon. Kids of all ages can be rough on their belongings and wheeled backpacks are no exception. Get a backpack that can knocks, scuffs and keep on rolling.Wheeled backpacks will have either a double looped pole or a single ?T? metal handle coming from the frame and extending out the top. The handle should be kid tough and retracts neatly away when not needed. A molded grip helps small hands maintain a solid grasp while running for the bus.Look for a kids wheeled backpacks with lots of zippered front and side stash pockets so your kid can keep those needed essentials (like pens and cell phones) tucked away safely but still have them close at hand.If possible find a kid?s backpack that has nice inside pockets too. Kids especially need to secure their wallets, house keys, iPods and other personal stuff. A big super-sized compartment is great but not if your kid has to search around in it for 10 minutes to find their door keys! The less time a child spends exposed on the street the better.What about a carrying a laptop in wheeled backpack? Since lots of kids, especially high school and college age students are taking their laptops to classes with them you may want to consider getting a wheeled backpack large enough to accommodate a computer. A backpack should have a specially padded compartment covered in a soft material like Velour to protect a laptop.? Another thing you can look for in kids wheeled backpacks are padded top grab handle that allows a quick and easy way for your child to stow your backpack under desks, inside lockers, and out of the way when riding on buses.Wheeled backpacks are a parent?s best bets to prevent back problems for your child plus save on expensive trips to the doctor.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


In-depth information and a complete guide to selecting the best backpack. Providing you with all you need to know in regards to a vast array of backpacks from rolling backpacks to office backpacks and plenty more.

Brian Culbertson Nice & Slow Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

Nice & Slow is the latest Smooth Jazz CD realeased by the highly talented piano playing Brian Culbertson who once again has delivered a brilliant collection of tracks. I?m confident Brian Culbertson fans, and Smooth Jazz fans alike will be pleased with this one.

Brian Culbertson has been a super star in the Smooth Jazz genre for quite some time now and Nice & Slow is an excellent illustration as to why.

Brian Culbertson is one of those musicians that has the ability to just bowl you over with his talent. The kind of artist it?s really a treat to be able to listen to.

This is a first rate CD, delivering a little something for everyone. I give it my highest recommendation. It?s quite simply great listening. A must buy for the Smooth Jazz fan.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in Stuck On REpeat is track 8, Together Tonight. This is a great track!

Nice & Slow Release Notes:

Brian Culbertson originally released Nice & Slow on Jun 05, 2001 on the Atlantic label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Just Another Day - (featuring Herb Alpert/Jeff Lorber)
2. Get It On
3. Nice & Slow - (featuring Sherree/Trey Lorenz)
4. I Could Get Used To This - (featuring Dave Koz)
5. Without Your Love 6. Someone - (featuring Kenny Lattimore)
7. Prelude To Together Tonight
8. Together Tonight
9. All About You
10. I Wanna Know - (featuring Kirk Whalum)
11. Someone - (Bonus mix, featuring Kenny Lattimore)

Personnel includes: Brian Culbertson (trumpet, trombone, piano, Hammond B-3 organ, keyboards, bass, synthesizer); Sherree, Trey Lorenz, Kenny Lattimore (vocals); Dave Koz (soprano saxophone); Kirk Whalum, Jim Reid (tenor saxophone); Herb Alpert (trumpet); Ricky Peterson (Wurlitzer piano, Hammond B-3 organ); Jeff Lorber, Eddie Miller (Fender Rhodes piano); Steve Lu (keyboards, synthesizer); Tony Maiden (acoustic & electric guitars); G. Moe, Paul Jackson, Jr. (guitar); Michael Thompson (E-bow); Richard Patterson, Alex Al (bass); Donnell Spencer, Jr., Oscar Seaton, Jr. (drums); Lenny Castro (percussion). Producers include: Brian Culbertson, Donnell Spencer, Jr., Scott Steiner, Steve Lu, Craig Bauer. Engineers include: Brian Culbertson, Steve Lu, Scott Steiner. Digitally remastered using HDCD technology.

Get the information you want on your favorite smooth jazz songs and artists at http://www.iLoveSmoothJazz.com

Clyde Lee Dennis, a.k.a. SmoothLee is a life long music fanatic, smooth jazz in particular, and does a daily online radio show featuring smooth jazz music that can be heard at http://www.NewYorkSmoothJazzRadio.com

How Travel Board Games Make The Journey A Little Easier

Ever go on a family vacation that no one enjoyed because of the tedious travel time? Your next vacation doesn't have to be that way. Travel board games can keep the kids busy in the back seat while the the miles quietly disappear.



Board games have always been a wonderful way to get family and friends to spend time together. They encourage communication, imagination, and teach children about winning and losing. In today's world of video games and online games, board games make for a breath of fresh air.



We all need a vacation once in a while, but the traveling can be quite a horror story, especially for families with young children. In the past, board games have been more trouble than they were worth, due to the lack of space and the ease with which pieces go missing. But with the arrival of travel board games, children can enjoy their favorite games, whether in the car, on a plane or riding the rails.



Classic Games



The Scrabble Travel edition is always popular, with a board recessed to hold the pieces in place. This way you can stop midway and resume your game after a lunch break. It also has a compact board and carrying case, which doesn't take too much space in your luggage. Scrabble is one of the classic board games, appealing to the intellect of every age. When your children are busy engrossed in making words, the miles will appear to pass in no time.



For the younger age group, there's travel versions of Hungry Hippos, Connect 4, Guess Who and many others. Each game comes in a compact, convenient case, for easy use and storage.



Manufacturers are recognizing the need for travel board games, especially since they've gradually become more popular. With this in mind, they've also developed combination games. For instance, you may have Chinese checkers on one side of the board or box, and a Chess game on the flip side. Or Snakes and Ladders on one side, and Trouble on the flip side. These travel editions always come with magnetic counters and roll-o-matic dices. So, even if the ride is a little bumpy, your game can continue smoothly.



Other board games are available in the electronic version, including the popular Battleship and Connect Four. Though they're often better suited for single players, they're also often criticized for their small screens which may strain a child's eyes.



You can also easily find pocket size and miniature games on the market today. Try your local toy store or hobby shop, or check out the travel games that are available online before you take that next vacation.



Many families may not have the luxury of dedicating a weeknight for family game night, but when they're all 'confined' in a car for five hours, travel board games can help create wonderful memories for the future - even if it is just until the next McDonalds.

BMW M3: Power Precision Passion

In the history of the BMW M3, these vehicles were made exclusively for the sole purpose of meeting the requirements that would enable this vehicle to join the racing world. The BMW M3 is very famous and popular more often for the style and performance that this vehicle holds. And much more so, this vehicle performs well not only in on the tracks of car racing but performs just as well on the streets and highways. The BMW M3 has the sports car appeal that also exudes luxury.

This vehicle was first introduced as a coupe in the United States during the roaring '80s. Production for the BMW M3 came to a temporary halt from 1991 up until the year 1995. However come 1997, this vehicle has then evolved and was sold as a sedan trim. A convertible joined the BMW M3 family in 1998 and a year later, the sedan trim was dropped, thus leaving only the coupe and the convertible to roam the streets. These trims offered high-level performance, complete and sophisticated equipment, and convenience, entertainment, and safety features.

The company, BMW, defines the BMW M3 with three words only: power, precision, and passion. BMW claims that these three words define the essence of this vehicle. For installed in the BMW M3 is a 3.2 liter engine with six cylinders that has the utmost capability to produce 333 horsepower. Also, the vehicle offers modern technical features like a double VANOS or an infinitely variable timing control for both intake and exhaust camshafts. Also added in are individual throttle butterflies for each of the cylinders with drive-by-wire throttle control and M Dynamic Driving Control. This kind of engine and power is what makes this vehicle sporty, and responsive in its performance. The BMW M3 was in fact first produced and crafted in Germany and in Europe. Changes and improvisations had been done to the vehicle so as to provide better performance and a more relaxing comfort.

Most vehicles out on the racetrack provide an excellent performance however they lack the luxury that provides its driver and passengers utmost comfort. The BMW M3 is a combination of both luxury and performance. It is sophisticated yet sleek. It has appeal of a dynamic sports car and the responsiveness of a true racecar. Drivers and passengers of the BMW M3 will surely enjoy the safety features provided by the vehicle since safety has been considered as a top priority by the company. The BMW M3 also has optional features that include power seats and sunroofs.

The BMW M3 is a racecar and vehicle worth looking into. And quality parts are what this vehicle deserves. Auto Parts Information is the auto parts company that takes care of amazing vehicles like the BMW M3. It has a complete array of BMW parts and accessories. The collection includes alternators, hubcaps, grilles, wheels, and a whole lot more. Auto Parts Information's friendly customer service staff awaits customers and they are sincerely ready to serve each and every BMW auto part need.

About the Author

Terry Brown is a 32 year old from Houston Texas, and an enthusiast for anything auto-related. He currently writes auto-related articles for several publications.

A Look Pembroke Pines Florida

When we hear Pembroke Pines, Florida we instantly start thinking of a sleepy and peaceful retirement community. And one part of Pembroke Pines is like that. This city is a good place for older citizens to stay, there are many activities, services and events such as antiques shows, university classes and advanced facilities at The Southwest Focal Point Senior Center. However, most of the people living in this not too small municipality in Broward County are middle-aged. The exact average age at Pembroke Pines is 36.5, so there are many children, families and individuals who live in flats, family houses, and dorms. Actually Pembroke Pines, Florida is the ideal place to settle.

As being the tenth-largest city in the state, it has a population of 137,427. The average temperature varies from 70 to 80 degrees. Most people living in Pembroke Pines have income of about 40k up to 60 k. As far as real estate value is concerned, it varies from $100,000 to $200,000. There are quite many schools in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Bright Beginnings Pre-School, Chesterbrook Academy, Charter Elementary School, Charles W. Flanigan High School, Keiser College, and Florida International College are all established there.

Pembroke Pines, Florida is a city of arts. There is an annual arts festival in the river of Grass Arts Park on Sheridan Street which is an interesting event to attend. There is also a seasonal theatre and artist shows and competitions. At the Glass Gallery on Pine Boulevard you can see themes exhibits all year round. If you are a sports fan and enjoy physical activities, the Pembroke Parks and Recreation Center are the places to visit. They also offer events for residents of all diversity. Furthermore, they have programs for disabled people including wheelchair basketball and bowling. You can also take part in the Special Olympic Games held in the center, or enjoy the many art and craft activities suggested.

What is best about Pembroke Pines is definitely its food. Here you can get a great variety of meals - anything from a bagel, a donut, or a burger to Cuban food, Mexican food, and Japanese food. All kinds of pasta and pizzas, as well as Italian ices are offered here. This city is abundant in health care and fitness programs. You can play golf at the Family Golf Center or enjoy many other sports or entertainment venues. You can go shopping; go to the coast to Dania, Golden, or Sunny Isles Beach. Another thing you might like to do is buy tickets for a concert at the famous Sportatorium. Of course, taking a trip to Fort Lauderdale in search of new entertainment is also a good idea as the city is less than fifty miles away by I95.

Pembroke Pines, Florida is a unique place to visit and settle down. From youth programs and summer camp to creative writing and dance to basketball and Bingo...Pembroke Pines is the perfect place for anyone looking for a vacation or a place to live.

Morgan Hamilton offers his findings and insights regarding places and land properties. You can get interesting and informative information here at Pembroke Pines, Florida.

Gold Italian Charms

Italian Charms come in tens of thousands of designs and can symbolize almost anything in the world such as colleges, buildings, monuments, places, food, animals, cartoons, sports, phrases- even birthday cakes and decorations! The charms usually made of gold or gold plating, can be interchanged to make a new charm everyday. These links are easy enough to interchange and offer versatility to the wearer. Charms are the most popular jewelry items for gifting and small, elegant purchases for self.

Gold Italian Charms originated in Italy and are usually made out of two base metals, such as copper or iron, plated with 18 K gold and enamel. Nothing looks classier than gold, and a gold plated Italian Charm can catch one's eye like no other piece of jewelry. Quality gold Italian charm manufacturers and exporters offer thousands of pieces, each better than the other, with seasonal and festive discounts for bulk and retail customers. All gold Italian charms are made from high quality stainless steel, which is later painted with gold enamel, then decorated with semiprecious gems such as garnets and lapis. This gold enamel gives the charm a very beautiful and sparkling appearance. Shining stainless steel and gold make an absolutely breathtaking contrast. In the gold category of Italian charms, the ones most in demand are symbols of the zodiac, letters of the various alphabets of the world, animals and hearts, sports and hobbies, apart from an ever widening range of designs, modified every day to suit customer demands.

The more exclusive gold Italian Charms are made of white gold, which is comparatively costlier and rarer, but can be bought from a reputed retailer who may have a host of Christmas charms, 14-karat gold charms, bracelet charms, and crown charms. For those wanting to be different from the rest, this white gold Italian charm might well be a rare choice when it comes to charms, but if looking for love, this is one jewelry gift few are known to resist.

Italian Charms provides detailed information on Italian Charms, Custom Italian Charms, Italian Bracelet Charms, Wholesale Italian Charms and more. Italian Charms is affiliated with Fallen Angels.

Connecticut Real Estate

Connecticut boasts a vibrant local heritage and culture, and is home to a lot of important business activities and events. Connecticut also is proud of its wondrous views and tourist spots. For people who would like to live in a place that is rich in culture but also has the hustle and bustle of the city, then it would be a good idea to start looking at Connecticut real estate.

What is Connecticut real estate?

Connecticut real estate refers to pieces of land in the state of Connecticut, as well as the structures built on it, such as buildings, houses, and barns. Connecticut real estate could actually be used for many purposes, such as for residence or for civic or for business purposes.

What Connecticut real estate is available?

There are various real estate properties available in the state of Connecticut. The list includes houses, condominium units, town houses, lofts, buildings, farms, and ranches, among many others.

Where can you find information regarding Connecticut real estate?

Experts in the real estate business suggest that the first and wisest move would be to ask your friends and relatives about Connecticut real estate. Friends and family could assist you in providing you information about where to find the best real estate agent there is who could expertly give you sound information about Connecticut real estate.

If this is not possible, you can also try searching through the Internet because many real estate companies have their own Web sites and they do provide as much information as they can about their business. If you are not satisfied with the information you find online, you can simply contact these real estate businesses and ask for further information about Connecticut real estate.

Connecticut Real Estate provides detailed information on Connecticut Real Estate, Connecticut Real Estate Agents, Connecticut Commercial Real Estate, Connecticut Real Estate Courses and more. Connecticut Real Estate is affiliated with Raleigh North Carolina Real Estate.

Investors Who Missed The Recent Real Estate Boom Should Look Here

If you are a real estate investor and missed the housing boom, you may get another chance. Overheated in the eastern and western markets are cooling off, but there are new opportunities out there. Some of the cities that sat out the boom of the last few years are now showing stronger appreciation gains. Cities such as Dallas, Houston and Atlanta are showing signs of a strengthening real estate market.

Real Estate in hot markets like the San Francisco Bay area market is showing signs of s a slowdown. Prices are rising slowly, however inventory is up. Another sign of slowdown in this hot market is the time it takes to sell a property. Last year some were getting nervous because there were only three multiple offers on a property instead of nine. In one year we have seen quite a change. Now homes that would have sold in one or two weekends are sitting on the market longer. It is not uncommon to see homes sitting on the market thirty to sixty days. This is more like a normal market.

Meanwhile in Texas the demand for housing is increasing. With the new boom in the oil market aiding the job market, workers are coming to Texas from the US and abroad. This is putting upward pressure on the housing market. There are no signs of this slowing down anytime soon. While home prices in Dallas and Texas may not appreciate at the high rates of 20% + seen in some areas in the last few years, the appreciation rates should still be healthy. Real Estate Investors have been aware of this and are investing in these markets that have previously been very slow.

The Atlanta market is benefiting from a healthy job market. Unlike the Texas markets, the Atlanta market is also seeing a rise in inventory. This rise in inventory should restrain the appreciation in Atlanta.

A number of cities in the southwest which have seen high appreciation rates are seeing a strong increase in inventory. Cities such a Phoenix and Las Vegas are also showing a strong job market. Inventories of homes in these cities will need to be watched. If inventories continue to rise sharply, prices will tend to stay flat or fall slightly.

Meanwhile the California market is looking vastly different from a year ago. In Sacramento and San Diego the market is cooling rapidly. In California it now takes an average of six months to sell a home. I was not that long ago that in some California markets, homes were selling in one weekend.

In California the average home now costs over $500000. This is out of reach for many families. The pressure is now on housing prices to come down in some areas. Higher interest rates, slower sales, home prices beyond the reach of the average family all point to falling prices in some areas.

Another scenario is that home prices will remain flat until wages catch up.

As the market changes, more and more homeowners are getting caught in foreclosure. As prices appreciated quickly, homeowners who could not meet their mortgage obligations benefitted from an increase in equity. That will not be the case in the coming years. There are a number of sites dedicated to homeowners wanting to sell their homes without a Realtor, investors looking for deals, and agents looking for new business. RealtyTrac is one such site. Here you can find home bargains, sell a home without an agent, and discover your homes value.

Andrew Goldman is president of Metal Rabbit media services, the operator of http://www.Exchangetradedfundinvesting.com and http://carealestateinvest.com He has written a number of articles on finance and investment over the last ten years.

Maine Mortgage What to Expect When Buying a Home in Maine

Maybe you?re buying your first home in Maine, or perhaps you?re relocating to Maine from another state. Either way, it?s important that you educate yourself on Maine home loans before shopping for a home and mortgage. This article explains what you?ll need to know before buying a home in Maine:

The median price of a home in Maine is $98,700. Recently, homes in Maine have been appreciating at rates comparable to the national average. However, in some parts of Maine, appreciation rates are at an all time high. As a result, income levels in many parts of Maine are too low to purchase a median-priced home with a conventional loan. In fact, homeowners in many Maine cities pay more than the recommended 30% of their incomes toward housing.

The state of Maine does not regulate home radon levels. This means that home buyers must test for radon levels in the home they are purchasing and decide for themselves how much radon is acceptable in their home. Additionally, Maine has certain state environmental laws that are used to upkeep Maine?s shoreline.

Maine law prohibits prepayment penalties and reduced rate options on adjustable-rate mortgages and fixed-period adjustable-rate mortgages. Fixed-period adjustable rate mortgages are only allowed in the state of Maine if the start rate is below the indexed rate at loan closing.

Maine?s Truth-In-Lending law is an anti-predatory lending law that prohibits high-rate high-fee mortgages from charging defaults in excess of 5% of the default amount and limits the fees that may be charged during multiple refinancing, deferrals, and extensions of these mortgages. The Bureau of Financial Institutions and Office of Consumer Credit Regulation preside over lenders that issue high-rate high-fee mortgages.

Jessica Elliott recommends that you visit Mortgage Lenders Plus.com for more information about Maine Mortgage Rates and Loans.

The Changing Real Estate Market

A housing downturn may be imminent, say economists and real estate investors alike ? presenting problems for many people, but opportunities for others.

You?ve probably heard about the coming slowdown in the housing market for a very long time. Real estate is cyclical, and in the United States it has been in an upswing for at least five or six years, which is how long housing prices have exceeded the rate of inflation, says Susan Wachter, professor of real estate finance at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. That means it?s only a matter of time before we experience a downturn.

It?s hard to believe a downturn is really here. On March 1, the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO) announced that average U.S. home prices climbed 12.95 percent in 2005, despite rising mortgage rates in the second half of the year. That?s about double the historical average of 6.4 percent, according to Bankrate Inc.

But while the housing market is still appreciating, it?s appreciating more slowly. The Commerce Department announced on March 23 that new home sales tumbled 10.5 percent in February to an annualized rate of 1.08 million units, the biggest one-month drop in nine years.

That means properties are sitting on the market for much longer than they used to. You might expect that in California, where Bruce Norris of the Norris Group, a California-based real estate investment firm, says ?we?ve gone from a three-month supply to almost a seven-month supply.? But examples are pouring in from all parts of the country. In Miami, at the Jade Residences at Brickell Bay, 117 of the building?s 352 units are reportedly on the market. And in Manhattan, at Donald Trump?s 120 Riverside Boulevard condos, more than 20 percent of the building?s 250 units are up for resale, according to The New York Times.

And increasing supply almost always leads to falling prices, says Norris. For the first time since the third quarter of 2003, one of the regions in the much-followed OFHEO index showed a four-quarter price decline: Prices in Burlington, North Carolina, fell about 1 percent between the fourth quarter of 2004 and the fourth quarter of 2005.

That may not seem like much, but economists see it as a foreboding sign ? and it?s not just due to rising interest rates. ?Housing valuations have become somewhat stretched in some areas over the past year,? says Josh Feinman, an economist with Deutsche Asset Management in New York. ?Some cooling is likely.?

The slowdown will affect anyone who?s buying and selling property, of course. But real estate speculators ? individuals who buy property with the intention of re-selling quickly, or flipping it, for a profit ? are likely to suffer the most. That?s because they could be paying mortgages and maintenance costs on properties they can?t sell and can?t rent out for enough money to cover their costs. According to Redbrick Partners, a New-York real estate investing firm specializing in single-family homes, half of the rent an investor can potentially collect does not flow to the bottom line, because it gets eaten up by vacancies, taxes, maintenance, etc. And as supply has increased over the past decade, demand has decreased. Today, Redbrick Partners says rental yields on single-family homes have declined from 7 percent in 1976 to under 5 percent today. And Norris says that in areas of California, a $500,000 house would rent for just $1,400 per month.

There is some good news, however. First, the housing market often fluctuates in different geographical locations. Miami, Florida, is an often-cited example: The number of condos worth $500,000 or more for sale in Miami is reportedly twice what it is in Los Angeles, where the population is four times as large. ?If you ask me if the housing marketing is going to experience a downturn, I have to ask you ?Where??? says Norris.

In general, the markets that have had the greatest appreciation over the past five years are most vulnerable to a downturn, say real estate experts. ?When affordability is at an all-time low, as it is in California, where housing prices have appreciated 300% over past eight years, you lose velocity, or the ability to sell a house at a brisk pace,? says Norris. ?And prices start to come down.?

As for specific areas that are likely to experience downturns, on December 16, CNNMoney.com reported that Las Vegas property values will fall by 7.9 percent in 2006 and another 5 percent in 2007; San Diego property values will fall by 3.4 percent in 2006 and another 5.7 percent in 2007; and Santa Ana/Irvine property values will fall 3.1 percent in 2006 and another 6.1 percent in 2007.

Second, wherever the housing market does cool, it isn?t likely to do so overnight, so sellers needn?t get desperate. Some individuals, of course, will have to sell ? those who need to move because of a new job, or a divorce, for example. But others can take some time, as a softening or declining market often takes years.

Finally, it?s also important to remember that one man?s troubles are another man?s opportunity. Some of the best real estate investors buy when everyone else is selling. The theory: As prices decline, it becomes easier for investors to buy properties that create cash flow. They can take their time and negotiate lower prices; they don?t have to waive contingencies, such as appraisals and home inspections; and the income they can realize from renting the property is greater than what they?re paying for it.

In fact, for some investors, like Jonas Lee of Redbrick Partners, buying in a downturn is a way of business. Lee says in a January 22 CNNMoney.com article that his company has succeeded since 1993 by employing this strategy. The typical single-family home the company buys ? usually in the downtown residential areas of rust-belt cities such as Baltimore and Philadelphia ? costs just $80,000. He hopes a downturn in the housing market will give him even more opportunities to buy low.

Experienced real estate investors offer two pieces of advice, which vary depending on your plans for the property.

If you?re buying to sell, Norris agrees that buying low is a good idea, but you have to understand the real estate market first. ?You have to be able to determine when a down market is about to switch and go up again, and buy then? he says. ?A lot of time people will see the market softening and buy too early. For example, someone in California might see a house go from $700,000 to $625,000, think it?s great deal, and buy it. But three year?s later the place will be worth $500,000.?

If you?re buying to rent, Redbrick Partners suggests looking at urban single-family housing. According to the firm?s research, nationwide single-family housing returns have averaged 12 percent since 1976, and volatility has been low, with not a single year returning less than 6 percent. The key to success for small residential landlords trying to calculate the yield for a property costing $250,000 or less, according to Redbrick Partners co-founder Tom Skinner in an October 2, 2005, Chicago Tribune article, is ?rent divided by two divided by price.? Typically, that gives landlords their yearly rental profit on a property to within 1 percent. It doesn?t account for any estimate of future appreciation or depreciation, but it is a pretty accurate measure for someone trying to determine if he or she will be make any money by buying a house and renting it out.

Sandy Shuad, Producer, Real Estate TV.com www.realestateinvestmenttv.com

Developed and launched in 2006, for real estate agents, brokers and investors, old and new, www.realestateinvestmenttv.com has exploded into a diverse website covering the latest news and information in the world of real estate investing, Check out the Real Estate Monthly Update Program, the latest Trends and Data or listen and learn from a free PodCast. Choose from over 50 different ?Channels? of specific content to watch, or upload your own ?Street Report? and become a REITV.com correspondent. By utilizing impactfull, original, and valuable content, via articles, advice, news, information, videos, Podcasts and professional reference, Real Estate Investment TV is being touted as ?the? place to go on the web for Real Estate Investment news and information. Check out the latest Trends and Data, choose from over 50 different ?Channels? of specific content, or upload your own Street? Reports and become a REITV correspondent.