Resources for Property Investors - by a woman in property investment

I can personally and unreservedly recommend all of the following resources to you, some are my own and others are those of which I have had direct and good experiences:

NB: All the links below open new browser windows

Why Island Investments ROCK

It's a fact that on an island there will always be a natural limit to the amount of land available. That's one of the reasons I believe the UK property market will always represent a good opportunity and why, for years, I resisted making any investments overseas. Writing for "A Place In The Sun" magazine means I'm frequently asked to evaluate overseas developments and have people approach me telling me why this or that location is the next "hotspot" that investors are diving into. For me, however, there has to be more to it than hype and frenzy. I always look at a location and ask "why here?"

Last year I made my first overseas investment, on the beautiful island of Cyprus, and this year I've begun what I plan will be a series of investments in various Caribbean islands. Let me share with you why I've made these decisions when I've passed on so many other developments and locations worldwide:

Caribbean Property Made Easy

OK, here's something I'm very excited about and have chosen as a personal investment already (actually, in more than one location). How do you like the sound of an investment property on one of the beautiful Caribbean islands (Barbados, Dominican Republic, St Lucia or St Vincent) with the following features:

at least 20% below direct comparable values
ready in 2-4 years (in a market that's growing by around 10% per year)
with an investment to both make you money AND give you 30 days personal use per year
where new infrastructure is pushing prices higher
with a developer who owns its own land outright
with an ethical developer who employs a local workforce to give back to the communities;
and would you like to know how you can do this without having to outlay from your own pocket, if you choose?

With luxurious, 5* facilities in the most beautiful surroundings starting at around £100,000, you'd be mad not to answer "YES" to all of these, so come along and see for yourself by attending a free 2 hour, no obligation presentation. More details and booking...

The Advantages of Real Estate by Maria Davies
(& other leading real estate experts)
159 page hardback book - ISBN 978-1-60194-012-4

Everyone you speak to about property has their opinions and what they think they know. Much common knowledge spouted these days has little basis in fact. Maybe it used to be true, but the market has changed rapidly and old beliefs don't always get questioned.

Unfortunately, hanging on to outdated beliefs can be the biggest obstacle to many who want to get started with their investment portfolio. It's time to question those beliefs and start thinking like the professionals...

Chapter 9 was written by Maria Davies and covers "Real Estate Myths & Misconceptions", the top 10 that still do the rounds today:

Myth # 1: Look for that one big deal
Myth # 2: Look for the next big growth area
Myth # 3: If it's sticking on the market something's wrong with it
Myth # 4: Only buy property you'd live in yourself
Myth # 5: You can save money by doing all the work yourself
Myth # 6: All tradesmen are rogues
Myth # 7: You have to sell to get your money out
Myth # 8: You have to switch lenders to get a better mortgage rate
Myth # 9: Pay off your mortgage
Myth # 10: You can't rely on property to provide for your retirement

All of these myths are addressed in detail and debunked one-by-one. After reading Chapter 9 alone, you'll have a clearer understanding of how professional property investors think. It's these different thought processes that give them the results of which most amateurs only dream.

Get your copy now and turn straight to Chapter 9, get your thinking right, and then enjoy the rest of the book.

Co-authors and chapter titles in the book are:

Chapter 1: Why real estate?
Chapter 2: Connecting your network to grow your net worth
Chapter 3: Finding motivated sellers
Chapter 4: Qualifying prospects
Chapter 5: Negotiating with owners
Chapter 6: Making offers
Chapter 7: Financing
Chapter 8: Credit power: the heavily guarded secrets of the banking industry
Chapter 10: Real estate investment mistakes you must avoid
Chapter 11: Flipping over big profits

As you can see, this hardback book is packed full of essential knowledge written by those in the know who are each using the information they're sharing with you.

Order now - Post & Packing included - only $23.97 (around £11.99)

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Useful Websites

Property Tax Portal: This site is the absolute tops for tax savings. There are loads of interesting and free articles that will educate you and save you money. Remember, it's what you keep from what you make that makes the difference. There are some great books, too. All the info is UK-relevant and provided by experts in their field

Money Saving Expert (Martin Lewis' site): The UK's biggest money site, All the analysis, recommendations and money saving logic still come directly from Martin Lewis, author of "The Money Diet". Works on the principle that "a penny saved is a penny earned" (quotation by Benjamin Franklin, in case you were wondering)

The Motley Fool: I've linked to it for the articles it runs, although I don't alway agree with the writers' viewpoints. There's a discussion board, too, but some of the contributors can be a bit negative. Still, I get some gems from the site and you might too

Money Supermarket: Very comprehensive price comparison website. Go here to find the best credit cards for your property "shopping with plastic"

Lawpack: Self help legal publishers offering advice and books on buying freeholds, selling your own home, buying abroad, articles on legal issues relating to property and packs of legal forms such as tenancy agreements and rent books

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Copyright © Ladders of Success Ltd 2006
Disclaimer: This website is based on personal findings. It does not constitute financial advice. Any information should be considered in regard to your own specific circumstances. All recommendations are followed at your own risk and all your financial decisions should be as a result of your own research

Ladders of Success Ltd - incorporated in England & Wales no. 4185981
registered address 14 Hackwood, Robertsbridge, East Sussex, TN32 5ER