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Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest

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Starring: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Stellan Skarsgard, Bill Nighy

Directed by: Gore Verbinski

RS: 3of 4 Stars Average User Rating: 3of 4 Stars

2006 Buena Vista All Movies

Watch the trailer
In his Oscar nominated performance as Captain Jack Sparrow, Johnny Depp swanned through the first Pirates of the Caribbean (2003) with enough wicked zest to make you forget the film was a bloated crock. The flab extends to the overlong (two hours and thirty minutes) sequel, but mostly in the dawdling setup. A pirate could braid his beard in the time it takes for producer Jerry Bruckheimer’s floating franchise to cut loose from the shoals of plot incoherence and put a wind in its sails. But once it does, nothing can stop it. The second Pirates does more than improve on the original, it pumps out the bilge and offers a fresh start. Returning director Gore Verinski and screenwriters Terry Rossio and Ted Elliott have wisely taken a cue from Depp and learned how to play fast and loose with the material. Lively is an odd word for something called Dead Man’s Chest, but lively it is. You won’t find hotter action, wilder thrills or loopier laughs this summer.

Where did they go right? Start with Depp who could have hit paydirt just by repeating himself as Capt. Jack, the skeeviest pirate on the high seas. How easy it would be to let the dreads, the mascara and the gold teeth do the acting for him. Instead, Depp builds on the role, investing his pirate prince with quick wit, erotic mischief and a sneaky sense of decency. Keith Richards, who will play Jack’s father in the third chapter of the series, is only one of Depp’s inspirations for a character that keeps springing surprises. Depp’s Capt. Jack is a classic comic creation and also the most subversive hero ever in a Disney movie — a debauched, bi-sexual narcissist with a devilish glint that suggests he’ll never tell where he’s stashed his drug kit. You can’t take your eyes off him.

Issue a ration of rum to the other actors who have managed to scrape the barnacles off their performances. Keira Knightley as Elizabeth and Orlando Bloom as Will, her intended, are finally asked to do more than stand around and look pretty and oh so pleased with themselves. Will meets up with his father Bootstrap Bill (the excellent Stellan Skarsgard) and Elizabeth finds her own inner pirate when she dresses up as a lad to stow away on ship. “I’m looking for the man I love,” she tells Jack, whose retort –”I’m flattered, sir” — has a teasing kinkiness. When hottie fortune teller Tia Dalma (Naomie Harris) comes on to Jack and Will with a question — “Do you want to know me?” — Jack shuts down her lascivious smirk with a quick, “They’ll be no knowing here.”

And there isn’t. Dead Man’s Chest has blockbuster fish to fry, which means nonstop action, including a cannibal cookout (Jack is garlanded with a necklace of severed toes), narrow escapes, cliff dangling, duels on a giant wheel, a fight for a harvested human heart and every trick the filmmakers could raid from Spielberg’s Indiana Jones trilogy. Homage or ripoff? You be the judge. The important thing is that it works. And what works most devilishly is Davy Jones (Bill Nighy), the squid-faced captain of the Flying Dutchman who bargains for the souls of those he captures. Davy and his crew of the undead have lived underwater so long they look like something out of an aquarium. I don’t have a clue how the computer wizards accomplished the visual miracles — just wait till you see the Kraken, a giant sea monster who sucks entire ships down into Davy’s locker — but Nighy’s performance as the buccaneer Jack calls “fish face” brims over with mirth and menace. With slimy tentacles wiggling around his head, Nighy blows away every other villain this summer. Not since Disney killed Bambi’s mother (Nemo’s too) has the studio Walt built upped the jolt ante so high on PG-13 entertainment. Kids may wet their pants, but so what? It’s the triumphant rogue in Depp that keeps this pirate ship afloat and actually makes the third voyage (coming next summer) a trip worth booking.

Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean sequel, Dead Man’s Chest, shattered the all-time North American weekend opening box office record with a three-day treasure haul of $132 million. The previous record was held by 2002’s Spider-Man, which took in $114.8 million in its first weekend. Astonishingly, Dead Man’s Chest took in almost three times the $46 million the first film in the series, The Curse of the Black Pearl, captured in its first weekend in 2003.

This should not imply that the new one is a three-times better film, however.

“When people in the industry predicted these high numbers, I thought they were just trying to be mean. So no matter how good we did, if we did $100 million, we’d be failures,” Bruckheimer told AP on Sunday. “I didn’t think we’d get near these numbers.”

For the numerically-obsessed, Chest also busted the opening day record, stashing away $55.5 million Friday to beat the previous single-day record of $50 million, set just last year by Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. The return of Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow also generated $44.7 million on Saturday, thereby becoming the first movie to top $100 million in just two days.

By way of comparison, Dead Man’s Chest plundered nearly double the total of the rest of the top 12 films combined. The previous weekend’s top film, Superman Returns, fell to number two with $21.85 million, down 58 percent from opening weekend.

My family experienced a graphic demonstration of these numbers. Since we — our six- and two-year-olds, my wife and I — love the first Pirates film so, having watched the DVD version well over a dozen times, we figured we would head on out to the nearest drive-in, about a half-hour away, to take in the new film on opening night in the comfort of our mini-van. The four of us have never gone to a film on opening day, nor gone to the drive-in, but it just seemed like the thing to do on a pleasant summer night so we tossed caution to the winds.

We were not alone. About three miles away from the drive-in, we hit standstill traffic. We looked for police car lights, assuming there had to be an accident or something. The time was about 9:10 with the movie scheduled to start at 9:30, just about when it gets dark in Northeast Ohio this time of year.

POTC3 The minutes dragged by as we inched along, our equanimity leaking out of the car as the 9:30 start time came and went with still no break in sight. Finally, at about 9:40 we came over a hill and saw the drive-in entrance confirming our most dire suspicions: the traffic was all for the drive-in! Then as we grew nearer to the pay booth we saw there was only one girl taking money, $15 per carload, for both lanes incoming from the north and south.

Hmm, rather poor planning.

With about ten cars to go, a kid came running toward the line of cars, which trailed behind us as far as the eye could see, shouting that Pirates was sold out, its half of the two-screen lot crammed to bursting. We hurled epithets best known to seafaring folk, gnashing our teeth in lamentation.

Do we want to stay and see Superman Returns, only a week old but already seeming stale and tasteless? We’re already here, may as well. We paid and drifted in – although it was now past 9:45, neither film had begun. As we passed row upon row of cars facing the Pirates screen heading toward poor neglected Superman, we realized that only distance separated the two screens, which were essentially facing each other across the large lot, with audio coming from two different FM radio frequencies.

Most of the cars in the Man of Steel’s side of the lot were turned around facing the other screen, which was farther away than ideal, but certainly easily viewable. Rejoicing, we flipped quickly around and did the same just as the Pirates logo illuminated the screen. We piled into the back of the mini-van, opened up the rear hatch and, living large, absorbed the sequel, sponge-like.

What of the film? I reserve final judgment for a number of factors: we really WERE pretty far away from the screen, there was a lot of ambient light so the darker parts of the movie were nearly washed out. The four of us were shoe-horned into an area that seemed to grow smaller and smaller over time; and where about 15 pillows were required to make our lounging truly the lap of luxury, we had only five, and so by the end of the 150-minute epic, my neck felt permanently bent at a most unnatural angle. Plus, it was really really late.

All of that aside, there is a lot more action and crazy CGI (squidly Davy Jones and his, um, men of the sea) in Dead Man’s Chest, less wit and character development, less nobility on display, and an even more complex but less clever plot. My guess is I will end up liking it a fair amount more than I did Friday night, but ultimately less than the first one.

And, they have a boatload of loose ends to wrap-up in Pirates 3, which fortunately, due to a largely simultaneous shooting schedule, is due out Memorial Day weekend of ‘07.

“Maybe the only movie that has a chance to beat this record might be the next Pirates movie,” said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box office tracker Exhibitor Relations.

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SOME DEFINITIONS

Spyware & Harmful Technologies
When users complete a scan using Ad-aware, they are presented with the results based on our Threat Assessment Chart (TAC). Part of the information included is the category in which the object has been assigned. Here is a complete list of object categories.

Data miner
The application is designed to collect information about the user and does so actively. This may or may not include transmission of the information to a remote server, but the server is owned by the company producing the detected application and more importantly, the information collected is disclosed to the user via privacy policy and/or licensing.

Malware
These are malicious software designed to do harm to a user’s system or to other systems that is not specifically a VIRUS.

Monitoring Tool
This category includes remote access Trojans (RATs), Root Kits, etc.

Vulnerability
The application employs the use of system and/or security vulnerabilities to install on a system and to operate.

Misc
This category is for use with applications that do not fall within the other categories but are noteworthy for the user due to matching criteria listed in the TAC. The criteria however do not point in the direction of a specific detection category.

Dialer
The application is designed to change the user’s DUN (Dial Up Networking) settings to dial numbers that the user does not know about, to connect to a number in stealth, and/or to avoid being detected by the user such as dialing expensive connections where the user has not authorized the connection.

Worm
This is a self-replicating virus, Trojan, and/or virus designed to propagate across many systems and/or networks. While Ad-Aware does include some well know virus, Trojan, and worm content, it is not an antivirus or antitrojan solution so it is important to make sure that you have a specific solution installed on your system and/or network.

MRU
This is a listing of the Most Recently Used lists stored in your registry. They are harmless and consist only of things such as the most recent document you opened. They are included in Ad-Aware due to requests from users and to highlight the fact that they are harmless where some antispyware applications will list them as being potentially harmful in an attempt to appear to detect more content than they actually do.

Spyware
These applications collect information, may or may not install in stealth, and are designed to transmit that information to 2nd, or 3rd parties covertly employing the user’s connection without their consent and knowledge. The word defines the actual intent; this is software (ware) that is designed to collect information in secret (spy).

Adware
This is content that is designed to display advertising to the user that may not be expected or wanted. While some also categorize advertising applications that may include tracking features or capabilities as Adware, we place them within more descriptive categories such as Trackware or Data Miner to provide more information to the user. Most often included in freeware bundles or as additional (and/or required) content with shareware. Adware is generally innocuous and consumers may want to remove this content if they no longer wish to receive the advertising content. They may wish to keep them though if the programs are required for the use of a host application.

Trackware
This category is separate from Data Miners in that it is passive in nature. This category can and does include content such as tracking cookies and those that collect only anonymous information like GUID’s and/or sites visited, etc and does not include personally identifiable information.

Exploit
The application employs the use of a software or system exploit to install and/or operate.

Keylogger
This category is for applications that are designed to record and/or transmit keystroke information.

Annoyware
This is a special type of Adware that causes an excessive number of popups/popunders, is designed to force advertising even when not connected to the internet, can cause noticeable system and/or bandwidth slowdowns, and in general is intrusive to the point of frustrating the system user.

Hijacker
These applications are designed to hijack the user’s home page, HOSTS file, browser favorites, chosen search engine, and/or system settings.

Virus
A virus is a self replicating program designed to inject itself into other programs and causes harm to the system it is installed on. This can include damaging files, folders, directory structures, and even erasure of the complete hard drive. While Ad-Aware does include some well known virus content, it is not an antivirus solution. It is important to make sure that you have an antivirus specific solution installed on your system and/or network.

RESOURCES .LEARN ABOUT SPYWARE

Spyware Forensics

Spyware Education Center
Spyware Info and Facts that All Internet Users Must Know

You may know spyware by one of its many names; adware, malware, trackware, scumware, thiefware, snoopware, sneakware.

Because of its stealthy nature, most Internet users are more familiar with the symptoms of spyware infection:

* sluggish PC performance
* increased pop-up ads
* unexplained homepage change
* mysterious search results.

For virtually everyone surfing the Internet, spyware is a nuisance, but if you do not detect spyware on your PC, it can lead to much more serious consequences like identity theft. Because of the threat that malware poses, a spyware removal tool installed on your PC is essential. Gathering spyware info also helps protect you from malicious attacks by adware or malware.
Spyware facts:

Experts view malware as a real threat to consumers and businesses. If you’re online, you should be concerned about spyware. You may want to consider adding an anti-spyware program to your PC to for complete spyware removal.

* Nine out of 10 PCs connected to the Internet are infected with spyware.*
* 88% of Spy Audit scans found some form of unwanted program (Trojan, system monitor, cookie or adware) on consumer computers.*
* Some form of spyware can be found on 87% of corporate PCs.*
* 86% U.S. adult Internet users believe that spyware on their computers has caused them to suffer a monetary loss, 2005.**

*State of Spyware Report

eMarketer
Spyware in the news:

* “A hacker was able to access potentially 40 million credit card numbers by infiltrating the network of a company that processed payment data for MasterCard International and other companies.” InfoWorld, July 17, 2005
* “About 10 million Americans have their personal information pilfered and misused in some way or another every year, costing consumers $5 billion and businesses $48 billion annually.” Federal Trade Commission, June 21, 2005

How does spyware find you?

Even if you’re careful, you can pick up spyware through normal Internet activities.

* Visit any media-supported Web site and you’re bound to get a tracking cookie
* Share music, files or photos with other users
* Install software applications without fully reading license agreements

Isn’t spyware just another passing trend that will eventually fade away?

Unfortunately, no. Spyware makers have found a viable financial model that supports continued activity, whether it’s legal or not. Unlike most other Internet threats, such as viruses that are purely malicious in nature, malware creators profit enormously by selling information on your surfing habits, redirecting you to sites you didn’t intend to visit, or by bombarding you with pop-up ads. Since it is almost impossible to find and stop the makers of spyware, or reduce the lucrative financial opportunity, this trend is here to stay.
What can you do if you get spyware on your PC?

First, you should use a spyware scanner program designed for spyware detection to see if you’re infected with spyware. Once you know your infection level, you’ll be able to take back control of your computer.

If you don’t want it on your computer, you can try to remove spyware manually. However, spyware removal is a difficult and complicated process for even the most experienced computer user. For the best spyware removal tool, many consumers today are turning to anti-spyware software like Webroot Spy Sweeper. A spyware removal tool like this can detect spyware and safely remove theapplications from your system.

Spyware Info and Facts that All Internet Users Must Know

You may know spyware by one of its many names; adware, malware, trackware, scumware, thiefware, snoopware, sneakware.

Because of its stealthy nature, most Internet users are more familiar with the symptoms of spyware infection:

* sluggish PC performance
* increased pop-up ads
* unexplained homepage change
* mysterious search results.

*State of Spyware Report

**eMarketer
Spyware in the news:

How does spyware find you?

Even if you’re careful, you can pick up spyware through normal Internet activities.

Isn’t spyware just another passing trend that will eventually fade away?

Spyware 101

The spyware threat is real

Anyone who uses a computer is susceptible to spyware infection. In fact, nine out of 10 Internet-connected PCs are infected with spyware that can:

* Open your PC to identity theft
* Expose your personal information and private accounts
* Corrupt your hard drive
* Share your passwords and user names

Spyware threats can be any application that may track your online or offline PC activity. It may save or transmit those findings to third parties. These unwanted programs are stealthy and often attach to your computer without your knowledge – or appropriate consent. Many nefarious spyware threats can record keystrokes to steal your social security number, bank account information and credit card numbers, or hijack your modem to dial expensive, pornographic phone numbers.

Adware is a different type of program that lets companies track your online activities and tailor pop-up ads based on your choices.

Learn more about how spyware works
Protect yourself and your family.

Stop spyware threats from sending you pop-ups, intruding on your privacy, stealing your identity and hacking into your PC. Read more to arm yourself with information and resources.

What are the symptoms of spyware infection?

How do spyware threats find me?

How can I remove spyware?

What can I do to prevent spyware infection?
What are the symptoms of spyware?

If you use the Internet, it’s very likely some form of spyware threats are already at work on your PC. Your computer may be infected if you recognize any of these symptoms:

* Sluggish PC performance
* An increase in pop-up ads
* Mysterious new toolbars you can’t delete
* Unexplained changes to homepage settings
* Puzzling search results
* Frequent computer crashes

Learn more about spyware symptoms
How do spyware threats find me?

Through seemingly harmless tasks spyware threats may attach itself to your computer. These unwanted programs may start watching your actions right away or the programs may wait, triggering covert activities later. Even if you’re careful you can pick up these dangerous, unwanted programs through normal Web activities like:

* Sharing music, files or photos with other users
* Visiting a media-supported Web site
* Opening spam e-mail or an e-mail attachment
* Downloading free games, toolbars, media players and other system utilities
* Installing mainstream software applications without fully reading license agreements

How can I remove spyware?

Detecting spyware is tough and spyware removal is even more difficult. Even if you think you’ve successfully removed an unwanted program manually, a remaining tickler file can trigger a complete reinstallation the next time you start your PC. And as a survival tactic, malware programs often leave similar traces elsewhere on your system so the game of cat and mouse never ends.

For these reasons, the most effective way to detect and safely remove spyware threats from your system is anti-spyware software, like Webroot Spy Sweeper.

Learn more about spyware removal
What can I do to prevent infection?

When you arm yourself with information and resources, you become wiser and more knowledgeable about spyware threats and less vulnerable to its tactics. There are a few simple things you can do right away to help prevent further spyware infection:

* Update your operating system regularly
* Increase your browser security settings
* Only download software from sites you trust
* Use anti-virus protection and a software firewall
* Get anti-spyware software protection
* Learn more about Webroot Spy Sweeper

Spyware Defined

“Spyware is more like someone planting hidden cameras and microphones around your house and office, and even in the bathrooms. It’s just about the sleaziest online activity there is.” Computer World

Spyware is any application that makes potentially unwanted changes to your computer while collecting information about your computer activities. This information may then be sent to a third party for malicious purposes, without your knowledge or consent. Spyware arrives bundled with freeware or shareware, through e-mail or instant messenger, as an ActiveX installation, or by someone with access to your computer. Unlike traditional personalization or session cookies, spyware is difficult to detect, and spyware removal is difficult (if not impossible) for the average user.

Anyone who uses a computer is susceptible to spyware infection. Your online actions, whether you’re surfing the Internet or checking e-mail, can attract spyware. These programs find their way onto your system and install themselves in several possible places on your PC, including your registry, start up menu, files and folders. Many spyware programs ensure their survival by sprinkling traces of the program throughout your PC to make full removal more difficult (and sometimes nearly impossible). Once installed, spyware operates silently in the background.

File-sharing programs and swapping music, photos or other files are also well-known avenues for spyware infection. Sometimes spyware is bundled with a desired program, and is disclosed in buried text as part of the end-user-license agreement (EULA). These days, spyware may hop onto your system when you visit certain Web sites.

Spyware comes in many forms including adware, keyloggers, Trojans, system monitors, browser hijackers, and dialers. It ranges from benign – adware tracking cookies, which let online companies track your activities on a Web site and tailor pop-up ads based on your choices – to more nefarious spyware programs like Trojans, keyloggers and system monitors, which are capable of capturing keystrokes, online screenshots, and personally identifiable information like your social security number, bank account numbers, logins and passwords, or credit card numbers.

Ultimately, your identity and private information can be compromised by these malicious programs. On a corporate level, spyware can compromise network and data security, corporate assets and trade secrets.

Aside from potential identity theft, many spyware programs steal from you by cluttering your computer’s memory resources and eating bandwidth as it “talks” to the spyware’s home base using your Internet connection. This could lead to your computer suffering system crashes and/or slower performance.

Today, anti-spyware software is just as important as having a good anti-virus program and a firewall.

What is Adware?

Adware is any software application that has the ability to display advertisements on your computer. Some adware may track your surfing habits. These ads may be displayed in many forms, including pop-up, pop-under and banner ads.

Adware removal is necessary when threatening programs are installed without your consent and send information from your computer to unauthorized parties.
How does it work?

Adware watches as you surf the Internet and disrupts visits by popping up context-related promotions right on top of the screen, causing you to second guess your next online move. Stay on one Web site or click on the pop-up and go to a new site?

Technically, this type of application runs in the background of your computer and functions as a mole observing your moves. This information is logged and used to create a user profile as it relates to advertisements. Your user profile may also include unrelated personal information. This information is sent to a data collection site. It’s drawn on to narrow online search results to match your profile or as a data mining tool to evaluate your surfing habits.

Remember, adware programs that track your movements and generate a profile of your habits should be regarded as a threat or risk to your online security. Using your information without your knowledge is an invasion of privacy. Consider using an adware removal tool to prevent adware from monitoring your online habits.
How does adware get on a PC?

In general, adware is attached to an intentionally installed program. Freeware is one of the most common ways adware is installed on a machine. Installers of freeware unwittingly sign up for an infinite supply of pop-up ads.

Common examples of freeware that may involve adware:

* A better, more advanced search engine
* Unusual mouse pointers
* Instant news or weather updates
* Computer games
* Applications boasting to improve efficiency of your computer
* File sharing resources for digital photos or music
* Emoticons, little smileys or other facial expressions used in email

Additionally, peer-to-peer groups are notorious for attaching adware to their file sharing programs. It’s an easy way for developers to secure revenue by sharing your information to interested companies who repay you with a relentless bombardment of pop-up ads.
Detection and removal

If you suspect adware is on your machine, if your system slows down for no apparent reason or appears to be working behind the scenes, log onto http://www.keelab.com/ to perform a spyware scan to determine if you need an adware removal tool.

Pop-up Ads and Spyware

If you browse the Internet, odds are you’re familiar with pop-up ads. Close the window or click to learn more. Harmless enough, right?

For the most part, little is at risk by clicking on legitimate pop-up ads. But, many times the ads are deceptive and brought to you by adware, which may be tracking your surfing habits. Other less legitimate pop-up ads may install spyware, software that transmits information back to a third party without notifying you. How bad can it be? Think worst case scenario – beyond just tracking your online habits, these programs are capable of installing spyware programs to hijack your browser and capturing your personal information.
What are pop-up ads?

Pop-up ads turn up when you launch a Web site and as you browse the Internet. Pop-ups come in different forms, but they generally want to sell you something. In fact, the product offerings run the gamut, ranging from travel opportunities to drugstore items.

By clicking anywhere in this type of popup window, you may trigger a spyware install off your radar in the background. Illegitimate pop-ups can perform a “drive-by download;” that is, spyware programs which are downloaded without your knowledge or consent.

A similar pop-up ploy asks you to accept a download, and then won’t stop popping up until you do what they want.

Drive-by downloads work by exploiting operating system vulnerabilities. A specific vulnerability allows the computer to act on auto-pilot without prompting for your input.

Many users have low Internet security settings and these low settings allow the operating system to perform various activities on your computer without letting you know beforehand.

Don’t be fooled. Popups could install spyware on your PC to capture and transmit your personal data across the internet. Or it could be adware, another form of spyware.
What’s the real threat here?

Pop-up ads can be nothing more than an irritation. Shutting down repeated popups or getting redirected during a search isn’t harmful, just bothersome. However, if you are a victim of a drive-by download, you may have more than you think running in the background of your PC. You may have spyware programs.

If spyware is installed on your computer, it can use up valuable resources such as disk space, bandwidth and memory. It can slow browser performance and add icons to your desktop.

Worst case, pop-ups can actually cause a computer to stop responding or refuse to start up as a result of the stream of ads. Think domino effect, one pop-up ad triggers another and another until your system just can’t handle it and quits unexpectedly.

Moreover, spyware programs can use your PC to dispatch spam, shop illegally online using your credit cards, access your bank account, identity theft, the list is endless.
Prevention

Install Pop-Up Washer or Spy Sweeper to reduce your risks.

Practice safe email protocol:

* Don’t open email from unknown senders.
* Immediately delete spam.
* Avoid get rich quick offers, porn or too-good-to-be-true email messages.

Avoid clicking pop-up ads by closing them from the system tray area with a right mouse click.

Be aware of the types of sites you’re visiting. The more devious or shady the site, the more likely to have adware or spyware attached.

Control browser settings to maintain secure internet browsing.

Avoid using file sharing applications. These applications put you at a much higher risk of being hit with adware. Use the “lite” or slimmer version of freeware which may prevent adware, but you most likely won’t have all of the features the full version offers.

Spyware Symptoms

How Does Spyware Find You?

* You hop on the Internet for just a few minutes to visit web sites.
* You download freeware and/or shareware applications.
* You swap or share music or photos with other users.
* You open spam email messages, or messages or attachments sent from someone you don’t recognize.
* Other people use your computer.

In other words, spyware software touches virtually anyone with an Internet connection, infecting 90 percent of PCs.
Does your computer have a spyware infection?

Before you reformat your hard drive, or toss out your computer, read this! If your computer is sluggish or your Internet connection is slower than usual (even with broadband), your PC may have a spyware problem. You may want to consider using a free spyware scan if your computer displays any of the symptoms listed below.

Spyware Infection Symptoms include:
Different default homepage

Homepage hijacker spyware resets your homepage so each time you launch Internet Explorer (your browser), you land on that site. Until you remove it, this type of spyware software will not let you change your default homepage to a more desirable address.
Unusually slow Internet access

Spyware software clogs bandwidth because it is importing information (like pop-up ads) while sending out information (user activity, screenshots, bank account numbers, keystroke logs).
Reduced computer productivity

Even a small amount of spyware on a system can slow down a PC because it operates in the background, sapping hard drive resources. Other spyware software store advertising on a computer’s hard drive. Some applications, like Buddylinks, turn computers into spyware drones, where an infected PC joins an army of others that all work together to distribute a certain strain of spyware software.
More frequent pop-up ads

Adware tracking cookies trigger the most benign form of pop-up ads. Cookies that reside on your PC serve up pop-up ads related to the site you are visiting, your personal information or online activities. The more cookies you have on your PC, the more pop-ups you’ll see. A more malignant type of pop up won’t stop appearing until you allow it to download spyware software. Sometimes, even the “close” or “cancel” buttons mean yes. A slightly different pop-up, which mimics a Windows Messenger Service window, is also a ploy to download spyware software onto your PC.
New or different search toolbars

Spyware-riddled applications often install a new search toolbar on a system with the intention of hijacking searches for search terms. Depending on the legitimacy of the toolbar, searches may end up on a pay-per-click site, and some of those sites load additional spyware onto your PC via drive-by download.
Anti-spyware or anti-virus software is turned off, or malfunctioning

As a survival tactic, spyware software sometimes targets the anti-spyware software designed to find and remove it.
Unidentified toll charges on your phone bill

A dialer can initiate outgoing calls from your PC to 900 numbers with the sole intention of generating large phone bills charged to that phone line. Dialers can also change your dial-up settings to an international or 900 number, instead of your local Internet dial-up number.

Anti-spyware Software

“The only way to keep your computer clean of spyware and malware is to use an effective monitoring and disinfecting tool, such as the truly excellent Spy Sweeper.” – PC Plus, February 5, 2005
Desirable Features in Anti-Spyware Software

Regular definition updates

Many free anti-spyware software downloads do not provide adequate protection against spyware programs because they are not supported by ongoing threat updates. This leaves your PC open to attack from newly evolved or introduced malicious spyware programs. Regular updates to your threat database protects you from newly introduced or changed applications, as well as the latest worms and its family of variants.
Refined spyware detection

Some anti-spyware software scans yield false positives to make you think that it’s detecting more traces than its competitors. If the software isn’t capable of detecting and effectively removing malicious spyware programs, your privacy is at risk. Truly useful and beneficial anti-spyware software only finds what it needs to remove spyware to make sure you’re protected.
Proactive protection

Detection and removal of spyware programs is only half of the anti-spyware software solution. It’s equally important to stop spyware programs before they reach your computer. Smart Shields prevent spies from installing real time on your PC. This proactive protection defends system and browser elements while simultaneously guarding your information and privacy.
Designated threat research team

Often, it’s not financially possible for companies that offer free anti-spyware software to house a team of dedicated threat researchers. Updates may be erratic, poorly programmed or non-existent. A threat research team knows what to look for, and how to most effectively find and remove spyware from a user’s PC.
Customer service

Most free anti-spyware software is not backed by expert customer support, e-mail support or online help sections. Good software that can remove spyware offer whatever it takes to navigate a user through a spyware-related issue.
Easy-to-use interface

It takes several versions to determine the best and most user-friendly interface. Like research teams, interface improvement is not always an area of focus for providers of free anti-spyware software.
Stable company to back up the software

It’s important to identify credible anti-spyware software that is backed by an established company so you have recourse if you encounter a problem with your purchase or software functionality.

Webroot Spy Sweeper is an award-winning anti-spyware software tool that has won PC Magazine’s Editors’ choice award for spyware removal.

Spyware Removal

What can you do if you get spyware on your PC?

If you don’t want spyware on your computer, you can try to remove it manually. However, spyware removal is a difficult and complicated process for even the most experienced computer user. Without a recognized, top-quality spyware remover, spyware removal will be incomplete at best. To ensure complete protection, you must make sure you are using the best adware or spyware remover to rid yourself of problem-causing programs.

Spyware often intertwines itself with core operating system or application functions. Spyware removal can result in serious disruption of computer operations if not done properly. Spyware infections have led large numbers of users to take drastic measures to restore normal computer operations, for example:

“My son downloaded a new program that his friends were talking about at school, and now our computer acts strange. We found out we had all kinds of spyware – keyloggers, browser hijackers and more. After a few failed attempts at spyware removal we got fed up, did a low-level hard drive reformat, and rebuilt the system from the ground up. Of course, this is independent of then having to go through the Windows update process to patch all security holes in the operating system. What a mess!”

Most spyware or adware also includes multiple traces, or file fragments, which can remain as clutter on your system even after spyware is disabled, resulting in continued performance problems. Appropriate spyware removal eliminates all traces of a spyware program.

Even if you think your manual spyware removal was successful, the spyware can leave a tickler that completely reinstalls the program the next time you start up your PC. As a survival tactic, these malicious programs often leave similar traces elsewhere on your system so the game of cat and mouse never ends, unless you have a spyware protection utility in place.

How do you protect yourself and your PC from spyware?

Common sense tips for avoiding spyware threats and keeping your PC spyware-free
Just say “No!” to free software

The best spyware protection begins by avoiding unwanted programs in the first place. The main source of spyware infection is free programs downloaded from the Internet. Free, file-sharing programs often come bundled with nasty spyware threats that create pop-up ads and redirect your browser home page or search results. There are reputable sites that offer spy-free freeware but it is difficult to investigate every free program to distinguish between the good and bad. Pay careful attention to what you are downloading and know what other programs may be put into your PC along with the original file. The next time you get redirected to a site that encourages you to install a search toolbar, screen saver, smiley faces or cute cursors, think twice before installing it. If you have spyware protection on your PC, it should alert you to suspected freeware installation.
Get the latest Windows Patches

By setting your browser’s security settings high enough (Medium on Internet Explorer) to protect yourself from “drive-by downloads,” or automatic installation of unwanted programs. In addition, make sure you are only downloading programs from reputable sites and that you’ve checked out reviews by other users before installation.

Another easy form of spyware protection is to make sure you are running Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) with all of the latest security patches.
Avoid questionable Web sites

Avoid Web sites that offer unscrupulous content such as pirated software or adult material. These sites are notorious for spreading spyware threats. It’s critical that for complete spyware protection, if you are visiting such sites, do not say “yes” or “OK” to anything.
Be suspicious of e-mail

E-mail is a common delivery vehicle for malicious programs. A simple method of spyware protection is to avoid opening attachments unless you know the sender and are expecting something from them. Look at the links people send you before clicking on them. Only visit .htm or .html sites and never open a .wav or other media file. Even reviewing an e-mail in the preview pane can initiate a malware download, so it is recommended that you turn off the preview option.
Use public computers with extreme caution

Spyware protection is much more complicated when you’re using a shared or public computer. It’s nearly impossible to know what other users may have done on a public computer. When using a multiple-user computer, protect yourself by first visiting http://www.keelab.com/ to run a free Spy Scan. Detecting spyware is the first step to securing a PC. See if anything exists on the public PC that is capable of stealing your identity or monitoring your Internet browsing session.
Beware of peer-to-peer file sharing services

There are two issues with P2P networks. One, P2P network clients often load spyware threats onto your PC when you sign up for their service. Two, the files you swap and share (photos, music, videos or games) may contain malicious programs. For the most conservative spyware protection, avoid these services all together.
Use firewall and anti-virus protection

If you are running Windows XP with SP2, your spyware protection begins by using the included firewall. A good commercial firewall gives you additional protection and control. A hardware firewall can provide you with good protection as well, but will not protect you from the other computers on your local area network (LAN).

It is crucial to have the latest anti-virus signatures from an established anti-virus vendor. This is too important to trust to freeware, which usually release new signatures too late to adequately protect you from viruses. Anti-spyware, a firewall and an anti-virus solution are all a part of a complete spyware protection package.
Use a good anti-spyware product

Detecting spyware is a difficult business. Even if you think you’ve successfully removed a piece of the program manually, a remaining tickler file can trigger a complete reinstallation (at start up) of the spyware threat you worked so hard to delete. Effective anti-spyware software provides users with frequent updates to combat the latest variations. Run scheduled or manual scans and make sure you select any proactive monitoring options the software may have.

A good spyware protection software product consistently wins awards from industry-leading publications, is backed by an innovative company with a solid business reputation, has frequent version and definition updates, and is a thought leader with an in-house threat research team devoted to keeping track of the latest developments in spyware threats.
Use Mozilla Firefox

Firefox greatly reduces the chance of software installation without consent, so it is considered to be a safer browser than Internet Explorer. Of course, Firefox still has vulnerabilities that could be attacked, so you have to remain vigilant.
Use Mac OSX

The Apple operating system is much safer than any Windows-based operating system (OS). The Apple OS has a very low market penetration so cyber-criminals largely ignore it. To date there have only been a couple of viruses and no spyware written for Mac OSX.
Enterprise IT staff: restrict administrative rights

IT departments should consider not allowing users to have administrative rights as it is very hard to install unwanted programs without those rights.

Top Spyware Threats

Detecting spyware threats is serious business. The list below depicts the spyware threats most frequently identified by Webroot’s Spy Scan, a free anti-spyware scanner tool. Webroot’s dedicated team of expert spyware researchers compiled the threat background and additional spyware information provided.

It’s important to note that two of the top 10 threats listed are considered rogue anti-spyware software. These bogus programs boast their spyware detection and spyware blockers to name a few, but they actually hijack your PC, cause extensive damage and threaten your personal privacy.

Spy Sweeper is more than just a spyware remover. It’s award-winning anti-spyware software that detects, blocks and removes all of these spyware threats. Spyware based on Trojan code, a viral installation procedure, or a polymorphic engine requires innovative detection and removal methodologies to stay ahead of the threat.

To make sure you don’t have a Trojan or other spyware on your PC, run Webroot’s free spyware scan now.

Name: Trojan-Downloader-Zlob

Description: Trojan-Downloader-Zlob is a common downloader that may download other threats on your computer.

Name: Perfect Keylogger

Description: Perfect Keylogger is a monitoring tool that records all visited Web sites, keystrokes and mouse clicks.

Name: HotBar

Description: HotBar is a toolbar that comes in two versions: a free version that is adware-supported and may display pop-up advertisements and a paid version. The paid version does not include adware or display pop-up advertisements.

Name: Trojan-Backdoor-us15info

Description: Trojan-Backdoor-us15info is a Trojan which runs in the background and may collect information about your computer and DNS packet information. Once collected, this information can be sent to a destination specified by the author.

Name: Trojan-Backdoor-SecureMulti

Description: Trojan-Backdoor-SecureMulti is a Trojan horse that may allow a hacker to gain unrestricted access to your computer when you are online.

Name: Trojan Downloader Matcash

Description: Trojan Downloader Matcash is a downloader that may download other threats on your computer.

Name: Virtumonde

Description: Virtumonde may display advertisements on your computer.

Name: ISTbar

Description: ISTbar is a toolbar that may be used for searching pornographic Web sites, which display pornographic pop-ups and hijack user homepages and Internet searches.

Name: SurfSideKick

Description: SurfSideKick may display pop-up advertisements on your computer.

Name: DirectRevenue-Abetterinternet

Description: DirectRevenue-ABetterInternet, commonly known as VX2 or Transponder, is an adware program that may display pop-up advertisements on your computer.

What you do online can hurt you

Check out what the Webroot Threat Research team has uncovered about spyware and how it operates.
Quickly learn how to avoid online dangers so you can confidently use the Internet again.
When is spyware a threat to you?

* Downloading files and programs
* Opening e–mail or instant messages
* Visiting tainted Web sites
* Clicking on pop-up ads
* Sharing your computer
* Just browsing the Internet

How you can become infected with spyware by … Downloading Files Online

The Internet is loaded with free files you can download, from screensavers and icons to music, articles and much more. But often these free files come with a cost, and that cost is a computer infected with spyware.

How can the seemingly innocent act of downloading a file leave you vulnerable to spyware and, as a result, identity theft and potential loss of money? It all starts with a simple click.
downloading files
You find a file you want and begin downloading it.

Many sites (especially file sharing sites) across the Internet offer files you can download for free, which can include:

* Text files such as articles and white papers
* Music files such as MP3 files and ring tones
* Icons and graphics such as emoticons
* Screensavers, wallpaper and more

Spyware is attached to the downloaded file.

Long before you started to download your file, a spyware villain attached spyware to it. Sometimes this spyware has been attached secretly and without your permission. However, often it is disclosed in the legal text flashed on the screen before you started downloading (called an End User License Agreement), and many people neglect to read the fine print and end up agreeing to download spyware.
downloading files
Spyware silently loads itself on your computer.

Once the download is complete, the file you originally wanted is visible and ready for use. In the meantime, the spyware that was attached to the file has quietly installed itself and begins running in the background without your knowledge.
downloading files
Your computer and identity are now at risk.

Spyware begins its sinister mission, which can include:

* Monitoring your computer activities
* Collecting your personal information
* Bombarding you with pop–up ads
* Altering files and crashing your computer

How you can become infected with spyware by … Browsing the Web

If you think sketchy Web sites are the only places where spyware awaits its victims, you are in for a shock.

Spyware lurks in many, many corners of the Internet, often in places where you would least expect it. And all it takes is to be in the wrong place at the wrong time to become infected.
browsing the web
You open your Web browser and begin browsing.

The path to spyware often begins innocently enough by viewing seemingly reputable sites; however, certain sites are more prone to be a source of spyware, including:

* Adult sites
* File sharing sites
* Community sites

You reach a site that is a spyware trap.

During your browsing, you visit a Web site that has set a spyware trap you unknowingly fall into, such as:

* A pop–up that entices you to click on it
* A deceptive link that you click
* A clickable graphic that leads down a dangerous path

browsing the web
Spyware loads onto your PC without your knowledge.

In many cases, once you have clicked on the suspect object and fallen into the spyware trap, malicious programs immediately begin installing on your PC. However, sometimes simply opening a Web page or an HTML e–mail initiates the installation process.
browsing the web
Your computer is infected and your personal information is at risk.

Spyware quickly begins its task of stealing your information (including credit card numbers, usernames and passwords), directing your browser to suspect sites, changing or deleting your files, pummeling you with pop–ups and slowing your PC to a crawl.

How you can become infected with spyware by … Sharing Your PC with Others

Scan your pc now

http://www.keelab.com/

If you live in a home where multiple people use the computer, you already know that, from time to time, other users can change the settings, files and programs on your PC.

But what you might not know is that the behavior of those sharing your computer can put your PC at risk for spyware infection. And that infection will affect all users, despite the fact that you may have different user accounts for each person.
sharing your pc
Another user brings spyware into the shared computer.

Children, friends, roommates and spouses can unknowingly infect your PC in a variety of ways, including:

* Downloading tainted files or software
* Opening infected e–mail attachments
* Visiting suspect Web sites
* Clicking on misleading pop–up ads

Spyware alters settings that affect all users.

Even if each user has a separate user account, spyware can globally change settings for all users as well as subject each user to:

* Pop–up ads
* Unexplained home page changes and search results
* New, unwanted toolbars and desktop shortcuts
* Slow PC performance

sharing your pc
Spyware collects information from every user.

Once spyware has infected the entire computer, it can begin to steal each user’s personal information, such as:

* Credit card numbers
* Bank account numbers
* Social Security numbers
* Usernames and passwords
* Address books, including e–mail addresses

sharing your pc
Every user is placed at risk.

With a computer controlled by spyware, everyone loses. Children are left vulnerable to scams and potentially disturbing content. Adults may have their identity stolen, costing them time and money. And all users experience the frustration of a malfunctioning PC.

How you can become infected with spyware by … Using E–mail and Instant Messaging

E–mail and instant messaging have become an increasingly favored channel among spyware villains for spreading their malicious programs, and here’s how they do it.
communicating online
Spyware is embedded in or attached to a message.

Messages with spyware can arrive from many sources and in a variety of forms. It can be sent as an attachment, embedded in a seemingly harmless file or hidden in a link within the body of a message.

Scan your pc now

http://www.keelab.com/

You open the message and unknowingly download spyware.

E–mail and instant messages laced with spyware often try to mislead you into clicking on an attached file or on a link within the e–mail, which then initiates the download. However, sometimes simply opening the message itself starts the download process.
communicating online
Spyware establishes itself on your computer.

Once downloaded, spyware quietly installs itself and starts running in the background of your computer. Without your knowledge or permission, it now has the ability to:

* Collect your personal information
* Redirect your browser and keyword searches
* Bombard you with unwanted, often illicit pop–up ads
* Add, change and delete files and programs

communicating online
Your PC and online communications are compromised.

A spyware–infected PC can significantly distrupt your system’s performance, slowing your PC to a crawl and causing frequent crashes. In addition, it can lead to identity theft and loss of money.

How you can become infected with spyware by … Using E–mail and Instant Messaging

Messages with spyware can arrive from many sources and in a variety of forms. It can be sent as an attachment, embedded in a seemingly harmless file or hidden in a link within the body of a message.

You open the message and unknowingly download spyware.

Once downloaded, spyware quietly installs itself and starts running in the background of your computer. Without your knowledge or permission, it now has the ability to:

* Collect your personal information
* Redirect your browser and keyword searches
* Bombard you with unwanted, often illicit pop–up ads
* Add, change and delete files and programs

communicating online
Your PC and online communications are compromised.

A spyware–infected PC can significantly distrupt your system’s performance, slowing your PC to a crawl and causing frequent crashes. In addition, it can lead to identity theft and loss of money.

How spyware can … Steal Your Info and Your Money

Many people associate identity theft with having a wallet or purse stolen. But did you know that your computer is fast becoming the most likely place where your identity can be stolen? And that spyware is often at the root of this malicious activity?

Spyware used for identity theft can be the most harmful and difficult to remove of any type of spyware … and here is how it does its damage.
identity theft
Spyware travels over the Internet and infects your computer.

You can come into contact with spyware in many ways, including:

* Downloading files or software
* Opening e–mail attachments
* Visiting suspect Web sites

Operating silently, spyware collects your information.

Without your knowledge, spyware runs in the background while it records your Internet browsing habits and keystrokes, monitors the programs you use and collects your personal information.
identity theft
Spyware uses your Internet connection to transmit your information to identity thieves.

While your computer is connected to the Internet, spyware quietly transmits your personal information, which can include:

* Credit card numbers
* Bank account numbers
* Social Security numbers
* Usernames and passwords
* Address books, including e–mail addresses

identity theft
Spyware villains use your information for illicit or illegal activities.

The villain who placed spyware on your computer receives your information and can now:

* Steal money and open credit card and bank accounts in your name
* Sell it to other parties who will use it for illicit or illegal purposes
* Pummel your PC with pop–up ads, spam and unwanted messages as well as direct you to Web sites you never intended to visit

How can spyware put you at risk for … Loss of Money

The chances you will become infected with spyware increase every day as more and more spyware schemes are launched across the Internet. The force behind this continual rise is simple economics.

Spyware schemes are highly profitable for spyware villains, who steal billions of dollars every year from unsuspecting computer users and corporations.
loss of money
With one poor online decision, spyware can infect your computer and start sealing information.

Once spyware enters your computer and establishes itself, it begins collecting and stealing your personal information such as:

* Credit card numbers
* Bank account numbers
* Social Security numbers
* Usernames and passwords
* Address books, including e–mail addresses

Spyware wreaks havoc on your computer system and files.

As spyware operates silently in the background stealing information, it also disrupts your productivity by impairing how your computer operates in many ways, including:

* Consuming memory and causing crashes
* Slowing your computer with pop–up ads and e–mail
* Changing, deleting and adding files
* Causing programs to malfunction or become inoperable

loss of money
Spyware villains make money off your information.

Once spyware has sent your personal and financial data to spies, they can profit from you in a number of ways by:

* Stealing from your credit card and bank/brokerage accounts
* Opening new credit accounts in your name and stealing from those
* Selling your information to other villains who will target you with their schemes

loss of money
You pay for the damage spyware has caused.

Most spyware fraud victims don’t realize what has happened until it’s too late and they have to shoulder the costs of:

* Restoring their credit records and identity
* Increased insurance rates because identity thieves have corrupted their credit, health or driving records
* Fixing a malfunctioning, spyware–infected computer
* Lost productivity due to time spent restoring their computer and identity

How can spyware put you at risk for … Loss of Privacy

Imagine you are at an ATM machine and someone is standing over your shoulder writing down your PIN number and account information. Or you turn on the television and immediately must navigate through dozens of commercials before you can view the program you want.

Spyware is every bit as slimy, intrusive and aggravating as these examples because it invades the privacy of your computer and silently observes everything you do.
loss of privacy
Spyware collects and transmits your information.

A seemingly innocent click on a download or a pop–up and you’re infected. Once spyware establishes itself on your computer, it begins collecting your personal information and computer usage habits by:

* Recording your keystrokes
* Intercepting e–mails and other online communications
* Gathering files, address lists and other private information
* Tracking the Web sites you visit and the programs you use

You’ve lost control as spyware begins to take over your computing experience.

Spyware sends your information back to the villains who are responsible for it, who in turn clog up your computer by:

* Sending you pop–up ads based on the information they took
* Directing your browser to Web sites you don’t want to visit
* Using lots of memory and slowing your system

loss of privacy
Your files, computer and personal data are placed at risk.

The most dangerous spyware isn’t merely annoying; it can cause irreparable damage to your computer system and to your identity in the following ways:

* Changing, adding or deleting files
* Opening and closing software
* Controlling your cursor and keyboard
* Using your personal information to steal from you

loss of privacy
You no longer fully control your computer.

With spyware viewing all your personal information, barraging you with nonstop pop–ups and slowing your system to a crawl, your computer is no longer under your control, leading to hours of frustration and a feeling of helplessness.

How Spyware Can Put You at Risk for … Damage to Your PC

If you think viruses are the only illicit programs that can ruin files, corrupt programs and crash your computer, think again.

Spyware can cause irreparable damage to your files and programs as well as jeopardize your personal information and your identity.
damage to your pc
Spyware invades your computer.

A seemingly innocent click on a download or pop–up ad can trigger spyware to silently load itself onto your computer. Once on your PC, it sets up shop by installing itself in many places. This makes it difficult to remove and can lead to disruption of all the files and programs to which spyware has attached itself.

Spyware activity bogs down PC processes.

Spyware in action can consume a substantial amount of your computer’s memory, leaving limited resources for other legitimate programs to use. This can lead to extremely sluggish performance of vital programs, like your Internet browser or operating system.
damage to your pc
Files become damaged and programs malfunction.

The most noxious spyware can cause more than inconvenient disruptions. It can bring your PC to a grinding halt by:

* Deleting, changing, renaming or transferring files
* Opening and closing programs at will
* Interfering with your operating system, resulting in frequent crashes

damage to your pc
You can no longer rely on your PC to operate properly, if at all.

With spyware wreaking havoc on your PC, you can never count on programs to run properly or files to remain intact. Eventually you may not even be able to open programs or start your computer.

SOLUTIONS

Comprehensive Removal Technology destroys all spyware.

If spyware has secretly installed on your computer, our Comprehensive Removal Technology will hunt it down and thoroughly remove every fragment to prevent the spyware from reinstalling on your computer.
downloading files
Smart Shields keep your computer spyware–free.

While you download files, Smart Shields protect your PC against a spyware invasion, blocking any spyware files from installing on your computer and compromising its integrity.
downloading files
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Lovely apartments for rent low as $400.Affordable ,safe and convenient.

Posted in Uncategorized by freemovie on the September 30, 2006

Visit us now ..

http://car-post.net/pages/homes.htm

Apartment HuntingFinding the Best Place for You

The thrill of the hunt is on! Your objective, should you choose to accept it, is to find the best place to live. Of course you?ll accept it. You want a great apartment in the hippest area in town! Home is where the heart?and your stuff?is. Finding the best apartment for you means you get an affordable, safe place close to where you work and play. Hopefully with other cool amenities.

You already know you don?t want to live in a transitional neighborhood, even though rents are lower in that part of town. Because what you save in rent, you might pay in increases to your car insurance. You would want to live where you can walk to the park and the grocery store. You want to find an apartment that has a gym and maybe even some other social aspects to it.

Get your pen and paper ready so you can make a list of things you want in an apartment. Check listings and get an idea for how much rent is in certain neighborhoods.

Then it?s time to pound the proverbial pavement. Go visit your potential new homes to see how they measure up. After you?ve previewed them, review all your options, prices and locations and make your decision. All that?s left is to go back, possibly try to negotiate a sweet deal from your landlord and sign the lease (See How to Negotiate a Lease). Maybe you?ll luck out and move in next door to that cutie you spotted next the mailboxes earlier.

Find person’s in your area looking to share rent ..Pay as low as $200 per month when you share

SEARCH MILLIONS OF APARTMENTS, CONDOS AND HOUSES FOR RENT.
Hidden gems found only in your local paper and here! Unique spaces that feel like home.Professionally run & well maintained. Move in today. As low
$400

See also Dream homes as low as ..$10,000
http://car-post.net/pages/house.htm

Something to read

What you need to know when renting a house or apartment

Finding somewhere to live in Bangkok, or anywhere in Thailand for that matter, can be a daunting and tedious process. Although there are plenty of good quality houses and apartments for rent finding the perfect one for your needs takes time and effort. These guidelines will help you understand what is involved:

First, identify what you are looking for: The type of residence – house or apartment; location; facilities; and the rent you are willing to pay. Write it all down in a list and give it to a property agent. A good property agent will provide you with a list of interesting properties that match your requirements, and help you with the entire leasing process from site inspections, negotiations with the landlord, contract preparation to handover supervision.

Of course, there’s nothing to stop you doing it yourself. You’ll find plenty of advertisements in the classified section of English newspapers and magazines. But you will have to do all the work yourself: Find suitable properties, go out and inspect them, and then negotiate with the landlord. This can obviously take a lot of time and effort with no guarantee of success.

Leasing Contracts

Terms and conditions in the leasing contracts vary greatly in Thailand, depending on the agreements that the tenants and landlords can reach. In general, landlords prefer contracts for at least one year. You can ask for a two-year leasing term if you are happy with the apartment or the house and you don’t intend to move after the first year. A two-year lease may give you some bargaining power on the rental fee too.

A longer leasing term also limits the opportunity for the landlord to increase the rent, as it must stay the same for the length of the lease, unless specifically stated in the contract. In addition, even if the landlord receives a much more favorable offer from other tenants, he will not be able to force the existing tenant to move out unless the lease contract expires. Make sure you really like the place and that you will stay for the full length of the contract. If you move before it expires, you forfeit your deposit.

An agent will prepare the leasing contracts for you. Make sure you ask for an English version if required. If you find a place yourself, the landlord will prepare the leasing contracts for you. Make sure you read it through carefully and question him about any conditions you feel uneasy about. And don’t pay any deposit or ‘holding fee’ until you are happy with the lease

Management Costs

The landlord is responsible for all apartment property management costs.

If you rent a house, all major maintenance is the landlord’s responsibility. This includes the maintenance and repairs of the power supply, water supply, air-conditioning systems and structural damage not caused by the tenant. The tenant is responsible for minor repairs such as broken lights and windows. If the house has a garden or swimming pool, the tenant is also responsible for the maintenance cost (in some cases, the landlord will bear this cost).

Fire Insurance

In all cases, the landlord is responsible for the fire insurance premiums.

Late Payment

In general, the tenant will be asked to pay the rent of each month in the first week of the month (no later than the 5th) and pay a fine worth an average of 15% per annum of the monthly rent for every day the rent is late.

Tenant Privacy Rights

All tenancy leases must include a clause that states the landlord is not allowed to enter the house without prior notice or the tenant’s consent.

Deposit

No deposit is required until a tenancy agreement has been agreed and signed by both parties.

In general, the tenant must pay a deposit worth 2 or 3 months rent at the same time the agreement is signed. The deposit will cover the entire lease life. However, the landlord may increase the value of the deposit if the rent rises in the following year. The tenant is entitled to receive the deposit back no later than 45 days after the lease contracts expire and the landlord makes sure that all expenses incurred by the tenant are cleared.

Agent Selection

These are the minimum services that you can expect from a professional agent:

Offering A Selected List Of Properties: The list should offer you enough choices based on the criteria you gave the Agent. The key point is the properties should be in line with your requirements.

Acting For The Tenant To Negotiate A Lease: The agent is there to negotiate for the benefit of the tenant, and this covers rental rates, payment terms, or the scope of the landlord’s responsibilities. The tenant is not supposed to meet with the landlord, or if he needs to, an agent should be present at every meeting.

Preparing Leasing Contracts: It is one of the agent’s major roles to prepare the leasing contracts based on what is agreed between the tenant and the landlord. It is also very important that the agent is able to prepare the contracts in English particularly when the tenant is not Thai.

Handover Supervision: The agent’s final role is to make sure the house or the apartment is ready for the tenant to move in, or to start fit-out work (depending on the lease agreement) and to ensure that the landlord does all the things agreed to in the leasing contracts. You should make sure that the minimum services you get from your agent meet the above specifications. Of course, we supply all the above services and more.

Things to Remember for Your Move

Please take advantage of our moving tips and moving advice. Print this page and carry it with you before and several days after the move. Moving tips that may seem obvious can be easily overlooked. Take our moving advice and utilize this checklist before and after you have moved.

* Take Notes
Make a note of your shipment registration number and keep it with you in case you need to call your mover with questions about your shipment.
* Get the Bed Ready
Designate one drawer of a dresser for sheets and towels so that you won’t have to rummage through boxes for these essentials the first night in your new home.
* Don’t forget about the Fridge
After you’ve thoroughly cleaned and dried the inside of your refrigerator, put a handful of fresh coffee, baking soda or charcoal in a sock or nylon stocking and place it inside to keep the interior smelling fresh.
* Keep the Phone Book
Take your current phone book with you. You may need to make calls to residents or businesses back in your former hometown.
* Pack Heavy – Pack Light
Pack heavy items in small boxes and lighter items in larger boxes.
* Give out your Number
Before the van foreman leaves for your destination residence, give him a phone number where you can be reached. It is also a good idea to provide him with an alternate contact in case you can’t be reached.
* Protect Your Memories
If it’s irreplaceable, take it with you in the car (you don’t want regrets later). But if you do decide to pack framed photos or art, place sheets or blankets between them for added protection.
* Know how to Pack Plates and Records
Plates and record albums should be packed on end vertically, rather than placed flat and stacked.
* Remember the Bare Necessities
Toilet paper, telephone, toiletries, snacks, coffee (and pot), soap, flashlight, screwdriver, pliers, can opener, paper plates, cups, utensils, a couple of pans, and paper towels are some of the essentials you may need upon arrival at your new home. Pack a box with these types of items and ask your van foreman to load it last so that it will be unloaded first.
* Unscrew Bulbs
Remove bulbs before packing your lamps.
* Tag your Items
For your garage sale, tag all items and be prepared to wheel and deal. Garage sale gurus love to haggle.
* Give the Kids an Exercise
Have children write their names and new address on the cartons from their rooms so they can become familiar with their new street and town.
* Help your Pet Relax
Keep your pet calm and away from all the activity on moving day by arranging for a friend to watch him at their house.
* Be Nice to Your Plants
When moving plants to your new residence via your car, try not to let foliage rest against the windows, as the leaves will scorch.
* Take a Break from the Computer
Upon arrival at your new home, let your computer “acclimate” itself to room temperature before plugging it in.
* Enjoy the Help
Leave the rest to the professionals, sit back and relax, and look forward to the new opportunities, friends and experiences that are part of any move.

Content provided by Moving.com

Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring Movers

If the thought of having your friends and family move your belongings to your new apartment causes you to panic, hiring movers is the logical alternative. Hiring movers can be a simple task as long as you’re organized.

When looking for movers, there is a variety sources available including online services. You should also ask your friends, coworkers and family members for recommendations (or warnings). Once you have a few suggestions, you should research them on consumer web sites like the Better Business Bureau, MovingScams.com and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website. Be sure the companies you investigate are licensed and insured to legally move you.

Before you contact any movers, make a realistic assessment of how much you will need to have moved to your apartment. Consider how much furniture will be moved from your old apartment to your new apartment. The antique bed that took forever to assemble may be difficult to reassemble in your new apartment. Also, if you collect anything from books to limited edition action figures which could increase the number of boxes that need to be moved.

Once you’ve investigated the companies, contact the moving companies by phone or online for estimates. Make sure you mention any conditions that could affect the move including stairs, parking problems and delivery time restrictions. After you’ve compared the estimates, you need to make a decision. You should be wary of estimates that are much lower than they others and review them to see what differences exist. Also, compare any estimates that are much higher to see what is adding to the additional costs. Some questions to consider when selecting a mover include:

* When will the movers arrive? Will the drivers notify you before they arrive?
* If you’re packing yourself, are certain types of packing materials and boxes acceptable?
* How should you pay?
* When should you pay?
* Will movers disassemble items in the apartment and reassemble them in the new apartment?
* Are there extra charges for stairs that you may not know about when booking movers?
* Is the estimate binding or nonbinding?
* What does the mover’s liability insurance cover? How much will additional insurance cost?

Once you’ve selected a mover be sure to confirm the move dates and details. On moving day, get a written copy of the mover’s inventory list, provide detailed directions to your new apartment and a contact number that can be used during the move. While hiring movers can seem complicated and expensive, consider the time you (and your friends and family) will save by hiring professionals. And you won’t have to end a friendship over a broken ceramic Yoda.

Don’t Chase the Wild Goose

Tired of making lists? Item no. 10 on your new list: Stop making lists.

Before you get to that point and before you even begin to read the apartment listings, make a list of things that you want your new apartment to have in it. Shoot for the moon. They don’t have apartments there, but shoot for it anyway.

How many bedrooms do you need? What part of town do you want to live in? Does it have to have a gym? If not, is it close to one? Does it have an alarm system? Can you have pets? Is it close to the freeway or to work?

Another key component of finding an apartment is how to find the listings that will help lead you to the apartment of your dreams. Why waste time walking around? Get online. If you’re just starting out on an apartment search, know your budget, where you want to live and don?t want to put a mortgage-sized down payment on an apartment, we have the best place for you!

The best place we know to find your perfect apartment is this cool, helpful, can’t-do-without website: www.apartmentguide.com. In case you don’t know all the cool info about it, it’s the nationwide apartment finder and locator. Where you can search over 6 million apartment units for rent, see apartment floor plans and view rental property photos.

It’s easy to search for an apartment online. It saves you time and money. Apartment Guide compiles all the information you need into one online space. We’re fans. We know we’re partial, but?

Apartments 2.0

Know what’s cool? Computers. Know what’s even cooler? The Internet. Know what’s even cooler? Wireless. Know what’s the coolest? Wireless built into your new apartment.

That’s right. Since we’re apartment experts, we have our ears to the ground (ouch, not a good idea in the summer) to keep abreast of new trends taking place in apartment planning. And there’s a cool one happening right now…drum roll…wired apartment communities!

Now that your new wireless lifestyle begins at home, we secretly worry you’ll never leave. Your computer will link to Hot Spots built right into the very air around you. It’s not magic, but it’s darn close. It’s definitely a very nice amenity.

But be careful. There are security issues associated with wireless and open networks. You should check the Internet for free tools and applications that might help you combat any problems. For example, hackers are smart enough to usurp your personal information when you use open networks. You need to secure and protect your computer.

Things to look for include: encryption software, email spam blocking, personal firewalls, pop-up ad blocking, anti-virus software, vulnerability scanners and network security. Some of these tools can even be found for free, which is a great secret. Though the companies who sell that software would prefer you didn’t know that.

After you’ve secured your system, one additional warning: sometimes people tend to work more when they have Wi-Fi around. Are you prepared for that?

We’re convinced that hi-tech is where it’s at. And where we’re all going.

Beyond the Dorm

Lucky you, the dorms are all full. Or the dorm’s just not your thing (is the dorm anyone’s thing?). The good news is that there are usually a lot of other options from which to choose. The bad news is that they’re usually a lot more expensive than dorm prices. But you might have to put in some extra work (not school work, don’t worry) to find one that’s close to campus. Or at least close to the bus or train that gets you to class on time.

The best place to search college housing is this cool site we know: College Apartments. You can search for an apartment by city and college, check local listings, map where the apartments are located, and look at photos of apartment listings. It’s easy, it’s fun, it’s free.

The university housing office can also be a good resource. Though the office usually deals with locating students in student housing (duh), sometimes they have pre-negotiated deals with apartment complexes around the city, especially in densely populated cities and competitive housing markets.

Before desperation sets in and you end up paying a friend $20 bucks to sleep on their scary couch, take note of those brave souls who advertise in the university newspaper. If they want to rent to students, then maybe they have student specials, furnished apartments and lease terms shorter than one year. And maybe you’ll make some good friends (read: hotties, potential dates and carpool buddies) to last a lifetime.

Things for Renters to Consider

Convenience is the key to many things in life, and renting is no exception. You want to find an apartment that?s convenient to the most important things in your life: work, your friends, the local watering hole where you meet your friends up every Wednesday night, the gym, the park, shops, the local watering hole where you meet your friends every Friday night. Oh, and Saturday night too.

The most important things to consider are 1) what you can afford and 2) where you want to live. With luck, you?ll find an affordable apartment in the section of town where you want it to be. If not, think about what?s important to you in an apartment and make a list of those characteristics. Note: Lots of hotties is probably not a realistic priority. But being close to the laundry is. So is having a security alarm. And an on-site property manager. Cross reference your wish list with local apartment listings to find the ones that appeal to you.

Take your list with you when you visit apartments to see how they match up. If you don?t see everything you hoped for, try negotiating with the landlord or apartment company. Make sure you?re financially ready to sign a lease when you go. You need enough money to put down a deposit. And buy a congratulatory beverage or meal for yourself.

Try to keep your rent to below one-third of your monthly income (sorry to tell you, but it?s time for a budget. You?ll have to stop rock, scissor, papering to see who picks up the bar tab). If you budget for another third of your salary to cover monthly entertainment, bills and groceries, then tuck the last third of your salary into a savings account. Don?t give it the old college try; give it the ?I?m-out-of-college-and-financially-responsible? try. Over time, this will add up to a nice chunk of change.

For example, if you make $30,000 a year, don?t lease an apartment with rent over $800 (might be time to get hunker down and get a roommate or two). Try to put around $800 a month in a savings account (preferably yours). By the end of the year, you?ll have $9,600 saved. In two years you?ll have close to $20,000! That?s a lot of money that can be invested in a fancy car, traveling around the world, or whatever it is that you would like to do.

What’s Better: Renting or Buying?

Remember, how your parents always told you that you should buy a house when you grow up? We’re not saying you shouldn’t listen to your parents. Just keep in mind that renting can be a smart investment, as homeownership may be the American Dream, but it is not always the best financial choice.

Researchers estimate that nearly 20 percent of house buyers would have saved money by renting, while another report by Harvard University concluded that during the past 15 years, renting made better financial sense than owning.

There are several very common financial misunderstandings about owning a house. Read them below to learn how to counter your mother, father and all those well-meaning people who keep saying you should stop renting and start buying.

Some of the real and, perhaps, surprising answers to several of the top homeownership myths include:

* Myth# 1: I’ll get a huge tax break, if I buy a house.
Reality: For the majority, there’s no tax benefit. If your mortgage interest and other qualifying expenses aren’t more than the standard deduction, you get zip.
* Myth# 2: Paying rent is throwing away money.
Reality: During the first five years of ownership, more than 80 percent of your monthly mortgage payment is interest. And nearly one third of all homeowners move within five years, before they start building any real equity. Add in the money they spend on maintenance, taxes, insurance and the costs to buy and sell their house, and most would have saved money by renting.
* Myth# 3: My mortgage payment will be less than my rent.
Reality: Your mortgage payment is just the beginning. The “hidden costs” of ownership, like house maintenance, can add up to thousands of dollars a year. And that doesn’t include property taxes, insurance, home improvement, decorating or landscaping you decide to do. You also need to be prepared for the unexpected, whereas renters know exactly how much their housing is going to cost them each month.
* Myth# 4: If I own, my housing costs will not go up.
Reality: Your mortgage may remain constant, but other costs, such as maintenance, insurance and property taxes can go up significantly every year. And if you have an adjustable-rate mortgage, your mortgage payment itself can increase.
* Myth# 5: Investing in real estate is safe.
Reality: Even in today’s healthy housing market, stocks and bonds often still offer a better return.

Understand Your Lease before Signing It

Two words: Scrutinize your lease. If you noticed that was actually three words, good work. You are well on your way to being able to scrutinize a lease. Take the time to read your lease thoroughly and carefully. Don?t take your landlord?s verbal version as the truth about what?s really in there. Because once you sign, the terms are legally binding.

Landlords and rental companies are allowed to include any provisions they want. Even if that means turning off your water once a week. So before you have to go shower-less 4 times a month, take the extra time to completely understand the document.

Don’t feel awkward if your potential landlord or apartment company representative stands impatiently over you. You are in control. They aren’t paying you; you’re paying them. If they’re too impatient to wait for you to sign the lease, take your business elsewhere. Money talks. In fact, sometimes it screams. All those things you?re silently thinking.

If you don’t understand a clause, ask for clarifications. If you don’t agree with a provision, see if you and your landlord can compromise. If you want to make or request changes to the lease, both you and the landlord should initial them. Don?t settle for verbal agreements. It only takes one shifty landlord to spoil the bunch, and there?s more than one out there with sketchy lease in hand.

Save a copy of the final lease signed by you and the owner or manager. This document is the most important document to help you if there?s any disagreement about the apartment or anything related to it. Just in case?

Fighting For The Perfect Apartment

By Kate Kemp

It’s beautiful… a loft Downtown with everything you’ve ever dreamed of having: hardwood floors, appliances, a view of the city…. but you aren’t the only one who dreams of living here. The loft is in a high traffic area, and is in high demand. Here’s what you should do to increase your chances of calling that loft home.

1. Dress to Impress.

The way you dress for an appointment is important. Don’t come dressed like “Bosephus, the white trash donut-eater.” If you’re wearing overalls with chili stains, your landlord might (as hard as he or she tries not to) think less of you. You want to present yourself as responsible, successful and intelligent. (Note: This does not mean you need to dress in a designer suit, buy reading glasses and speak with a British accent. Landlords are picky, they are not stupid.)

2. Be Honest.

If you absolutely adore the property, there’s no need to lie about it. Under other circumstances (i.e. the apartment is NOT under such high demand) you might want to play the “hmmm… maybe I like it maybe I don’t” card in order to try to bargain for a lowered rent. However, if you know this apartment may be leased to ten other eager renters, this will only work as a disadvantage. If the landlord thinks you’re uncomfortable with the price, he or she can just go with another renter who isn’t and cross you off of the list.

3. Come Prepared to Move in.

Before landlords can approve your application, they have to do a background check on your finances, previous landlords/employers etc. This process can be time consuming. Consider coming to your landlord with this information in hand.

Here’s what you should bring to the appointment:

a) Your credit report.

Many landlords have to contact the credit bureau and request your credit report information from them. This takes time, money and energy, and if the landlord is busy, he or she won’t want to mess with it. If you already have the report in hand, you earn brownie point number one.

Credit reports can be obtained on line by visiting Move’s Credit Center.

References – Brownie point number two.

Typical applications require potential tenants to fill out contact information for previous landlords and employers. Have this information ready when you go to the appointment and if at all possible, have a recommendation letter from a previous landlord and employer. This will prove to the new landlord that you aren’t just full of hot air – that you really are as great a tenant as you seem to be.

c) A check – The final brownie point.

What would you do if, on the same day that you went to apply for the apartment, the landlord approves your application? If you provide your landlord with all of the information listed in this article, he or she might do just that. If this happens, you should be fully prepared to write a check or have the cash ready for the initial deposit. If you don’t, and the next appointment is with someone who does, who do you think the landlord will rent to? You don’t want to lose the apartment because you weren’t 100% prepared.

When you’re competing with other renters for a unit, the landlord can afford to set his or her standards much higher. If you are willing to work a little harder, your chances of being “the chosen one” will increase ten-fold.

Noises Off!

By Kate Kemp

While examining a potential apartment, it’s important to listen while you look. You don’t want to discover your noisy environment after you’ve already signed the lease. Follow this advice to make sure the apartment is the right one.

Visit the apartment at different times in the day.

Just because the complex is peaceful at one in the afternoon doesn’t mean it will be at three when the kids get home from school, or at nine when the parties next door begin. It’s a good idea to look at your apartment at different times and on different days of the week before you sign the lease.

Don’t be afraid to ask around.

You might enjoy loud get-togethers every night, but if you are more of the stay-at-home type, you need to make sure that the lovely patio next door isn’t filled with fifty college students every night. You might be moving next door to where the “cool kids” go. Don’t be afraid to ask your potential neighbors where the parties typically are. If they’re frustrated, they’ll be happy to unload their woes on you. If you feel awkward asking people you don’t know, just think how much worse you would feel if you moved in without asking, and were kept up every night until five am by the deafening bass, laughing voices and clinking bottles on the patio next door. It’s worth asking.

Can you hear footsteps or voices?

A common complaint from downstairs apartment dwellers is the noise from the upstairs neighbors. Without good carpeting and padding, the downstairs neighbors can hear footsteps and voices through the ceiling. Double check that the quality of the carpet is decent. This can be a major soundproofing tool. Ask what is underneath the carpet. Ideally, it should be on top of a relatively thick pad. Not only will this absorb up to fifty percent of airborne noise, but it provides much better insulation (cutting down on the electric bill).

Some apartments give you the option of renting their carpet or purchasing your own. If you are given this option, you’re probably better off purchasing your own. Most carpet companies will sell posh carpeting remnants – leftovers from bigger carpeting jobs – at a fraction of the original cost. For small apartments, this is ideal.

Is the apartment located…near a stairwell or elevator?

Late at night, footsteps echoing off of a metal stairwell, or the ding of the elevator can be startling, not to mention incredibly irritating.

Right next to the front gate?

A friend of mine lived in a downstairs apartment near the front gate. At all hours of the night headlights would shine straight into the bedroom, and the noise of the electric gate was almost unbearable.

By the pool, or rec center?

This may be convenient or a nuisance depending on your personality type. Just keep in mind that there will always be people around your apartment.

Near a train track or airport?

In order to avoid the deafening roar of a landing airplane or the piercing scream of a train whistle, experts recommend you live no closer than 20 miles to these places.

Close to a fire or police station?

About six months ago, a fire station was built at the end of my street. I’m a heavy sleeper, so it never bothered me. I actually sleep better knowing I’m that close to safety! However, other people have complained that they wake with every siren.

Look at the apartment floor plan.

You might only be worried about where your iron table will fit or where that Waterhouse painting will look best, and not looking at the overall set up. Do the washer and dryer share a wall with the bedroom? Is the sliding door to the patio on the same wall as where your headboard will be? If you are sharing the apartment with roommates, this could pose a problem. You’ll also want to check to see that doors and windows fit snugly in their frames. This will cut down on noise allowed into and out of the rooms.

Use this advice to find a comfortable apartment. Once you’ve found one that you think meets most of your criteria, you might consider purchasing low noise appliances to move in with. Some products now bear the “low noise certification” stamp. This is great for people moving into smaller apartments. While we can’t avoid noise pollution, we can reduce it.

The Apartment-Hunter’s Glossary

By Courtney Ronan

The Internet has made apartment-searching easier than ever before, but if you choose to use your local newspaper or tabloid as a resource, you’re going to be met with a few abbreviations which may not ring a bell. Some of these terms are straightforward and relatively self-explanatory, while others are “code words” that could be an attempt to put a positive spin on the drawbacks of the apartment.

Take, for instance, the term “loft.” Loft apartments are a hot commodity these days. People tend to associate them with hip, urban areas and unique architecture — brick walls, exposed beams, wood floors and large windows overlooking the city. We also associate the term “loft” with a unit that has two levels — a larger downstairs portion as well as an upstairs portion, usually just a single bedroom or sitting area. This layout creates the illusion of more space because the ceiling in such a unit is high in order to accommodate the upstairs area.

That’s why, during a search for a new apartment last year, I was quite surprised to discover that my response to a “loft” apartment for rent in downtown Dallas led me to a unit that was a single-room flat. While the unit contained wood floors and a high ceiling — both positive selling points — it was a 550-square-foot room in which I could stand in the tiny kitchen and view my bed, living room area and laundry closet simultaneously. The scene was all too reminiscent of my college dorm-room days, so I passed. (The rent was also a staggering $810 per month for the privilege of living in one of Dallas’ hippest new neighborhoods.) So it appears that the term “loft” can also mean one room and nothing more. (By some definitions, “Loft” may simply mean a unit in a building that contains anywhere from four to 11 stories.)

Here are a few other translations to help take the confusion out of your apartment search:

“Cozy” means either very small at best, or claustrophobic at worst.

“Alcove” means an area adjacent to the living room that may be used as sleeping quarters, a separate sitting area, home office, dining room, etc.

“Convertible” or “Flex” means that the alcove located off of the living room area is large enough to be used as an additional bedroom, if desired.

“Junior” or “Junior One Bedroom” means that while you do have an alcove adjacent to the living room that may be converted into use as a bedroom, it’s a small bedroom (and of course, “small” is a subjective term). You’re probably going to be able to fit one bed (single or full-size, queen-size if you’re lucky, and definitely not king) and a dresser or nightstand in a junior bedroom. It’s an excellent space for guests.

“Studio” technically means a two-room apartment consisting of a kitchen (one room) and the rest of the unit (second room), which serves as your combination living room and bedroom. Some studios actually contain alcoves for the sleeping area. (It’s somewhat surprising that according to this definition, a studio is larger than the above-mentioned interpretation of a loft apartment.)

For those of us who are lucky enough to live in cities that have them, a “Brownstone” is a brick-row house built in the early 20th century, usually three to four stories in height but occasionally reaching five or six stories. These homes were converted into multiple units in the mid-20th century, and in many cities today, they’re considered among the most desirable rental properties. Many of them have been restored to their original grandeur with polished wood floors, beautiful, winding staircases, leaded glass and bay windows. You won’t find any elevators in these buildings, which makes moving a challenge. Most brownstone units can and do command a city’s highest rents. Waiting lists for these units are common.

“Prewar Building” a term you’ll spot often in the real estate sections of New York City newspapers, means a building ranging in height from 10 to 30 floors, and built in the period from 1890 to about 1940. You’ll find plenty of architectural anomalies in these buildings, including high ceilings, hardwood floors, arched doorways, beautiful moulding and more. A “Postwar Building” is a structure built after World War II (after 1946). Units in these buildings tend to be less expensive than prewar building units. Postwar buildings usually are made of brick.

“Walk-Up” another popular term in New York City, describes a building up to five stories high that contains no elevator. Units in these buildings tend to be among a city’s most affordable. Walk-ups are sometimes called “Low Rises.” A “High Rise” means a building containing more than 10 floors, and which has an elevator.

“EIK” means “Eat-In Kitchen.” If you don’t see this abbreviation in the description of the apartment, you can’t guarantee that you’ll have one. In that case, you’re likely to have a high countertop against which you may place barstools.

“WIC” means “Walk-In Closet.” The more WICs, the better. “D/W,” of course, means “Dishwasher,” and “W/D” means “Washer/Dryer,” neither of which you’ll want to live without if you can help it. You don’t mind hand-washing your dishes and using the laundromat down the street, you say? Will your answer be the same in six months?

“F/P” means “Fireplace.” Unfortunately, you can’t assume you’ll get one in your unit unless it’s directly stated. Even if you get a fireplace in your unit, you could encounter a landlord who forbids you to light fires if you live in a historic building.

“DM”: “Doorman Building.” That’s an expense you’ll want to consider assuming in any large city. Buildings with doormen tend to be larger and taller, with elevators. “Reno” means that the unit or the building in general was recently renovated. Be careful. The term “renovation” also is subjective. Don’t rent a “reno” sight-unseen. You might be expecting an apartment in like-new condition, but your landlord may have decided that the term “reno” was justifiable after he replaced your bedroom doorknob and left the avocado green carpeting and broken appliances alone.

“Furnished Apartment”: means that you’ll have the basics covered … but don’t call House Beautiful and tell them to shoot your apartment for next month’s cover. You’ll have your sofa, your kitchen table and chairs, your bed, a dresser and probably your basic household items. These units are perfect for people who need temporary housing (for a short-term business assignment, for example). More often these days, you’ll see corporate housing companies offering their services in major metropolitan markets; corporate housing is probably your best bet in these circumstances, because you can be fairly certain that all of your needs will be met.

A word of caution: All of the above-listed terms are subject to change, depending upon the landlord’s own definitions. While many landlords don’t deliberately set out to deceive prospective tenants, they may simply define these terms differently than you do. And it’s easy in your rush to find an apartment as quickly as possible to put on your rose-colored glasses and assume that “cozy” means homey and not tiny.

The best strategy is to allow yourself as much time as possible to find your new apartment. Don’t sign anything until you’ve walked through the unit and thoroughly inspected it. If you answer an advertisement and enter a unit only to feel that you’ve been misled or that something isn’t quite right, leave immediately. Trust your instincts. If they’re telling you that this isn’t home in the first five minutes or that the landlord isn’t sincere in his pledge to make repairs in the unit (a good tip-off is a landlord’s reluctance to put that pledge in writing), you’re not going to change your mind later and decide that you really have found the apartment of your dreams.

The apartment market is more active than ever. Take advantage of these hot markets, and comparison shop. You won’t regret your decision if you proceed with caution.

Want to Get Out of the Dorm?

Internet helps college students find A+ apartments

Apartments in college towns across the United States are in high demand as students prepare for the new school year. Here are a few tips to help parents and their college-age kids quickly and easily find someplace they can call home while they are away at school.
# Don’t wait until the weekend before school starts. The Internet is a great way to start planning now, and can be used 24/7 from the comfort of your own home. In fact, nearly 7 million people look for apartments online each month. 1
# Make a wish list. Do you want to live upstairs or down? Are you looking for a fireplace? Air-conditioning? What about a dishwasher and washer/dryer? You may not get everything you’re looking for but setting priorities will help you narrow down your search. Move.com can help you find your dream apartment with a long list of search criteria, like swimming pool or spa/hot tub, built right into the search.
# Online, you can quickly look for apartments by city/state or zip code or proximity to an address. At Move.com, you can even search for apartments that are close to a particular college or university. You may also want to consider proximity to things you will use frequently, like freeways, public transportation, grocery stores and shopping malls.
# Save time by looking at online apartment listings with multiple interior and exterior photos, virtual tours and floor plans. If you like what you see, email leasing agents with any questions, automatically confirm availability, and download rental applications…fill out the paperwork before you even get there!
# Dress as though you are going to a job interview. Does your appearance convey that you are responsible enough to pay rent on time and will treat the apartment (and your neighbors) with care and respect?
# Walk through rental units during the day so you can see everything in the natural light. Where are the electrical outlets located? Is there enough closet space and storage? Also, don’t forget to check the water pressure?
# Be sure to ask about rent, length of lease (usually month-to-month, six months or a year), security deposit, and utilities (e.g. trash, water, electricity) that are included. You should also ask about late charges and penalties for breaking your lease.
# Don’t try to sneak your pet cat or dog into your new apartment! Avoid fines and possible eviction by moving into a pet-friendly apartment in the first place. On Move.com, visitors can search for apartments that allow cats and dogs.
# You will have to act fast once you find the apartment you want, so be prepared! Good rentals don’t stay on the market for long, and people often miss opportunities due to indecision.
# Attach a list of any damages to the lease, along with the landlord’s signature, so you are not held responsible for them later. You should also include any improvements that your new landlord has agreed to… Verbal agreements are not enough.
# Most leasing agents won’t collect first and last month’s rent until they’ve checked your credit. Know what you’re working with. Many Web sites will give you a copy of your credit report and credit score for free.
# Read your lease carefully and make sure you understand all of the terms, including your financial obligations and your landlord’s responsibilities, before signing on the dotted line. You are ultimately responsible for everything you sign, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and request modifications to the lease.
Visit Move.com for more tips and information on finding an apartment. Develop a personalized moving checklist and a budget, get information on movers and moving supplies, compare neighborhoods and apartments, and learn more about tenants’ rights and living with roommates.

1comScore Media Metrix, June 2005, based on traffic to five national apartment Web sites.

The Apartment Search: When to Recruit a Real Estate Broker

Corporate relocations are hardly glamorous. Often, employees are told of their impending transfer during the 11th hour. While companies often help pay for transfers and some even help employees find their next apartments, just as many don’t — and that leaves transferring employees in a sea of worry, particularly when they’re headed to cities with which they’re completely unfamiliar. Time is of the essence, so you’ve got two options in this scenario: Take the first opportunity that comes along (meaning mediocre, and probably for a rent higher than what you wanted to pay); or call a real estate broker. Many renters have never considered going this route, although many brokers don’t even charge you for the privilege of using their knowledge and their services. And by the way, if any broker requires that you pay him up front, check his reputation. If he’s well-respected in the business, then it’s probably worth the financial risk. If nobody’s heard of him, go elsewhere, and find someone who receives his commission from the landlords with whom he conducts business.

Leah and Elina Furman, Chicago-based authors of “The Everything After College Book,” advise renters to be prepared before using the services of any real estate broker. Some suggested tips:

Write down what you consider to be your “must haves” before you meet with any broker. Include the desired location (make it specific if you can), the amount of rent you wish to pay within a range, square footage, desired parking layout, security system, washer or dryer, pets or no pets, and any other amenity about which you feel adamant. Let the broker do the homework of finding those properties that match your criteria. Once the broker gets back to you with a list, ask that he fax you all of those listings, along with photos when available. Then narrow down your list, so that you’ll save time both for yourself and for your broker.

The Furmans strongly recommend using the services of more than one broker. See how many listings each broker provides you, and consider to what extent they respect your desired criteria. For example, some brokers may try to talk you into paying higher rent for a not-so-wonderful apartment. While most brokers are extremely helpful and consider their clients’ preferences and budgetary constraints to be sacred, you’d be well-advised to watch out for the common tactics of the lemons out there. The authors list a few:

* Telling you that other parties are interested in the apartment you’re taking your time to consider. (If this were true, would the broker have shown you the apartment in the first place?)

* Becoming annoyed if you turn down an apartment, or trying to give you a guilt trip for wasting their time. Remember that you’re simply following the broker’s referrals; if he’d found better options for you, than your time wouldn’t be wasted.

* The sayings “You get what you pay for,” or “But it’s worth it,” don’t really matter if you still can’t afford it.

* Here’s an interesting tactic: Your broker leads you first to a pricey apartment far out of your price range. While you dream about such a lifestyle, you could never afford or even consider such a residence. The broker then brings you to a much cheaper apartment. Why such disparity between the two choices? The second apartment leaves you so relieved after the sticker shock of the first choice that the words “I’ll take it” spill out of your mouth almost by reflex. You sign a lease, and they’ve got your business after only two showings. Easy, huh?

Arm yourself with information; it’s your best defense. And so is a referral — from a friend or co-worker. Do a little comparison shopping, then sit back and let those brokers do the legwork — so you can stick to the mindwork involved in relocating to a new city for a new position.

Choosing Between Apartments?

Consider which of your choices has better maintenance and security

By Kate Kemp

When trying to decide which apartment will be best for you, it’s important to consider the amount of support each landlord is willing to provide for his or her tenants. In order to determine this, you should find out the way potential apartments handle maintenance as well as security issues.

It’s important to find out the way your landlord handles repairs before they become a problem. You might be looking at an apartment with a great Jacuzzi-style tub… but if your landlord’s never there to fix a bad draining problem, you might not ever get to enjoy it! You need to find a complex with a good maintenance system.

So, how are you supposed to learn how a certain apartment handles maintenance problems? Ask the landlord or manager handling your apartment inquiries. Find out how repair requests are handled. You can ask questions such as: “Is there a resident superintendent that handles all maintenance problems?”, “Are maintenance hours restricted?” or “How long does it typically take for repair requests to be answered?” The answers should give you a little insight into the way that things are handled.

If you don’t get much of an answer out of the complex representative, you might consider asking a resident. If the person you approach is irritated by the way the complex handles repair requests, he or she will be more than happy to vent.

It is incredibly important to find out how your complex handles security issues. Find out from an apartment representative whether or not they have any type of security guards on site. Ask if they re-key apartments once the old tenants move out. Maybe you’d feel more comfortable in an apartment close to the police department. A good friend of mine lives about a block away from the Arlington police department, and I feel so much safer when I leave there at night. On weekends, there’s usually a cop car that cruises around to make sure everything’s fine. It helps you sleep a little easier. Unfortunately, not every complex can all cram around the police department. This is why you must research the area to determine how safe it is.

Remember: just because an apartment looks “clean” doesn’t mean that it is. Find out about the neighborhood crime statistics. APB News provides a general idea of neighborhood safety in the U.S. on their web site. You just enter in the zip code you’re wondering about and hit return and you’ll find out the level of safety on a scale of one to ten.

Once you’ve discussed both maintenance and security issues with the representatives of potential apartments, you should be able to make a confident decision on which place you will decide to call home.

The Rules of Renting a Condo – Part I

By Marcie Geffner

To an unsuspecting tenant, a condominium looks a lot like an apartment unit. Yet tenants moving into a condominium face an environment that’s quite unlike a typical apartment building.

Unlike an apartment building, a condominium complex has multiple owners, who own separate areas individually and common areas collectively. Decisions about common areas are made by the homeowners’ association (HOA) or its board of directors. Larger complexes typically have a management company, which is hired by the HOA to handle bookkeeping, maintenance contracting and other day-to-day matters.

Although tenants are residents of the condominium complex, they are not entitled to vote at HOA or board of directors meetings because they don’t have an ownership interest. The only exception occurs when an owner gives the tenant a power of attorney, which appoints the tenant as the owner’s representative to the HOA. That type of arrangement is rare because it gives the tenant some of the owner’s legal rights. If the tenant is a relative of the owner, misunderstanding may arise about voting rights. However, the confusion is only superficial because a family relationship is largely irrelevant. The owner retains his or her rights, and the relative is treated like any other tenant.

Tenants may or may not be welcome at HOA and board meetings. “Some tenants attend the board of directors meetings every month to observe. Usually, they are tenants who are looking to buy [a condo in the complex] in the future, so they want to become familiar with how the association operates,” says Stephen Bupp, owner of Condominium Ventures Inc., a condominium management company in Greenbelt, Maryland, and president-elect of the Community Associations Institute, a nonprofit organization in Alexandria, Virginia.

Some HOAs also allow tenants to speak at these meetings on their own behalf, even though they aren’t allowed to vote. “If the tenants do say something, it’s usually taken (into consideration). The owners don’t ignore their comments,” says Bupp.

Another major difference between an apartment building and a condominium complex is that condominium associations have covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs), which govern everything from the elections of HOA officers to the allocation of parking spaces. Unlike the rules of an apartment building, CC&Rs are legally enforceable documents that apply to tenants as well as resident owners. “Tenants must abide by the CC&Rs and all the other rules and regulations, but the owner of the condominium is the ultimate responsible party. If the owners don’t protect themselves, the tenant can cause problems and the owner ends up receiving notices from the association about rule violations,” says Bupp. HOAs can—and do—impose fines if the CC&Rs or other rules are disobeyed. And those fines can be levied even if a tenant was responsible for the violation.

Condominium landlords should give their tenants a copy of the CC&Rs. Tenants should take the time to read the CC&Rs and ask for clarification of any rules they don’t understand. Condo rental agreements should have a paragraph stipulating that the tenant has been given the CC&Rs, agrees to abide by them and will be financially responsible for any fines levied against the owner as a result of the tenant’s actions. “The owner of the condominium should put in [the rental agreement] that the tenant must follow the CC&Rs and rules and regulations and that any violation will allow the owner to take action against the tenant,” says Bupp.

The Rules of Renting a Condo – Part II

By Marcie Geffner

Tenants who rent a unit in a condominium complex, rather than a traditional apartment building often are in for a few surprises about community life. Common areas of misunderstanding include rules and regulations, repair responsibilities and the consequences of the owner’s nonpayment of homeowner association (HOA) dues.

An association’s rules and regulations can be found in its covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs), which govern everything from the elections of HOA officers to the allocation of parking spaces. Unfortunately, inexperienced owners often neglect to provide a copy of the CC&Rs to their tenants. “The tenant moves in, but the owner doesn’t put forward all the disclosures about things like the number of parking spaces they are allowed, the number of people they are allowed to have in a one, two or three-bedroom condominium and whether there are specific rules and regulations for noise, pets and the recreational facilities,” says Stephen Bupp, owner of Condominium Ventures, Inc., a condominium management company in Greenbelt, Maryland, and president-elect of the Community Associations Institute (CAI), a nonprofit organization in Alexandria, Virginia.

Bupp says parking is one of the biggest issues. “Many communities have limited parking facilities and rules limiting the number of vehicles (that can be parked). When the tenant rents the home, they are unaware that the rule exists. They get themselves and the owner in trouble,” he says. “The parking, the number of people (living) in the home and pets usually are the biggest trouble.”

Tenants often are also in the dark about what to do if the condominium they are renting needs repairs. The difficulty is determining whether the individual owner of the HOA is responsible for a particular repair. Generally, if the problem concerns the individual unit, the tenant must contact the owner/landlord to have the problem resolved. Unlike an apartment manager, the association’s management company rarely handles repairs within the individual units. If the needed repair is in a common area (e.g., an entry way, hallway or recreation facility), the tenant often can contact the HOA or the HOA’s management company directly. If a problem in an individual unit also affects a common area (e.g., a water leak is dripping into subterranean parking), the tenant probably should contact both the owner and the HOA. In some instances, the HOA or its management company will make the repairs, then bill the owner for his or her individual share of the costs.

Perhaps the greatest area of concern for tenants arises when the owner fails to pay the association dues or assessments. Few tenants have any notion of this possibility or the consequences. “The association can be taking action against the owner and the tenant might not have any idea what’s happening. One day, a foreclosure notice is advertised or lawsuit papers are taped to the front door,” says Bupp. “Some associations have the power to file a lawsuit, obtain a judgment and collect the rent to offset the nonpayment of the condominium fees. The tenant usually is very confused (about who to pay) and should seek legal help.”

Corporate Housing: It’s Not Just for Business Travelers

By Courtney Ronan

Maid service. Cable TV. Concierge services. A bathroom stocked with all of the essentials — shampoo, mouthwash, toothpaste, strategically placed towels. A gift basket. An ironing board. But you’re not in a hotel. Instead, you’re staying in corporate housing, a fast-growing market across the United States that’s proving to be more cost-effective for companies and more comfortable for employees. And the race is on for the most comprehensive and luxurious services possible.

If you’re on assignment for any length of time, a hotel room doesn’t compare to the flexibility and comfort that corporate housing provides. Corporate Housing is sprouting up all over the United States, as apartment developers add this profitable and much-in-demand option to their list of services. But how long is long enough when you’re considering corporate housing?

Corporate housing, sometimes called temporary housing, is designed primarily for employees or individuals that require “long-term” (for a period of 20 days or more) housing due to relocation, disaster, or a lengthy yet temporary assignment. Although apartments, townhouses, and condominiums are the most common varieties of corporate housing, single-family homes are on the rise, as well. And corporate housing providers, increasingly aware that pleasing their clients often means accommodating their clients’ families, are providing such amenities as cribs and high chairs, keeping in mind that business people occasionally bring their families with them on assignments, or share occasional visits. Some facilities allow pets, and one corporate housing provider even provides Disney bedspreads upon request.

In many cases, companies find that placing their employees in corporate housing is more cost-effective. And it’s a well-received alternative by employees, who are able to set up homes away from home, with their own kitchens, laundry facilities, and extra space. While they provide more flexibility for residents, corporate facilities often have many of the same service-oriented features as hotels. In some accommodations, in fact, a stay in temporary housing may resemble a mini-vacation of sorts. Corporate housing staples include TV with basic cable (additional channels are optional); fully furnished rooms, including kitchens with microwaves, dishes, basic cookware, and silverware; local phone service; and linens. Many include washers and dryers, and those that don’t usually have on-site facilities. Maid service is often available, cable TV is often provided, and the list of creature comforts continues to grow in the wake of competition among various corporate housing companies. Ironing boards, answering machines, microwave ovens, and vacuums are a few examples.

Corporate housing is following the trend started by the business world it serves. It’s going high-tech. Oakwood Corporate Housing, one of the country’s major corporate housing providers, includes such options as printers, fax modems, multiple-line telephones, and — for big and little children — Nintendo game players.

Oakwood, which has a significant presence in California’s Silicon Valley — a region attracting the brightest recruits from throughout the world — offers a particularly unique package, called the “Asian Kitchen,” to accommodate a growing proportion of its clientele. The package includes a rice steamer, teapot and teacups, soup and noodles bowls, rice bowls, and four pairs of chopsticks. And for those clients w

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The Car-post

Posted in Uncategorized by freemovie on the September 30, 2006

Links for auto enthusiasts, includes clubs, tuning, parts, accessories and classifieds. Post Free Classifieds about Cars,Trucks, SUVs, and Search for Old … Motorcycles, Auto Parts, Opportunities.Great place for reviews..Welcome to Links for auto enthusiasts, includes clubs, tuning, parts, accessories and classifieds.

ENTER SITE

Post Free Classifieds about Cars,Trucks, SUVs, and Search for Old … Motorcycles, Auto Parts, Business Opportunities.Great place for reviews..Welcome to THE CAR-POST.

#1 online used cars and freeclassifieds community.

Visit www.car-post.net

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Volkswagen Golfs as low as $550

Posted in Uncategorized by freemovie on the September 12, 2006

Please visit link

http://www.car-post.net/pages/gol.htm

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We have more used cars and trucks as low as $550.00

Something to read

IMPOUNDS STARTING AT $550..HUNDREDS OF IMPOUNDED CARS NATIONWIDE.Every year, you miss out on hundreds or thousands of great bargains all around you – and you don’t even know it! The next person to pass you on the freeway might be driving an almost-new car that only cost them $550

Don’t overpay and don’t get a lemon!

Buy where dealers buy. Find your dream car from police impounds, repo’s, public auctions, Internet specials and other hidden bargains.

The Better Way to buy a low cost police impound, repo cars.

* Hundreds of thousands of hard-to-find vehicle listings.
* Accurate information on vehicles and auctions.
* Help when you need it – Our Member Support Service team is here to help.
* Instant access to competitive product and pricing information
* Register now

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http://www.car-post.net/pages/repo.htm

Don’t let them go to waste …Impounds just sitting there for too long.
90% off market value..Repossessed,seized cars,impounds. Hundreds of impounds..Detailed illustrations,detailed descriptions. See it for yourself..Its the only way you are ever going to know .Offer ends soon…

ACURA BUICK CADILLAC CHEVROLET CHRYSLER DODGE FORD GMC HONDA HUMMER HYUNDAI JAGUAR JEEP KIA LEXUS LINCOLN MAZDA MERCURY MITSUBISHI NISSAN OLDSMOBILE PONTIAC SAAB SATURN SCION SUBARU SUZUKI TOYOTA VOLKSWAGEN

http://www.car-post.net/pages/repo.htm

Buy cars, boats, SUVs and planes from the government, through online or offline auctions (live auctions, sealed bid, negotiated price, fixed price and drop-by sales).

WHY SO CHEAP?
Every year, you miss out on hundreds or thousands of great bargains all around you – and you don’t even know it! The next person to pass you on the freeway might be driving an almost-new car that only cost them $550!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What types of auctions will I get access to?
The membership gives you access to both Government and Non-Goverment Auctions. We cover all types of Government Auctions : seized, surplus, and unclaimed property auctions.

Are there really good deals?
There are amazing deals! The government confiscates and seizes vehicles and property everyday. These items become available for purchase at government auctions. Since the government pays nothing for it, they can sell them for any price.

Are there really cars to buy from $500? Are they salvaged?
Yes, there are cars to purchase from $500 and they are not salvaged vehicles. You can inspect them before you purchase them. Most of the cars at government auctions are almost new with low miles. For instance, when a sports car is seized from a drug dealer, you can purchase it at government auctions.

Are there auctions in my area?
Auctions are held every day, in every state across the nation.Sometimes a few people attend these, auctions sometime none..

Can I bid online?
Some of the auctions allow you to bid online. Most are live auctions and you have to attend which gives you the opportunity to inspect the auctioned items.

Is the auction information up to date?
The information is always kept up to date, categorized, and online every day, every week by our staff. There is never an end to your membership.

Do you provide help with financing?
We provide our members with a list of financing companies that will help you.

Is it safe to use my credit card online?
Absolutely! All orders are processed from start to finish via secure servers. Your information is 100% safe and secure!

Seized vehicle auctions ,how they work

LOCAL AUCTIONS:

Registration
To participate in a local auction, you will need to pre-register. This is easily done with our website since all of the information you need is in our database. Management will explain local auction rules and procedures and will introduce you to the auction staff, and provide you with instructions to bid.

Vehicle Check-In
Each vehicle registered to be sold at an auction is assigned an auction number and a location within the auction yard.

Honest Representation
When you find a car that you’re interested in, the rules and regulations governing auctions require that you are given an honest representation of the condition of the vehicle. You must be given accurate mileage and the title status of each vehicle. Rules and regulations demand that auctions honestly represent the condition, mileage and title status of each vehicle.

Bidding
Make sure that you inspect the vehicle prior to placing a bid. Also, make sure you set your payment limit before the bidding starts, or you might get caught up in the excitement of a bidding war. Don’t make the mistake of spending more money than you intended just so you would “win.” It’s only a good deal if you are actually saving money!

Inspect Your Purchase
After you win the auction, check out the vehicle thoroughly and drive it around the auction area. Make sure that the vehicle matches the specifications and condition you were told before the auction.

Paying For Your Purchase
If you are the high bidder, go to the transaction clerk and settle the transaction in a prompt and efficient manner. You can usually use cash, credit and/or check to pay for your vehicle. Financing is almost always available as well. The auction company will guarantee you a clean title to the vehicle you purchase.

Check-Out and Deliveries
Your invoice copy will enable you to drive or ship your purchase to your location. Auction managers can help you make shipping arrangements if necessary.

ONLINE AUCTIONS:

General

When you are the successful bidder of an online auction, you can either pick up your vehicle in person or arrange to have the vehicle shipped to you for a minimal charge. You will be able to wait to finalize the transaction until the vehicle arrives at your location for inspection.

You see how easy it is to get the best deal of your life on a great car—what are you waiting for? Become one of the hundreds of satisfied

More Questions?
Car Auctions – Government Auctions – What’s the Catch?

Government car auctions – In a nutshell
In short, various federal, state, and local government and law enforcement agencies regularly seize the possessions, including autos, of bad people and auction them off. Or they buy new service vehicles and auction off the old ones.These are collectively known as “government auctions.”

Banks and lending institutions also repossess property and automobiles from non-paying customers, and sell the goods through auctions.

These auctions are real. They take place almost every day in various parts of the country. In most cases, anyone can attend and participate. And it is possible to find good deals.

Government seized-property or surplus auctions are held all over the country at various locations and on various schedules. Typically an auction is held at a particular location on a regular basis — usually monthly or quarterly. Local and national newspapers often have listings and details. Usually these are more than just car auctions. All kinds of property are included.

Obviously, these government agencies and lending institutions are hoping to get as much money as possible for their goods. But bargains can be had. Otherwise, the auctions wouldn’t be as popular as they are and no one would participate.

What’s the catch?
As we’ve already mentioned, there are always some risks in buying at government or repo car auctions. However, you can significantly lower your risks by knowing what you’re doing, knowing about the car(s) you want, researching your pricing, and understanding how the process works.

If there’s a “catch” to government car auctions, it’s that there’s competition in the bidding. If the car you want is popular and in great condition, you can expect other people, including used-car dealers in many cases, to be just as interested in it as you are. Competition and heavy bidding will drive auction prices up — sometimes beyond the real value of the vehicle. Don’t get caught up in the frenzy and overpay. The best bargains are usually on the older less-than-perfect vehicles.

Winning and losing
You must be willing to bid and lose in any kind of auction. You must also be willing to bid and win, and be prepared to pay or finance within the required time set by the auction company. You can apply for a pre-approved used-car loan at your bank or credit union.

The best way of finding government car auctions is through an online auction service that does the legwork for you — for a fee. Fees charged for these services vary, and average about $40. Be sure to look for a money-back guarantee. An example of such a company providing this type of service is affordable automobile. There are also other companies that offer similar services.

These services provide directories of auctions all over the U.S., listing locations, descriptions of goods sold, schedules, and other details.

What to expect
Don’t expect a full list of specific vehicles, descriptions, and prices for each auction because this information changes daily— although some services provide more detail than others.

SOMETIMES A FEW PERSONS ATTEND THESE AUCTIONS ,SOMETIMES NONE ..

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How to buy a used car

Buying a used car

Used car or new? What car is right for me? Where to look for used cars, what to look for when buying a used car? There are many questions you may have when it comes to used car buying process. In this article I will answer to some of these questions and hopefully, make the used car buying process easier for you. There are many essential facts you should consider before buying your next car so you won’t regret your decision for a moment afterwards.

New or used car

By purchasing a used car you can save a lot of money. You could buy a loaded model with all the bells and whistles that you might not be able to afford had you bought a new car. A new car depreciates quickly in the first few years and after 3 years it is worth only about 60-70% of the original price. In fact, as soon as you leave the dealership, your new vehicle is suddenly worth $1000-$2000 less. When purchasing a new car you basically are paying for its fresh “new” aroma and warranty. However, buying a new car does not always mean the buyer will get perfection. A new car may come with problems associated with poor design or manufacturing defects that may have been already repaired during the warranty coverage period if it’s a used car. The same is true for all kinds of recalls and campaigns.
Buying a used car is still a bit of a gamble – there is no guarantee that the car is accident-free, has real mileage, and was properly maintained. There may be some hidden problems like a worn out automatic transmission, or engine problems that may not have been obvious when you test-drove the car. So, next you must ask yourself: Will I save money when buying a used car? How do I eliminate the risk of potential problems and is this actually possible to do? Read on to find out more information.

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Taking a risk out of used car buying process

First, be prepared. Do as much research as you can. Read reviews, consumer reports, ask colleagues and friends, compare options, gather gas consumption data on the make and model you’re interested in. Try to determine maintenance costs and upkeep, etc. Your goal should be to narrow your search to one or two models. Why? Because if you just enter a dealership without knowing what you want, chances are more likely than not that you won’t be happy with your purchase. Later you may find out that it’s simply not exactly what you wanted or what you can afford. Someone I know bought a used BMW wagon for quite a reasonable price. When he went for servicing, they discovered that the rear shock absorber was leaking. The price for the part alone was close to $1000! Finally, he sold his BMW and bought a used Camry that proved less expensive to maintain.
Another purpose to narrow your choice down to one or two different models is because when you test-drive a few different cars of the same model, it will be much easier for you to compare their condition and pick the best one. Recognizing a transmission problem during your test drive would be easier to do if you were to try a few vehicles of the same model instead of becoming confused by testing out different models.

Second, without a doubt, you should check a car’s history records. This will help you to eliminate half of the vehicles from your list with potential problems. Vehicles that have been flooded or restored after serious accidents, those with rolled back odometers, heavily abused vehicles (e.g., ex-rentals), those with outstanding liens, etc., can be eliminated after simply checking the history record of the vehicle. In fact, it is not even a good idea to look into a car until you check its history.
To learn further How To check a car’s history click on this link: How to check a car history by the VIN number.

Third, Don’t buy based on what you’ve been told because it may not always be the truth. Check out the car yourself very carefully. Ask a knowledgeable person who knows about cars to help you.
Check my Illustrated used car checklist to learn what to look for in a used car.
As a final step, bring the car to the mechanic you trust for an inspection. A word of caution, NEVER give a deposit before the car is inspected.

Fourth, Be extremely careful when doing the paperwork. For example, if you buy from a private owner, make sure there are no registered liens against the vehicle and that the person who signs the Bill of Sale is the actual owner of the car. Check with the Vehicle Registration Authorities to make sure the car has not been stolen.
If buying from a dealer, read the warranty policy and all the papers including the fine print very carefully. If it’s a “Certified” used car, you’d be wise to check exactly what items were checked off and approved because sometimes the car might have a history of an accident in the past, come with a poorly maintained engine and still be Certifiable. Do not rely on a salesperson’s verbal promises. Whatever is promised, get it in details in writing. Find out if the remaining original warranty will be transferred into your name. Different manufacturers have different warranty policies. For questions about vehicle registration, change of ownership, legal aspects, etc., contact your local Vehicle Registration authorities found in my link page.

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Car value and price

Don’t look for cheapest car or a “best deal”. Your goal is to look for a car in a good condition for a reasonable price. If you choosing between relatively cheap car that might have an accident in the past or was poorly maintained, needs some repair, etc. and more expensive one that is in excellent condition, I’d without a doubt choose the more expensive one. You will simply save on repairs and will have less troubles driving it. Don’t think they sell it cheap because they don’t know the price or they simply want to clear their inventory. If they sell it cheap, definitely there is something wrong with it. Remember, proper price for a certain vehicle is not the one indicated in blue or black book – they give you just an average price. The actual vehicle value big time depends on a car condition. Two cars may only look the same. One may have been maintained so poorly and the engine won’t last long after you buy it. Previous owner of another vehicle may have been religious about maintenance, was using only synthetic oil, has done the rustproof and so on. Without a doubt, I’d rather pay $2000 more for this second car just to have peace of mind driving it.
So, how to determine how much you will have to pay for a certain model?
Just to show you as an example, I search Ontario used cars for sale website Autotrader.ca for a three years old Honda Accord. The search result gives me more than 200 vehicles with the price ranging from 12,000 to 22,000 CAD. To be realistic, I know that for 12,000 I will not be able to buy something really good. 22,000 CAD seems to me too high. But there are quite a few cars for 17,000 – 18,000 price range – this looks more realistic to me. I also know that most new car dealers will be able to give me a discount from 1,000 to 3,000 CAD if I use proper negotiation strategy (read below). So, in our case with three years old Honda Accord, I’d probably will be able to get the one in a good condition for 15,000 – 16,000 CAD depending on mileage, options, etc. You can use the same strategy everywhere; whether is Miami Florida or Winnipeg Canada.
Check my page Used cars for sale on the Internet to find appropriate website for your area

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What type of used car will fit into my price range?

Let’s take a look at some prices:
$8000-$12,000 US / $12,000-$18,000 CAD – This is the average minimum amount of money one would need to spend on a ‘decent’ car 3 to 4 years old. This would be a typical car (not a luxury car) sold from a new car dealership. They usually have, what would I recommend as a perfect choice, traded in one-owner certified vehicles that were sold new and serviced at the same dealership. Sometimes you may find such a car from a private owner. Usually such a car may last for another few years relatively trouble-free if properly maintained.

For $4000-$5000 US or $6,000-7,000 CAD, you may be able to find a 6 to 9 year old used car with relatively high mileage which still might be in good shape. However, it may take a lot more time to find a good condition used car in this price range. Typically, independent used car dealers sell cars within this price range.

For at least $1000-$2000 US, or $1500-$3000 Canadian, you may be able to buy something that can serve as simple transportation to get from point A to point B. More than likely it may be a car with high mileage sold by a private owner. Dealers usually do not spend time selling a car in this price range. However, be prepared to spend much more money on maintaining the car and keeping it drivable, if buying a car in this price range compared with buying a car for in one of the other price ranges discussed. To learn more about what kind of vehicle you can afford for your hard earned money, try to search the Car Sales websites where you can enter the maximum amount of money you intend on spending. Click to: Used cars for sale on the Internet.
Don’t forget that aside from the sticker price you may need to pay extra for taxes, registration and there may be other charges to consider.

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Choosing the right car

I can tell you, you won’t get a good deal if you just browse from dealer to dealer without knowing what kind of car you are looking for. The first step – You need to decide what exactly you want. Do you need simple transportation to drive to work and back? If so, a small Sedan would suit this purpose. Do you want a car to be very economical? If so, you would want to select a car with a small engine. Don’t expect to find a V6 or V8 engine or 4WD truck if you are looking for something really affordable. Are icy roads common in your area? If this is the case, then you need a car with ABS. If you want to use your car to tow a trailer, then you will have to consider a car with more powerful engine. Once you’ve decided on what type of car is best suited for you or your family members, and you know what you want, check out the market, see what models are available, and see what fits into the price you can afford. Following this you will be able to narrow your search to just a few models. Then compare the reliability rating and read more reviews. Don’t forget to check insurance rates, get the quote before buying a car. Follow this link for more tips: How to choose the right car for you.

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Cost of insurance

The cost of insurance varies a lot depending on the make, year and model of the car, driver’s experience and many other factors. I definitely recommend to get insurance quotes before buying a car.
Follow these links for auto insurance quotes:
For US:
GEICO.com Auto insurance quotes.
21st Century Insurance Company Auto insurance quotes for Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Texas residents only
For Canada:
TD Insurance
RBC Insurance
PC Financial Insurance
State Farm
Kanetix

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What mileage is OK for a used car

In general, I would not recommend purchasing a car with a very high mileage, for example, 250,000 km (155,000 miles) and higher would be considered very high. However, “low mileage” does not necessarily mean it’s going to be a “good car”. Be aware of cars that may have undergone restoration after a serious accident or cars that haven’t been property maintained, or cars that may have had their odometer rolled back – nowadays they can easily ‘fix’ even electronic odometers. Again, checking a car history records will certainly help to avoid those lemons with “fixed” odometer.
When considering the ‘mileage’ count, it simply means that when choosing a car whether it has 60,000 or 80,000, it is not as important as the fact that it was well maintained and accident-free.

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How old is not “too old”?

I would not recommend buying an old car even at “bargain” price; no matter how many new parts you put into it, it will be still an old car that will need more and more repair later. Simply scratch out from your list anything older than ten – twelve years. Perfect choice will be three – five years old car because the price is greatly reduced and you will still have few trouble-free years.
One important detail: 2000 is a model year, not the production year. The car produced in august 1999 may carry 2000 model year as well as the one produced in July of 2000. This is related to all cars and model years. To know exactly, look for the first registration date in the car history report.

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Where to look for a car?

You may have already searched the Internet for a used car. The Internet is an effective tool you can use to find out what is on the market in terms of availability, production year and price. It will give you the most up-to-date information compared with automotive magazines. Follow this link to check List of Cars for sale websites.

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Who sells used cars?

New Car Dealers, Used Car Dealers and Private Owners will have used cars or “re-sale” cars. Personally, I would suggest that the best buy for you would be to purchase a car that has been very well maintained (preferably at a dealership) and has never gone through an accident or other major problems. Most likely you’ll be able to find such a car sold privately by the original owner or at a new car dealership where it was traded in. The price for a used vehicle is usually higher at a new car dealership. However, paying a higher price may provide you with all the service records for the car. Most likely, the previous owner may have taken the car specifically to the dealership because he/she felt it was maintained very well, instead of taking it somewhere else to be traded in. You’re more likely to find a well maintained car through a dealership because previous owners have taken care of their car very well because they value it, and the dealership is more than likely to be particularly about the condition the car is in to ensure it has a high quality.
Now let’s discuss other places to buy a used car. Independent used car dealers will offer used cars at a less expensive cost but more often than not, you’ll find a cheaper car but it will have been less maintained. A word of advice: try to avoid dealing with curbsiders

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How to buy a used car

Buying a used car

New or used car

Taking a risk out of used car buying process

Car value and price

What type of used car will fit into my price range?

Choosing the right car

Cost of insurance

What mileage is OK for a used car

How old is not “too old”?

Where to look for a car?

Who sells used cars?