Casual Articles - Real Estate

Consolidate Bills - An Answer to Unexpected Medical Bills
If you are suddenly hit by unexpected medical expenses, the answer may be to consolidate bills. Many people are paying far too much of their income every month on credit debt. If they consolidate bills, they can either free up some of their income to meet ongoing monthly medical expenses or they can increase their borrowing to cover major hospital and other costs while keeping their repayments the same.There are a number of ways you can consolidate bills. If you are a homeowner, a home equity loan is probably the least expensive way to reduce your monthly credit payments. However, there is always a risk in tying your home to any debt. If you cannot meet the repayments of the second loan you can lose your home. Chances are, though, that even if the payments decrease or remain the same, you will maintain your current status quo.However, if the medical expenses are likely to be staggered, a homeowner may well be advised to choose a home equity line of credit to consolidate bills. The advantage of this loan is that the loan isn't paid out in one payment, whether you need it or not. It is conducted much like a checking account. You only access the account when you need to make a payment. This way, interest is not charged on money that is just sitting in your account. You only begin to pay interest once you withdraw the money.A personal loan is probably the most common way to consolidate bills. Personal loan interest rates are usually lower than credit card interest rates and so the monthly payments are usually lower. The advantage of using a personal loan to consolidate bills is that there is a definite loan term that means at the end of that term, you will have

cessed via estate agents’ home pages or independent property web sites. You should keep in mind that a photo posted on the internet might not give you an adequate impression of the property, so it is better to remain skeptical until you have actually seen the property.

Arrange a viewing

If you have the chance you have to go and see the property with your own eyes. Check the property you view for:

- General Condition (fixtures and fittings, layout etc.)

- State of Repair (insulation, heating, plugs, plumbing etc.)

- Structural problems (dampness, cracks in walls or ceilings, crooked doors, damaged foundations etc.)

If you have no possibility to go to Bulgaria to view the property that interests you, you may require more pictures of certain features of the property. Also you may ask for the things that are not described in the advertisement as fixtures and fittings, insulation, heating, plugs, plumbing, etc.

Reservation

Once you have determined which property you wish to buy, you can reserve it either by phone, post or e-mail. You may be required to pay a reservation fee, which is refundable, and the property will be reserved for you for a certain period of time. If the property is sold via Estate Agent you have to call them to secure the deal.

Preliminary Contract and deposit

The next step will be the sign of the preliminary contact and the payment of the deposit. The deposit may vary from 10% to 20% of the purchase cost.

Survey and Valuation

You are basically conducting a mini-survey and valuation every time you view a property. It is also advisable to have a more in-depth inspection and valuation done in order to assess the property’s condition and find out whether the house is actually worth its price.

The Conveyance

After your offer has been accepted, the conveyancing process starts. This includes all the legal and administrative issues that have to be addressed when a property is transferred from one owner to another. The common practice is to hire a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer to deal with the legal aspects. Hiring a professional solicitor has become cheaper and his services are well worth the money.

What the conveyancing process involves Before the exchange of contracts:

Checking the “title deeds” of the property to find out whether it really belongs to the seller
Establishing the property’s legal boundaries
Putting toget
Why Invest in Commodities?
Most of us are quite comfortable with investing in cash deposits, government bonds, and stocks for conservative risk-averse investors. We hear these products discussed widely in the financial media. But rarely do we hear commodities discussed as an investment alternative. After all, what do commodities have to offer that stocks haven't already provided? Here are reasons why commodities can be a good investment:By diversifying your portfolio, the risk can be reduced, especially during recessionary periods such as bear markets where stocks tend to decline and lose value. Commodities tend to rise and this would counter the loss of portfolio value. Commodities trend better than stocks, not only on individual or also stock sectors and stock indexes. As such they are a better long-term investment vehicle. Trends tend to last short term such as a few months to a few years. When the trend begins, it is very unlikely there will be sharp reversals or unpleasant surprise.Commodity markets have large liquidity. Not all stocks are liquid even if they look very attractive earnings-wise, but exiting can be a painful process. In commodities, all commodities traded are highly liquid. Commodities have been trading for more than a century. More than 90% of stocks come and go. None are changed any way so there is more reliability in back-testing (review your strategy on past historical data) than others instruments such as futures and stocks where premiums change from one expiring contract to a new one, or stock-splits.At tax time, profits from commodities pay lower taxes than profits from stocks. In addition, there is no need to itemize all the transactions line by line where
The Cost
Although the property prices in Bulgaria are quite low compared to the other European countries, there is still a wide variety of prices depending on the property type and location (as a rule the properties in Sofia and at the Black Sea are more expensive). The first thing you will need to figure out is how much you can afford to spend and thereafter to determine the price range for your purchase. Apart from the actual price of the property, there are a lot of other one-off costs you have to consider.
The expenditures
There are some differences in the property-buying process in Bulgaria from those in the UK. Below is the list of one-off costs which provides you with a rough estimate of the expenditures you will have to cover. It is advisable always to take all eventualities into account when making your estimates.
1. Deposit
Usually you are required to put down at least 10% of the price.
2. Solicitor
You will need to employ a local solicitor, who speaks English, for all the legal aspects of buying a property. Some charge a flat rate, others a percentage of the property price (usually 1%). We recommend to get some quotes before choosing one.
Solicitors in Bulgaria frequently represent both sides of a transaction, but are legally obliged to be diligent and fair.
3. Preliminary contract
Its cost is of around ?100, with an extra ?15 or so payable for a translation of the contract – remember that the English version is not legally binding.
4. Survey / Valuation Fee
5. Agency fees
Agency fees in Bulgaria are often split between buyer and seller; a typical fee might be 6% with buyer and seller each paying 3%. Sometimes the buyer is responsible for the whole fee; would-be buyers should clarify beforehand precisely what percentage of the value will be the fee and for what proportion of that fee he or she is liable. Occasionally – and this is most often the case with new-build properties – the fee is included in the purchase price; again, though, the buyer is advised to find out if this is the case and, if so, what proportion of the overall price pertains to the fee as it may affect the resale value of the property.
6. Stamp Duty
The government charges a tax based upon the property’s purchase price. This is called country tax and it is the equivalent of the Stamp Duty in the United Kingdom. This is a maximum of 2% of purchase price charged at completion.
7. Notary Fee
The notary puts on public record that the title deed has been signed in their presence and understood by the parties concerned. The notary is further in charge of the submitting of the title deed with the other related documents of the transfer to the cadastral and the property register (land register).
The Notary will pay registration and state fees collected previously from the buyer.
Registration confirms you as the legal owner of the property and registers you at that address. The fee charged depends upon the price of the property (See Stamp Duty).
8. House-hunting Expenses
Property-hunting can be quite a costly business. Expenses include money for travel to Bulgaria, hotels and eating, and telephone calls.
9. Removal Fees (if not only a holiday home)
Doing the removal yourself is time-consuming and stressful. If you decide to employ a company, ask around for quotes first.
Find a Property in Bulgaria
After having calculated how much you can afford, you can start on the most exciting part of the property-buying process: selecting your future property.
But before you start spending your nights digging through piles of Bulgarian property web sites and looking at estate agents’ brochures, it is advisable to sit down and think about what exactly you want. Property-hunting is exhausting and time-consuming, and you can save yourself a lot of work and energy by deciding on certain prerequisites before starting out on the actual property search.
Choosing the location and the neighbourhood
Make sure you select an area you feel comfortable in, and which suits your personal needs. If you are going to spend only your holidays in Bulgaria, then maybe you will prefer a property in a ski or sea resort. If your intention is to retire in Bulgaria, then a small village may be suitable for you. But it is a must to check the infrastructure in the region. The same is the situation if you are thinking of purchasing a property in Bulgaria for part-time retirement.
If you are a young, childless professional, you might want a lively pub scene in the area, whereas if you are an overworked parent of two children, a good school and a playground might be more important to you.
Anyway in Bulgaria there is a place for everybody – quiet lovely villages with animals and gardens, or undisturbed mountain villages, or lively cities, or luxury sea or spa resorts. Here are the essential points to consider when choosing your future location and neighbourhood:
1. The Prices
Find out what area you can afford a decent property in by looking at the prices of properties sold recently in different locations.
2. Your feelings
Make sure you feel comfortable in that location.
3. Distance and transport
You can arrive in Bulgaria by plane, by car, by bus or by train. The major airports are in Sofia, Varna and Bourgas. From there you can take a bus or a taxi to your final destination. For more information you can see Arriving in Bulgaria. So when you choose your property’s location consider how you would get to there and how long it would take you. The best possibility is that your future property is close to the major airport and the road infrastructure is in good condition.
4. Local Amenities
What you need depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Look out for shops, public transport, leisure’ facilities like pubs and clubs, children’s activities, parks etc.
5. Schools
If you have kids, find out what is the situation with the local schools.
6. Crime rate
Find out the crime rate in the region.
7. Condition of the region and neighbourhood
Keep in mind that the state of the houses in your neighbourhood influences the value of your own. The resort regions are likely to be more fancy than the ordinary villages.
8. Local Authority Services
Find out how often the waste is being collected, if the road infrastructure is regularly maintained, if the gardens and parks are kept in good condition etc.
Choose a Property
In addition to deciding what area you want to live in, you will have to make up your mind in regard to the characteristics of the property you intend to buy.
Below there is a list of property features you will have to consider:
1. Property type
Do you want a house or a flat? If you prefer a house, should it be detached, semi-detached or terraced?
Under the Bulgarian Act on Foreign Investments, foreigners are not allowed to own land but may own buildings. Foreigners wishing to own land can do it by setting up a Bulgarian company to hold the land. Bulgarian company incorporation costs less than ?600. Bulgaria’s ownership policy will be harmonized with the EU in the future, most probably in 2007.
2. Property Features
Determine what size the property should be (keep in mind that bigger home mean higher heating costs). Decide on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the face of the building, whether you want a garden. If you are looking for apartment, have you any preferences for the floor number.
3. Old or new?
A new property will be more expensive to buy, but with an old property high expenses might incur for repairs and improvements. There are also many properties that are sold “off-plan”, which may be pretty favourable for you.
4. Garage
If you intend to have a car in Bulgaria, check whether you have good parking facilities on the street or if there is a garage.
Bulgarian Property-Hunting Resources
After having decided on your priorities, you can start off looking for a property to buy. There are different resources for property listings.
1. Estate Agents
In Bulgaria the Estate Agents can advertise the properties and handle negotiations. Agents usually have a wide range of properties available and can offer detailed information. Buying property in Bulgaria should only be undertaken with good professional advice. It is essential to use a reputable real estate agent – the boom in what is a largely unregulated market has led to a huge increase in the number of companies selling property, some of which may not have the experience or professional approach of longer established agencies. It is advisable to ask for references from previous customers, particularly other foreigners.
2. Private sale
Some property sellers prefer to handle their sale privately, by advertising locally. However a private sale may hardly be found. But the advantage of this kind of bargain is that there are not any estate agent fees to be paid and you might end up paying less. You have to consider that a private seller might not deal with you in the same professional manner as an estate agent does. Especially when difficulties or delays arise, the situation can become a bit tense.
3. Online property listings
When you want to buy a property in Bulgaria and you want to get a quick impression of what’s on the market, the online property listings are very convenient and helpful. It is usually possible to look for properties according to features, price range and location. Internet listings can be accessed via estate agents’ home pages or independent property web sites. You should keep in mind that a photo posted on the internet might not give you an adequate impression of the property, so it is better to remain skeptical until you have actually seen the property.
Arrange a viewing
If you have the chance you have to go and see the property with your own eyes. Check the property you view for:
- General Condition (fixtures and fittings, layout etc.)
- State of Repair (insulation, heating, plugs, plumbing etc.)
- Structural problems (dampness, cracks in walls or ceilings, crooked doors, damaged foundations etc.)
If you have no possibility to go to Bulgaria to view the property that interests you, you may require more pictures of certain features of the property. Also you may ask for the things that are not described in the advertisement as fixtures and fittings, insulation, heating, plugs, plumbing, etc.
Reservation
Once you have determined which property you wish to buy, you can reserve it either by phone, post or e-mail. You may be required to pay a reservation fee, which is refundable, and the property will be reserved for you for a certain period of time. If the property is sold via Estate Agent you have to call them to secure the deal.
Preliminary Contract and deposit
The next step will be the sign of the preliminary contact and the payment of the deposit. The deposit may vary from 10% to 20% of the purchase cost.
Survey and Valuation
You are basically conducting a mini-survey and valuation every time you view a property. It is also advisable to have a more in-depth inspection and valuation done in order to assess the property’s condition and find out whether the house is actually worth its price.
The Conveyance
After your offer has been accepted, the conveyancing process starts. This includes all the legal and administrative issues that have to be addressed when a property is transferred from one owner to another. The common practice is to hire a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer to deal with the legal aspects. Hiring a professional solicitor has become cheaper and his services are well worth the money.
What the conveyancing process involves Before the exchange of contracts:
- Checking the “title deeds” of the property to find out whether it really belongs to the seller
- Establishing the property’s legal boundaries
- Putting togeth
  Buyer Beware
  When purchasing a franchise beware of the hidden pitfalls. The unfortunate story of two Bakers Delight Franchisees and their fate with one of Australia’s largest a seemingly best franchises. If you are considering purchasing a franchise this is a must read.Franchisees Story 1Andrew Austin: Franchisee 12 yearsI Purchased Bakers Delight Rozelle NSW from Bakers Delight Holdings for $ 320,000 with a verbal conformation that the profit was around $80,000 per year which seemed fair at the time. We went into the business earlier then we expected due to them not having a operator to run the business, and a promise from Bakers Delight that the paperwork on the profits would be passed on to us from head office in Melbourne (we ended up with no figures on the profits.). From the first day of business the shop was running at a massive loss and when I questioned Bakers Delight on the subject firstly I just received excuses then later on the breaches started arriving some of which were just made up and made no sense at all. At one point I became so desperate I asked Bakers Delight to buy back Rozelle for just $100,000 so we could keep our profitable Avalon store. I tried to get legal help through several lawyers however Bakers Delight made sure that the whole process was extremely expensive with legal fees beyond $30,000 just to get to mediation. The other problems we had with legal help was further hindered due to the fact that we were trying to survive financially with a business that was running at a loss.Up until this point I had a very successful business in Avalon but due to the financial pressure Rozelle placed on us we put both stores on the market. The st
  ed at completion.
  7. Notary Fee
  The notary puts on public record that the title deed has been signed in their presence and understood by the parties concerned. The notary is further in charge of the submitting of the title deed with the other related documents of the transfer to the cadastral and the property register (land register).
  The Notary will pay registration and state fees collected previously from the buyer.
  Registration confirms you as the legal owner of the property and registers you at that address. The fee charged depends upon the price of the property (See Stamp Duty).
  8. House-hunting Expenses
  Property-hunting can be quite a costly business. Expenses include money for travel to Bulgaria, hotels and eating, and telephone calls.
  9. Removal Fees (if not only a holiday home)
  Doing the removal yourself is time-consuming and stressful. If you decide to employ a company, ask around for quotes first.
  Find a Property in Bulgaria
  After having calculated how much you can afford, you can start on the most exciting part of the property-buying process: selecting your future property.
  But before you start spending your nights digging through piles of Bulgarian property web sites and looking at estate agents’ brochures, it is advisable to sit down and think about what exactly you want. Property-hunting is exhausting and time-consuming, and you can save yourself a lot of work and energy by deciding on certain prerequisites before starting out on the actual property search.
  Choosing the location and the neighbourhood
  Make sure you select an area you feel comfortable in, and which suits your personal needs. If you are going to spend only your holidays in Bulgaria, then maybe you will prefer a property in a ski or sea resort. If your intention is to retire in Bulgaria, then a small village may be suitable for you. But it is a must to check the infrastructure in the region. The same is the situation if you are thinking of purchasing a property in Bulgaria for part-time retirement.
  If you are a young, childless professional, you might want a lively pub scene in the area, whereas if you are an overworked parent of two children, a good school and a playground might be more important to you.
  Anyway in Bulgaria there is a place for everybody – quiet lovely villages with animals and gardens, or undisturbed mountain villages, or lively cities, or luxury sea or spa resorts. Here are the essential points to consider when choosing your future location and neighbourhood:
  1. The Prices
  Find out what area you can afford a decent property in by looking at the prices of properties sold recently in different locations.
  2. Your feelings
  Make sure you feel comfortable in that location.
  3. Distance and transport
  You can arrive in Bulgaria by plane, by car, by bus or by train. The major airports are in Sofia, Varna and Bourgas. From there you can take a bus or a taxi to your final destination. For more information you can see Arriving in Bulgaria. So when you choose your property’s location consider how you would get to there and how long it would take you. The best possibility is that your future property is close to the major airport and the road infrastructure is in good condition.
  4. Local Amenities
  What you need depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Look out for shops, public transport, leisure’ facilities like pubs and clubs, children’s activities, parks etc.
  5. Schools
  If you have kids, find out what is the situation with the local schools.
  6. Crime rate
  Find out the crime rate in the region.
  7. Condition of the region and neighbourhood
  Keep in mind that the state of the houses in your neighbourhood influences the value of your own. The resort regions are likely to be more fancy than the ordinary villages.
  8. Local Authority Services
  Find out how often the waste is being collected, if the road infrastructure is regularly maintained, if the gardens and parks are kept in good condition etc.
  Choose a Property
  In addition to deciding what area you want to live in, you will have to make up your mind in regard to the characteristics of the property you intend to buy.
  Below there is a list of property features you will have to consider:
  1. Property type
  Do you want a house or a flat? If you prefer a house, should it be detached, semi-detached or terraced?
  Under the Bulgarian Act on Foreign Investments, foreigners are not allowed to own land but may own buildings. Foreigners wishing to own land can do it by setting up a Bulgarian company to hold the land. Bulgarian company incorporation costs less than ?600. Bulgaria’s ownership policy will be harmonized with the EU in the future, most probably in 2007.
  2. Property Features
  Determine what size the property should be (keep in mind that bigger home mean higher heating costs). Decide on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the face of the building, whether you want a garden. If you are looking for apartment, have you any preferences for the floor number.
  3. Old or new?
  A new property will be more expensive to buy, but with an old property high expenses might incur for repairs and improvements. There are also many properties that are sold “off-plan”, which may be pretty favourable for you.
  4. Garage
  If you intend to have a car in Bulgaria, check whether you have good parking facilities on the street or if there is a garage.
  Bulgarian Property-Hunting Resources
  After having decided on your priorities, you can start off looking for a property to buy. There are different resources for property listings.
  1. Estate Agents
  In Bulgaria the Estate Agents can advertise the properties and handle negotiations. Agents usually have a wide range of properties available and can offer detailed information. Buying property in Bulgaria should only be undertaken with good professional advice. It is essential to use a reputable real estate agent – the boom in what is a largely unregulated market has led to a huge increase in the number of companies selling property, some of which may not have the experience or professional approach of longer established agencies. It is advisable to ask for references from previous customers, particularly other foreigners.
  2. Private sale
  Some property sellers prefer to handle their sale privately, by advertising locally. However a private sale may hardly be found. But the advantage of this kind of bargain is that there are not any estate agent fees to be paid and you might end up paying less. You have to consider that a private seller might not deal with you in the same professional manner as an estate agent does. Especially when difficulties or delays arise, the situation can become a bit tense.
  3. Online property listings
  When you want to buy a property in Bulgaria and you want to get a quick impression of what’s on the market, the online property listings are very convenient and helpful. It is usually possible to look for properties according to features, price range and location. Internet listings can be accessed via estate agents’ home pages or independent property web sites. You should keep in mind that a photo posted on the internet might not give you an adequate impression of the property, so it is better to remain skeptical until you have actually seen the property.
  Arrange a viewing
  If you have the chance you have to go and see the property with your own eyes. Check the property you view for:
  - General Condition (fixtures and fittings, layout etc.)
  - State of Repair (insulation, heating, plugs, plumbing etc.)
  - Structural problems (dampness, cracks in walls or ceilings, crooked doors, damaged foundations etc.)
  If you have no possibility to go to Bulgaria to view the property that interests you, you may require more pictures of certain features of the property. Also you may ask for the things that are not described in the advertisement as fixtures and fittings, insulation, heating, plugs, plumbing, etc.
  Reservation
  Once you have determined which property you wish to buy, you can reserve it either by phone, post or e-mail. You may be required to pay a reservation fee, which is refundable, and the property will be reserved for you for a certain period of time. If the property is sold via Estate Agent you have to call them to secure the deal.
  Preliminary Contract and deposit
  The next step will be the sign of the preliminary contact and the payment of the deposit. The deposit may vary from 10% to 20% of the purchase cost.
  Survey and Valuation
  You are basically conducting a mini-survey and valuation every time you view a property. It is also advisable to have a more in-depth inspection and valuation done in order to assess the property’s condition and find out whether the house is actually worth its price.
  The Conveyance
  After your offer has been accepted, the conveyancing process starts. This includes all the legal and administrative issues that have to be addressed when a property is transferred from one owner to another. The common practice is to hire a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer to deal with the legal aspects. Hiring a professional solicitor has become cheaper and his services are well worth the money.
  What the conveyancing process involves Before the exchange of contracts:
  - Checking the “title deeds” of the property to find out whether it really belongs to the seller
  - Establishing the property’s legal boundaries
  - Putting toget
    Interview Presentation Skills: Dealing With Your Nerves
    Sooner or later, the interview invitation is going to say you are required to give a presentation as part of the selection process. And like most people you may dread having to do it. You may think that you cannot speak publicly because of nervousness but all good speakers are nervous, and you can overcome those nerves.What you can do is control those nerves and make them work for you rather than against you. There are several techniques for doing this which you should be aware of:Tension should be released first in the lungs:Short, panicky breathing should be replaced by slow, deep breathing - through the nose (to prevent drying out your throat prior to speaking). This can be done quite unobtrusively as you are being introduced, or asked to start your presentation.When the introductions are over:First slow things down - stand slowly, clear a place for your notes if necessary, arrange your spectacles or otherwise control your space.Second when about to speak - drop your shoulders:This will give a feeling of relaxation and of tension dropping away. If your body feels relaxed you will quickly become relaxed.Third smile at the audience generally:Or at individuals you know or have contrived to meet prior to speaking, and stand quietly for a moment or two. If you can communicate some degree of warmth for them they are most likely to return the compliment.When you have their full attention (and only then) you can commence your presentation. Again nerves may be encountered here so:• know precisely what you are going to say in the first sentence;• Always start with good morning/afternoon/evening ladies
    sorts. Here are the essential points to consider when choosing your future location and neighbourhood:
    1. The Prices
    Find out what area you can afford a decent property in by looking at the prices of properties sold recently in different locations.
    2. Your feelings
    Make sure you feel comfortable in that location.
    3. Distance and transport
    You can arrive in Bulgaria by plane, by car, by bus or by train. The major airports are in Sofia, Varna and Bourgas. From there you can take a bus or a taxi to your final destination. For more information you can see Arriving in Bulgaria. So when you choose your property’s location consider how you would get to there and how long it would take you. The best possibility is that your future property is close to the major airport and the road infrastructure is in good condition.
    4. Local Amenities
    What you need depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Look out for shops, public transport, leisure’ facilities like pubs and clubs, children’s activities, parks etc.
    5. Schools
    If you have kids, find out what is the situation with the local schools.
    6. Crime rate
    Find out the crime rate in the region.
    7. Condition of the region and neighbourhood
    Keep in mind that the state of the houses in your neighbourhood influences the value of your own. The resort regions are likely to be more fancy than the ordinary villages.
    8. Local Authority Services
    Find out how often the waste is being collected, if the road infrastructure is regularly maintained, if the gardens and parks are kept in good condition etc.
    Choose a Property
    In addition to deciding what area you want to live in, you will have to make up your mind in regard to the characteristics of the property you intend to buy.
    Below there is a list of property features you will have to consider:
    1. Property type
    Do you want a house or a flat? If you prefer a house, should it be detached, semi-detached or terraced?
    Under the Bulgarian Act on Foreign Investments, foreigners are not allowed to own land but may own buildings. Foreigners wishing to own land can do it by setting up a Bulgarian company to hold the land. Bulgarian company incorporation costs less than ?600. Bulgaria’s ownership policy will be harmonized with the EU in the future, most probably in 2007.
    2. Property Features
    Determine what size the property should be (keep in mind that bigger home mean higher heating costs). Decide on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the face of the building, whether you want a garden. If you are looking for apartment, have you any preferences for the floor number.
    3. Old or new?
    A new property will be more expensive to buy, but with an old property high expenses might incur for repairs and improvements. There are also many properties that are sold “off-plan”, which may be pretty favourable for you.
    4. Garage
    If you intend to have a car in Bulgaria, check whether you have good parking facilities on the street or if there is a garage.
    Bulgarian Property-Hunting Resources
    After having decided on your priorities, you can start off looking for a property to buy. There are different resources for property listings.
    1. Estate Agents
    In Bulgaria the Estate Agents can advertise the properties and handle negotiations. Agents usually have a wide range of properties available and can offer detailed information. Buying property in Bulgaria should only be undertaken with good professional advice. It is essential to use a reputable real estate agent – the boom in what is a largely unregulated market has led to a huge increase in the number of companies selling property, some of which may not have the experience or professional approach of longer established agencies. It is advisable to ask for references from previous customers, particularly other foreigners.
    2. Private sale
    Some property sellers prefer to handle their sale privately, by advertising locally. However a private sale may hardly be found. But the advantage of this kind of bargain is that there are not any estate agent fees to be paid and you might end up paying less. You have to consider that a private seller might not deal with you in the same professional manner as an estate agent does. Especially when difficulties or delays arise, the situation can become a bit tense.
    3. Online property listings
    When you want to buy a property in Bulgaria and you want to get a quick impression of what’s on the market, the online property listings are very convenient and helpful. It is usually possible to look for properties according to features, price range and location. Internet listings can be accessed via estate agents’ home pages or independent property web sites. You should keep in mind that a photo posted on the internet might not give you an adequate impression of the property, so it is better to remain skeptical until you have actually seen the property.
    Arrange a viewing
    If you have the chance you have to go and see the property with your own eyes. Check the property you view for:
    - General Condition (fixtures and fittings, layout etc.)
    - State of Repair (insulation, heating, plugs, plumbing etc.)
    - Structural problems (dampness, cracks in walls or ceilings, crooked doors, damaged foundations etc.)
    If you have no possibility to go to Bulgaria to view the property that interests you, you may require more pictures of certain features of the property. Also you may ask for the things that are not described in the advertisement as fixtures and fittings, insulation, heating, plugs, plumbing, etc.
    Reservation
    Once you have determined which property you wish to buy, you can reserve it either by phone, post or e-mail. You may be required to pay a reservation fee, which is refundable, and the property will be reserved for you for a certain period of time. If the property is sold via Estate Agent you have to call them to secure the deal.
    Preliminary Contract and deposit
    The next step will be the sign of the preliminary contact and the payment of the deposit. The deposit may vary from 10% to 20% of the purchase cost.
    Survey and Valuation
    You are basically conducting a mini-survey and valuation every time you view a property. It is also advisable to have a more in-depth inspection and valuation done in order to assess the property’s condition and find out whether the house is actually worth its price.
    The Conveyance
    After your offer has been accepted, the conveyancing process starts. This includes all the legal and administrative issues that have to be addressed when a property is transferred from one owner to another. The common practice is to hire a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer to deal with the legal aspects. Hiring a professional solicitor has become cheaper and his services are well worth the money.
    What the conveyancing process involves Before the exchange of contracts:
    - Checking the “title deeds” of the property to find out whether it really belongs to the seller
    - Establishing the property’s legal boundaries
    - Putting toget
      Why Consolidate?
      With today's high debt to income ratio, and the increasing interest rates on things like revolving lines of credit and credit cards, it's no wonder there are so many seeking to consolidate their high interest debts into one. Not only is it much simpler to pay one company instead of five, but you also may find an added benefit when it comes to a lower interest rate - if you're careful.When looking into the possibility of taking all of your debt and putting it with one credit card or financing company, there are some questions you should ask yourself. First of all, ask if your overall interest rate will be signifigantly lower.Also of great importance, look at exactly what your monthly payment will be and if that amount is lower than what you are currently paying on the sum of your multiple credit cards. The ultimate goal for the individual should be to get out of debt faster and become financially solvent.If you were to remain with the status quo, with the multiple credit balances and the payments you're currently making per month, look at how long it will take you to get out of debt.Then, compare that to the period of time it will take you to get to a zero balance with a consolidation plan. If you are looking into a debt consolidation plan and the company you're dealing with is trying to loan you even more money, of course that will ultimately set you further behind.Try to deal with only the debt you have already incurred so you can whittle that amount down in a reasonable amount of time. When thinking about consolidation, consider your current income and projected income for the duration of the loan agreement.Ask questions about the
      ill be harmonized with the EU in the future, most probably in 2007.
      2. Property Features
      Determine what size the property should be (keep in mind that bigger home mean higher heating costs). Decide on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the face of the building, whether you want a garden. If you are looking for apartment, have you any preferences for the floor number.
      3. Old or new?
      A new property will be more expensive to buy, but with an old property high expenses might incur for repairs and improvements. There are also many properties that are sold “off-plan”, which may be pretty favourable for you.
      4. Garage
      If you intend to have a car in Bulgaria, check whether you have good parking facilities on the street or if there is a garage.
      Bulgarian Property-Hunting Resources
      After having decided on your priorities, you can start off looking for a property to buy. There are different resources for property listings.
      1. Estate Agents
      In Bulgaria the Estate Agents can advertise the properties and handle negotiations. Agents usually have a wide range of properties available and can offer detailed information. Buying property in Bulgaria should only be undertaken with good professional advice. It is essential to use a reputable real estate agent – the boom in what is a largely unregulated market has led to a huge increase in the number of companies selling property, some of which may not have the experience or professional approach of longer established agencies. It is advisable to ask for references from previous customers, particularly other foreigners.
      2. Private sale
      Some property sellers prefer to handle their sale privately, by advertising locally. However a private sale may hardly be found. But the advantage of this kind of bargain is that there are not any estate agent fees to be paid and you might end up paying less. You have to consider that a private seller might not deal with you in the same professional manner as an estate agent does. Especially when difficulties or delays arise, the situation can become a bit tense.
      3. Online property listings
      When you want to buy a property in Bulgaria and you want to get a quick impression of what’s on the market, the online property listings are very convenient and helpful. It is usually possible to look for properties according to features, price range and location. Internet listings can be accessed via estate agents’ home pages or independent property web sites. You should keep in mind that a photo posted on the internet might not give you an adequate impression of the property, so it is better to remain skeptical until you have actually seen the property.
      Arrange a viewing
      If you have the chance you have to go and see the property with your own eyes. Check the property you view for:
      - General Condition (fixtures and fittings, layout etc.)
      - State of Repair (insulation, heating, plugs, plumbing etc.)
      - Structural problems (dampness, cracks in walls or ceilings, crooked doors, damaged foundations etc.)
      If you have no possibility to go to Bulgaria to view the property that interests you, you may require more pictures of certain features of the property. Also you may ask for the things that are not described in the advertisement as fixtures and fittings, insulation, heating, plugs, plumbing, etc.
      Reservation
      Once you have determined which property you wish to buy, you can reserve it either by phone, post or e-mail. You may be required to pay a reservation fee, which is refundable, and the property will be reserved for you for a certain period of time. If the property is sold via Estate Agent you have to call them to secure the deal.
      Preliminary Contract and deposit
      The next step will be the sign of the preliminary contact and the payment of the deposit. The deposit may vary from 10% to 20% of the purchase cost.
      Survey and Valuation
      You are basically conducting a mini-survey and valuation every time you view a property. It is also advisable to have a more in-depth inspection and valuation done in order to assess the property’s condition and find out whether the house is actually worth its price.
      The Conveyance
      After your offer has been accepted, the conveyancing process starts. This includes all the legal and administrative issues that have to be addressed when a property is transferred from one owner to another. The common practice is to hire a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer to deal with the legal aspects. Hiring a professional solicitor has become cheaper and his services are well worth the money.
      What the conveyancing process involves Before the exchange of contracts:
      - Checking the “title deeds” of the property to find out whether it really belongs to the seller
      - Establishing the property’s legal boundaries
      - Putting toget
        Blogging to Promote Your Small Business - 5 Ideas to Remember When Using a Blog for Your Business
        In the world of today you must be able to think creatively in order to promote your business. One way to do this is by starting and maintaining a blog. A blog can increase profits in your product or service business in a relatively short time.A blog is short for web log. They are web sites that are set up by several different companies so that people can choose a simple template and format to present their information on the internet. Blogs are extremely popular, but their use and popularity has barely scratched the surface of the world wide web. Every two seconds someone starts a new blog. Many of these are simply online journals and are quickly abandoned. But the use of blogs and blogging as a business platform is just in its infancy.When you decide to use a blog keep these 5 ideas in mind:Choose a simple design for your blog. Especially in the beginning, an uncomplicated format will be easier to use.Think about what you are going to write before you post to your blog.Write about your product or service so that your clients and other readers can learn more about your industry.Use a conversational manner when you write on your blog. You want people to feel like you are talking directly to them.Post to your blog at least twice a week. The search engines will spider your blog more frequently if you write more often. Having a blog will set you apart from others in your industry and help to position you as an expert in your field. Be sure to include a recent photo of yourself and put your contact information. Encourage your readers to leave comments so that you can start a dialogue. Remember that many peop
        cessed via estate agents’ home pages or independent property web sites. You should keep in mind that a photo posted on the internet might not give you an adequate impression of the property, so it is better to remain skeptical until you have actually seen the property.
        Arrange a viewing
        If you have the chance you have to go and see the property with your own eyes. Check the property you view for:
        - General Condition (fixtures and fittings, layout etc.)
        - State of Repair (insulation, heating, plugs, plumbing etc.)
        - Structural problems (dampness, cracks in walls or ceilings, crooked doors, damaged foundations etc.)
        If you have no possibility to go to Bulgaria to view the property that interests you, you may require more pictures of certain features of the property. Also you may ask for the things that are not described in the advertisement as fixtures and fittings, insulation, heating, plugs, plumbing, etc.
        Reservation
        Once you have determined which property you wish to buy, you can reserve it either by phone, post or e-mail. You may be required to pay a reservation fee, which is refundable, and the property will be reserved for you for a certain period of time. If the property is sold via Estate Agent you have to call them to secure the deal.
        Preliminary Contract and deposit
        The next step will be the sign of the preliminary contact and the payment of the deposit. The deposit may vary from 10% to 20% of the purchase cost.
        Survey and Valuation
        You are basically conducting a mini-survey and valuation every time you view a property. It is also advisable to have a more in-depth inspection and valuation done in order to assess the property’s condition and find out whether the house is actually worth its price.
        The Conveyance
        After your offer has been accepted, the conveyancing process starts. This includes all the legal and administrative issues that have to be addressed when a property is transferred from one owner to another. The common practice is to hire a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer to deal with the legal aspects. Hiring a professional solicitor has become cheaper and his services are well worth the money.
        What the conveyancing process involves Before the exchange of contracts:
        
        Checking the “title deeds” of the property to find out whether it really belongs to the seller
        
        Establishing the property’s legal boundaries
        
        Putting together a list of fixtures, fittings and contents to establish what is to be included in the sale
        
        Preparing a enquiry form for the vendor to find out about any material or structural defects they are aware of
        
        Surveying local authority plans for details on upcoming developments that could influence your property’s value
        
        Negotiating with the seller any repairs or changes to the offer
        
        Advising you on the draft contract for sale prepared by the vendor’s solicitor
        
        Exchange of contracts:
        
        Arranging the date for the completion and the exchange of contracts
        
        Handing over the deposit
        
        Completion:
        
        Handing over the keys and title deeds
        
        Paying stamp fees and notary fees
        
        Completing the Sale
        The completion date, which has been set in the contract, is the day the house becomes officially yours.
        For further information on Bulgarian properties or any aspect of property buying process, visit the new Find Bulgarian Property Portal.

HTTP = HTML link (for blogs, profiles,phorums):
<a href="http://www.casualarticles.com/article/136302/casualarticles-How-to-Buy-a-Property-in-Bulgaria.html">How to Buy a Property in Bulgaria</a>

BB link (for phorums):
[url=http://www.casualarticles.com/article/136302/casualarticles-How-to-Buy-a-Property-in-Bulgaria.html]How to Buy a Property in Bulgaria[/url]

How do people constantly out-market each other? Why are some people better at getting targeted traffic than others? Find out right now!

If you're shopping for auto insurance, it can get confusing. The first step is to find out the minimum insurance level you must hold under your state laws. Unfortunately every state is different! Still, so that you can understand what the different requirements and options are all about, here's a list of definitions that are often used in auto insurance information.

Nevada residents have the right to freeze their credit reports. This is the strongest protection against identity theft - do it!

Tags

Links

Casual Articles - How to Buy a Property in Bulgaria

Related Articles: