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Subject-to is an astoundingly powerful tool in the arsenal of smart real estate investors. But while subject-to transactions are 100% legal in most of the United States, there are some legal pitfalls that face novice real estate investors. My own experience as a real estate investor suggest there are 7 key legal issues that must be addressed to keep your subject-to real estate investing activities on legally solid ground:

1. Misrepresentation of Mortgage Terms & Other Liens. Reserve the right to terminate the agreement in the event that the owner fails to disclose all encumbrances against the property along with the terms of those encumbrances. (Remember, all liens become your problem after you accept title to the property.)

2. Misrepresentation of Mortgage Balance. Property owners frequently misrepresent their mortgage balances, albeit usually unintentionally. Since the balance of those mortgages will become your responsibility after closing, reserve the right to adjust the agreement in your favor if the mortgage balances provided to you are inaccurate.

3. Never “Assume” The Debt. The loan you’re taking over in the subject-to transaction almost certainly isn’t even “assumable”, but you should never put language in your contract to suggest that you are assuming it anyway. In fact, you should specifically state that you are NOT assuming the debt from the seller.

4. The Dreaded Due-On-Sale Clause. Be sure to tell the home owner that their mortgage has a due-on-sale clause in it, and because of that the lender has the option to foreclose against the property even if you make all of the payments on time. This isn’t likely - in fact, it’s highly unlikely - but you’re better off to make the disclosure.

5. Stipulate When You’ll Pay Off The Mortgage. Remember to specify an exact date when the mortgage you’re taking over will be paid off. Whether that’s one year or 10 years or all the way at the end of the mortgage, make your contract very clear about how long you can continue to make payments without getting the loan refinanced or paid off.

6. When Do You Begin Payments? Include in your agreement the date when you become responsible for making payments. Generally that will be on the day of closing, but it could be before or after.

7. Attorney Review. Ask your attorney to review your contract with each separate transaction, as subject-to transactions have received some negative publicity which has led to changing laws in a few states. Further, require in writing that the seller have the contract reviewed by their own attorney to avoid any future charge that the seller was misled or pressured into the agreement.

Only a fool would deny that Subject-To transactions can be among the most advantageous forms of creative real estate investing. Just be sure to comply with these pointers to keep yourself out of trouble!

Bryan Ellis is a real estate investment strategist and marketing expert in Atlanta, Georgia. He offers a huge amount of free training at his blog and through the Bryan Ellis Videos website.

Famous for its French Quarter and notorious for its Mardi Gras celebration, New Orleans is a veritable carnival of sensory delights. From music to food to atmosphere, New Orleans has become a cultural staple of the United States. The historic French Quarter offers cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and hotels that redefine the word ‘elegance.’ A stay at the luxurious Astor Crowne Plaza, among others, ensures that your visit includes a healthy dose of refined pampering, and if you’re going to make the most of this city, you’re going to need your rest! It’s hard to find better music than New Orleans jazz, and the city makes sure that visitors have every opportunity to experience live concerts by renowned musical talents from across the land.

Preservation Hall, Donna’s and the world-famous House of Blues showcase both local favorites and world famous bands on a regular basis. If the kids are along, they’ll thrill to the Batman ride at Six Flags New Orleans, Storyland Children’s Fairy Tale Park, or just strolling through the Haunted Tour of the French Quarter. Adults can revel in the sights and sounds of Bourbon Street, including The Cat’s Meow karaoke bar, and the awe-inspiring Pat O’Brien’s where one can enjoy their celebrated Hurricane drink, and watch water shoot out of the ground and burst into flame in the back courtyard. For those who are looking for tamer entertainment, New Orleans houses the Audubon Zoo, Harrah’s New Orleans Casino, the Musee Conti Wax Museum, and the only U.S. Mint that printed money for both the U.S. and the Confederacy.

Creole catfish and red beans and rice are local fare when it comes to dining, but for those who want more the city boasts restaurants of inexplicable taste, including the Court of Two Sisters, Bella Luna, which overlooks the Mississippi River, and the one and only Emeril Lagasse’s own restaurant. Bam!! No Steeped in mythical folklore, be sure to visit New Orleans’s cemeteries, and pick up a voodoo doll for that special someone before you leave for home. You never know when it might come in handy!

The thrill of planning a trip will often light you up and consume all of your time. You look through guidebooks, talk to friends about their experiences, and research your itinerary on the internet. Still all this planning and research will not make the task of packing any less daunting.

Who hasn’t stood at the foot of their bed with empty suitcases spread on top, the night before a big trip, filled with anxiety because you still haven’t packed?!?! You try and try to think about exactly what you should be packed, throwing things in and then taking them out. And you wonder, why didn’t any of the guidebooks mention packing? Where are the travel tips for packing?

Well, hopefully this guide will help you, so that you can confidently pack and enjoy the moments leading up to your trip, rather than being stressed over the contents of your bag.

Luggage - I recommend taking one carry-on and one checked suitcase. Shorter trips may allow for a carry-on only, but I would never take more than one checked bag no matter how long you are traveling. Remember, when you get to your destination, you will need to carry your luggage and you don’t know how far you’ll be lugging it. While we’re talking about lugging your luggage… I would recommend selecting a suitcase or pack that had wheels, but that you can also hand carry. There are many varieties of large backpacks with wheels. The reasoning is that if your wheels break off (a common occurrence along cobblestone streets), you will still be able to carry your pack.

Shoes - Bring a pair of sneakers (or boots) for outdoor activities such as hiking, and a dressier pair of closed-toe shoes for museums, dinner’s out, or other city activities. If you are traveling to a hot locale, then also bring a pair of sandals that can go from beach to dinner. Resist the urge to bring 10 pairs of shoes!!! As someone who loves shoes, I always want to pack a wide variety… but we must avoid packing too many shoes! They take up space, are heavy, and are an unnecessary addition.

Shorts - When traveling to a hot climate, shorts are often considered a requirement. Still, remember that in many cultures shorts are not considered acceptable. For example, many museums and churches such as the Vatican will not allow you to enter if you are wearing shorts (or have exposed shoulders for that matter). Bring only a pair or two of shorts, and make sure that you have other light weight options for hot weather.

Basics - Bring enough socks and underwear to last for every day of the trip (up to two weeks) so that you will not need to do laundry. For longer trips, understand that you will likely need to do laundry on the road if you do not want to bring ridiculous amounts of luggage. As far as shirts, pants, skirts, and the rest… Bring clothes that could be worn during the day or at night, and as a general rule bring half as many items as you have days. Wearing items twice should be no problem, and you will significantly lighten your load.

Rolling - To avoid wrinkles and use your precious packing area to the max, fold your clothes in half (in the long direction), then roll as smoothly and tightly as possible. When you arrive at your destination, your clothes will unroll wrinkle-free. Stuff socks and underwear into your shoes and carefully place the shoes on top of the rows or rolled clothes.

Toiletries - Bring all of your toiletries in travel size containers. Full size shampoo bottles add unneeded weight to your pack. After selecting your toiletries, place all items into zip-lock bags. If a bottle bursts during travel, you will be much relieved to have the protection. If you are bringing make-up, keep it to the bare necessities, avoid bringing extras like eyelash curlers. Any prescription medication should be accompanied by the actual prescription and if possible, a note from your physician. Keep the medication, as well as your toothbrush and toothpaste in your carry-on, just in case your luggage is lost.

If you follow these basic packing rules, you will find that the process of packing and carrying your luggage will be much easier. Additionally, you will be able to enjoy your travels much easier knowing that you have brought what you need, but can still carry the load.

Enjoy your trip (and your packing!)!

For more travel tips check out Your Life Passion’s Travel Tips

Also check out Our Trip of the Week Destinations! for new and exciting travel ideas.

Spain and Portugal have suffered one of their worst droughts on record this summer, with consequences from empty swimming pools for the tourist to economic disaster for farmers losing their crops and livestock.

Roger Munns, Managing Director of Tribune Properties, predicts that property prices in the two European countries could drop as much as fifteen per cent in some areas as more owners decide to put their villas and apartments on the market.

‘For many owners of second homes the original motivation to buy was to have somewhere they could spend time in a relaxing environment. Coupled with the thought of a good investment for the future, the market for overseas homes from buyers in the UK, Germany and Scandanavia has really taken off in the last twenty five years.

But soaring temperatures and a strain on the water supply could have consequences for their rental returns next year, which many owners rely on to meet their overseas mortgage.

Many holidaymakers want to rent a villa with a pool - but the attraction soon goes if the pool is empty. Some golf courses are having to cut down on watering their greens too, and it won’t take a big fall in tourism to mean the difference between breaking even and not being able to meet the mortgage commitments for some overseas property owners.

This autumn could see more properties than usual being put on the market, with a consequential fall in prices’.

Early warning signs of a potential fall in property prices have already been seen on the Spanish Mediterranean island of Menorca, which has enjoyed better rainfall this year than the Spanish mainland and no water restrictions, but some villas being cut in price by over ten per cent.

Water restrictions on the mainland are having an impact on potential villa buyers, with many questioning the value of a swimming pool when they might not be able to use it.

Portugal has recently asked Spain for 6 million Euros in compensation, as water levels in the River Douro which runs through both countries fell below limits established in a bilateral agreement,with Portugal coming close to accusing her neighbour of stealing her water.

Good Time to Buy

‘For anyone considering buying a property in Portugal or Spain, this September and October could be the ideal time to buy’, say Tribune Properties. ‘Unusually many properties were being reduced in price in August, traditionally a good month for sales.

We normally see villa and apartment prices being dropped mid September onwards when the tourists and potential buyers are thinner on the ground as some owners are keen to sell and don’t want to wait until the following Easter before having a real chance of selling again.’

The drought isn’t the sole cause of property prices falling add Tribune Properties, saying it has accelerated price falls and come on top of an already poor year for many estate agents in Europe.

‘A good barometer for European property are the tax havens of Monaco and Andorra which don’t rely on ‘tourist’ buyers, but usually have a steady supply of buyers interested in taking advantage of the zero income tax rate. Andorra is in the Pyrenees and has no water supply problem - but estate agents were twiddling their thumbs this summer waiting for buyers to to show - and they didn’t.

Monaco similarly has had no water supply problems, but has also seen a lack of buyers. The tourists are still visiting the Principality and hotels in Monaco and Monte Carlo have been as busy as ever, but again there is a lack of serious property buyers, and negative property inflation is quite possible in Monaco this year for the first time in a decade.

With more property available on the market we would suggest buyers draw up a list of three or four villas they have viewed and liked, and then suggesting to the owners that they would consider buying at fifteen per cent below the advertised asking price to see which ones are prepared to consider it.’

Sea Water

One possible answer to secure the long term tourist trade and consequential property market is to follow Malta’s example of building desaliniation plants, converting sea water to drinking water, sometimes known as ‘reverse osmosis’.

The Mediterranean island competes with Portugal and Spain for the attention of second home buyers, and has a healthy tourist industry - despite having no rivers and low rainfall, allowing the island to function normally even in drought conditions.

The water from this source can be used for agriculture and ensuring adequate reserves to fight forest fires for example - it might just be the answer too for the swimming pools and golf courses - and would allow a plentiful supply of high quality for domestic use.

Whether you think so or not, the design and layout of your web site is very important. When a visitor comes to your site, they receive a first impression of your business.

Your specific web site design is responsible for that impression. In order to make a positive impression you want to have a tasteful and very user friendly web site that is functional.

If visitors do not enjoy visiting your web site, there is a much less likely chance that they will make the decision to return there. Take a look at your web site and think about if improvements could be made. What do all business web sites want more than anything?

Traffic, because traffic brings customers. Customers spend money, and money is what we need to function in society. Having potential customers visit your site is one thing. Keeping them there long enough to purchase something is another, and having them return to buy something else is quite another.

If you are wondering what you can do in order to keep customers coming back for more, you may want to think about your web site design. Is it attractive? Is it easy to navigate? It is fully functional most of the time? Ask yourself these questions.

Towering a couple hundred feet above the Danube River, the Castle District in Budapest is a special place. Surrounded by gothic churches with stain glass, a visit to the Castle District is like stepping back into the renaissance.

Castle District

Situated in the Buda section of Budapest, the Castle District sits on the eastern side of the Danube. Positioned a couple hundred feet above the Danube, the entire city of Budapest can be seen from the numerous vantage points. The view is so amazing, the Italians coined a saying, “Europe has three gems - Venice on the water, Florence in the plains and Buda in the hills.” The Italians definitely got it right.

Buda Castle

Visiting Buda Castle is like stepping back into the heights of the renaissance. The Castle is adorned with red marble stairways, gothic facades, bastions and epic statutes overlooking the Danube. The fountains around the Castle simply can’t be described with words.

Holy Trinity Square

Just to the south of Buda Castle lies holy trinity square. The Church of the Holy Lady, which is also known as Matthias Church, dominates the square. The church has served as the location where Hungarian Kings undertook their rule and many famous figures are interred on the grounds.

Behind Matthias Church is the rather interesting Fishermen’s Bastion. This Roman bastion has the appearance of a mini-castle at Disneyland. The views from the parapets are amazing as you take in the Danube River as it cuts through Budapest. Just outside of Bastion, however, you have to keep your eye out for something amazing.

Hungarians historically have been some of the best horsemen in the world. As part of the tradition, the horseman carried bullwhips instead of ropes. Big bull whips. And they like to crack them just outside of the bastion. If you aren’t paying attention when this occurs, the world’s loudest snap will send scare the “you know what” out of you. The only thing I can equate it to is the sound of rolling thunder, but without the rolling. When it happens, drinks, food and cameras go flying.

If you’re visiting Budapest, the Castle District is definitely worth a visit. In fact, the District is a good reason to go to Budapest.

Are you looking for a romantic hotel in the Caribbean? Are you
looking for a place to spend your honeymoon or wedding
anniversary? Are you looking for that perfect place to spice up
your relationship?

Look no further. Listed below are the best romantic
getaways in these beautiful isles which will no doubt
give the perfect setting for a romantic time. It includes only
the most luxurious hotels and the ones that offer top notch
customer service.

Horned Dorset Primavera

Puerto Rico

This is undoubtedly one of the Caribbean’s most luxurious and
relaxing places to stay in. In this hacienda set on a hill
overlooking the ocean in four acres of land, you are assured
that you’ll find some peace and quiet. The main theme in Horned
Dorset Primavera is relaxation, so don’t expect blaring city
lights. There are no phones, tvs or radios in the rooms either
— it’s all just relaxation at its very best! Some
villas/suites have private pools and children below 12 years old
are not allowed.

Anse Chastanet

Soufrire. St. Lucia

A hideaway amidst lush tropical jungle means that Anse Chastanet
is one of Saint Lucia’s esteemed romantic getaways. If tropical
ambiance and scenic views enchant you, this small chic hotel
will never disappoint. With all uniquely designed rooms, you can
easily have an amazing view of the ocean or the Twin Piton
peaks. This has been consistently voted in the top 10 romantic
hotels by many magazines and institutions. There are no phones,
tvs, or radios in the rooms. Various water sport activities are
available for the more adventurous.

The House, Barbados

St James Barbados

The House is an intimate specialized romantic hotel where all
your needs are attended to by a personal butler, called an
ambassador. Literally leave behind all the usual worries that a
holiday sometimes brings. The moment you arrive, from checking
in to getting settled in your room, your assigned Ambassador
takes care of all your needs. If you have any other special
requests, they too can easily provide for them. All you have to
do is relax and enjoy the tropical surrounding.

The Jamaica Palace Hotel

Port Antonio, Jamaica

About 6 kilometers from Port Antonio, this tropical getaway on 5
acres of land has a very unique European-caribbean ambiance. Set
next to a tropical forest in the foothills of the Blue
Mountains, this romantic retreat offers the best that nature has
to offer. And at excellent rates at that!

Parrot Cay Resort & Shambhala Retreat

Turks & Caicos

A resort on its own private island, it can’t get more luxurious
than this. The resort aims for total rest and relaxation. It not
only offers exquisite private beach houses but also spa and body
treatments meant to make you unwind as you get away from the
hustle and bustle that sometimes defines life.

Luxury yachts are floating hotels at your command. They vary in length from less than 100 feet to over 300 feet, and a week’s charter is priced between $ 50,000 and $ 250,000. They can accommodate up to two-dozen guests and half the number of crew.

Besides the lounge on the deck, furnished with comfortable chairs, sofa and table, a typical luxury yacht has spacious air-conditioned state rooms for the guests, each fitted with an independent bathroom. The yacht also has a kitchen and a well-stocked bar to cater to the palate of the guests.

Once you charter a yacht for your dream vacation, you will have direct contact with the chef and captain in advance of your trip that will let the crew know your favorite foods and beverages and your favorite things to do.

Living in style aboard the yacht, one can spend quality time with friends and family, read a book, listen to music, watch TV or just laze around. One can also take part in such pleasurable activities as swimming, snorkeling, beachcombing, sunning or just sipping a cool drink in the shade of the cockpit.

The company that gives you the yacht on charter can also make arrangements on the islands you visit for other activities like fishing, golfing, hiking, horseback riding, jogging, mountain-biking, parasailing, picnicking on a secluded beach, jet-skiing, scuba diving, water skiing, windsurfing and so on.

You need not worry about getting lost at sea or running into rough waters while on a yacht charter vacation. You are in the safe hands of the captain, who is equipped with radio set, global positioning system (GPS) and a satellite phone.

A luxury yacht charter is ideal for a group of people that can be part of a family, a close-knit group, a special-interest group or an exclusive club.

Motor homes, also known as recreational vehicles, are an ideal way to experience travel comfortably and economically. Popular with road trippers and frequent domestic travelers, motor homes usually include a kitchenette, bathroom, sleeping areas, living areas, and amenities that make the vehicle a complete mini-home.

Designed to be transportable, most motor homes possess diesel engines for powerful yet affordable capabilities. Interiors can range from economical to luxury, putting motor homes well within anyone’s reach.

Motor homes make camping hassle-free, with no need to pitch a tent or walk long distances for a restroom. There are also motor home sites across the country designed exclusively for overnighters to rest while refueling and emptying the sewage tank of their motor homes. While motor homes may be an entertaining option for some, others make it more of a way of life, and the huge number of groups and clubs in existence are an excellent introduction to becoming a “full-timer”.

Different Types of Motor Homes

There are many makers of Motor Homes, with ultimately three different models to choose from. Class A Motor Homes are described as a bus-type custom body on a truck chassis. Class B Motor Homes are normally conversion vans. Class C Motor Homes contain a custom body on a van or pickup chassis.

There are three different types of motor home engines to choose from. These include a front-based gas engine, a rear-based diesel engine (known as a “Diesel Pusher”), or a “bus conversion.” A bus conversion is a special kind of diesel pusher that comes from a modified greyhound bus. It is quite expensive and is only necessary if you require thousands of miles of weekly travel, month after month. Diesel engines are noisier and more expensive when it comes to maintenance, but they are also more durable and have better fuel economy than a gas engine. Although diesel engines are noticeably slower in terms of passing acceleration when compared to a well-built gas engine, a diesel engine will probably be have extra torque, something that could come in quite handy if you are towing another vehicle.

Which Motor Home to Choose?

When purchasing or renting a motor home, it is important to consider the differences between the different class types. Class B conversion vans are nice because they are short and can be parked almost anywhere. On the downside, these conversion vans are usually limited in terms of comfort and space available. The vehicle may contain a miniature style toilet, shower, storage facility, and water container. Because of this, living for long periods of time in a Class B motor home may prove difficult and uncomfortable.

Class C Motor Homes are quite well designed for families. They are basically two bedroom apartments on wheels with one bedroom in the rear, and the other in the front, over the van cab. Class C models are the safest because of their designers (Ford and GM), and they do offer a very natural, car-like driving position. The biggest complaint about Class C models is that the two front seats are on a different floor level than the rest of the unit and they can’t swivel around. This becomes problematic when the vehicle is parked.

Class A Motor Homes are like a one bedroom apartment on wheels, with the bedroom in the rear of the vehicle. The biggest advantage to a Class A model is the feeling of openness that it provides. In contrast to Class C models, the front seats do swivel around. This means that when parked, the drivers can become part of the living room. And, because of the height of the driver’s seats, an excellent view of the road and traffic is available. The biggest complaint that consumers usually have about Class A model motor homes is usually related to safety. Because they are built out of aluminum and fiberglass, the motor home is less durable in the event of an accident. Many Class A motor homes also lack air bags, which increases the chance of injury in an accident.

Roger B. White traces the evolution of motorized houses on wheels from a farm couple’s 1916 wood-and-canvas sleeping compartment on their automobile chassis to the Johnson’s Wax Cherokee-red housecar featured at the 1940 World’s Fair, to today’s luxurious interstate cruiser. White interviewed camping families, historians, camping-organization spokespeople, RV manufacturers and travel-club members. The author understands the American lone affair with the vehicle; he is a land-transportation historian at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History. There is an entire world out there to be discovered and what better way to discover it than in the comforts of your own “hotel on wheels.” A Motor Home, or RV (Recreational Vehicle), is perfect for anyone who enjoys traveling in comfort and at their own pace. In addition to covering hundreds of miles in a day, with a Motor Home, you can sit back and read a book, watch a movie, play with the kids or pets, sleep, cook dinner, or take a hot shower.

Motor homes are great for camping, road trips, and simply living in style. If you are interested in buying a motor home, definitely take the time to do some comparison shopping and research, as these mobile units can get expensive and come in a large variety of styles. Following is a list of basic motor home types with brief descriptions.

“A” Class: This means a complete motor home body mounted on a chassis provided by a truck manufacturing company. “A” Class motor homes give true meaning to living on the road.

“C” Class: A custom motor home body mounted on a conventional chassis and cab. On top of the cab, there is usually a bed or storage area.

5th Wheeler: These are towed motor homes that usually have a section that extends over part of the tow vehicle.

Converted Motor Homes: There are limitless numbers of motor

For more information on motor home and rv please visit the Motor home and rv resource center.