During this time of financial uncertainty, when it comes to buying a new home especially for those who are just starting out, affordability is an issue. Buying a detached single family home might be costly or too much to handle if they have to squeeze monthly mortgage payments into their budget.

The most attractive option would be to buy a condo unit. Condo ownership offers new home buyers a chance to own a residence and build equity at a lower cost than a detached single family home. It offers them a title to the space of their own living quarters with minimal running cost. It is because maintenance cost is reduced and fees are shared among the owners. Condo owners will only pay a fraction of the whole maintenance cost which is more affordable than single detached home’s monthly mortgage payment.

Owners are entitled to use the building’s facilities, amenities and green areas. Most condos offer many modern amenities such as pools, Jacuzzis, tennis courts, fitness centers or clubhouses. There are also condominium buildings that offer golf courses and more traditional recreation rooms with billiards, libraries, card rooms and others. These are part of the ‘perks’ that go along with owning a condo unit and part of the condo homeowners’ association fee.

Many condominium complexes today are very ‘family friendly’ and are ideal for raising children. Aside from facilities for children, condo homeowners are assured with 24/7 protection within the building’s premises. Cameras are installed in the lobby and even in elevators to provide homeowners with maximum security.

In today’s real estate market, condos are highly sought after homeownership because of affordability, low maintenance cost and resort-style facilities. Of course condo homeownership is not cut out for everyone, however in this ailing times, a more practical solution is needed.

Kevin Clayton, President of Clayton Homes - one of America’s largest manufacturers of mobile and prefabricated homes gave his architects a free hand instructing them to create a new house incorporating as many green products as possible to produce a home that is supper energy-efficient.

The result is the Clayton I-House, a modern prefab home that can be powered for only a dollar a day.

It has a Low E- windows, high-efficiency appliances, solar augmentation and superior insulation. The solar insulation in the roof cut the electricity in half. There is also a tankless water heater and a cistern which collects rainwater from the roof for use in car washing, gardening and other outdoor uses.

The core unit can be expanded by adding additional rooms in different configurations to suit the homebuyer’s needs and the character of the lot. Placing rooms above one another to accommodate larger families is possible. Clayton Vice President Chris Nicely said “the goal is to allow as much customization both in configuration and interiors. It can be set on a traditional foundation or it can sit on piers driven into the ground.”

As innovative the green house features are, it is the design that draws attention. The interior and exteriors are attractive looking like a high-end home. Clayton is even exploring a partnership with IKEA and let prefab home buyers design their own I-Houses from the IKEA website.

The basic I-House is 992 square feet. Its design is a blend of indoor and outdoor space which makes it seem bigger. Though final prices have not been set, Clayton hopes to deliver it for $100,000.

With energy costs certainly to climb in coming years, the market for a small but stylish house that has many high-end amenities with a low energy bill is a big hit in the plummeting housing market.

After only spending a few days in your new home, What if you discovered a leaky ceiling, pests or rowdy and noisy neighbors?

To avoid having to face these undesirable events, follow these few surprise-less home-picking tips:

First tip is to do research on the town where you have chosen to live. An online search will usually lead you to an official city site or a chamber of commerce website. These sites can provide you with a lot of useful information. However, do not stop your research there because these sites normally “sell” the city to viewers. You can always find a local newspaper or city news online to back up the informations.

The second tip is to check out your soon-to-be neighborhood. After checking out the town or city, you might want to check out the neighborhood as well. Visit a local bar and ask residents about details like how fast or slow homes are selling and whether there are criminal gangs and more. More importantly, drive around town. It will help you get a good feel and first hand experience for where you might want to live.

The last step is to check out your chosen home. When you are sure you like the home, walk around the area. Converse with neighbors and interview them about possible roof-tearing storms or try to get some information on every little thing that may affect your lifestyle.

Follow these few simple tips and erase those unpleasant surprises.

Thinking of a home renovation? Be sure to consider these tips for what home buyers will be looking for a home 5 to 10 years from now. Otherwise, when time comes for you to sell, you may be left with a heap nobody wants.

According to the U.S Census Bureau, the median age of an American home is 36 years and like many homeowners, you should also find yourself in the midst of house “future-proofing” so it does not become an outdated edifice amidst fast-changing new building science and static home-sales market.

New Regulations, such as California’s recent move to reduce formaldehyde emission from composite wood products such as those used in most Californian kitchen cabinets is a great upgrade for your house renovation project. Turning green is helpful too, though back then, “energy efficiency” and “green” building were still environmentalists’ lingo and housing prices seemed likely to only go up.

“5 or 10 years ago, people did not wonder, What can we do to insulate or what sort of lighting to use to save energy?’” says Gary Drake, owner of Los Angeles-based Drake Contractors Inc. “It was more like, ‘Why am I spending all this money on insulation?’”

Now Drake said that almost a quarter million of remodeling clients are requesting for energy efficient lighting, appliances as well as paints and cabinetry made with less volatile organic compound or VOC which are solvents that can cause environmental and health problems.

Here are five home remodeling “future proofing” tips that experts recommend to ride in the new trend in 2^nd -3^rd generation home-sale market.

1. Consider a tankless water heater or going solar

Tankless hot-water heaters fire up only when you turn on the hot water tap. As water runs through the heater, it is warmed instantly. Such appliances are considered to be more efficient than a standard water heater tanks which continually consume energy to heat and store water you do not use most of the day.

Hawaii is beginning to mandate tankless water heaters in new homes. Residents who have installed solar water-heating system in the US can qualify for a 30% federal tax credit, while tankless hot water heaters can earn up to $1,500 federal credit and some state incentives too.

2. Upgrade your home’s insulation

Today there are multiple forms of home insulation; many promoted as “green,” including soy-based foams, denim and loose-fill cellulose (recycled newspapers). You should use the highest R-value or thermal resistance- the bigger the number the better the insulation.

3. Use formaldehyde-free kitchen Cabinets

Inquire whether the material used for your kitchen cabinets has urea formaldehyde which is used in adhesives of certain pressed-wood products. WHO and National Cancer Institute recommend that “buyers should ask about the formaldehyde content of such products” Formaldehyde is considered to be the human carcinogen.

4. Use low or no VOC paint and finishes

Products that contain low or no-VOC paints and finishes are healthier for your family while painting is going on. VOCs are solvents that disperse into the air as paint dries and is responsible for that new-paint smell. VOC can contribute to smog as well as kidney and liver damage, respiratory and memory problems particularly in children.

Spending a bit more on such upgrades can pay off immediately in terms of energy saving and a higher resale price. In fact, according to study, most 2^nd or 3^rd generation homebuyers are willing to pay a premium of $20,000 or more for a green home.

Philippine real estate transactions are sometimes a cause for worry because of the many unavoidable problems in the system. Having stress-less or worry-free real estate transactions would be an absolute blessing!

The first tip is to make sure to deal only with Titled property. Dealing with untitled properties or properties evidenced only by a Tax Declaration will only force you to investigate the chain of property ownership. With titled property you can be sure of the fact that the owner of the property is exactly who is stated in the title. Also make sure that you meet with the actual sellers of the property and not another party that the original sellers appointed to handle the transaction.

The next tip is to secure a certified true copy of the title from the register of deeds. There is a chance of an “involuntary liens” annotation that would mean the property is still under question or the ownership is transferred. This can only be seen behind the title on file with the register of deeds.

The third tip is to have the property identified by a licensed surveyor to verify that the property is exactly what is being stated in the title. This way, you can be assured of the meters and bounds of the property and not be afraid of giving up your money for it.

The last and most important tip is to never forget to have your deed of sale, contract of sale or other document over the land annotated on the copy on file with the register of deeds. This should be clear enough to be sure that your records are correctly stored and your property properly transferred to you in official government documents.

Remembering these small tips would help you achieve the best real estate transaction that you deserve.

According to the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) 20 hotels including units of international chains of hotels will rise in the Philippines this year.

“20 hotels worth P50 billion will rise in the country this year. These include Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort, Shangri-La Resort and Spa in Boracay, New Port Marriot Hotel, Maxims Hotel in Manila and Spa in Cebu “ said PTAA vice president for inbound, John Paul Cabanza.

“Other hotels are expected to open in Cebu, Metro Manila, Bohol and Palawan for the next 3 years which has a combined capacity of 8,000 new rooms.” PTAA said.

Cabalza said that PTAA ha committed to help the government promote the country as a “MICE” destination.

MICE stands for “Meetings, incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions.” It is the newest campaign of the Department of Tourism and the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corp. which aims to position the country as a convention and exhibition hub in Asia and hopefully in the world.

“This is a Market that has to be fully developed. There is a great potential for ‘MICE’ in the Philippines especially that new hotel investments are arriving in the country this year.” Cabalza said.

“The first step that PTAA must take first is to promote ‘MICE’ domestically among the different industries in the country.” He added.

The PTAA official said that by becoming a ‘MICE’ destination, it will bring a multiplier effect on the country’s economy and will help the Philippine economy to recover and sustain the financial crisis.

“MICE is an industry by itself. It is not just about tourism as other industries will benefit from it by attracting potential investors in the Philippines.”

PTAA officials said that they aim to add Philippines as one of Asia’s top ‘MICE” destinations along with Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand of which earned $587 million from such activities as of last year.

Sacrificing time and money has never been a human being’s favorite pastime. The idea of losing too much time or losing too much money is painful enough to think about. So, it is only natural for one to seek the best solution to one of life’s hardest problems: a quick property sale.

Filling up necessary forms and waiting for a year or so to accumulate the right amount of money to kick-start your new life in a new home is stressful enough. It is advised that you do not try and go about a quick sale on your own. It is a very tedious task, especially since quick sales handle more paperwork than that of ordinary property sales. The best and most viable option available is to hire a professional Real Estate agent; preferably, one who specializes in quick sales. An agent will help to handle the schedules and the meetings. As he knows the tricks of the business, he will be able to complete all the paper work and other technical formalities for you. Well-trained individuals like these will bring you your money in an absolutely effortless and efficient way, as they were practically born to do it.

Learn to enjoy the little time you have by doing the things you were made to do. Do not delay the process! Hire a professional Real Estate agent and, before you know it, money will start seeping in your pockets.

This month of April, Ford and GM Motors want to break the ice that freezes their sales chart. Ford has introduced the Ford Advantage Plan, which will make up to twelve payments for a buyer who loses their job. GM’s Total Confidence Program will make nine payments in the first 24 months and under some circumstances, will let you trade in your new GM vehicle on another GM car. The GM Total Confidence Program also includes payment and negative equity protection.

Other methods are being used by other car-makers to encourage buyers into action as well. GMAC has lowered its credit standards, lending to subprime borrowers for the first time in months. Even the US government has stepped in, offering to guarantee warranties if a major American automaker should fail.

Below, is a profile of the most impressive offers on impressive vehicles you can find for the month of April.

Some of these offers last only until the end of April. So if you are planning on buying a new car, then today is the right time to visit the nearest Auto dealer shop.

The “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)” passed the House on February 13, 2009 by a vote of 246 – 184. Later that day, the Senate also passed the bill by a vote of 60 - 38. President Barack Obama signed the bill on February 17, 2009. The bill is a $780 billion stimulus package, with roughly 35% of the package devoted to tax cuts and the rest is for the anticipated projects intended to occur in the later months of 2009 and 2010.

The bill includes the following provisions that will greatly affect the Real Estate Market:

Homebuyer Tax Credit – The bill provides for $8,000 tax credit to first-time home buyers for the purchase of a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.  The credit does not require repayment.  Most of the mechanics of the credit is the same as under the 2008 rule:  the credit will be claimed on a tax return to reduce the purchaser’s income tax liability.  If any credit amount remains unused, then the unused amount will be refunded as a check to the purchaser.

FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Loan Limits -The bill reinstates last year’s 2008 loan limits for FHA, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae loans.  These limits were equal to 125% of the 2008 local area median home price or $271,050 for FHA and $417,000 for Fannie and Freddie with an overall maximum cap of  $729,750.  For the few areas where the 2009 limits were higher, the higher limits will apply.  In addition, the bill includes language providing the HUD Secretary with the discretion, if warranted, to increase the loan limit for any “sub-area” or an area smaller than a county. The Secretary’s discretion is again limited by the $729,750 cap. These 2009 limits will expire on December 31, 2009.

The inclusion of these loan limit provisions in the final bill is a victory for homeowners, buyers and Realtors.  While these new limits were included in version of the original stimulus bill approved by the House, the bill first approved by the Senate did not.  National Association of Realtors Call for Action to both the House and the Senate prior to the final vote advocated strongly for the provisions which were then included in the final bill approved by both Chambers.

In the face of an economic crisis, the magnitude of which we have not seen since the Great Depression, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) represents a strategic and significant investment in the US. ARRA will do more than provide short-term stimulus, it will lay the foundation for a robust and sustainable 21^st century economy.

Though 2009 is a time of painful economic climate of shrinking investments, credit crisis, a recession and a time when economists are still expecting another downcast year for housing. There is still a silver of positive news and a number of hopes to cling to. These are optimistic factors that might be enough to spring housing back to life in 2009 and could—with a few lucky breaks—prevent the real estate market from declining as sharply as it otherwise might.

Here are the three best reasons to be hopeful about housing in 2009:

1. Cheap Mortgage Rates

It was not too long ago that mortgage rates were expected to move sharply higher but a number of recent developments have combined to create a decidedly optimistic mortgage-rate outlook for 2009. The factors that would typically operate on mortgage rates are the economic backdrop, the inflation backdrop and government housing policies which are all pointing towards lower interest rates for this year.

2. Lower Housing Prices

House prices at global level have already fallen to 21 percent especially in the US and could drop further to 25% by late 2009 according to economic analysts. Lower housing prices help stimulate buyer demand and are needed to mop up housing inventory. As a matter of fact values in certain markets are already at low levels enough to tempt bargain hunters. “Falling home prices are not part of the problem that slumps the real estate market, they are part of the solution” said Mike Larson, a real estate analyst.

3. Rents are falling fast too!

Though it is difficult to quantify the state of the rental market, rents fell in almost every sector in the global real estate market. The steepest drop was 5.7% of the price that were set by landlords. Some people are even negotiating rents as much as 20% lower than the original prices. These figures also leave out incentives, like a month of free rent or the landlords can pay for the broker fee which can add up to real savings.