Posted Fri Aug 14 01:25PMDo You Have Questions? Talk Live with Me!!
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Posted Wed Nov 12 05:55AM
Learn valuable tips about buying pre-foreclosure and bank-owned homes in California.
Foreclosures are a great bargain in real estate right now. The only problem is, everyone knows it. So that means the competition is heating up for the best deals. However, if you do your homework and get prepared, you can put yourself in the best position possible to take advantage of some fabulous opportunities to save money when you buy a house in foreclosure.
Here are the steps that I recommend that you take if you want to buy a house in foreclosure:
1. Get pre-qualified for a home loan. This is a very important. From my experience with both pre-foreclosure properties and bank-owned properties, the banks won't even look at an offer that doesn't have a prequalification letter from a lender attached. Knowing what your payment will be before you purchase a house is a smart rule of thumb for everyone, and having a pre-qualification letter will give you greater negotiating power when you're ready to make an offer.
2. Find a lender who is experienced in working with foreclosure sales and understands the requirements and process.The lender you choose is also very important because many attractive loans, including VA and FHA loans, have very specific guidelines. Not knowing those guidelines can come back to bite you once you're in escrow and can even cause your accepted offer to fall out of escrow, sometimes after you've already spent money on property inspections.
3. Make sure you are familiar with the lender's requirements once you've determined the loan that is best for you. For example, most pre-foreclosure and bank-owned properties are being sold "as-is". That means the bank will not pay for any repair work or improvements. But a conflict may arise if you are considering certain loans, such as FHA loans, which allow you to purchase a property for a very low down payment. These FHA loans have health and safety requirements, and are not likely to fund a loan if there are broken windows or carpets in poor condition.
4. Select the area where you want to purchase first. Doing this research ahead of time will help you narrow down your search and help you feel more confident about your decision when you're ready to buy a house in foreclosure. If schools, accessibility to public transportation, nearby conveniences like parks, grocery stores or recreational facilities is important to you - find areas that meet that need.
5. Get a feel for the price of comparable properties in the area you've selected.There are several web sites which offer property value information, although, quite frankly, I haven't found them to be accurate. In my opinion, the best way to determine the approximate value of a home is to pay for an appraisal or get a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA) from a real estate agent. A real estate agent who is knowledgeable about the areas will know the neighborhoods and will have seen the inside of comparable homes within that neighborhood.
6. Gather a list of foreclosure properties that are available for sale.After meeting with a lender, choosing the loan that is best for you, and identifying neighborhoods that meet your needs, you're ready to look for the right property. There are many national sites that provide information about properties in various stages of foreclosure. Most of them charge for this information and, from my experience, offer information that isn't always current. You can get an up-to-date, list of foreclosures which include pre-foreclosure properties and bank-owned properties that are listed on the Bay Area Multiple Listing Service by registering for my site.Use the tools to create an up to date search customized just for you.
7. Don't exclude non-foreclosures when looking to purchase. If a family is not facing foreclosure, yet is still trying to sell a home during this down market, they may be very motivated to sell due to other reasons. If they have owned the home for a while, they probably have a decent amount of equity in it, and may be open to selling at a very competitive price.
8. Find a real estate agent who is experienced in working with foreclosure properties to represent you. As a buyer, there are no direct costs to you for having professional representation by a Realtor®. The seller pays the commission to the real estate agent. With the large number of regulations and disclosures, you'll want to make sure that you're properly informed and protected.
9. Understand the difference between pre-foreclosure and bank owned properties. The list of properties you receive by registering on my website will include both pre-foreclosure and foreclosed or bank-owned properties. It does not include foreclosed properties being sold at auction.In my experience, the bank-owned properties or REOs (the ones that have been through foreclosure and are now owned by the mortgage holder) are the best to consider. Why? Because you get a quicker response from that bank, there's more inventory, the banks are very motivated by this point, and the transaction is typically smoother and faster than an escrow for a pre-foreclosure property. However, if you find a pre-foreclosure (short sale) property that meets your needs, there are some important things you should consider.
o Remember the "Golden Rule."When an owner stops making his loan payment, he will eventually receive a notice of default from the mortgage holder. This situation becomes public record. During this phase, I strongly recommend that you treat the homeowner as you would like to be treated. Be sensitive to the fact that this family is experiencing a stressful situation and more than likely does not want to be approached by strangers. That is why many owners prefer to list their house with a real estate agent who will handle the questions and schedule appointments during the pre-foreclosure stage.
o Learn about Transfer Disclosure Statements. Pre-foreclosure properties that are listed with a real estate agent are required to provide Transfer Disclosure Statements. These three-page statements are signed by the owner and provide information about any known defects or problems with the home, and offer details on items such as the age of the roof. An owner of a pre-foreclosure is not required to sign these same documents if he/she sells the property without representation. Be aware of this if you are considering trying to deal directly with the homeowner.
o Be prepared for a slow process. In making an offer during the pre-foreclosure stage, be aware that the owner probably owes more than the current appraised value of the home. During this phase, the bank is actively involved in reviewing any offers. The bank wants to "cut its losses" and so does the homeowner. If your offer is less than what the owner owes, it is up to the owner to make up the difference. But the owner is hoping that the bank will "forgive" some of the debt that is still owed after the property is sold. All of this creates a lot of paperwork, consideration and negotiation. According to Judy Osborne of First American Title in Santa Maria, pre-foreclosure, or short sales, average between 2-4 months to close of escrow. A large number do fall out of escrow, primarily due to the fact that the buyer loses patience. Be patient, be prepared to respond fast. Judy recommends using a Realtor® to help with the negotiation process, as that seems to be a stumbling block as well.
10. Once you are ready to make an offer, find out if the bank will accept the type of loan you have selected. I've heard horror stories from buyers who paid $350 for a property inspection during the escrow process only to have the deal fall out of escrow because the bank wouldn't accept the loan for which they qualified.
11. Be prepared to negotiate. Obviously, the bank is going to want to get the best price you can on the property, so be prepared for at least one counter-offer. Request the right to have a property inspection and the right to withdraw your offer due to findings from that inspection. Know that the bank will only give you a few days to make an inspection.
12. Hire a professional to do a home inspection once the property is in escrow.
Many banks will provide you with a pest certification. Beyond that, in our experience, the bank-owned properties are sold "as is". The home is vacant so there is no one to furnish you with a Transfer Disclosure Statement. A good real estate agent will help you find a reputable and thorough property inspector to help you understand what repairs you will need to make if you purchase the property.
13. Be prepared for the fact that the escrow process may be different than any you've experience before. I have never seen a market like this. The banks and mortgage companies are not in the business to sell real estate, yet they are inundated with foreclosure properties, creating new challenges for them. If you do your homework and stay patient, you are setting yourself up to take advantage of some very good real estate investment opportunities. Afterwards, you'll be able to point friends in the right direction when they ask you, "How do you buy a house in foreclosure?"
Jason David Maddox
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Posted Sun Jun 01 01:25PM
HOW TO SPOT A GOOD BUY By Jason David Maddox Century 21 Fine Homes & Estates Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, particularly when it comes to buying a home. Features that attract one home-buyer may repel another. However, the one feature of interest to every home-buyer is price. Getting the most home for your money is paramount. The real problem is figuring out whether that fixer-upper on one street is a better buy than the home in next-to-new condition two blocks away. That's why knowing what to look for before you buy can save you time, energy and money down the line. The first step is figuring out what kind of house you need. A good buy is only a good buy if it meets your current and future living requirements. Before shopping for a home, decide how much space you and your family require. How many bedrooms, bathrooms? Is a family room necessary? Do you need a layout that will accommodate a lot of entertaining? Do you prefer a spacious or compact work space in the kitchen? If you have small children, can the house easily be childproofed? Evaluate the front and back yards. Is there enough space to accommodate your children? Do you want a park-like or garden setting? Do you enjoy yard work and gardening, or do you want a low-maintenance yard? Take into consideration the cost of extensive landscaping and upkeep. Next, determine how much work is required to make the house you are considering livable. Make an honest assessment of your fix-it abilities. How much work are you willing to do or pay someone else to do? Do you have basic decorating, carpentry and plumbing skills? If you plan to learn as you go, make sure you have accurately determined what you are getting into. Ask an experienced friend, family member or your real estate agent for their opinion, and be sure to consider how much remodeling inconvenience the rest of the family can handle. Unless you are ready and able to tackle a major remodel, look for a house or condominium that needs only cosmetic improvements. These include painting, wallpapering and replacing items like flooring, window treatments, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, light fixtures, cabinet and interior door hardware and appliances. Remember that even these simple changes can be costly if you have to make many of them. Beware of improvements that seem easy enough at first glance buy may turn into major headaches and require a lot of money once you've moved in. Remodeled kitchens and bathrooms, changes to the floor plan, room additions and redesigned landscaping are examples of seemingly minor changes that can easily eat away the money you thought you saved by selecting a so-called "bargain priced" home. Of course, you may be perfectly willing to spend whatever money is needed to customize the house to match your tastes and needs. Make sure major systems in the house are in good working condition. The furnace, air-conditioning and plumbing should be up to date, since repairs can be costly. Your agent can arrange to have a professional inspector determine whether the electrical wiring and any room additions are to code. Local utilities often offer free or low-cost inspections to tell you if the house is energy-efficient. Look for a house with universally popular selling points. If you're impressed, the next buyer down the line is bound to be, too. For example, a roomy, modern east-to-clean kitchen is the best selling point a home can have. A house with only one bathroom is less desirable than a house with two or more. Many buyers expect at least three bedrooms, with a master bedroom that offers a feeling of privacy. Lots of storage space and closets, especially walk-in closets, will be a real selling point. Family rooms or "great rooms" also are desirable. On closer examination, a house that looks like a bargain may lack some of these key features. Don't forget the old adage: location, location, location. Unless you're looking for a fixer-upper, the house should be in a condition that is comparable to other homes in the neighborhood. Avoid buying the biggest or fanciest home on the block. Consider the amount of traffic or noise. Homes located in a quiet area away from a busy street will command a higher price. Make sure the schools in your district have a reputation for quality education and safety. Nearby supermarkets, gas stations, restaurants and theaters also will make a location more desirable. Good community facilities also add appeal; pools, athletic fields, community centers, libraries and hospitals all add to a neighborhood's value and desirability. Transportation needs also should be considered. Is local public transit available? How long are typical commutes to places of current and potential employment? Are there several alternate route? How close is a major airport? All of these can affect a home's pricing. Consider the cost of living in a home. It's important to consider not only purchase price but the monthly cost of living in a home. Estimate your utility and maintenance costs. For example, will the house need to be painted on a regular basis and will you need to spend money maintaining a swimming pool? Ask your agent about the property tax rate and whether increases are anticipated. Will you have to pay special assessments for a homeowners association? Consider the point in the life cycle of major household systems, such as the furnace, air conditioning, roof and kitchen appliances. You can find a bargain! Your first step should be to seek out a knowledgeable real estate agent with experience in the market areas where you wish to purchase a home. Your agent can help you locate those properties that truly are "bargains" and help find the home that most closely matches your desires and needs. if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please call me with their name and number, and I'll be happy to follow up and take great care of them.
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Posted Mon Feb 25 04:16AMTop 10 Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Agent
1. Education & Experience
You don't need to know everything about buying and selling real estate if you hire a real estate professional who does. Henry Ford once said that when you hire people who are smarter than you are, it proves you are smarter than they are. The trick is to find the right person. For the most part, they all cost about the same. Why not hire a person with more education and experience than you? We're all looking for more precious time in our lives, and hiring pros gives us that time.
2. Agents are Buffers
Agents take the spam out of your property showings and visits. If you're a buyer of new homes, your agent will whip out her sword and keep the builder's agents at bay, preventing them from biting or nipping at your heels. If you're a seller, your agent will filter all those phone calls that lead to nowhere from lookie loos and try to induce serious buyers to immediately write an offer.
3. Neighborhood Knowledge
Agents either possess intimate knowledge or they know where to find the industry buzz about your neighborhood. They can identify comparable sales and hand these facts to you, in addition to pointing you in the direction where you can find more data on schools, crime or demographics. For example, you may know that a home down the street was on the market for $350,000, but an agent will know it had upgrades and sold at $285,000 after 65 days on the market and after twice falling out of escrow.
4. Price Guidance
Contrary to what some people believe, agents do not select prices for sellers or buyers. However, an agent will help to guide clients to make the right choices for themselves. If a listing is at 7%, for example, an agent has a 7% vested interest in the sale, but the client has a 93% interest. Selling agents will ask buyers to weigh all the data supplied to them and to choose a price. Then based on market supply, demand and the conditions, the agent will devise a negotiation strategy.
5. Market Conditions Information
Real estate agents can disclose market conditions, which will govern your selling or buying process. Many factors determine how you will proceed. Data such as the average per square foot cost of similar homes, median and average sales prices, average days on market and ratios of list-to-sold prices, among other criteria, will have a huge bearing on what you ultimately decide to do.
6. Professional Networking
Real estate agents network with other professionals, many of whom provide services that you will need to buy or sell. Due to legal liability, many agents will hesitate to recommend a certain individual or company over another, but they do know which vendors have a reputation for efficiency, competency and competitive pricing. Agents can, however, give you a list of references with whom they have worked and provide background information to help you make a wise selection.
7. Negotiation Skills & Confidentiality
Top producing agents negotiate well because, unlike most buyers and sellers, they can remove themselves from the emotional aspects of the transaction and because they are skilled. It's part of their job description. Good agents are not messengers, delivering buyer's offers to sellers and vice versa. They are professionals who are trained to present their client's case in the best light and agree to hold client information confidential from competing interests.
8. Handling Volumes of Paperwork
One-page deposit receipts were prevalent in the early 1970s. Today's purchase agreements run 10 pages or more. That does not include the federal- and state-mandated disclosures nor disclosures dictated by local custom. Most real estate files average thicknesses from one to three inches of paper. One tiny mistake or omission could land you in court or cost you thousands. In some states, lawyers handle the disclosures, thank goodness!
9. Answer Questions After Closing
Even the smoothest transactions that close without complications can come back to haunt. For example, taxing authorities that collect property tax assessments, doc stamps or transfer tax can fall months behind and mix up invoices, but one call to your agent can straighten out the confusion. Many questions can pop up that were overlooked in the excitement of closing. Good agents stand by ready to assist. Worthy and honest agents don't leave you in the dust to fend for yourself.
10. Develop Relationships for Future Business
The basis for an agent's success and continued career in real estate is referrals. Few agents would survive if their livelihood was dependent on consistently drumming up new business. This emphasis gives agents strong incentives to make certain clients are happy and satisfied. It also means that an agent who stays in the business will be there for you when you need to hire an agent again. Many will periodically mail market updates to you to keep you informed and to stay in touch.
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Posted Fri Feb 08 10:25PM(1) Comments
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Thanks, I needed that!
Posted Mon Sep 29 03:59PM by Geo
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