With the influence and power that American investors have it’s no wonder that a significant investments will stimulate economic growth moreso than any reported ‘bailout’. Proof in the pudding is the jump that Goldman Sachs received after a very public investment from Warren Buffett - one of the country’s most notoriously effective investors.

Buffet Reportedly invested $5 Million into Goldman Sachs in his first appearance to Wall Street in nearly 20 years. Shortly after his investment was made public, shares of Goldman Sachs jumped significantly proving once again that the media significantly influences the market. What if the economy could be saved through more public investments from other celebrity members of the Forbes list.

Seems like if more public Rich Guys would make the effort, this economic turmoil may just pick itself out of the gutter. By their example many people will have the ‘Vote of confidence’ they need to start making much needed investments. If we’re lucky, they may even be able to inject some of that confidence into the badly bruised Real Estate market.

Since rationality is out of the question we could fool the public into believing that they’re land is still just as valuable a home as it was just one year ago. That their 2000 square foot home in the suburbs is just as capable of housing a family as when they bought it. Maybe if celebrity investors set an example that could reach the inboxes and news feeds of the public, then the widespread panic could dissipate.

So let’s hope that the Titans of Wall Street see the financial Bat-Signal (Buffet-Signal?) and take the call. Here’s hoping a series of high profile investors start making headlines day in and day out, rather than the doomsday story we currently hear. Maybe the system may just correct itself and we’ll be rescued from this downward spiral of nothingness.

I can promise you this. If I were a celebrity I would take it as my duty to alert the public of the benefits they have. I would call the media out on their pessimism and force them to look at the true economic value that we as a people possess. Maybe then we’ll see credit back in the hands of normal people, and homes void of “Foreclosure” signs and all that come with them. I leave you with a mash up of a once famous quote I say,

“Help me Wall Street Celebrities, you’re our only hope.”

A recent blog post about Extreme Makeover recipients going into foreclosure sparked a discussion about a healthy topic that is rarely debated – the fairness of property tax.

As one commenter stated,

“I’ve always maintained that property tax is one of the worst taxes this nation ever devised because it is not based on a property owner’s ability to pay.”

I couldn’t agree more. Let’s take a look at both sides of the debate and see whether property tax is necessary, or just an abuse of government power.

In Favor of Property Tax:

1. The land we live on belongs to our government. We are given the right to own property of our choosing and pay for that right through property taxes.
2. Property taxes pay for public government programs that could not be funded through other means. Education, infrastructure, and public service is all funded through your property tax.
3. If property tax were abolished, we would see a significant increase in sales and income taxes to make up the lost revenue.
4. With the government running a consistent deficit and the economy in the shape it is currently in, removing that tax would cause more harm than good. Is it not better for some unfortunate residents to lose their home than the United States Government losing its ability to pay its debt load? The consequences could be dire.

Against Property Tax:

1. Americans are given the right to own property, but as John Anderson stated, “In the current system, we’re all renters.” Although I could pay off my home today, a significant tax increase could force me to leave my property and possibly go into foreclosure. Not only would it leave me with a tax bill I could not afford, but it would also steer away many potential buyers for my home.
2. Many people in this country have jobs less than average pay, and lack the experience or skills required to earn more. Why should they be punished for wanting to own a home? Leaving property tax valuation in the hands of third parties leaves these families at great risk of foreclosure, as seemingly insignificant increase can be the difference between owning a home and being out on the street.
3. For many citizens, housing is the greatest investment of their lives. Many pay down their mortgage throughout their working lives in the promise of having a comfortable retirement. With increases in infrastructure and living costs constantly on the rise, it is certain that property taxes will rise continuously throughout a homeowner’s life. But what happens when they’re retired and living on fixed incomes? Do they then have to choose between eating and paying their tax bill?

Clearly the argument is inconclusive. On one hand, property taxes fund some of the most basic needs of a functioning society. It gives the government a consistent source of income to supplement sales and income taxes based on the land that it owns. On the other hand, property taxes are not based on the citizen’s ability to pay, therefore leaving their fates in the hands of the government.

The only truth in the matter is that property taxes will not disappear without a supplemental increase in income and sales taxes. So what is a homeowner to do but keep paying and hope tax rates stay within reason? I can promise you, I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

10 Reasons to Move to Vancouver

Author: Tyler Fawcett

Located in beautiful British Columbia, Vancouver is one of Canada’s premier cities and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The rugged mountain that frame the north shore are a picturesque contrast to the splendor of the Pacific Ocean and beaches. This is one of the few places where you can go windsurfing in the morning and skiing in the evening. But, there are more than just a few reasons to consider a move to Vancouver.

1. Beautiful Homes - Homes in Vancouver are simply stunning. Whether you are looking for a home or condo, the design of homes in Vancouver is without equal. Many of Vancouver’s homes feature beautiful views of both the mountains and the ocean. Also many of the homes in the downtown area showcase views of the famous Stanley Park.

2. People - Vancouver is one of the friendliest cities you will find. There is a great sense of community and it does not take long to to merge into any of Vancouver’s neighborhoods.

3. Investment - In the past years the value of Vancouver real estate has been soaring and there is no indication that this trend will stop. Vancouver is a popular location for real estate investment as the rental market is very strong.

4. Recreation - Vancouver offers a huge variety of recreational options. There are few places in the world that can showcase such a range of activities and pastimes. The great weather is one of the factors that contributes to the year-round recreation choices.

5. Education - The city of Vancouver offers a great system of schools both public and private. The public school system along provides education to over 56,000 students every year. In addition there are fantastic post secondary options such as the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, and the Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design as well as a host of community and specialty colleges.

6. Employment - Vancouver is not only a great place to live, but also a great place to work. Vancouver is a port city and as such is a hub of shipping and industry. There is also a thriving tourist and accommodation industry that is one of the strongest in Canada.

7. Climate - Vancouver is famous for its temperate climate. The beautiful weather of the Pacific Northwest is a major selling point in and of itself. This area is one of the last temperate rainforest ecosystems left in North America.

8. Expansion - Over the past years Vancouver has grown exponentially and with the coming of the Winter Olympics in 2010 the city is undergoing numerous upgrades. This is expanding upon an already impressive array of amenities and services.

9. Shopping - The City of Vancouver is host to some of the best shopping in Canada. A great fashion district centered on Robson Street is also host to a lively arts culture. There are a large variety of malls and shops including the historic and trendy Granville Island Public Market.

10. Scenery - Simply put, Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The contrast of the ocean and mountains is a scenic value that is hard to beat. The addition of the lush forests and parks that surround the city only add to a visual package that is unrivaled.

Article Source
About the Author:
M Shane is a member of the REW Writers Team. A collective publication network facilitated by  Real Estate Webmasters.  Each article is contributed by a member of our  real estate community . This particular article was submitted on behalf of  Jay Banks. For more info on Vancouver homes and condos contact Jay today!

Canadian Real Estate Think Vancouver City

Author: Nicholas Marr

Overseas property buyers seeking a place to buy in Canada need to have a good look at Vancouver. This city seems to be the place for sound investment and relocation to Canada. It has been rated as one of the best places to live, a 2007 report by Mercer Human Resource Consulting tied the city with Vienna as having the third highest quality of living in the world, after Z’h and Geneva. The good news does not stop there a strong economy and a housing market that is robust are other reasons why Vancouver is my tip for the top.

Vancouver has traditionally relied on British Columbia’s resource sectors: forestry, mining, fishing and agriculture. It has diversified over time, however, and Vancouver today has a vibrant service industry, a growing tourism industry.

As United States and some Canadian real estate markets have been hit by the slowdown in housing sales, Vancouver continues to shine. While things might look to slow a little, prices will still increase and the city in western Canada expects to be doing a brisk business throughout this year and into the foreseeable future.

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, which serves as the country’s national housing agency, is predicting an 8% increase in home prices for the metro Vancouver area. That’s in comparison to an 11% increase for all of 2007, and will still leave the city with the highest prices in the country. Evidence suggested that Vancouver house prices are going to continue to increase.

Vancouver is an attractive city to many people across the globe, not just in Canada. Its moderate climate and location on the water make it a nice place to live year round, and many of the new home buyers are coming from overseas. The current low US dollar has led to an increase in buyers from Europe and Asia, where the currencies are stronger. Additionally, western Canada is experiencing a boom in its economy. High oil and commodities prices are good for this part of the country, and unemployment is very low.

Vancouver has a great future as it movie making reputation grows, it has become the third-largest film production centre in North America after Los Angeles and New York City, earning it the nickname Hollywood North.

Many of the buyers in Vancouver are going after high-end condominiums in or near downtown. There are many new condo towers that are under construction, but four in particular are doing much better than anticipated. These four luxury hotel-condominium towers now under construction are the Ritz-Carlton, Shangri-La, Fairmont Pacific Rim and Hotel Georgia. They are getting prices of more than $3,000 per square foot, compared with an average for downtown condos of $725 per square foot.

With an attractive location, strong economy and many other advantages, Vancouver looks to continue to be a hot market for some time to come.

Article Source

About the Author:
Author Nicholas Marr has a passion for international real estate and has gained his unique perspective in his capacity as director of the international property websites at http://www.homesgofast.com and http://canada.homesgofast.com

With the advent of the Internet, people across the country have direct access to anything they want to know or buy, including real estate. Here are five methods that you can use to find Realtors in the information age:

1. Look in the phone book (or YellowPages.com):
Tried and true, you can search a directory of advertisements to find Realtors you want to interview. 5 - 10 phone calls later and you’ll have your appointments booked, ready to learn what potential Realtors can do for you.

2. Online Search (like Google):
Some search for “Realtors in (insert your city here)” and come up with a wide range of Realtor websites, along with services from Realtor.com, Trulia and Zillow. Occasionally a Realtor’s website will make it to the front page, so you may be able to find a Realtor to sell your home.

3. Referrals from friends and family:
The easiest and quickest way to find a Realtor is to ask a trusted family member. It’s much easier to trust a testimonial from a family member compared to published reviews on a Realtor’s website. Just make sure that your Mom’s Realtor can suit your specific needs, otherwise start at #1 again!

4. Vertical Search Engines (like Trulia):
Can’t find a Realtor to sell your home? Search the listings to find a house similar to yours and contact the listing agent. At the very least, you will be talking with someone who knows your area and can give you an educated market evaluation. Just be sure to ask the right questions. Just because he works in your area doesn’t mean you’ll want to work with him.

5. Social search (like GoGlobe.org):
If you’re a member of GoGlobe.org, you probably have a couple Realtors as ‘Contacts’. Send them a private message and see if they can meet with you about your home. If not, ask them if they can refer you to a Realtor in your area. If you trust your ‘Contact’ then it can be just as rewarding as a family referral.

So when you’re looking to sell your home, finding the right Realtor will make the process much less stressful. Use the way that works for you and just be sure to ask the right questions! You will be happy you did when it comes time to close escrow.