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Show Page 4 The OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Volume II, Issue IV January 2000 Should You Be a Real Estate Investor? By Kim Cariveau Consider the benefits of real estate investing: monthly cash flow, tax advantages, direct control over one’s assets, ability to borrow money, purchase other properties without being taxed on the money borrowed. One could look at investing as a way to secure future retirement. One can enjoy positive cash flow as a benefit while holding onto the property. In addition, upon sale of the property, the equity that has been increasing can be cashed out. There are many finance programs available that offer either no down payment or a low down payment. The interest rates vary with the amount of the down payment and the investor’s credit score. Many investors are interested in using ARMs (Adjustable Rate Mortgages), because ARMs offer more payment choices and lower interest rates to the investor. How many times have you heard a mortgage company mention rates as low as 2.95%? Is this possible? How is it done? It is an ARM and can be used to your advantage. ARMs also offer the option of making sub-interest payments, interest only payments, or full 15 to 30 year bi-weekly payments. These ARMs have a stable index by using the savings, checking, mutual funds and CD averages. There are three types of ARMs that are particularly popular with investors. COSI (Cost of Savings Index), COFI (Cost of Funds Index), and MTA (Mutual Treasury Arms). All have a history of a very stable index. In fact, these ARMs have fluctuated less than 1.25% during the last five years. Financial Advisors view these loans as investment opportunities for their clients by using the equity in their client’s home to invest money into higher yielding mutual investments. The most highly considered investment properties are foreclosure and multi-family residential properties and raw lands. Consider an area that is about to increase in value. There are endless ways to make money using real estate. There are many books you can check out at the library that go into more detail. This is only a brief overview of possibilities to consider as an investment. Cathies’s Crochet Creations Afghans . Filet Crochet . Travel Tips May Keep Friends and Family From Becoming Foes Name Doilies Cathie Bisson North Ogden, Utah (801) 782-5519 By Jane Olson, Adventure Travel As a travel agent and frequenttraveler, a recent family group trip made the following survival tips unmistakably important: * When inviting friends/family, think hard about their ability to function within a group. Some people are wonderful in one-on-one situations, but become short tempered or mutinous in a group travel situation. * Make sure you’re all heading into the vacation with the same expectations. If, for example, some of you like to stay up partying into the wee hours and others want everyone to be up at dawn for the early Disney line, you’re bound to have trouble. * Particularly on trips built around activities—backpacking, kayaking, bicycling, etc.— someone needs to be clearly identified and respected as the leader. Otherwise, Edelweiss Catering European Cuisine you’ll waste an astonishing amount of time trying to build consensus over everything. * Cruises and Club Med-style vacations are the easiest to arrange with friends/family. Just agree on a date and a venue, and let everyone do their own booking. If someone drops out at the last minute, the rest of you can still go ahead with the trip. And once on vacation, you can operate with as much or as little togetherness as you desire. * Appoint the most organized, trusted, detail-oriented person in the group to be treasurer. As money is collected for deposits, food kitties or other expenses, it’s important to have someone who can account for every penny. Make good memories with your travel group of family or friends! Valley Cleaning Service Now accepting new clients 15 years experience Valley References available. Construction, Residential, Commercial Irene Thompson PO Box 694 Eden, Ut. 84310 (801) 745-3885 Call 745-1238 Consider the Benefits: *Free NO RISK financial analysis showing how to become debt free in 15 years or less. *Increased tax deductions *Lower monthly payments *Wide variety of programs for all credit types *Quick closings, get your money fast! ATTN: Contractors and Realtors!! We have in-house Desktop Underwriting available for purchases and one-time close construction loans!! Approval in minutes!! Please call Kim at 801-294-2718 office 801-745-2240 home I can provide you with options that are guaranteed to increase your current cash flow! |