Real Estate Dubai UAE Middle East

2008-06-02T03:12:00.000-07:00

How to make your Real Estate web site more effective

You know that a high ranking is very important to get high quality targeted traffic to your Web site. The more targeted your visitors are, the more you'll sell on your site.

However, a high ranking alone is not enough. Many webmasters have the problem that their visitors don't buy the real estate properties even if the way the visitors reached the site indicates that they're interested in the properties.

For that reason, we're going to tell you in this article what you can do to improve the effectiveness of your real estate website.

Section 1: The first three critical points - Make a good first impression, or your visitors will leave your site immediately

When prospective clients come to your site, it's very important that you make a good first impression. Before a prospective investor starts reading the description of your properties on your Web page, your page must pass these three critical points:

1. Your Web page must load quickly

Prospective investors won't wait for slow loading Web pages. If the Web pages don't load as fast as is possible, a lot of Web investors will go away before they have had a chance to take a look at your Web pages & real estate properties.

Don't forget that majority of Web users use a 28K/56K modem to surf the Internet. If your Web page is 120 KB big (including the images), then it takes 17 seconds to load the page. If you are a surfer, would you wait so long?

2. Your real estate website must look good & attractive

It is needless to mention about the importance of having the right website structure and design. A poor design reflects on the organization. Visitors today expect a website to be functional with the ease of use and navigation. It’s only then the site becomes positioned correctly in the global internet scenario where there is millions of site vying for the right kind of visitors for their site.

Make sure that your Web site has a professional layout. It's very important that your Web pages look perfect. Hire a professional Web designer if necessary.

The same is valid for your link pages. If you want to exchange links with other sites, make sure that your link pages look attractive. A link on your link pages should be something other people want to have.

Backward links are links in other websites which point to your website. Increasing your backward links helps increase or maintains your Google Page Rank. The search engines increase the rankings and position of a websites according to its references.
It is always safe to assign the task to safe hands, unethical & bad linking can adversely affect the website.

3. Don't use automatically generated doorway pages

Automatically created doorway pages might bring some visitors to your site. However, they'll land on a Web page that was designed with search engines spiders in mind.

Automatically created doorway pages usually look ugly to human Web surfers. Often, they consist of nothing more than a list of buzz-words. You won't get good results with this method because human Web surfers will quickly close such a Web page.

If your Web site falls under one of these categories, prospective investors will leave your site before you even have the chance to show them your properties & services.

It is always safe to assign the task to an experienced SEO firm, bad linking & unethical techniques can adversely affect the website & ultimately get banned.

Global Media Insight, a full fledged interactive agency operational in the UAE offering web design & development to Search Engine Optimization to online advertising. GMI’s ethical SEO makes sure that your real estate site automatically figures prominently and rank higher at the end of this process that automatically assures front-page presence of your real estate site on every search.

Why Invest in Dubai Real Estate

2008-05-25T01:13:00.000-07:00

Situated in the Arabian Gulf, but far away from the Middle East’s political hot spots, Dubai is the business, social, and tourism capital of the Middle East and an international business center. It is a cosmopolitan, multi-ethnic city with business-friendly government policies that allow 100% repatriation of capital and profit.

International investors can invest in 100% freehold properties, rent them out or stay in them, and sell them off whenever they want to, with full repatriation rights. Since about 80% of Dubai workforce is made up of expatriates, many of whom are among the world’s best paid executives, there is tremendous scope for renting out properties to them as individuals or the companies they work for.

Thus, investors in freehold properties are assured of handsome returns on their investment. It is estimated that an annual return of 25% on investment in the first three years of occupation, is a very realistic expectation. Dubai, quite like Hong Kong, has come a long way from being a gateway to bigger neighborhood markets to a vibrant international business center in its own right. A super-efficient city today, Dubai is a politically stable, socially relaxed, highly prosperous and business-friendly city. Its free trade zones are among the biggest and most successful in the world.

Dubai's superb social and business infrastructure has made it a magnet for global businesses. There’s hardly a Fortune 500 company that is not yet active in Dubai. Global organizations prefer to set up their operations in a free zone because the rules and regulations applicable in free zones are much more liberal than in the normal segment of the economy.

Dubai UAE Real Estate Market

2008-05-23T23:37:00.000-07:00

The real estate & property market in Dubai, UAE is rapidly expanding. Dubai, is one of the few Arabian states open to the West in terms of culture and social integration and secure in terms of political and economic environments. The Dubai, property market is growing and anyone who invests in the real estate of Dubai, UAE will see a rapid turnover in their investment.

Dubai, is especially attractive for people who are thinking of settling outside their home country in Europe, South Africa or South East Asia. The sunny weather, the exchange rate and the completely cosmopolitan nature of the state is something that is found in few other countries.

Dubai, is developing into a nation that is the prototype of globalization. Though a Middle Eastern country it lacks the formality, conventions and traditional flavors found in the Arab region. Dubai, has reinvented itself to suit the needs of all cultures and conventions. It is a commercial region where the real estate, the property and the investments are being created to cater to a universal regime.

Dubai, is creating a real estate boom that will tickle the fantasy of most people. It is creating regions within its borders that are representative of the world. Whether you want to buy, sell or invest in the real estate of Dubai, the return rate is excellent.

The open nature of the society in Dubai, makes it a haven for people who want to retire, relocate their families in a more successful manner and/or are simply looking for a secure return on their money. Dubai, is a lively place which has people of all religions, is open to various entertainment factions, has excellent education and healthcare facilities and is overall a place where living is dream.

About Dubai, is a site that offers information on the most popular and successful real estate and property projects being built and already completed in Dubai, . All the projects are described and presented in a manner such that the information is useful to a person interested in settling or investing in Dubai, . The Dubai, real estate and property market is at the peak and the statistics show that there are more foreigners than natives in this cosmopolitan nation.

Information Source: - About Dubai.org

2008-05-20T02:16:00.000-07:00

101 Tips for a Smoother Home-Buying Process

Preliminary Considerations:

1. Learn the home buying process in advance. You'll make much better decisions with a better understanding of the process.

2. Learn the lingo while you're at it (especially all the mortgage terms). You'll have a smoother home buying experience if you "speak the language."

3. Obtain your credit report.

4. Review your credit report. Make sure there are no errors. Check everything from the administrative information to the credit history.

5. Fix errors quickly. If you find an error on your credit report, go to the company's website where the report came from (TransUnion, Equifax or Experian) to contest it. Don't delay.

6. Run the numbers. Use an online mortgage calculator to get an idea how various mortgage amounts translate into monthly payments.

7. Check your debt-to-income ratio. Mortgage lenders prefer your overall debt to be no more than 20% of your net monthly income. If your debt is more, pay it down as quickly as possible.

8. Start saving your cash. Mortgage lenders like to see that you have some cash reserves on hand, and you'll need them for any unexpected fees or costs that might arise.

9. Get pre-qualified. Pre-qualification is an informal review of your finances by a mortgage lender to see what amount you might qualify for.

10. Avoid new lines of credit. Don't sign up for new credit cards or make any large credit purchases while you're "under review" by a mortgage lender.

11. There are many websites contain as much helpful home buying information for first-time buyers. Bookmark those websites.

Finding a Real Estate Agent

12. Ask friends or family. People who know you well are in the best position to recommend an agent who is right for you.

13. Talk to multiple agents. Don't think you have to sign on with the first agent you meet.

14. Ask how they search. Make sure your agents is going to use every means possible to find the right home for you. That means using the MLS in addition to their preferred listings.

15. Ask how they network. An experienced agent will often be part of a vast network of real estate professionals. This can sometimes help you find a home before it's even listed.

16. Ask about mortgage connections. It will save you time and headache if your agent can point you toward a good mortgage company.

17. Read paperwork carefully. At some point, your chosen agent will ask you to sign an agency agreement. It's usually a boilerplate document, but be sure to read it carefully all the same.

18. Consider the "vibe" factor. You might be working with this person anywhere from 2 to 12 months, so it certainly helps if you like them on a personal level.

19. Exchange cell phone numbers. You should have your agents cell number in your wallet, and vice versa. You don't want to miss an opportunity simply because you couldn't be reached.

House Hunting

20. Create a "need vs. want" list. Make a spreadsheet or checklist of the things you need in a home, versus the things you want. Print a copy for each house you visit and check items off.

21. Practice self-reliance. Don't over-rely on your agent when it comes to finding a home. Get out there and do some hunting yourself. It's a necessity, but it's also exciting!

22. Use multiple channels. The more channels you use to search for a home, the better. Read the newspaper, cruise the neighborhoods, and surf the web.

23. Use the Internet to your full advantage. Bookmark the real estate listing sites you find most helpful. Visit them once a day and write down new homes that meet your criteria.

24. Create a Google Alert. Visit Google's home page, click on "More" and find the Google Alerts. Enter real estate phrases for your area, and you'll get daily updates with news and info.

25. Feel free to snoop (sort of). When house hunting, it's okay to peek into dark corners, basements, storage sheds and the like. Respect the owner's privacy, but see the whole house.

26. Ask plenty of questions. Don't be shy about asking the sellers questions, if they're home.

27. Validate the asking price. It's called an "asking price" for a reason. Compare it to recent sales in the area. Your agent should be expert at this.

28. Consider shopping, dining and the like. Is the home near the places you frequent, or will it be a long drive?

29. Consider the commute. If you're a daily commuter, distance is a big consideration.

30. Visit during rush hour. Is the home hard to access or exit during rush hour? Is there a lot of traffic noise?

31. Check out the zoning. Are you surrounded by residential areas, or is there a soon-to-be-used commercial zone right across the street?

32. Research the neighborhood, not just the house. Neighborhoods impact property value as well as your own happiness.

33. Research taxes. Sometimes, two neighborhoods right across the street from one another will have different tax situations. Don't make assumptions.

34. Research future development. Will that nice meadow down the street be a highway extension or shopping mall in two years?

35. Bring a "disinterested witness." A level-headed friend or family member will help you judge the pros and cons of each home.

36. Avoid "The One" syndrome. Don't pull up to a home and say, "This is the one!" It might be, but you need to be cool-headed and open-minded during your first visit.

37. Bring a digital camera. It's a great way to record the details of each home for later review.

38. Bring a notepad. Jot down some notes about each home, and label each page by address.

39. Ask about ghosts, poltergeists or other forms of haunting. Just kidding.

40. Think five years ahead. Will the home still suit your needs if your family grows?

41. Play home inspector, casually. The full inspection will come later, but you should at least give the "big ticket" items (roof, heating system, etc.) a glance when visiting.

42. Keep an eye out for mold, standing water and other symptoms of disrepair.

43. Research schools. This is important whether or not you have school-aged children. Schools affect property values.

Making an Offer

44. Base your offer on evidence, not emotion. Remember, the lender will appraise the home later on. If it appraises for less than you've agreed to pay, you'll have problems.

45. Use your agent's experience. It might be your first offer, but your agent has probably seen dozens.

46. Discuss contingencies. Will your offer be contingent upon something, like the sale of your current home?

47. Prepare for all possible responses. What will you do if the seller makes a counteroffer or rejects your offer outright? Conduct "rehearsals" for each scenario.

48. Move quickly (but cautiously) in seller's market. Delays can cause a home to slip through your fingers.

49. Plan the closing date. This will normally be agreed upon during the offer process.

Choosing a Mortgage

50. Study the different types of mortgages, especially the pros and cons of each.

51. Consider your staying time. How long you plan to stay in a home will often determine which type of home loan is best for you.

52. Learn about new mortgage packages. A variety of "creative financing" loans have emerged in recent years. Learn about them.

53. Shop for the best interest rate. Mortgage lenders will offer different rates based on how comfortable they are lending to you. So shop around.

54. Read up on RESPA. The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act protects you from unethical lenders. Familiarize yourself with it.

55. Consider paying points. A point is one percent of the loan amount. Paying points can lower your interest rate. Look into whether or not it's a good idea for your situation.

56. Don't go it alone. Ask your agent for advice. Talk to friends and family who've been through the home buying / mortgage process before.

57. Factor in PMI. If your down payment is less than 20% of the loan amount, you'll probably have to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI).

58. You can learn about everything mentioned above, in much greater detail.

59. Watch out for unethical lenders. Talk to your agent or real estate attorney is something seems strange or too good to be true.

The Mortgage Application

60. Be honest. Don't let anyone talk you into falsifying information on your mortgage application. You'll be the only one held accountable.

61. Ask questions. And ask them again, until you're comfortable that you understand each part of the application.

62. Read the fine print. Often, the most important parts of an application are in the fine print. Don't let these details go unnoticed.

63. Don't sign blank areas. If a section of the mortgage application is blank, either 'X' it out or leave it unsigned.

64. Keep a copy for yourself. This applies to all documents during the home buying process. Start a folder with copies of everything.

65. Get a truth-in-lending statement. After you apply for the loan, the lender is required to give you an estimate of the total costs associated with the loan.

66. Plan for more than truth-in-lending statement. Unfortunately, it's common for the actual costs of a loan to be more than the lender's estimate. So plan for more.

The Home Inspection

67. Get a home inspection! At around $500, it's a small price to pay for peace of mind.

68. Hire a certified inspector. Anyone can claim to be an inspector. So make sure yours is certified by a professional organization.

69. Tag along if possible. You'll learn a lot about the inner workings of the home.

70. Categorize discrepancies, based on whether or not you want the seller to fix them.

71. Be realistic with repair requests. In a seller's market, you may not get all the repairs you want. So be realistic with what you're asking.

72. Get a termite inspection. Make the offer contingent upon a termite-free inspection.

The Home Appraisal

73. Understand the appraisal process. It's for the lender's protection, but it will also tell you if you're overpaying for the home.

74. Have a plan for under-appraisal. You can pay the difference, the seller can lower the price, or you can walk.

Pre-Closing / Pre-Settlement

75. Read up on closing procedures. Start with a refresher on RESPA.

76. Talk to friends and family who've been through a closing process. Learn from them.

77. Stay in touch with your lender, your agent, and the escrow company. Make sure they have all the paperwork they need to avoid delays.

78. Keep saving your money. Real estate closings often come with unexpected costs.

79. Be on the lookout for your HUD-1 statement. You should get one several days before closing. It will list the total amount due at closing.

80. Transfer utilities. Now might be a good time to start putting the utilities into your name.

81. Get hazard insurance. Most lenders require it, but it's mainly for your own protection.

82. Conduct your final walk-through. Make sure all requested repairs have been made.

83. Get a certified check for the amount due on the HUD-1 statement.

84. Confirm the time and location of the closing.

The Closing / Settlement Process

85. Bring your ID. The escrow company will probably want to verify it.

86. Don't forget the check!

87. Bring some blank checks, just in case unexpected costs or fees arise.

88. Don't feel rushed. Escrow companies do it for a living, but it's probably you're first time.

89. Read thoroughly. People make mistakes, so read each document carefully (especially the bottom-line amounts).

90. Ask questions. You're not being a pest for asking a lot of questions. You're simply looking out for your finances.

91. Don't make assumptions. For example, just because you agreed to buy mortgage points for a lower interest rate, don't assume it has been processed that way. Check the paperwork.

After Closing

92. Follow-up on your utility transfer.

93. Complete a change of address form for the postal service.

94. Notify friends and family of your new address. Postcards and emails work well.

95. Get a safe deposit box for your important documents, like your homeowner's insurance policy.

96. Set up auto-pay for your mortgage payments. It will be one less hassle to worry about each month, and it will also help you avoid missing payments.

97. Go meet the neighbors. If your neighbors don't come and introduce themselves, go say hello. Remember, these are the people who will keep an eye on your home when you're away.

98. Ease into your mortgage payment. Before filling the house with new furniture or electronics, give yourself a few months to adjust to the new mortgage payment.

99. Do the happy dance (whatever your version might be). Just remember to stretch first.

100. Break out the champagne, or your preferred non-alcoholic beverage.

101. Exhale.

* You may republish this article if you retain the author's note with active hyperlinks below.

2008-05-19T03:09:00.000-07:00

10 essential tricks every real estate agent should know.

Amazing, isn't it? How when you listen to one of the selling masters you say to yourself "Why didn't I think of that? It seems so obvious...so easy."

The masters always seem to come up with the perfect phrase...a few words...sometimes even just one word...that grabs you by the lapels and drags you into their presentation.

The perfect words make you want to buy whatever they're selling before they've even mentioned a product.

It's the Art of Persuasion. Right?

But let me assure you right now that it's less of an art and more of a science.

The Art of Persuasion is something you can learn. And the good news is the fundamental building block to any good persuasive presentation is simply building rapport.

As the motivational trainer Peter Lowe says, "The three keys to persuasion are: Establish rapport, Establish rapport, Establish rapport."

And to build that rapport, you need to cultivate behaviors that will make people trust you and make them feel it's in their best interest to follow your lead.

Here, are some ideas, big and small, for making yourself more persuasive:

1. Before a presentation, ask yourself "What do I really want?" Ask soul-searching questions to understand your true motivation: family, money, fame, power. You're looking for what makes you tick, what drives you.

2. Develop the knack for making the other person feel like the center of the universe.

3. Be quick to compliment.

4. Train yourself to remember other people's names. One of the best ways: when you shake hands with a new person, note the color of his or her eyes. That forces you to make eye contact and, after a while, will also send a signal to your brain to store that person's name in your long-term memory. Also use the name soon afterwards, and you'll have a lock on it.

5. Empower others. Follow the maxims of legendary 3M leader William McKnight: "Listen to anybody with an idea. Encourage experimental doodling. If you put fences around people, you get sheep; give people the room they need."

6. Try to arouse positive emotion.

7. Take a clue from your audience—whether it's a single seller or a family of buyers. Really make an effort to communicate in a manner that matches your message to the receiver.

8. Hone your sense of humor.

9. Practice being a better questioner. Follow up by asking, "How does that make you feel?" or "Have you ever experienced anything else like that?" or "How could that be handled differently in the future?" or "I wonder what lessons we can take from that?"

10. Keep your perspective. Remember: Even though you're passionate about your point of view, lighten up. Tomorrow's another day-and another opportunity to persuade.