3 Reasons to Hire a Property Management Company to Run Your Real Estate Investment Property

Real Estate Investment sounds like a cool thing to do during the weekend but the problem arises when you start having to many properties to handle. The solution to your real estate investment problem would be to hire a property manager who can then run your property for you and deal with any problems that may arise. The key is to get a reliable person who can then do any repairs or maintenance work for you.

This article will highlight three additional reasons why you might want to hire a property management company to look after your real estate investment property for you.

Firstly, you might be a busy professional or business person during the weekdays and you do not want to run around looking for a plumber or roof repairer sometime during the week. Time is valuable also if you have several properties that you own and it does not make sense to baby sit your properties.

Thus you would do well to remember that your monthly income is dependent on the number of deals that you can find to add to your real estate investment portfolio. Get your focus right and you will make more money from your real estate investments.

Secondly, proximity is a key issue. One real estate investment author states that he does not own property unless it is within one mile from his own residence. If you want to look after your own properties it is fine but you must be able to go down and take a look if there is any issue arising from your properties.

Note that returns from both offshore rentals and capital appreciation currently in places like Dubai might prove more lucrative so if you are looking into offshore real estate investment, hiring a property management company is a must. Similarly, if you are looking at investing in property outside the state that you reside in, it will be necessary for you to hire a property management company to look after your property.

Thirdly, if you are new to the type of property class, you might want to consider employing the services of a property management company. For example if you have been involved in residential real estate for a long time and you decide to expand to commercial real estate, you might not be familiar with the documentation, the procedures and the possible problems that may arise from such real estate. Hiring a property management company therefore may help you solve some of your transition problems and like mentioned earlier free you to explore other real estate investments.

In conclusion, real estate investment property when done on a small scale in your locality may be okay for a while but when your investments start getting numerous and unwieldy, you might want to tap on the services of a property management company to help you manage your properties thus freeing you to look for more property deals.

By Joel Teo 2006 All Rights Reserved

How to Invest in Real Estate and Minimize Risk - 5 Suggestions For New Investors!

Anyone with enough money and a decent credit score can purchase investment property. Real estate investing is not rocket science. You find a property, contract with the seller, obtain your financing, and sign around on all the dotted lines. Voila! you just became the proud owner of a rental property and CEO of your own personal investment group.

Simplified, of course, but the point is that simply buying an investment property does not suggest prudent real estate investing. Many real estate investors jump into deals where they get burned financially; cursing the day they became a landlord.

This article might not prevent that; nonetheless, it might offer several suggestions that help real estate investors minimize the risk. The list is not exhaustive, nor necessarily the most crucial. They are meant simply to share a couple of things learned along the way with new real estate investors who might not have considered them otherwise.

Suggestion One: Create a meaningful investment plan. Think about what you can logically expect to achieve, write it down, clearly define it, and use it as a foundation for all your subsequent investment decisions. Every acquisition should be part of an investment plan, and when a property can fit into the plan without overburdening or sidetracking you from your goals, pursue it; otherwise walk away.

Suggestion Two: Keep in mind that "only women are beautiful." Avoid the temptation to purchase investment property because you are enamored with the waving palm trees or arched doorways. Amenities, other than those that might promote an increase in rents or occupancy, have little bearing on income property profitability or rate of return. How much money does it make? That is the real question.

Suggestion Three: Understand that you make money when you buy, not when you sell. Base a buying decision on a property's "real numbers" and not "pie-in-the-sky" numbers concocted by over-zealous sellers. Crunch the numbers yourself. If your numbers do not support a property's selling price and the seller is reluctant to listen, better to walk away then to "hope for" appreciation. It is always best to adopt the philosophy, "buy on Monday what can be sold on Friday."

Suggestion Four: Think about resale before you buy. Similar to the previous suggestion, we include it because it expands the argument and does add a point worth considering during your buying decision. Focus on reselling the property. Bear in mind that the same things you care about such as cash flow, financing, operating expenses and tax benefits are what a buyer will care about in the future. Before you buy, run the numbers to see what the property looks like in the future holding to the idea, "if it's not worth selling, it's not worth buying."

Suggestion Five: Remember, you are buying cash flow not a home. Unlike a house, where you shelter your family and raise your children, the purpose of real estate investing (at least it should be) is for you to make money. If a property appears to be profitable, try not to walk away from it merely because it is not where you would want to live or the tenants are not especially to your liking. This is not to suggest you purchase a "cheap" property in an area with known drug, prostitution, or gang activity (that would violate many of the suggestions above). The idea is more common sense then that. That you should not walk away from a potential moneymaker simply because the neighborhood is somewhat run down or the tenants drive an older vehicle. You want to feel safe going to the property (of course), just allow for the probability that you will never live there.

Selecting Real Estate Investing Properties

When investing in real estate, you need to know what kind of an investor you are before you begin. This will help to limit your research and time requirements. Are you conservative or aggressive? Do you demand security or are you wiling to take a little risk? How will your decisions affect the financial independence of you and your family? How sophisticated of an investor are you? Have you made many investments in the past? Is your family comfortable with your investment plan?

You must also consider your time horizons, both for yourself and your goals. Do you know how long you will own the property? How many years till retirement, college, etc. Maybe you need different time horizons for different properties. Everyone will have different needs based on their individual time horizons.

What resources do you have available for investing in Real Estate? Will you have enough for a 3 to 6 month reserve? How committed are you to your goals? What do you qualify for?

One of the most important questions is why do you want to invest. Is it for retirement? Are you looking to accumulate wealth? Will you be facing college expenses? Perhaps what you want is financial freedom, caring for aging loved ones, etc.?

What do you want real estate to do for you? Are you looking for cash flow? Are you anticipating increases in value to grow your wealth? Do you have some income you wish to shelter from taxes. Perhaps you have a need for all three. In this case you need to combine several strategies.
I am going to talk in general terms for a moment. It will be your job to apply the following information to your own personal situation to help you determine what types of properties you should be looking for.
The best strategy I have found for choosing a property to invest in is too first determine what area to invest in. Hopefully you now have a good idea of where you want to look based on the information already covered. You will then want to do your research. Call some property managers in those areas and ask what the demand is for rentals in the area that you wish to purchase in. Whatever the vacancy factor, make sure you adjust for it when analyzing a property.

I always like to ask property managers what kind of properties are in demand. Are renters looking for 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms? Are they looking for apartments or houses? Who are my renters going to be? Where do they work? Are the industries that employ them going to continue? Are there military bases or Universities near by? Is the area maintaining or declining? Are there any new companies moving into the area? Get to know the market and how your property will fit in that market before you buy.

So what kind of property should I buy? Here is where I have to speak in general terms. If you are looking for capital appreciation, I typical recommend one to four unit properties. These are single family homes, duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes. You can usually get lower down payments loans that will allow you to use greater leverage. Your cash flow may not be as good, but if you are in your peak earning years, it may not matter as much to you. This strategy also works well if you are just getting started or you don't have a lot of capital to invest with. When you are ready to retire you can exchange your highly appreciating properties for properties with greater cash flow.

If you have a little more money to invest you may want to look for larger buildings or commercial properties that will cash flow better. They usually require more money down. Your capital will not usually grow as quickly, but you will more than likely receive greater income from it. It's important to buy properties that are consistent with your goals.

Getting Your Real Estate Investment Property Ready For Sale

The purpose of any real estate investment property is to sell it and make a profit at some stage, whether it is immediately after renovation or sometime later after it has been rented out for a while.

Whatever the time lapse between acquiring the property and selling it you need to start thinking about resale from the very beginning. Seasoned investors know this all too well and they often factor in resale in their decision making processes.

Selling immediately after renovation

If you are selling your real estate investment property immediately after renovation then the key is to make only the changes that are absolutely necessary. Avoid making changes to the home simply because you would like to.

Think very careful about the practicality of the changes and whether doing the work would increase the property's resale value; if it doesn't then don't do it.

Consider carefully the fixtures and fittings you are placing in your real estate investment property. The fixtures and fittings you would like to see in your own home are not the ones you should have in your investment property unless it is in a very upmarket area and you know you will recoup the cost when you sell.

Just make sure any work done is completed to a high standard and any guarantees are provided in writing. Walk around checking everything and creating a snagging list before the workmen have gone and you have made final payment on the work. Make sure the property is clean and that you have taken all practical steps to secure a quick sale as you don't want your investment sitting around for too long. After all, time is money.

Don't get carried away by your emotions. Many rookie investors make this mistake and it costs them dearly.

Selling after a period of renting out your property

If you are selling your real estate investment property after a period of renting it out then there are a few more things you need to take into consideration when getting your property ready for sale.

One of the most important things to think about and make a definite decision on is what to do about your current tenants, if you have some. Do you give them notice and then start preparation of the property for the market or do you sell the property as is with tenants in situ. There is no right or wrong answer as both have their advantages.

Selling a real estate investment with a tenant in situ particularly if they have at least 6 months on their lease and are willing to stay; means that the potential buyer can start counting the money as they do not have to spend time and money looking for a tenant.

If you have chosen to get rid of the tenant and do any necessary work to upgrade the property this can also be a good option as the potential buyer does not necessarily have to be an investor but any person just looking for a home. This means you have a wider market from which to find a potential buyer.

Selling property is a cut throat business. Don't make mistakes that will give your competitors your buyer. Make sure you have done everything to secure that all important sale. Make smart decisions about where and what changes will add the most value to your investment. Visiting a few houses that are competing with yours to see what changes they have done is also a good idea.

Look at the tips in this article and implement as many as you can if not all of them. Now your real estate investment is ready for sale, open your doors to potential buyers and you can concentrate on your next project.

How to Choose Real Estate Investment Property

The first decision you must make before looking for your real estate investment property is on the type of property you want. There are a number of factors to consider before you make your decision because each differs from the other.

In this article, we'll examine in general terms what to look for regardless what type you decide on and then consider five common types of real estate investment property.

What to Look For

1) General location - Location, location, location is the mantra in real estate. Unless the property is located in an area that will sustain or boast rents, and in turn be able to be sold for a profit, forget it.

2) Site improvements - Does the property require repairs that might eat away at your cash flow, or are there repairs that can be made that would substantially increase your cash flow and return?

3) The lease form used - In the case of a commercial building are you locked in to a favorable or very unfavorable lease? In other words, are you buying a favorable or unfavorable income, and for how long?

4) The income produced - How much income does the income property generate and is it realistic, and can it be sustained? Is there room to increase the income?

5)  Type of expenses - What does it take to keep the property operational? Is there anything out of the ordinary, and is there a chance that some expenses can be reduced or eliminated?

7) Management requirements - Will the property require a professional management company, perhaps a resident manager, or is it something you can handle.

8) Financing - Can you leverage the property? What about the rates and terms will you and/or the investment property qualify for the best loan possible? What are the loan payments?

9) Depreciation benefits available - How much of your income can you defer by depreciating the property?

10) Unique features - Is there anything about this particular investment that sets it apart from other real estate investment opportunities? Perhaps its location, construction, or maybe it offers great upside potential. 

Types of Investment Real Estate

1) Apartment Complex - This is the most popular form of real estate investing and can include anything from a duplex to a high-rise building. The size and mix of the individual apartments are usually keyed to local market demands and typically include studio apartments and larger. Apartments can be rented on an annual lease basis or month-to-month. When present, coin-operated laundries and storage facilities or garages can produce a small addition income fro the owner. A well-managed apartment complex can be a highly profitable investment and a great way for new investors to get started.

2) Office Buildings - This type of investment property requires more savvy then multifamily property, so first time investors should be cautious. Office buildings are generally leased on a square footage basis rather than a flat price per unit; typically including a cost for a proportionate share of common areas like entrances and hallways. Depending on the lease, tenants might also be required to pay a proportionate share for parking lot and roof maintenance, and as a rule, tenants will pay all or part of the cost of finishing the interior of his suite. Office buildings generally make for a sound and relatively easy-to-manage investment.

3)  Shopping Centers - In many parts of the country this type of real estate investment is very popular, but as with office buildings, contain some unique features of which an individual investor should be cognizant. A shopping center can mean anything from a couple of stores (known as a strip center) to large regional malls. Tenants generally sign a lease and are expected to share in the cost of maintaining the common parking lots, landscaping, daily cleaning of the grounds, etc. in what is known as common area maintenance (CAM) charges. Small neighborhood centers with a moderate cash requirement can be a great way for a beginner to start in this type of investment.

4) Warehouses and Industrial Buildings - Rental warehouses provide small-to-large bays or rooms used for storage and small workshops. These typically rent on a month-to-month basis and thus (because tenants can move out at anytime) make it one of the least stable of all real estate investments. Industrial buildings are usually characterized as larger space and generally leased on longer terms to more stable tenants such as manufacturing plants. The ultimate investment here is a "sale/leaseback" situation wherein a major company sells you their building and then leases it back from you on a net basis but are difficult to find because they are excellent investments.

5) Mobile Home Parks - This type of real estate investment has become one of the most sought after in recent years because it provides retirement-age people and young couples a reasonably priced home. In this case, a pad with water, sewer and electricity hookups, plus a concrete patio area and tie down rings is rented to someone who wants to place a mobile home there. Other improvements include the streets (which may be deeded to the local municipality, thereby relieving the owner of street maintenance), recreation facilities (perhaps with a building), and laundry facilities. Because mobile home parks are profitable and easy to manage, they can make for a very good investment.  

Entire books have been written on the five forms of real estate investments and we obviously kept it very brief just to give you an idea. Hopefully it helps your real estate investing strategy, though.

We should also mention that you should never purchase investment property without doing a thorough real estate analysis. Quality real estate investment software makes it very easy. So be sure to check it out. Here's to your success.

Florida Investment Real Estate and What Are Considerations Before Buying

Investment Real Estate, First Things First

Considering investing in property? What are some pertinent things to consider before taking this leap? Of all the investment possibilities, investment in land generally produces the most positive results. It is vital, however, to carefully investigate the pros and cons, benefits and deficits of real estate investment. Most people look at investment real estate as risky and feel woefully inadequate to tackle this form of investing. They feel lost, not knowing where to even begin!

A multitude of information is available and knowing how to search can seem daunting. A web site search will produce boatloads of information, some valuable and some not. Some key words to search are real estate investment, investment property, and investing in real estate. This will begin the process for you. Not all available information is worth your time, however. Beware when the site promises high return for little down. Also beware of sites whose main goal is to solicit your money. Web searching is one form of research. Another is talking to a reputable real estate broker or real estate lawyer. One of the best sources of information is a friend you trust who has done real estate investing. A trustworthy friend who started as a novice and progressed to real investing is probably your best source of reliable information. Their voice of experience rings the loudest since they are a layman like you who had to discover for themselves each step of the way how to make successful investments.

Investment Real Estate, Rental Units

Let's look at some sound reasons for investing in real estate. Real estate generally appreciates at a greater rate than the rate of inflation and offers great tax benefits. Selecting real estate in a desirable location will prove to be profitable especially in burgeoning areas, usually in suburbs which are a reasonable commute to city jobs. Of course the old adage, location, location, location is a very pertinent piece of advice to take to heart. Think of the most expensive housing markets today. If you have lived in an expensive housing market, or have visited there, you will notice that along with exquisite homes offered for sale at exorbitant rates, small, older homes you would never consider buying in another market are being offered for huge dollars. Why? Location, of course. When a housing area becomes desirable, even those small dumpy homes will sell for a considerable amount of money. Let's stop for a moment and look at the advantages of investing in rental units as opposed to purchasing property for resale. One of the largest factors to consider in purchasing property for resale is finding properties that will resell at a higher rate than purchase, of course. Finding these properties is not as easy today as it may have been in the past. It used to be that fixer-uppers and foreclosures were avoided by homeowners and investors alike. Not so today, those same homes are being feverishly snatched up in the current booming housing markets.

Florida Investment Real Estate - Why Florida Is a Good Choice

Finding homes to purchase and turn over quickly for cash is becoming more and more difficult, leading many to consider purchasing property for the purpose of renting. What are some advantages to renting and what locations would be most desirable for purchase with a rental goal in mind? Owning rental property provides some unique advantages. If you have the time as well as the finances to invest, rental property could end up paying for itself in the long term. In order for this to be true, the most important thing to search for is property in a great location for renters. You don't want to be searching for renters for months on end while you are being drained of capital. Those mortgage payments never stop, even when the list of renters has been exhausted. Buying rental investment property in a college town is a good bet for the possibility of continual renters and also buying in transient areas and tourist areas. Of all the above, tourist areas tend to be your surest source of consistent renters. Numerous high density tourist areas exist across the nation, but one of your best bets for purchase and consistent renters would be a sun-drenched spot with a year-round temperate climate. California and Texas would fit the bill, but as we all know, the most desirable locations in California may be out of reach due to the high cost. Texas may be considered a good choice, but only one state ranks as the premier tourist destination in the world and that would be Florida, the sunshine state.

Florida Investment Real Estate - The Orlando Area

With Florida's burgeoning population, Florida investment real estate is a great option. Florida ranks 4th in population behind California, Texas and New York. Florida has one of the fastest rates of growth in the nation, making Florida investment real estate a very attractive option for investors. In the 1990's, Florida grew by 23.5 percent with five counties increasing by more than 60 percent. Projected state growth would bring the population to over 19 million by 2010. An increasingly higher population obviously increases the need for housing. The increasing resident population being a great reason to pursue Florida investment real estate; let's not neglect another face of increasing housing need. Florida has a tourism rate of almost 77 million visitors in 2004, making it the top travel destination in the world and producing $57 billion of income. Tourists flock to all parts of Florida, the beaches being one of the most attractive destinations. However, Orlando pulls in the most visitors, with 2.6 million international travelers, not including the steady stream of domestic tourists. This alone would offer sufficient reason to purchase rental property. But considering that the grand total of tourists visiting Orlando in 2004 was 48 million people, what great housing investment potential for investors! The biggest drawing card in the Orlando area is, of course, Walt Disney World. The area surrounding Disney has a hotel rate occupancy of about 80 percent. It's obvious why the Orlando area is considered one of the most desirable tourist destinations in the world.

Florida Investment Real Estate - What are Reasons Tourists Come to the Orlando Area

Owning Florida investment real estate will give vacationers who visit the Orlando area a place to stay while you collect the rent. Theme park attractions are one of the biggest reasons Orlando has become a #1 tourist destination. The three most popular are Disney, which includes Disney World, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and MGM Studios, Sea World and Universal. Each attraction holds an appeal for people of all ages with families and singles alike enjoying each. Kissimmee is the town closest to Disney where families especially enjoy a few of the more laid back sights including Green Meadows Farm. Green Meadows is in an idyllic country setting with tours of the farm and more than 300 farm animals to touch and see. Also in the Kissimmee area is Horse World Riding Stables. The 750 acres of open pasture beckons horse lovers to enjoy a ride beneath the open sky. The Orlando Science Center beckons science buffs both young and old. Learning happens as a by-product here through the realistic, interactive and just plain fun exhibits. Fabulous night life is to be found both in Kissimmee which boasts two very popular dinner attractions, Medieval Times and Arabian Nights. Both serve delectable large portions of food with fabulous jousting and medieval type entertainment. For the shopper, Shopping and dining abound in the Orlando area also as do all sorts of natural environmental experiences.

Real Estate Investment in Florida - Bimini Bay Resort Florida

A well-kept secret but one located just 5 miles from Disney, in the center of Florida is Davenport, a treasure of a town close to the major attractions, yet a world away. On 80 acres of land in the Davenport area, you will find Bimini Bay Resort, Florida. A grand investment opportunity awaits you at Bimini Bay Resort, Florida where the investor participates in property appreciation but is not affected by negative cash flow during the off season. At Bimini Bay Resort, Florida you will find a planned community of luxurious town homes, offering 3 bedroom two baths that are fully furnished and equipped. Bimini Bay Resort, Florida is unique in that the investor can stay in the purchased unit while on vacation for a minimum fee while renting the unit the rest of the year. Management staff at Bimini Bay Resort finds the renters while you enjoy a guaranteed rental income each month. Planned amenities at Bimini Bay Resort include two major restaurants, a grocery, deli and food court and a sports bar restaurant. Bimini Bay Resort will also include a spa and exercise facility. A large business conference center and twin theaters are also planned at Bimini Bay Resort. Peace of mind will be yours at Bimini Bay Resort with its gated access with security cards. A fantastic real estate investment in Florida at Bimini Bay Resort awaits the investor who desires a consistent income without the headaches of day-to-day management. Bimini Bay Resort is worth investigating.

Our Featured Orlando Properties: You have an opportunity to join one of the fastest growing trends in the United States and the world. Orlando is one of the most explosive markets in the country and the Disney resort area has an average hotel occupancy of around 80%. Orlando is known as the vacation capital of the world and the top rated short term rental market, one that shows tremendous potential for real investors.

Tourism - with 76.8 million visitors in 2004 (a record number), Florida is the top travel destination in the world. The tourism industry has an economic impact of $57 billion on Florida's economy. Click here for additional tourism facts and statistics.

City Population Rank (2000):

(Rounded to the Nearest Thousand)

1. Jacksonville - 736,000

2. Miami - 362,000

3. Tampa - 303,000

4. St. Petersburg - 248,000

5. Hialeah - 226,000

6. Orlando - 186,000

7. Ft. Lauderdale - 152,000

8. Tallahassee - 151,000

9. Hollywood - 139,000

10. Pembroke Pines - 137,000

11. Coral Springs - 118,000

12. Clearwater - 109,000

13. Cape Coral - 102,000

14. Gainesville - 95,000

15. Port St. Lucie - 89,000

16. Miami Beach - 88,000

17. Sunrise - 86,000

18. Plantation - 83,000

19. West Palm Beach - 82,000

20. Palm Bay - 79,000

21. Lakeland - 78,000

22. Pompano Beach - 78,000

23. Davie - 76,000

24. Boca Raton - 75,000

25. Miramar - 73,000

Most Populous Metro Areas (2000):

(Rounded to the Nearest Thousand)

1. Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater - 2,396,000

2. Miami - 2,253,000

3. Orlando - 1,645,000

4. Ft. Lauderdale - 1,623,000

5. Jacksonville - 1,100,000

6. West Palm Beach/Boca Raton - 1,131,000

7. Sarasota/Bradenton - 590,000

8. Daytona Beach - 493,000

9. Lakeland/Winter Haven - 484,000

10. Melbourne/Titusville/Palm Bay - 476,000

11. Fort Myers/Cape Coral - 441,000

12. Pensacola - 412,000

13. Fort Pierce/Port St. Lucie - 319,000

14. Tallahassee - 285,000

15. Ocala - 259,000

16. Naples - 251,000

17. Gainesville - 218,000

18. Fort Walton Beach - 170,000

19. Panama City - 148,000

Home to 11 of the country's 100 fastest-growing counties, a Florida investment property has high potential as a profit-maker, unlike most other areas. Port St. Lucie, Miramar and Cape Coral are the fastest growing cities in Florida. It's unlikely you will make a mistake investing in Florida real estate considering the vast number of tourists and new residents flocking to the land of sun and surf. The most difficult decision to make will be which location in Florida to purchase. Good investments abound in each area of the state, from Miami in the south to Clearwater on the gulf coast, going east to Daytona Beach and north to the panhandle. Selecting a location depends on your goals for purchasing Florida investment property. Carefully consider what you intend to do with your Florida investment property. Will your purchase be used mainly as a rental property for vacationers? Do you intend to have access to the property during certain seasons? Or is your goal rental of the property to local tenants? Some of these questions will help you in narrowing down your search. Once you have determined whether your Florida investment property will be used primarily for vacationers or for local renters, and whether you intend on using it as a vacation resort yourself, it is easier to choose the location.

"Each year is better than the previous one," said Abe Pizam, dean of the University of Central Florida's hospitality management college. "But it's not yet where it should be, or where it was."

Pizam said that, while a weak dollar has helped renew interest in Orlando among some foreign visitors, many are continuing to stay away because of heightened security measures in the United States and the hassles that accompany them, as well as increased opposition to the war in Iraq.

"It's a miracle that, despite that, we have improved our visitor counts," Pizam said. "We cannot deny there is still animosity toward the United States in many parts of the world."

Struggling economies in South America also put the brakes on many potential tourists' travel plans in what historically has been a strong market for Orlando.

According to the bureau's figures, the number of South American visitors have dropped substantially in recent years, from 659,000 in 2000 to fewer than 300,000 last year.

Other signs point to a recent upswing in international traffic, however. Orlando International Airport officials said in June that the airport recorded a 20 percent increase in international passengers compared with the same month last year.

On International Drive, a tourism corridor that benefits heavily from overseas travelers, merchants are noticing the difference.

"It's maybe picked up," said Zach Marino, manager of Texas de Brazil restaurant on International Drive. "In this area it's hard to tell because this is the spot to be. We have a strong international clientele."

Asian visitors increased by nearly 40,000 in 2004, and about 100,000 more Canadians traveled to Orlando last year than in 2003.

The visitors bureau noted that it has stepped up its national and international marketing of Orlando, having pulled back on such advertisements after 9-11.

"Our plan is more back-to-normal in terms of marketing thrust," Peeper said.

New York remained the No. 1 source of domestic out-of-state vacationers to Orlando last year. The Tampa Bay area held on as the top source of in-state visitors.

Experts are predicting that 2005 will exceed last year in terms of both international and domestic visitors.

Earlier this month, Walt Disney World reported percentage growth in the low double digits among international tourists, while the number of domestic customers remained relatively flat during one of the rainiest Junes on record.

"If everything stays stable, we should come out on the international side real well" in 2005, Peeper said.

Own Nicaragua Real Estate and Experience Paradise

What makes Nicaragua Real Estate tick? For one Nicaragua is exquisitely beautiful. The country has pleasant year-round sunshine, awesome beaches, top class surf, soaring volcanoes, and historic colonial cities. Many promoters are touting Nicaragua properties for sale as great buys. This is no wonder. Properties for sale in Nicaragua were initially helped by low prices, though the story may not be true today. Yet Nicaragua has many pros that goad buyers. It is a safe country, has growing tourism, and has excellent air connections with the United States. Though Real estate prices did see a decline during the global financial crisis, but it was not to the extent as seen in the UK, the United States, and other developed countries.

Here are some more reasons why Nicaragua Real Estate continues to fascinate investors.

• The Nicaraguan market has established lucrative retirement benefits like custom exemption for household goods.
• Some well-known title insurance companies offer title insurance on property in Nicaragua.
• Nicaragua is a signatory to the Central American Free Trade Agreement.
• The Foreign Investment Law in Nicaragua is investor-friendly. Domestic and foreign investments are treated at par. This is a wonderful advantage as the country recognizes the right of foreigners to own Nicaragua Real Estate and establish business enterprise as they wish.
• Inflation is moderately low. Massive investments in infrastructure facilities are under way. The major airport Managua International Airport has been modernized and expanded to accommodate double the passenger capacity.
• Most importantly, land for sale is a great attraction because of the spectacular natural beauty of Nicaragua. Excellent colonial architecture combined with beautiful lakes, turtle sanctuaries, exotic volcanoes, and cloud forests make the country irresistible to real estate hunters.

What are the Legal Issues to be Taken Care of?

When buying Nicaragua properties for sale have a fee freehold title. The best bet to own property in Nicaragua is in your own name. The process is simple, and the law allows you to hold property in the name of a Nicaraguan corporation. The Nicaraguan Law 344 eliminates all hindrances for inflow of capital.

What about Taxes?

You will have to pay taxes applicable under law to the local municipality. Taxes paid before March 31 is eligible for discounts.

How Do You Get to Finance Nicaragua Real Estate?

Fortunately, for investors, financing options are evolving and becoming more flexible. Most of the sales are still done on payment of cash. Some banks do offer loans at competitive rates, but the bureaucratic procedures can be cumbersome.

Some of the best investment options touted by realtors are as follows:

• Corn Islands with its swaying palms, warm waters, and a good number of English-speaking populations.
• Granada with a rich cultural heritage and beautiful colonial cities.
• Leon considered as an intellectual capital with its avante Garde University and stately churches.
• Pacific Coast with a splendidly attractive coastline.

Overall, owning Nicaragua real estate is a sound investment option. Hardly anybody who owns land Nicaragua regrets his decision. Low cost of living, friendly population, and spectacular natural beauty makes Nicaragua real estate a virtual paradise. Without doubt, Nicaragua has some of the most beautiful properties in the world.