http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/http://www.fxstreet.com/education/http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/images/fxstreet-provider-logo1-en.gif7http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2012-02-08.htmlI spoke at an Online Trading Academy Wealth Management Event last week. At the event, there was a question about buying condominiums as an investment. The question is a good one, but it wasn't one that could be answered quickly. So, I thought I'd use this week's article as the opportunity to provide the pros and cons of investing in condominiums as rentals. If you are going to purchase a condominium as a rental, the most important thing is to be sure it can be rented out. Don't take this forWed, 08 Feb 2012 06:00:23 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2012-02-08.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2012-02-01.htmlHow would you find out the answer to that question? Most of you would ask a real estate professional, and I agree. But think about it, your real estate could be one of your biggest assets. Don't you think you should know what goes into valuing that asset? Some of the questions you need to ask are: 1. What data was used to make this evaluation? 2. How does my property compare to the average in the neighborhood? 3. What are the property's strong points? 4. What are the improvements that could beWed, 01 Feb 2012 06:52:55 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2012-02-01.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2012-01-25.htmlWashington, DC and its policy makers can make any business person crazy. In the last couple of months, there have been actions taken that will help investors, hurt new home buyers and help existing home buyers. We'll start with some positive news for investors. The FHA will continue to waive the Anti-Flipping Rule through the end of 2012. What does this mean? Up until February of 2010, the FHA wouldn't insure a loan made on a property that wasn't "seasoned." Seasoned means holding an assetWed, 25 Jan 2012 05:47:06 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2012-01-25.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2012-01-18.htmlWell, last week we looked at the health of the residential real estate market and where it might be headed in 2012. I thought this week we'd take a look at the apartment sector of commercial real estate. First, let me define a few terms I'll be using throughout this article. Multi-family properties – Classified as multiple separate housing units for residential use. This can be one building or several buildings within a complex. These properties are commonly referred to as apartment buildings.Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:40:44 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2012-01-18.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2012-01-11.htmlI may not have a traditional crystal ball, but I do have access to data and smart economists. We know that our economy isn't "RECOVERED," but I do believe it's moving in the right direction. We know that any developments in the European debt crisis have had and will have effects on the American markets. We know that this being an election year will also have an impact. Yet, many think that housing will continue an up-swing because "affordability" is the name of the game. Lawrence Yun, ChiefWed, 11 Jan 2012 06:46:07 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2012-01-11.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2012-01-04.htmlThe New Year brings us the opportunity to reflect on the past year and to be excited about the year to come. There is a feeling that we have a fresh start. However, I don't personally believe in New Year's Resolutions. I believe in reviewing and setting goals at the first of the year. A goal is defined as: The result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end. So what do you want to do differently this year? What dream has been eluding you? How will you reach these goals? On thatWed, 04 Jan 2012 05:22:26 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2012-01-04.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-12-28.htmlYou may have looked at the title of this article and said, "Why is Diana, our real estate expert, talking to us about taxes?" Even though I've spent the last 22 years as a real estate investor and educator, my career began with a degree in accounting and a five year assignment to the tax department of a national accounting firm. One of the sections that I teach in the two day real estate class is dedicated to tax strategies related to real estate. Although no investing decisions should be madeWed, 28 Dec 2011 14:33:25 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-12-28.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-12-21.htmlHow much do you really know about the foreclosure process? There's a lot to know, so let's see how you do. 1. What does the term "underwater" mean? a. You owe more on your mortgage than your home is worth. b. You have missed one or more mortgage payments, so foreclosure proceedings can technically begin. c. "Underwater" homeowners have abandoned their foreclosed homes and are often not able to be contacted by their lenders. 2. Can a bank ever hold a buyer personally liable if the bank's deedWed, 21 Dec 2011 05:45:24 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-12-21.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-12-14.htmlYes guys, this article is about women in real estate, but there is some great insight for you, too. Why this topic? Well, I am a woman for starters, but also because women purchasing real estate independently is a growing trend. Why is the trend growing? Well, a quick demographic study shows that clearly unmarried women (whether never married or divorced) are a large player in the market. According to the National Association of Realtors, 20 percent of all home buyers are unmarried women. ThatWed, 14 Dec 2011 05:41:39 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-12-14.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-12-07.htmlI break real estate investing into three strategies: 1) Buy and Hold (or rental property), 2) Quick Turn (buy, fix up and resell), 3) Institutional Ownership (REITs, or Real Estate related funds). With strategy number 2, Quick Turn, one of the main objectives is being able to sell quickly and at a profit. Picking the right neighborhood and fixing up a home for the retail buyer are the keys to success. What should you look for in a neighborhood? One of the first considerations of many homeWed, 07 Dec 2011 06:18:52 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-12-07.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-11-30.htmlThe Multi-family Real Estate Market is Humming Along and Creating a Great Financing Model We all know the economy and the residential housing market has taken a BIG hit in the last 5 years, but the multi-family real estate industry is none the worse for it. Vacancy rates are down and cap rates are healthy. One of the biggest advantages for the multi-family market right now is the financing. Because of regulatory pressure, a door has been opened for non-traditional lenders like insuranceWed, 30 Nov 2011 06:44:10 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-11-30.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-11-22.htmlThanksgiving is the start of the holiday season and one of my favorite holidays. I love the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, football and TIME with family and friends. But it's more than that. It's about gratitude – which is one of the pillars of my life. It's about the first Thanksgiving when people of different backgrounds came together for a common cause and had great success. It's about the "can do" attitude of this country. Habitat for Humanity stands for the same principles asTue, 22 Nov 2011 12:26:19 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-11-22.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-11-15.htmlOne of the solutions that the Obama administration came up with to help solve the housing crisis was the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP). It was designed to save homeowners from foreclosure. The Obama administration is now trying to revitalize this program to help the crisis that just won't go away. Let's take a short walk back in time and see where HAMP came from and the success (or failure) of the program. It was first introduced in March, 2009; it was touted as the program thatTue, 15 Nov 2011 12:26:06 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-11-15.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-11-08.htmlOne of the things I enjoy the most about my role as the Real Estate expert and instructor for Online Trading Academy's Professional Real Estate Investor Class is getting to be part of the student's process. I get great satisfaction as they go through the learning curve and achieve success. When I get emails like this I know we make a difference: Hi Diana! Wanted to let you know I closed my first deal! Got the check today and am so excited. Wanted to thank you for being available to answer myTue, 08 Nov 2011 12:24:40 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-11-08.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-11-01.htmlWhat is the legal and ethical obligation for a landlord to pay the mortgage on a property he is collecting rent on? Interesting question. Let me first tell you how this question arose for me personally. Earlier this past summer, my youngest son (senior at UCLA and football player) called me and said he was looking for a new place to live and a group of his friends (all football players) were thinking about renting a house not far from campus. He had some questions about how a lease would workTue, 01 Nov 2011 11:28:13 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-11-01.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-10-25.htmlData through July 2011 showed a fourth consecutive month of increases for the 10 and 20 city composites. Both were up 0.09% in July over June. 17 of the 20 MSAs (Metropolitan Statistical Areas) and both composites posted positive monthly increases. The three MSAs that didn't show increases were Las Vegas and Phoenix; Denver was unchanged. And let's hear it for Washington DC and Detroit. They posted the most positive rates of change, up 0.3% and 1.2% respectively. Some experts have even statedTue, 25 Oct 2011 12:50:23 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-10-25.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-10-18.htmlOne of my favorite moments in the Professional Real Estate Investor class is when I teach students that they could be using their SDRP to invest in real estate. The first question always is "What is a Self-Directed Retirement Plan?" - the term "self-directed" simply means that you, as an individual, have complete control over selecting and directing your own individual retirement account or 401k investments. The next question is, "How can I invest in real estate?" - either directly byTue, 18 Oct 2011 11:36:27 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-10-18.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-10-11.htmlAs we head into the end of this series, it's clear there will always be a demand for housing, but housing will look different than in decades past and homeownership will have different connotations. Remember, people will always need a place to live, work and shop; they may look different tomorrow than today, but they will exist. Generation Y, the children of younger Baby Boomers, are generally in their late teens to early thirties, and they number around 83 million. You may ask what percentageTue, 11 Oct 2011 12:26:32 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-10-11.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-10-04.htmlWhat happens in a bad economy? More people go to school, stay in school and go back to school. According to the National Science Foundation, enrollment at universities, community and private colleges are up. In fact, they project enrollment is increasing at a faster rate than the US population, and a higher percentage of people will pursue some type of post-secondary education. Researchers estimate that college enrollment will increase by 13 percent from now to 2017, and to 28.2 millionTue, 04 Oct 2011 12:09:21 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-10-04.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-09-27.htmlIn this part of our series on New Demographic and Economic Trends, we'll look at the "Younger Baby Boomers" and start to examine the complex group of "Echo Boomers/Generation X." The Younger Baby Boomers are defined as being in their late forties and early fifties. The Younger Baby Boomers are facing several issues and challenges that are very different from their parents: They might have had dreams of early retirement, however, it may be decades before they can consider retiring AdultTue, 27 Sep 2011 11:29:40 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-09-27.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-09-20.htmlBack in January, I wrote an article explaining credit scores - Important Loan and Credit Score Information . So, how well do you understand what goes into your credit score? The Consumer Federation of America (CFA) and VantageScore Solutions just conducted a quiz to see how much consumers know about credit scores. Over 1000 consumers participated and on average, consumers answered only 60 percent of the questions correctly. Want to see how well you'd do? Click hereTue, 20 Sep 2011 11:42:27 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-09-20.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-09-13.htmlWhile new homes are only one-fifth of the housing market, they have an oversized impact on the economy. Each home that is built creates an average of three jobs and $90,000 in taxes, this according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Let's start by looking at the numbers – there are three new home leading indicators we are concerned with: 1) Building Permits 2) Housing Starts and 3) Housing Completions. Building Permits – Authorized building permits for July were at aTue, 13 Sep 2011 11:23:17 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-09-13.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-09-07.htmlLast week when I was teaching the Professional Real Estate Investor Online Class, we were discussing the changing demographics in the American housing industry and what that might look like in the future. In early 2010, I wrote a series of articles looking at these demographic changes (Current and Future Effects of New Demographic Trends, Part 1 and Part 2 ) and thought we should revisit and update the information. There have been signs of these new trends for years, but this recession hasWed, 07 Sep 2011 11:56:43 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-09-07.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-08-30.htmlThere is a well-known book called The Art of Negotiating. This book was my first exposure as a young business person to the idea that negotiating wasn't a game of winners and losers, but of "win win" for all parties. The definition of negotiations from www.dictionary.com is "mutual discussion and arrangement of the terms of a transaction or agreement." The key word in this definition is mutual; we get back to that "win win." You might ask, "How can I get the best deal and still have the otherTue, 30 Aug 2011 12:06:39 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-08-30.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-08-23.htmlWe know that millions of homes have been foreclosed on since the economic downturn started in 2007. This has turned many homeowners into renters. According to the USA Today analysis of the 2010 US Census data, there has been a nearly 34 percent increase in rentals over the last decade. That equates to nearly 35 percent of all occupied homes are now rentals. Also, according to USA Today, 25 cities went from over 50 percent home ownership in 2000 to a majority of renters in 2010. Some of theseTue, 23 Aug 2011 11:44:00 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-08-23.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-08-16.htmlI was teaching a class one night last week and I used the acronym FSBO. One of my students chimed in and asked, "What does FSBO mean?" I realized that we in the business use acronyms all the time without even thinking about it. So, I decided to use this article to give you a cheat sheet of regularly used acronyms in real estate. ARM stands for Adjustable Rate Mortgage – An ARM is mortgage with an interest rate that may change, usually in response to changes in the Treasury bill rate or theTue, 16 Aug 2011 11:47:57 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-08-16.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-08-09.htmlReal Estate has always been about location, location, location. According to Realtor.com, there are 8 cities that can boast to having the fewest days on market which translates into quick sales. Guess what, good old California is the fastest, even with all its dysfunction. California is the state with the highest number of cities "where homes tended to spend the shortest amount of time on the market last month," as reported by Realtor.com. The California cities with the least amount of time onTue, 09 Aug 2011 11:33:09 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-08-09.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-08-02.htmlMost of us at the start of the new year are usually all fired up with new goals and ways we're going to change our world. But often, life gets in the way and we don't make the progress we'd like, so we put our goals off. I'd like to provide you with a tool that might get you moving faster so that you can make progress before the year's end. About five years ago, I was looking for a better way to set my goals and achieve them. I discovered S.M.A.R.T Goals. The acronym S.M.A.R.T. stands forTue, 02 Aug 2011 12:29:01 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-08-02.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-07-26.htmlThe more you understand about mortgages and home equity lines (also known as HELOC) before you sign a mortgage contract, the more you can save in interest, lenders' fees and other costs. As we have seen, an uneducated public can cause a WORLD of problems. It's important to use professionals. It's also important to be educated in today's environment. So, here are 6 things to consider when you're looking at a mortgage. 1. Consider the source: The internet is a great research tool, but there isTue, 26 Jul 2011 11:17:38 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-07-26.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-07-19.htmlAs you can tell by the way I write, I'm a list person. Here is a list of things to do once a property is ready for sale. Get the property ready for potential buyers to see. This is known as "Staging" the property: 1. Declutter: This is not as big an issue with a quick flip property as with someone's home. But you would be surprised how much stuff a property can collect during the rehab process. A big trash run is the most important first step in staging. If you have extra supplies, such asTue, 19 Jul 2011 12:13:35 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-07-19.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-07-12.htmlThis week marks two small milestones: First, it's halfway through 2011 (where has the year gone?). Second, this is my 100th real estate article for Online Trading Academy. My husband asked why my 100th article was important and I didn't have a good answer. It's just funny how we mark our years with such things, but I do truly enjoy sharing information about real estate with all of you every week. At this midway point in the year, let's take a look at the things that have made news and had anTue, 12 Jul 2011 11:52:35 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-07-12.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-07-06.htmlI've been a landlord for over 20 years; my experience ranges from the renting of single family homes to large complexes with many units. The unit will often dictate the kind of tenant appropriate for the property. For example, a 1600 square foot detached home is most likely going to attract a family, whereas a studio will attract a single person. The media is promoting a buyer's market for real estate and the consumer of rental property believes that translates to a buyer's rental market asWed, 06 Jul 2011 12:02:01 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-07-06.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-06-28.htmlWe know the current real estate market is still in flux, but investors are buying. The NAR (National Association of Realtors) calculates that 40 percent of all sales are to investors. But not just U.S. investors, not by a long shot: "International purchases surged by $16 billion this year, one of the highest increases in recent years," according to the NAR. Foreigners have always invested in the U.S., but mostly in the U.S. Stock Markets. Now, these foreign investors see the opportunity of aTue, 28 Jun 2011 11:20:52 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-06-28.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-06-21.html"Green" generally refers to a structure and the building of that structure using a process that is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient. This is for the structure's life cycle, from design, construction and operation to maintenance. The common objective of building "Green" is to reduce the overall impact on the environment. This is done by: Efficiently using energy Efficiently using water Protecting the health of the occupants with safe materials Reducing waste and pollution ThisTue, 21 Jun 2011 12:01:41 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-06-21.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-06-14.htmlHomeownership has long been part of the American Dream. Personally, I believe it is an opportunity all should have in this country, but not a right. Along with being part of the American Dream, why is homeownership so important and how does it benefit our economy and citizens? There is no denying that the implosion of the housing and financial markets sent our economy into a free fall. Housing needs to improve for our economy to become healthy again. Studies show that housing makes up moreTue, 14 Jun 2011 11:51:45 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-06-14.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-06-07.htmlWe've all heard of ROR (Rate of Return) or ROI (Rate of Investment), but do you really understand how they apply to your investments? Along with ROR/ROI, let's look at a couple of other formulas that help quantify investments. Those of you who have taken the Professional Real Estate class know I emphasize CADS (Cash After Debt Service) and touch on CAP Rate (Capitalization Rate) as two formulas that you need to understand when buying rental property. There is also ROE (Return on Equity) forTue, 07 Jun 2011 11:27:17 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-06-07.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-06-01.htmlI'm a governing member of my local school board and because of that, I sit on a variety of committees. One committee I sit on is the WOCLC (West Orange County Legislative Committee). We meet once a month with representatives from all levels of government – city, county, state and federal. The representatives attending this committee meeting give us reports about hot issues, and what's on the back burner. So I thought I'd give you all a look at what is out there on the federal level that mightWed, 01 Jun 2011 12:13:27 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-06-01.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-05-24.htmlWhen the recession hit, we saw a huge loss of home sales and the homeownership rates declined from a peak of above 69 percent to just over 67 percent. We also saw vacancies in multifamily units on the rise. I thought this was strange because if people were losing their homes and jobs, I thought multifamily units, or apartments, would be the place for people to go. What I didn't consider was that household formation would shrink. First, let me explain what household formation is; it's how manyTue, 24 May 2011 11:44:27 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-05-24.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-05-17.html"Real Estate investing is alive and well," a recent report states. We aren't near boom-time numbers, but real estate investors are responding to rock-bottom prices and plunging into their local markets and out of area. It has been recently reported that 40% of buyers are investors looking to buy property at bargain prices. They plan on fixing it up, renting it out and selling for a profit later. Most new investors are targeting short sales, foreclosures and REOs. Buying property through theseTue, 17 May 2011 11:25:44 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-05-17.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-05-10.htmlAs we usually do, let's start with the Case-Shiller Home Price Index which is a historical indicator. Data through February 2011 indicates that prices for the 10- and 20-city composites are lower than a year ago, but still slightly above their April 2009 bottom. To break it down: On a month-over-month basis, the 10- and 20-City Composites were both down 1.1% in February versus January. A few of those key markets had the following movement: San Diego, which had posted 15 consecutive months ofTue, 10 May 2011 11:21:45 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/contact@tradingacademy.com (Online Trading Academy)http://www.fxstreet.com/education/related-markets/lessons-from-the-pros-real-estate/2011-05-10.html