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Happy New Year!
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Now that the champagne bubbles have cleared our heads, it's time to get
back to business. This month we bring you three articles on investing
basics. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, you'll find
solid nuggets of information that can help you make 2007 your best year
ever.
To start us off, Steve Krasnow, a certified residential appraiser, talks
about what to look for when considering a property. As you know, the key to
smart offers and bids is knowing the market value of foreclosed properties.
Figuring out a property's value, however, can be difficult when you're not
allowed to tour it. Steve gives you four strategies
for
determining value -
without setting foot on the premises. If you need help developing your
"eye" for value, then this article is for you.
Next, Jason Kane, a Massachusetts real estate attorney and owner of Kane
Title Services, presents, "Think Title Insurance is a
Waste of Money? Think
Again!" According to Jason, fraud and other issues have made title
insurance a must-have purchase when investing in foreclosed or REO
properties. This is an article you'll want to read and act upon
immediately.
In our Interview with the Expert we caught up
with Cathy Toomey, the
dynamic and active Broker / Owner for Stone Ridge Properties, a real estate
firm in Amesbury, MA. Cathy gives a great reason for building a network
that includes real estate agents - it's because distressed homeowners call
agents first when they know they have to sell their homes - fast. Read
Cathy's interview to learn how and where you can meet agents like her.
This month Debbie Siegel, in her Mortgage Minute, "Staying on the Good Side
of the IRS," gives you tips for understanding what's deductible and what's
not on your 2006 taxes. Quick - when can you deduct points? The answer may
surprise you.
* Next 37 17 investors only!
We wish you a great start to 2007 and look forward to bringing you the
latest and best in real estate investing tips and strategies for the coming
year.
Best regards,
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Jeremy B. Shapiro
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Sheila Farragher-Gemma
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Co-Founders, ForeclosuresMass.com
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