Marketing your Real Estate Online
Real estate has become an increasingly competitive sector with the rise in house prices and earnings an agency can make per acquisition. Real estate marketing has also became a sector where it is not merely real estate agencies that are competing to close a sale, so to are affiliates that earn a commission from an agency for each deal they refer. This article gives a brief overview of the methodology that real estate agents are following to market their business on the web. Paid Search Marketing (PPC/CPC) Real estate businesses are now choosing to market their business through paid search advertising. This is where the owner pays a search engine for each click made from the search engine to their website. Search engines such as Google, Yahoo and MSN display these adverts on the right hand side of search results. The advantages of marketing through this method include that people are searching for what you can provide along with the fact that you can choose what kind of budget you wish to allot to your paid search advertising. The level of scalability can range from as low as $20 per month all the way up to $20,000 plus. When opting for this method of advertising it is best if you really know your stuff; that is why taking an online PPC training session such as the one offered by Google can really help. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Search engine optimization is where you can choose to position your website for searches such as “real estate” in the organic search engine results. This means that you do not pay anything, rather visitors come to your real estate website through the searches that they conduct that are relevant to what your business offers. Although you do not have to pay anything to the search engines for advertising using this method, you may have to pay money to a search engine optimization company that will work with you to increase your search engines position. They will advise you to add more content to your website and will attempt to garner back-links to your website from other real estate websites. When working with a search engine optimization company it is important to ensure that they employ ethical tactics to increase your websites position in the SERPs. You should ask the company if they comply with Google’s webmaster guidelines and also ask to speak to past clients of theirs that have had a positive experience and had increased levels of traffic as a result. Email Marketing Email marketing was a far more common form of marketing in years past, however it remains just as effective today as it was in the past, even although search engine marketing has become increasingly popular. Email marketing will not convert as well as search marketing because people are not necessarily looking for services that you offer. Despite this, email marketing is still a highly effective way of finding customers for your real estate business. If you decide to work with an email marketing company it is important that you ensure you do not break the rules, and that you comply with anti spam laws that are in place.
<a href=http://www.columbus-home-finder.com>Columbus Ohio Real Estate</a> is the website of Christopher Lotte, Realtor serving the Columbus Ohio area. <a href=http://www.columbus-home-finder.com>Columbus Ohio Real Estate</a> website which contains an online home search of all of the homes for sale in the Columbus Ohio area.
Apartment Search
When you are apartment hunting, prepare a rental search plan. Be sure to know in advance what you want in an apartment and what you can live without. Decide in advance what areas of the city you could consider living in and make a list of apartment buildings within that perimeter.
Be sure to consider how far and how convenient it will be for you to travel to your job or your school or your family and friends. Also, how far is the apartment from stores, banks, hospitals, Church (if you attend) etc. If you have a car, make sure that there is adequate and convenient parking space 24/7. If you don’t drive make sure that there is close by public transportation.
Narrow your apartment locating to the size of rental unit you need. Studio apartment or one bedroom apartment or 2 BR apartment or more. Are you considering a furnished apartment or do you possible need a short term rental. If you are renting an apartment with a cat, dog, or other pet, you need to find out which apartments allow renting with pets and which do not. And, if they do allow pets, is there an additional security deposit required and if so, how much it is. Do you need an apartment complex with an exercise room or tennis courts or a pool or a recreation room, etc. or do you simply need and desire a nice clean and quiet pad.
Be realistic about what you can afford. Most apartment renting guides suggest that your rent should not be more than 25% to 30% of your income. This can vary depending on the income bracket, but be sure to be “real world” when budgeting additional apartment expenses such as heating and air conditioning and other utilities. If you fall short of affording the apartment of your choice, you might consider sharing an apartment with a roommate or roommates. Keep in mind that living with roommates can help you afford an upscale apartment or even, in some cases, luxury apartments, but it also has extreme restrictions to your privacy.
If you are familiar with the area and its neighborhoods, that gives you a distinct advantage for your apartment search. If, however, you are relocating to a new city or are not particularly knowledgeable about the city, you may want to contact an Apartment Locator or an Apartment Finder.
Once you narrow your search for apartments down to apts which suit your needs and desires you must be well organized & well prepared for your visits to the apartment complexes. When inspecting the rental premises be on the alert for unsafe conditions, excessive noise from traffic or playgrounds or neighbors. Visit the apartment building at night as well as the daytime hours. This will give you a more comprehensive understanding of the total space you will be residing in.
When you find the apartment complex that meets your renting needs and desires, you must be ready to put your “best foot forward” when you meet the apartment’s rental agent. This person may be the apartment building manager or a renting agent for the apts. You should prepare for this apartment renting interview in a professional and intelligent manner. Be advised that you are going to be asked to provide proof that you are a reliable prospective tenant. You are most likely going to need references from previous landlords. You may also be required by the apartments to show that you are gainfully employed and can afford the rent. Many landlords may require a credit report. If you are a first time renter and/or you have limited credit history you may be asked for references from family, friends, employer, professionals, etc. Likewise if you are renting with bad credit you will certainly want to come to the interview with a strong selection of references.
You are not necessarily restricted from apartment renting with less than perfect credit, but you may be required to put up an additional security deposit and possibly have a credit worthy person co-sign the apartment lease with you. Don’t unprepared for by requests for any of these things. Be sure to fill out a 100% truthful apartment rental application and come to the interview with references, proof of employment, credit information and any other renting resources at the ready. If you do have a credit history or renting history that might be detrimental, going through an apartment locator or apartment finder may be the best solution. They will present your history to the landlord for you, (make sure they are 100% truthful about it) and they can also be quite helpful and save you a lot of time because they most likely will know which landlords and apartments are more lenient in these circumstances. They can also advise you as to exactly what kinds of references and documents you might need to prove that you can be a responsible tenant.
You Have Located Your “Dream Apartment”
Once you have located your “dream apartment”, or as close to your perfect apartment as possible, now it is necessary to pay extremely close attention to the particulars of the rental agreement. An Apartment Lease is a contract between you and the landlord. Once agreed upon and signed by the tenant and the landlord, the rental lease creates obligations and restrictions for both parties. The most obvious covenants of the apartment lease are the length of the rental, (Six month lease, one year lease, two year lease, etc.) The amount of the security deposit, when the rent is due, who is responsible for what utilities. Also in that apartment lease, however, are stipulations, (sometimes in small print) that can cover a great variety of landlord and tenant obligations and restrictions.
They can include, but are not limited to, the following:
* Maintenance of the apartment
* Care of the premises
* Cleanliness
* Insurance
* Governmental regulations
* Eminent Domain
* Nuisance and noise clauses
* Stipulations as to the circumstances whereby the landlord can enter the premises
* Use of Common Areas
* Keys and locks
* Loss or damage
* Parking
* Pets
* Plumbing
* What the landlord may do if the rent is in arrears
* What the tenant can do to bring the rent current before any kind of action might be started
* Non performance or breach of the contract by the renter
* Renter’s penalties in the event of early termination
* Circumstances which might cause the tenant or the landlord to break the lease prior to the end of the term
* Heat and other utilities
* Removal of goods
* Surrender or Non-Surrender of the premises
* Waivers of various obligations
* Prohibited reprisals
* Garbage disposal
* Recyclables
* And the list goes on and on and on.
Prospective tenants should read an Apartment lease thoroughly. Prospective apartment renters should understand everything that is contained in that lease and make an informed decision to be 100% accepting of all the provisions for both the tenant and the landlord, that you are positive that you can live up to your end of the bargain and that you are comfortable with the provisions on the landlord’s end.
If you do not understand every single clause of that apartment lease then do not sign it until you do understand it. If necessary and if possible, request assistance in interpreting the lease from a trusted source such as a knowledgeable friend or family member or employer or professional, or anyone else who can understand it and explain it to you. If necessary get legal advice. It can cost additional funds if you do not qualify for free legal assistance, but that additional cost might save you a ton of money and save you a ton of heartache and aggravation down the road.
If you do not agree with any of the provisions of that apartment lease and/or you feel that you can’t live up to the tenant’s obligations, or if you are not in agreement with any of the landlord’s rights under the agreement, then do not sign the lease until/or unless it can be changed to your satisfaction. If the apartment rental agreement cannot be amended to meet your needs and desires and comfort level then do not sign the lease and do not rent that apartment. The Apartment Rental agreement that you sign as a prospective tenant will not change once you become the actual tenant of that apartment.
Good luck in your apartment search and good luck in your new apartment.
Kyle Thomas Haley has been helping people relocate on the Internet since 1999 with Apartment and Relocation Websites: <a href="http://www.apartment-rental.net">Find Apartments</a> <a href="http://www.relocation-guide.net/">Relocating Guide</a> Copyright 1999 ? 2005 STANZEEKAY Inc. You have permission to publish this article free of charge, as long as the bylines are included and none of the links or content are removed or edited.
To rent an apartment or condo in Bangkok?
By info at 4:48 am on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 Edit This Many people ask, what s the difference between an apartment and a condo in Bangkok? Well, condos are individually owned units whilst an apartment is a block of rental units owned by a company, family or individual. There are, of course pros and cons to renting an apartment over condo and hopefully this article will shed some light on the apartment versus condo rental issue, and help you with your final decision. Rental prices When it comes to price, I don t think it differs very much whether it s an apartment or condo. The rental rate is usually determined by the location, age and grade of building, size of unit, number of bedrooms, facilities, d ©cor and furnishing. For a guide on what your rental budget will buy, click here. Utility bills. Now, this is where the main disadvantage lies in renting an apartment over a condo. Apartments tend to have a minimum charge for water (usually around 1000 baht per month) and a surcharge on electricity (around 5 ” 6 baht a unit compared to the 3.5 baht charged by the MEA). All this can amount a hefty difference in utility bills at the end of every month. I live in a 3 storey townhouse with a family of 6 and my water bill has never exceeded 500 BHT a month, ever. We do a lot of washing and drinking too! Building management fees These fees apply more for condominiums since apartments have already accounted for their operating cost in their rates. This is usually around 40 baht per square metre and most of the time; this fee has already been included in the rent. However, if you got you a really good deal i.e. a nicely furnished 95 sqm 2 bedroom in the CBD for 25,000 baht/month, then it s likely that your landlord will not be paying the building mgt. fee for you. I think that s reasonable enough. Others At the end of the day, whether you are renting an apartment or a condo, who you rent it from is extremely important. With condo owners, I feel that it s a lot easier to negotiate on the rent since these individuals can be more flexible, compared to an apartment which charges standard rates that are usually non-negotiable. However, finding a suitable condo for rent is a little trickier on your own since you ll have to know where there is a unit for rent and the owner s contact. That is where real estate; and property agencies like Bangkok Findercan help you. The other thing is maintenance. It s definitely a lot more convenient if you are living in an apartment since there is usually an in house maintenance guy hired by the building at hand. However, I know of many condo owners who take very good care of their property and have their own handyman who usually respond within a day. The cost can be foot by the landlord or the tenant depending on the initial agreement. Again, the cheaper the rent, the more you ll have to account during your lease tenure. Apart from that, apartments and condos both offer 24 hour security and feel safer for most, compared to living in a house. There is also NO chance of flooding inside your home, which is a major concern for most people looking to rent or buy in Thailand. Those are the main points really. Now, are you ready to start your home search? Here are apartments for rent and condos for rent in Bangkok.
Maddy Barber runs Bangkok Finder a property rental agency that specialises solely in properties for rent in Bangkok, Thailand. She has lived and worked abroad in India, Malaysia, China and various parts of Asia previously before moving to Thailand 6 years ago with her family. Her vast experience in negotiating and finding homes in a foreign land led the way for Bangkok Finder, which today helps hundreds of expats yearly, relocate and settle into their new home in Bangkok. She speaks English, Mandarin, Thai and various Chinese dialects.
Apartment Renting With Pets
If you?re a pet owner who is considering a move to an apartment there are certain things you must be keep in mind. First, whether or not your pet will be accepted by most landlords depends primarily on the type, size and personality of your pet.
Dogs:
If you own a large dog, apartment living is probably not for you. Not only will accepting landlords be hard to find, but your dog will not be happy in the confined space of an apartment. A large dog needs room to exercise and play, neither of which is usually available in an apartment setting.
If you plan to move to an apartment, make sure your dog is one that will adapt easily to this change in environment. Usually smaller, lap dogs are the best choice. However, even smaller dogs can cause problems.
If your dog barks or whines a lot you may well find yourself at odds with the landlord, as well as with other tenants. Many times your dog only causes a disturbance because it?s lonely or bored. If you?re gone during the day, you can sometimes alleviate these problems by hiring a pet walker to come in and give your dog attention and exercise.
You must also keep in mind that most apartment complexes have leash laws so you will have to accompany your dog each time it goes outside. Since most complexes don?t have areas where it?s safe for your dog to run free, this is as much a matter of your dog?s safety as it the protection of other tenants.
Cats:
Cats are the pets of choice for apartments. Most are not as socially oriented as dogs and are quite happy left on their own. As long as your cat has a nice spot to curl up and take a nap, space isn?t an issue. More than likely your pet is a house cat so frequent trips outside aren?t required.
But you must realize that some landlords do not accept cats any more willingly than they do dogs. Some have a strict ?no pets? rule. If that?s the case, don?t consider renting there. If your pet is discovered you may be evicted and/or fined.
Other Pets:
?Pocket pets? such as fish, birds, and reptiles usually don?t pose a problem when it comes to renting. However, you should still check with your prospective landlord to make sure.
General Tips:
Landlords who do accept pets often require a pet deposit. This is intended to cover any damage your dog or cat does to the premises, as well as additional cleaning that may be necessary when you leave the apartment.
If you?re searching for apartments that accept pets, there are many places to go for help. You?ll find lots of websites and message boards dedicated to this subject. You can also enlist the help of a local realtor or relocation specialist who usually have lists of ?pet-friendly? apartments. Just make sure you?re clear on the policy regarding pets before you sign any rental agreement.
If you take into account your pet?s needs, as well as those of your landlord, you?ll be much more likely to find an apartment that meets your needs.
Happy apartment hunting!
Kyle Thomas Haley has been helping people relocate on the Internet since 1999 for STANZEEKAY Inc's Relocation Websites: <a href="http://www.apartment-rental.net">Apartment Finding</a> and <a href="http://www.relocation-guide.net">A National Relocating Guide</a> Copyright 1999 ? 2005 STANZEEKAY Inc. You have permission to publish this article free of charge, as long as the bylines are included and none of the links or content are changed.
Make new friends and money both at the same time!
Do you have a spare room just begging for an occupant? Would you like to meet people from different countries? If the answer to these questions is YES, why not advertise as a homestay on www.perfecthomestay.com . Prospective guests can search by location, availability, size of family, specialty and price. This ensures they learn everything about your Homestay before they book. Make new friends through our community pages. With your own free blog page you can chat with fellow Homestay owners and guests, share information and experiences, maybe even arrange to meet them at a special event. We are NOT a Homestay program. We link homeowners and guests together through our unique database system. We ve even included specimen emails that you can use to communicate with guests to make the procedure trouble free. Best of all it costs you absolutely nothing! Yes, that s right; our service is offered completely FREE to Homestays! Go on, you owe it to yourself to take a look at our site and advertise your home as available for a perfect cultural exchange. Visit http://www.perfecthomestay.com today!
http://perfecthomestay.com and http://perfectschool.info Team
