'Real esates' is a common misspelling for real estate. Regardless of how you spell it, real estate refers to property used for commercial, residential, ranching or faming purposes. It also refers to property investors. In other words, real estate covers a lot of territory.

Professionals who sell real esates are known as realtors, real estate agents, private investors, or brokers. Investors buy and sell properties and engage in multiple financing techniques. Some investors provide hard money loans to rehabbers who purchase distressed properties, fix them up and sell for profit.

Other investors engage in wholesaling. They purchase cheap homes for sale and resell in "as-is" condition to buyers or other investors. This can be a lucrative real estate business for those who take time to build a solid network of investment partners.

First time home buyers and newbie investors can locate phenomenal deals from real estate wholesalers. Most require substantial repairs, so it is important to calculate the true cost of buying the home.

Wholesalers often buy bank portfolios consisting of dozens of foreclosure homes. Since they are buying in bulk, investors obtain the lowest possible price. In some cases, wholesale real estate can be purchased for 40- to 50-cents on the dollar. If the house requires repairs costing more than 25-percent of the purchase price it is probably best to look for another deal.

Anyone who has ever considered buying houses knows it is a complex process. Unless investors have a strong real estate background it is usually best to work with a realtor. Today, many realtors offer foreclosure, bank owned and short sale properties.

Realtors are paid a commission based on the sale price. When a homeowner lists their property with an agent, they must pay a listing fee. When the home is sold, the homeowner pays the buyer's real estate agent a commission.

Homeowners can list their property as For Sale by Owner real estate and avoid paying realtor commissions. Anyone listing FSBO property should have a thorough understanding of real esates contracts and retain the services of a real estate lawyer to ensure all parties are protected.

If you're looking for a good real estate deal, contact local realtors and inquire about short sale properties. When homeowners become delinquent on their mortgage note, some lenders will grant short sale approval in order to avoid foreclosure costs.

It is estimated foreclosure cost lenders around $60,000 and require a year or longer to complete. With a short sale, lenders agree to accept less than is owed on the mortgage note. The average length of short sales is four months. Engaging in short selling makes economic sense for the lender and provides financial relief to cash-strapped borrowers.

In order for a homeowner to obtain short sale approval, they must be able to locate a qualified buyer within a certain period of time. Some lenders will accept the short sale as payment in full, while others persue the homeowner for the difference between the sale price and balance due on the mortgage note.

Homeowners who need to sell their house fast should consider locating real estate investors who buy houses for cash. Cash real estate transactions can be expedited quickly and provide additional negotiation opportunities.