Landlord Investing

Are you a property owner or manager in Georgia, concerned about squatter’s rights and seeking safety and peace of mind? Contending with unauthorized occupancy can be among the most challenging issues you face. 

Squatting typically involves individuals taking up residence in foreclosed, unoccupied, or abandoned buildings without the owner’s legal permission. This scenario is more common than you might think and calls for a thorough understanding of squatting, trespassing, and holdover tenants. In Georgia, squatters can even stake a legal claim to the property under certain conditions.

Here’s a quick overview offering early insights on squattering rights:

• Time required to legally claim a property: 20 years, or seven with a ‘color of title’.
• Color of Title Requirement: Not explicitly necessary.
• Squatter Eviction process: Landlords could initiate the eviction process or law enforcement can remove the person as a trespasser depending on the situation.

Understanding Squatting and Squatters’ Rights in Georgia

As a landlord or property manager, one of the challenges you might face is dealing with unauthorized occupancy, commonly known as squatting. But worry not, we’re here to help you understand the difference between squatting, trespassing, holdover tenants, and how Squatters Rights Georgia: Legal Advice for Landlords Facing Unauthorized Occupancy applies.

Definition of Squatting

A squatter is an individual who occupies a property without the owner’s consent. Usually, this happens in foreclosed, unoccupied, or abandoned properties. Squatting can be a civil matter and not necessarily a criminal offense. Squatters live in the property without renting or owning it, and in some cases, they can even claim legal ownership of the property under certain conditions.

Squatting vs Trespassing

While both squatting and trespassing involve unauthorized entry into a property, they are not the same. Trespassing is a criminal offense that occurs when someone enters a property without any permission. If a property owner puts up “No Trespassing” signs and someone ignores them, they may face criminal charges.

On the other hand, squatters have the potential to gain ownership of the property if they meet certain conditions for an adverse possession claim. However, this claim cannot begin if the property is in active use or if the squatter entered the property due to an emergency situation.

The Concept of Adverse Possession

Adverse possession, or “squatter’s rights”, is a legal principle that allows a squatter to gain legal ownership of a property they do not own through continuous and uninterrupted possession. It’s a complex concept that depends on several factors, including the nature of the property, the duration of occupation, and the intent of the squatter.

Squatters’ Rights and Adverse Possession in Georgia

In Georgia, squatters can claim adverse possession after a continuous occupation of 20 years or 7 years if they have a color of title. A color of title is a document that appears to be a valid title but is not, due to a flaw like a clerical error. Squatters can remove the person as a trespasser or serve an eviction notice.

Understanding the differences between these terms and how adverse possession works in Georgia is crucial for landlords. It’s equally important to protect your property from squatters by frequently inspecting your property, maintaining it well, and keeping accurate property records and lease agreements.

Legal Requirements for Squatters to Claim Ownership in Georgia

In Georgia, squatters trying to assert their rights to a property have to meet certain legal requirements. These rules are part of what is known as adverse possession, which is a legal concept that allows a trespasser to gain ownership of a property if they meet specific criteria.

Continuous Occupation for 20 Years or 7 Years with Color of Title

A squatter must continuously occupy the property for 20 years. If they leave the property for extended periods and then return, they cannot claim continuous occupation. However, if a squatter has a faulty document (known as color of title) that they believe in good faith gives them rights to the property, the continuous occupation requirement reduces to 7 years.

Open and Notorious Living

The squatter’s occupation of the property should be open and obvious to anyone, including the actual owner. If a squatter is hiding their occupation, they cannot claim adverse possession. They need to live on the property as if they were the owner, using it openly and without hiding their presence.

Exclusive Occupancy

The squatter must possess the property exclusively. This means they cannot share the property with other squatters, the actual owner, or other tenants. They must be the sole ‘occupier’ of the property to make a claim of adverse possession.

Actual Control Over the Property

Actual possession requires that the squatter is physically present on the property and treats it as if they were the owner. This often involves maintaining, improving, or beautifying the property, which helps establish their claim of actual possession.

Hostile Occupation Without Permission

The occupation of the squatter must be hostile, which in this context does not mean violent or dangerous. The occupation is considered hostile if the squatter does not have permission from the owner to live on the property.

These legal requirements can seem complex, especially for landlords dealing with squatters for the first time. However, understanding these regulations is crucial in handling such situations effectively.

The Eviction Process for Squatters in Georgia

In Georgia, dealing with squatters and unauthorized occupants can be a daunting task due to the intricate nature of squatting cases and the legal procedures involved. As landlords, it’s crucial to understand the correct process to follow when facing such a situation. 

Serving an Eviction Notice

The first step in the eviction process is to provide the squatters with a written notice. This notice must clearly state your intention to reclaim your property, coupled with a detailed description of the property, the deadline for the squatters to vacate, and the consequences of non-compliance. This notice serves as evidence of your intent and can be pivotal in court proceedings should the squatters refuse to leave.

Involving the Sheriff’s Office

If the squatters remain unresponsive or refuse to vacate your property, you may need to involve local authorities. This is a necessary step due to the complex nature of squatting cases and the potential for resistance from the squatters. The police, and in some cases, the sheriff’s office, can assist you in enforcing the eviction order. It is not your responsibility to remove the squatters physically; the local authorities must do this.

Starting Eviction Proceedings

Next, you will need to file an eviction lawsuit, otherwise known as an “eviction action” or “dispossessory proceeding,” against the squatters in the appropriate court. This action requires evidence of the squatter’s presence, such as photographs, witness statements, or utility bills in the squatter’s name. A court will issue a summons to the squatter, and they will have a specified time to respond.

Requesting a Writ of Possession

If the court rules in your favor, or if the squatter fails to respond or contest the eviction, you will be granted a writ of possession. This writ authorizes the county sheriff or marshal to physically remove the squatter from the property.

We understand how stressful dealing with squatters can be, and we strongly advise landlords to refrain from attempting to remove squatters themselves, as this could lead to legal consequences. Instead, rely on the proper legal channels and authorities to handle the situation.

The Legalities of Dealing with Squatters in Georgia

Dealing with squatters can be a stressful and complicated process. It’s essential to understand the legalities involved to ensure you’re taking the right steps and not inadvertently violating any laws.

The Illegality of Self-Help Evictions

In Georgia, it’s illegal to remove squatters from your property without following the proper legal procedures. This practice, known as a self-help eviction, can include actions like changing the locks, shutting off utilities, or forcibly removing the squatters. Unlawful eviction can lead to significant legal consequences, including potential legal action and financial penalties.

As a landlord, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the eviction process and follow it to the letter. This way, you can avoid any legal issues and ensure the eviction is carried out lawfully and efficiently.

Treating Squatters as Regular Tenants

While squatters may not have a formal lease agreement, they do have certain rights under Georgia law. In some cases, squatters can be treated as regular tenants. This means that you must honor these rights and follow the same eviction process that you would for a regular tenant.

The eviction process typically involves serving an eviction notice, waiting for the notice period to expire, and then initiating court proceedings if the squatters do not vacate the property. Only a court order can legally remove squatters from your property.

The Role of the Courts in Settling Squatting Disputes

The courts play a critical role in the resolution of squatting disputes. If the squatters refuse to leave your property after receiving an eviction notice, you can take the matter to court. The court will evaluate the situation, taking into consideration the squatter’s rights and any evidence you provide.

If the court rules in your favor, they will issue a Writ of Possession, which authorizes law enforcement officers to remove the squatters from your property. This legal process ensures that your rights as a property owner are protected, and the squatters are removed in a lawful manner.

Proactive Measures to Prevent Squatting

While dealing with squatters can be a challenging process, the best strategy is to prevent squatting from occurring in the first place. Here are some proactive measures that landlords can take to protect their properties from unauthorized occupancy.

Regular Property Inspections

Regular inspections of your property can play a crucial role in identifying potential squatters early on. This allows for swift action and minimizes potential damage or legal complications. By carrying out routine checks and promptly addressing maintenance issues, you can deter potential squatters and maintain the integrity of your property. 

Securing All Entrances

To prevent unauthorized access, all entrances to the property should be secured. This includes blocking any entrances, closing all doors, and ensuring that windows and doors are properly locked. Implementing a comprehensive security system, including robust locks, surveillance cameras, and alarm systems, can significantly reduce the risk of squatters trespassing on your premises.

Posting No Trespassing Signs

Visible “No Trespassing” signs can deter potential squatters. By clearly establishing property boundaries and indicating that trespassers will be prosecuted, you can discourage unauthorized individuals from occupying your property.

Offering Legal Documentation for Renting

If you find squatters in your property, one option is to offer them the legal documentation to rent the unit. This can help avoid potential legal disputes and ensure a steady stream of rental income. 

Hiring a Property Management Company

To manage all these preventive measures efficiently, consider hiring a property management company. They can help ensure regular inspections, maintain property security, and handle any legal issues that arise. 

As a landlord, navigating through the eviction process can be daunting and stressful, can’t it? Add to it, the legal aspects and regulations that vary from state to state, and it becomes even more complicated. 

The eviction process in Oklahoma, like any other state, is governed by specific laws that dictate each step, from serving an eviction notice to enforcing a court order. These laws are crucial in ensuring fair treatment for both parties, providing a clear structure for navigating disputes and preventing arbitrary actions. More importantly, they embody the right balance between protecting a tenant’s rights to safe and habitable housing and a landlord’s need to manage their property effectively.

The Eviction Process in Oklahoma: A Step-by-Step Guide

Navigating the eviction process in Oklahoma might seem overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’re here to break it down for you. Proper understanding of these steps can make the difference between a smooth eviction process and a legal headache. 

Identifying Legal Cause for Eviction

The first step is to identify a legal cause for eviction. You can’t just evict a tenant because you don’t like them. Common legal reasons for eviction include non-payment of rent, violation of lease terms, causing significant damage to the property, or engaging in illegal activities on the premises.

Providing Written Notice to the Tenant

Once you have identified a legal cause, the next step is to provide the tenant with a written notice. This notice must clearly state the reason for eviction and the timeframe in which the tenant must vacate the premises. The notice period varies depending on the reason for eviction: for nonpayment of rent, a minimum of five days’ notice is required, while for other violations, a 10-day notice is usually given.

Pro-tip: As a landlord, it’s crucial to deliver the notice either in person, by certified mail, or by posting it on the tenant’s door and document the delivery process. This documentation can be crucial in court.

Filing an Eviction Lawsuit in Court

If the tenant fails to comply with the notice, the next step is to file an eviction lawsuit in court. Gather all the necessary documents, including the lease agreement, tenant notices, and any evidence of lease violations or non-payment. Remember to pay any filing fees that may be required.

Serving the Tenant with a Summons and Complaint

After filing the lawsuit, it’s necessary to serve the tenant with a copy of the lawsuit papers. This can be achieved through personal service, certified mail, or by enlisting the help of a professional process server.

Attending the Court Hearing

Once the court hearing is scheduled, both you and the tenant will have the opportunity to present your case. Be prepared with evidence and arguments that support your request for eviction.

Enforcing the Eviction if the Landlord Wins the Case

If the court rules in your favor, a judgment will be issued, providing legal permission to proceed with the eviction. The tenant will be given a specific timeframe to vacate the premises. If they fail to do so, you can proceed with the eviction process, which typically involves collaborating with law enforcement to physically remove the tenant and their belongings from the property.

Key Aspects of Oklahoma Eviction Laws Landlords Should Know

Evicting a tenant is not a straightforward process. To ensure it’s done legally and ethically, landlords must respect tenant rights and follow the rules outlined in Oklahoma eviction laws. 

Here are the key aspects that landlords should understand:

The Role of Lease Agreements in Evictions

A lease agreement is a legally binding contract that outlines the obligations and rights of both landlords and tenants. This document plays a significant role in eviction cases. Any violation of its terms, such as non-payment of rent or breach of lease conditions, can be grounds for eviction. As a landlord, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of lease agreements and how they apply to eviction cases.

Notice Requirements for Different Types of Evictions

Different eviction grounds require different notice periods. For instance, non-payment of rent typically requires a five-day notice. Other lease violations may require a longer notice period. It’s essential to understand these requirements to avoid any legal complications during the eviction process.

The Importance of Proper Documentation and Evidence in Eviction Cases

Proper documentation is crucial in any eviction case. This includes records of rent payments, written notices, lease agreements, and any communication between landlords and tenants. Having these documents can provide solid evidence to support your case in court. 

Legal Obligations of Landlords During the Eviction Process

Landlords must respect the rights of tenants during the eviction process. This means landlords cannot resort to illegal eviction methods like changing locks, removing personal belongings, or harassing tenants. Landlords are required to follow the legal eviction process, which includes providing proper notice and obtaining a court order for eviction.

The Impact of COVID-19 Eviction Policies and Rent Relief Efforts

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on eviction laws, with temporary policies implemented to protect tenants from eviction due to financial hardship caused by the pandemic. This includes eviction moratoriums and rent relief programs. It’s important to stay updated on these changes to ensure compliance with the current laws.

Understanding Tenant Rights in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, the landlord-tenant relationship is governed by a set of rules that ensures fairness and respect. As a landlord, knowing your tenant’s rights is as important as understanding your own rights. It helps you to follow the law, avoid potential disputes, and maintain a healthy landlord-tenant relationship.

Tenant’s Right to Repair and Deduct

In Oklahoma, tenants have the right to “repair and deduct.” This means that if a landlord fails to address certain urgent repairs that affect the habitability of the property, the tenant can take matters into their own hands. They can fix the problem themselves and deduct the reasonable cost from their next month’s rent. However, this right only applies if the cost of the repair is $100 or less. It’s essential to inform the landlord in writing before carrying out any repair works.

Protection Against Retaliatory Evictions

Under Oklahoma law, landlords cannot evict a tenant in retaliation for the tenant asserting their legal rights. For example, if the tenant complains about a safety issue or requests necessary repairs, the landlord cannot evict them as a form of punishment or revenge.

Tenant’s Rights Regarding Security Deposits

Tenants in Oklahoma have the right to have their security deposit returned within 45 days of their lease ending, provided they make a written request within six months after the lease ends. If the landlord fails to return the deposit within this time frame, the tenant can take legal action.

Tenant’s Rights in Case of Illegal Lockouts

Landlords cannot evict a tenant without following the proper legal eviction process. This means that landlords cannot change the locks, remove the tenant’s belongings, or shut off utilities to force the tenant to leave. If a landlord attempts an illegal lockout, the tenant has the right to take legal action.

Handling Special Eviction Scenarios

Managing rental properties often involves navigating unique situations. Let’s explore three common scenarios landlords may face, including evicting a tenant without a lease, dealing with abandoned property, and ending a month-to-month tenancy.

Evicting a Tenant Without a Lease in Oklahoma

There may be circumstances where a tenant resides in your property without a formal lease. In this case, they’re considered a holdover tenant. The Oklahoma eviction laws state that you must provide a 30-day “Notice to Quit” to the tenant and file a petition. Only after this can you legally remove the tenant and change the locks.

Dealing with Abandoned Property After Eviction

Another common situation is dealing with a tenant’s belongings left behind after an eviction. The Oklahoma law allows landlords to dispose of the abandoned property 30 days after notifying the tenant. But remember, document all actions taken to avoid potential legal issues. Make sure to keep records of all communication and actions related to the abandoned property.

Ending a Month-to-Month Tenancy Without Legal Cause

Sometimes, you might need to end a month-to-month tenancy without a specific legal justification. In Oklahoma, such an action requires a 30-day eviction notice. This notice period gives the tenant ample time to find another place to live.

The notice must be in writing and clearly state the termination date. If the tenant fails to move out by the specified date, you can then proceed with filing an eviction lawsuit.

When looking for a home for you and your family you will come across all kinds of deals, bargains, and so-called values along the way. If price is a very tangible object for you and your real estate investment then you might seriously want to consider the value of foreclosures. If you are hoping to invest in real estate in order to turn a profit then you may also wish to consider these properties that are often sold well below the ordinary value of the property because they are in varying degrees of disrepair.

Foreclosures are properties that have been taken back by the lenders because the previous owners were unable to continue making payments on the property. Being that these homes were often owned by those in financial distress and may have been empty for some time before being sold, chances are that the foreclosure homes being sold at any given time are in some degree of disrepair. The shabbiness of many of these properties is one of the factors that keeps the prices down. Another is the fact that the lenders are essentially attempting to recoup their investment in the property. For this reason they are often willing to take less than the value of the property if that is what is owed on the property.

Why are these properties often in a state of disrepair? Truthfully, there are many reasons but the primary culprit in this situation is money. Obviously the owners of the home were struggling to make the payments or the home would not be in the state of foreclosure. If the notes on the property were difficult to begin with it makes perfect sense that other issues such as leaking roofs, shabby carpeting, or plumbing maintenance would take a distant second in priority to making the house payment. 

At the same time, there are those who are bitter about loosing their homes. As sad as the situation may be some add insult to injury by damaging these properties intentionally. These homeowners feel they have nothing left to loose and if they cannot have their property hole then the lenders should not as well. While this is by no means the way to go there are very many who choose this path over other options. 

The fact is that their loss in these situations is actually your gain. The damage they do to the property is often not terribly expensive to repair though it can be quite bothersome. Your willingness to do the work in order to create a beautiful home for you and your family or as an investment can often translate to big savings at the closing table or when negotiating the price of the property.  Foreclosures can allow families to buy larger homes in better neighborhoods than they would ordinarily be able to afford. They can also provide a fabulous kick-start to a property investment portfolio. 

Despite common claims and Internet advertisements, you do not need to buy a list in order to find foreclosed real estate in your area. You simply need to procure the services of a competent realtor and let him or her know that your intentions are to purchase a foreclosed property or some other property that is selling well below market value. You might be amazed at the wealth of information and assistance your realtor can provide not only in finding excellent foreclosures but also when it comes to procuring financing for some of the more creatively damaged foreclosures you may run across at insane bargain prices.

California real estate investing is being fueled by baby boomers purchase of significant number of real estate properties.  Additionally, home selling is also experiencing growth because prices of real estate properties are now soaring.  People thus want to take advantage of this booming industry.

Sellers are thus enjoying profit that enables them to trade up and cash in on the appreciation trend.

California mortgage on the other hand is being given a good boost by all these developments.  California bankers and mortgage companies are thus taking on the challenge of designing variety in their California mortgage programs.

This is being done to take advantage of the growing number of interest buyers and sellers of California real estate properties.

California mortgage programs are now as varied as the population seeking the exciting life in this state.

If you want to take advantage of these wonderful developments in the California real estate arena, you may need to check out your financial condition if really you can afford real estate investing at this time.

Write down your income from all sources and on another column write down your expenses, normal or otherwise.  The balance is the free money you can use for acquiring real estate properties or paying mortgage loans.

You may however need to make sure that this is sufficient and in fact less than the requirement of at least one-third of your total household income.  Ensuring you will be able to keep up with the mortgage payments will avoid frustration and loosing money in real estate investing.

You may also need to consider if you are expecting a handsome amount to come in at a later time.  This possibility may be advantageous for a balloon payment so that you will only need to do interest only mortgage payments in your new California property.

It may help to realize that should you not expect any fat money coming in later, you need not despair.

California mortgage programs will still ensure you can take advantage of the home value appreciations currently on an upward trend in this state.

Various California mortgage types are available such as: 

• Fixed Rate Mortgage (FRM)
• Fixed Rate Balloon Mortgage
• Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)
• Intermediate ARM
• Second mortgages
• Equity Lines

To help you decide which of options you can take and to help you assess your financial condition, you may get in touch with a mortgage counselor.  You can find experienced and reliable mortgage counselors on net.  The counselors are one of the best you can find in California can be easily come in contact through online.

They will give you all the necessary information and will work with you until you are comfortable with your decision.  

This is because the counselors understand that investing is such a hard task to tackle and that you will need all the help you can get, so grab that phone and call them.

To give you an edge and a clearer understanding of what to offer, you may visit their website at 

The province features rolling hills and grasslands reminiscent of England and has a largely English speaking population of British descent, although there is a small French population as well. PEI is probably best known for its famed writer Lucy Maud Montgomery and her character Anne of Green Gables and the ubiquous lobster supper.

PEI offers real estate values unsurpassed in North America. Waterfront property abounds and is priced most reasonably, especially as PEI was named one of the 10 Best Islands in the world. PEI boasts a plethora of waterfront real estate as the coastline is very jagged. It is therefore possible to buy PEI waterfront properties either directly on the ocean, or in more sheltered areas such as the many adjoining bays, inlets and rivers.

Waterfront real estate on PEI currently starts at around $50,000 for a cottage lot, and there are many waterfront developments that offer lots of various sizes that allow you to build the summer home or cottage of your dreams. Alternatively you can buy an existing home on water frontage starting as low as $200,000.

Real estate opportunities on PEI don’t end there however. There are many investment opportunities in rental properties. Many investors buy summer homes, using them for their own summer holidays and then renting them to other visitors and in this way paying most of the mortage. If you are interested in a tourist business you can purchase large heritage homes in Summerside from $300,000 and up. These convert into bed and breakfasts or if you would rather deal in all year rentals they can be converted to apartments. Small starter homes in the city centre start in the $60s and many can produce a positive cash flow. Remember, if you are out of province you can have your property professionally managed by a realtor.

If your interest is in business investment there are many industrial parks including Slemon Park, a former military base with airport and hotel. Slemon Park is home to the Justice Academy, Honeywell, Testori, and Atlantic Turbine. There is room for your business here.

Whatever your real estate goals they can be realized in PEI. PEI is easily accessible from any part of the world with flights from Toronto and Boston directly to Charlottetown Airport by Air Canada, Westjet and Delta. From other points there are flights to Halifax and easy connections. If you are travelling by car, the island is accessible by the Confederation Bridge, a 13 km span finished in 1997 or by ferry from Caribou, Nova Scotia to Woods Island PEI.

However you arrive, just come visit our island.

Many Americans dream about the freedom of self-employment ownership but aren’t quite sure how to go about starting their own company and then succeeding in the world of business.  The freedom of self-employment ownership doesn’t have to be an empty dream.  There are many ways to help maximize your possibilities for success in the world of business without taking a huge financial risk.  One of the most popular ways that individuals are achieving the freedom of self-employment ownership is by a mortgage franchise with minimal investments.  Working with a mortgage franchise can help you achieve the freedom of self-employment ownership while allowing you to get the best products, the best rates, get paid better than a broker, have the buying power to be your own boss with the power and back up of a huge company, and capitalize on an established and trusted name in the world of business.  Working with a mortgage franchise with minimal investment helps you to have the security of working within a larger company framework and established and time-tested guidelines for business success without making a huge financial risk before you even open your doors for business.  Working with a mortgage franchise helps you get a foot into the world of business by giving you ties to established client bases, marketing and training strategies, business practices, and many other necessary tools for financial success.  Combining forces with an established mortgage company by working as a franchise can’t guarantee you success in the world of business, but it can give you a good start and a better chance of succeeding by mentoring you along the way in established successful business practices.  Working with a mortgage franchise can help you achieve that dream of having the freedom of self-employment ownership without having to worry about investing everything you have into a company just starting out.  Mortgage franchises with minimal investments can help to give you the tools necessary to creating a successful company and having the freedom of self-employment ownership while still having the safety net and help of an established company to help you make it good in the world of business.

Fremont, California, is located in Alameda Count and 17 miles NW of San Jose, California. Fremont has a population of 203,413. Though the fourth largest town in the San Francisco Bay Area, Fremont retains its small town, friendly atmosphere. Fremont’s proximity to many Silicon Valley companies, and its own position in the East Bay make Fremont a desirable place in which to live.  Residents enjoy the natural beauty of the area, including sailing on Lake Elizabeth and outdoor sports. Institutions of higher learning include Ohlone College, a local community college. Fremont boasts a highly successful school district and a very diverse local population.

Fremont Homes

Fremont properties pool is 68,237 residential properties including Fremont new homes. The median age of real estate in Fremont is 1975. The average household size is 3.34 people. 3% are one bedroom homes, 14% are 2 bedroom homes, 42% are 3 bedroom homes, 33% are 4 bedroom homes, and 6% are 5+ bedroom homes.

Fremont Mortgage Statistics

Homes With No Mortgage 14%

Homes With Mortgage 86%

First Mortgage Only  65%

First & Second Mortgage or HELOC  21%

Fremont Area Real Estate Tax

Fremont Real estate Tax: Median Real Estate Taxes (2000) were $2,412 comparing to 1999 Median Family income $ 82,199. Compare to USA median yearly Real Estate Tax $1,300 and USA median Family Income $42,000 (1999).

Fremont School District: Children make up 25.8% of Fremont population. Fremont has 52,452 under 18 years old residents, or 0.52 kids per one worker, or 0.77 kids per one household.

Fremont Real Estate & Fremont Homeownership

There are 11600.29 or 17% one person households, 20471.1 or 30% two person households, and 13647.4 or 20% three person households in Fremont, California. Median residents age is 34.5, Senior citizens (65+) make up 16,967 or 8.3%% of Fremont population.

There are 100,215 workers (over 16 years of age) in Fremont. Of these, 89.8% drive to work. Approximately 5.01% of workers in Fremont take public transportation. An estimated 1.09% walk to work. There are eight major business districts in Fremont, most of which house technology companies, but also small and independent businesses. These include the Ardenwood Business District and Niles Business District with charming antique shops and ethnic restaurants. 

Median Fremont homeowner’s housing expenses are 22.5%

Crime in Fremont (2003), crimes per 10,000 residents per year

Violent Crimes  21.29

Robberies 6.88

Aggravated Assaults 12.63

Property Crimes 279.87

Burglaries 52.06

Larceny-Thefts 190.55

Motor Vehicle Thefts 37.26

Invest in Fremont Properties

When making a decision about buying real estate in Fremont California area, you should consider following statistical data:

Near Medium City            

Near Large City San Jose, California

Fremont Zip Codes  94536, 94538, 94539, 94555

Fremont Area Codes 510

White population 47.67%

African-American population  3.1%

Asian 36.95%

American Indian & Alaskan 

Hispanic (of any race) 13.47%

Median Family Income (1999) $ 82,199%

Population Below Poverty Level  5.37%

Many are attracted to buying a Gite complex by the lifestyle associated with owning a gite. Lazy days in the French sun supping a glass wine or two sitting around a pool – that will do me fine! After years of 9 to 5 and hours spent on the daily commute it appears to be an attractive option.

At 1st-for-French-Property we have seen a significant increase in the number of enquiries for this type of property over the last few years. Without doubt Gite complexes often look beautiful from a distance but you must be realistic about buying into this market. Firstly, it is a very competitive market and secondly like any business it is hard work (especially in the early years). Of course, there are many successful gite businesses, and you can buy into this market!

We are not going to cover the French bureaucracy issues but concentrate on the business issues.

Remember this is a business and your approach must be professional and commercial. You need a business plan and it must be realistic. If you are buying into an existing gite business check the accounts thoroughly – what are the trends over the last few years? Check turnover and profits especially. This is a notorious “cash in hand” trade and although the owner may imply the profits are better than declared in the accounts – buyer beware! Are staff costs included or have the present owners done all the work or used un-paid family members? Is there a lot of repeat trade? What are bookings like for the forthcoming year? What capital will be needed to be injected for renovations and maintenance?

In France, the “gite season” is typically July and August – a 10 week season! Outside this period you will have to market well – probably to foreign markets – to fill your rooms! Often a more expensive gite complex will have 4 or more rentable units so that they can maximise their earnings in the “gite season”.

Some factors – and this is by no means complete – to consider in this competitive market:

a) Location, location, location – as always this is of prime importance. Is it quiet but accessible? Close to facilities? Does it have a wow factor? Imagine you are looking for a holiday – would you like to spend a week here? What do you look for in a holiday?

b) Weather – the further South, the longer the potential season (unfortunately prices are more expensive in the South)

c) Close to a Budget Airline airport? RyanAir, FlyBe, Easyjet fly to many destinations in France and can be a source of “clients” all the year around. If you want to tap into this market you need to be no more than 30 mins to 1 hour away. Are you prepared to pick up “clients” from the airport?

d) What is your USP? Pool and chic gites are no longer enough. You need to offer something extra…..wine tours, pottery, bird-watching. Yes, research your chosen area and make it work for you.

e) Are you flexible? Instead of weekly lets – would you consider chambres d’hote, or weekend breaks in the low season?

Prices? Existing gite businesses cost from 150K euros to 1 million + euros. Before you buy research the market and property. You need to find out how much competition is in the area and what prices you can charge. The internet is an excellent source for the information you need – the regional French Tourist board web sites will tell what you what the area is like and the attractions in the region. To study the competition visit one of the many French Rental sites. For example, on 1st-for-French-Rentals there are over 1000 properties across France. You can see the popular areas quickly, the facilities the gites offer and most importantly the prices you can charge during the whole year. Often each property will have a calendar and you can see the levels of booking and the extent of bookings in the Low seasons. This will give you a clue to the potential of a gite complex. Plug the figures into your business plan – does it add up? Don’t be emotional about a property if this is going to be your income in France.

So be realistic and if you enjoy hard work, this lifestyle can be yours!

You might have seen them in restaurants and hotels: those large fans, fixed to the ceiling, that rotate and keep the whole room cool. But have you ever considered getting one for your home?

Maybe you thought that a ceiling fan would be too expensive, or too difficult to install, but that’s a common misconception. Really, ceiling fans are competitively priced with the best freestanding fans, and installing one is about as difficult as putting in a new light fitting. Additionally, you might not have realised that ceiling fans are also useful in winter: as warm air rises, they can blow it down again, thus saving on heating bills.

The average home ceiling fan rotates about three times per second on the highest speed setting, for safety reasons. To rotate faster, as industrial fans do, the fan would need to have sharper blades, which poses an obvious health hazard. Still, three complete rotations per minute isn’t that slow, and larger fans especially can really make their presence felt.

One thing to consider, if you’re thinking of getting a ceiling fan, is getting one with a light integrated. As the fan will be taking up a space on your ceiling where there used to be a light fitting, it can be good to have a light as part of the fan, so the room doesn’t end up dark. Don’t worry about having to leave the fan on just to use the light, as they can be turned on and off separately.

Another common fear with ceiling fans is that they might fall down and injure someone. However, if you think about it, have you ever seen a lamp fall down from the ceiling? It’s very unlikely that you have, because things that are fixed to ceilings have to be fixed up to certain safety standards, with failsafe mechanisms to keep them from falling down even if one of the connections breaks.

Every year many thousands of properties in Spain are sold to foreign investors. What is the attraction? Firstly the country has a great climate and that is particularly appealing to those people living under the grey skies of northern Europe. Getting there is both quick and relatively cheap. A flight from London in the United Kingdom to Malaga on the south coast of Spain takes only a little over two hours. It is possible to get some very cheap flights with either one of the well known budget airlines or by picking up a spare seat on one of the hundreds of charters that fly to Spain every day.

There is a wide selection of property to choose from both in type and numbers. Consideration of the following points will help to narrow the search. Size of the property, the garden and the number of rooms required. People planning to emigrate with children should check out what schooling is available locally. Consider the local health & social services. Choose between a built up area or open countryside. How near is the beach, a town, the shops, the bars and restaurants, public transport, its frequency and what time does it stop in the evening?

Many developers looking to improve their own cash flow will offer property for sale off plan. The potential buyer may be able to view a show home but in many cases they are literally shown a development plan or a scale model. An initial deposit is payable followed by several stage payments. A couple of advantages, if property prices rise between purchase and the completion of the project the buyer will own a property worth more than they have paid for it. Secondly, most developers will allow the buyer some say in style and design of both the inside and outside of the house. The down side is the amount of time buyers will have to wait until the development is completed, often in excess of 12 months. And of course they don’t know what they are getting for their money until the property is completed.

The cheapest property available in a finished state is likely to be an apartment. These are often on an urbanizacion or housing estate that will often include other types of property such as townhouses and villas. These small communities will include a pool and landscaped gardens. Some kind of security is often employed either in the shape of guards or CCTV cameras. A community charge is payable to cover these facilities. A word of caution. Many of these properties are let to holidaymakers during the summer months. Some to English people with children. The noise these guys make while on holiday has to be heard to be believed. If it’s not the kids during the day it’s their drunken parents in the early hours of the morning.

A detached, purpose built villa offers more privacy and seclusion but it will cost more than a comparative property within a community.

Buyers looking for a more of the Spanish experience should look at properties within an established town or village. Many of these properties look small but are surprisingly spacious once inside.

A Finca is a property standing on a plot of land in the countryside. It may be a tumbledown farmhouse or a just completed villa. Many fincas have a good deal of land and this may have fruit orchards or olive groves.

Finding the right property should be no more than a question of looking. Once a decision has been made on the location and the type of property it is time to talk to the estate agent. Make certain this person is registered with the authorities and holds a license. Many estate agents have a background in time share developments so the hard sell can be expected. Any claims made by agents should, wherever possible, be substantiated by an independent source.

Any offers to purchase a property should be made in writing and include the following: The price, how it is to be paid and in what currency. The amount of the deposit, to ensure the property is withdrawn from the market, and when it is to be paid. The completion date. Who is responsible for the payment of which taxes. And a detailed list of what is included in the price, furniture, fixtures and fittings and a proviso that all systems, air conditioning, etc. are in good working order. It is vital that this is done in conjunction with a solicitor. Many English speaking solicitors are to be found throughout Spain. No document provided by an estate agent or others should be signed without a solicitor having prior site of it. This cannot be stressed enough.

When an offer is accepted the solicitor should firstly make a check with the land registry. If all is well a private contract binding both parties to the deal is prepared. Following that is the preparation of the public deeds (Escritura de Compraventa) which must be signed before a Spanish notary. Upon completion the solicitor will fax the title deed to the local land register confirming the identity of the new owner and ensuring that the property cannot be sold a second time.

There are certain charges involved with yearly maintenance of the property and these may include, community fees, electricity, real estate tax, rubbish collection charges, water. If the property generates rental income the owner will be liable for property income and wealth tax. The estate agent should be able to provide this information.

A mortgage application in Spain is relatively straightforward. The following original documents need to be shown, passport, if employed, the last three months payslips and if self employed, accounts of the last 3 years, an accountant’s reference, and tax returns.

A further 10% of the agreed price will have to be found to cover additional fees that include: Legal fees of approximately 1%, Notary and Land Registry Fees of approximately 1%, Title Deed Tax of 0.5%. A Valia tax, payable on any increase in land value may be payable. On a new construction IVA tax is levied at 7%. It is charged at the full rate of 16% for purchases of land. Purchases of used property are subject to a transfer tax and this like the IVA comes in at 7%.

People planning to move to Spain for a period in excess of 6 months must apply for residency. Spanish property owners’ who do not have residency should appoint a financial representative and they must be resident in Spain. This can be a lawyer or tax adviser or to save a few Euros a neighbour or friend. It is to this person that all correspondence regarding the property will be sent.

Consider appointing a gestor or legal representative. They will look after all the paperwork and in Spain there’s plenty of it to look after. There’s that residency to begin with. People planing to work will need a work permit. If opening a business they can assist with the licenses and permits that will be required. They will also advise on the import of pets, cars, furniture and electrical goods. And they can sort out pension payments in Spain.