Short Sales

Can You Still Make Money In This Market?

Every day there are more and more news reports telling us how bad the market is and how there are going to be more foreclosures this year. If you are a normal person working in the 9 to 5 world these reports may scare you. But if you are a real estate investor who is flipping houses in the current economy these reports excite you.

More millionaires have been made in bad economies than any other time in history. The reason is because the super wealthy know that the best way to financial freedom is real estate investing, they know the secrets to making money. Normal people become scared with all of the bad new and become more and more motivated to sell.

You may be wondering what the secret to flipping houses in the current economy is? There is not really one specific secret to making money in real estate investing but the main key is knowledge combined with action. If you know how to flip houses and then use that knowledge you cannot fail. Right now there are hundreds of Gurus, coaches and experts teaching beginning investors how to make money flipping houses. They are giving away all of their secrets and making people wealthy every day.

The best way to get started and learn the flipping secrets is to learn how to wholesale real estate. Wholesaling is a method that uses very little cash and can create quick profits. Wholesaling real estate involves finding cheap property, putting that property under contract and then assigning your rights to buy that house to another investor for a fee. Its sounds pretty simple right? That’s because it is simple, and there are investors making over one hundred thousand a month, yes a month doing this.

Right now with the current state of the economy there is an endless supply of motivated sellers out there and also an endless amount of investors looking for houses to fix up and flip or to rent out. Just look in the Classifieds and you will find tons of Great Fixer upper deals.

Finding these investors is very easy if you know where to look. Search Google flipping houses in your area to find hundreds of investor web sites. Also check your local real estate investors association for more information on investing in your area.

What most people do not know is that investing is not rocket science and you can learn how to make massive amounts of cash in less than 30 days. The key is finding a course or coach that you like. There is also thousands of free eBooks and mini courses on the internet right now. Go to any fix and flip blog or web site and you can find one.

Right now is the best time in history to invest in real estate. Get out there and make it happen, learn, and grow.

Article Source: Christopher Seder

Donna Sanford

Phone: 888 381 8654
Email: donna@yoursolution4re.com

Real Estate Investor | Short Sale Professional
Real Estate Transaction Negotiator | Real Estate Investing Services

Your Solution 4 Real Estate, Inc.
Bauer Hill & Associates, LLC
Area Short Sale Pros, LLC
Tri-County Capital Partners, LLC

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Area Short Sale Pros, LLC negotiates short sales on behalf of homeowners, Realtors and buyers/investors and we act as a neutral third party in the transaction. We have partnered with the best short sale negotiators who have over 50 years of combined industry experience and focus specifically on Short Sales. What makes us unique is our extensive contacts with lenders who know we are working for both buyer and seller as a third party negotiator and this gives us the “edge” over others. We service customers in all 50 states and work with all lenders and mortgage servicers. We are professionals with a proven track record for achieving positive outcomes for our clients. Call us now at 888-381-8654.

Categories: Blog, Business Connections, Commerical Real Estate, Investing in Real Estate, Real Estate Investing, Real Estate Negotiating, Short Sale Pro, Short Sales

Tags: Business Connections, Buying Forclosures, Investing, Market Analysis, Real Estate Investor, Real Estate Sales, Real Estate Transaction Negotiator, residential foreclosure, Residential Real Estate, short sales

20 APR 0

Does Inflation Affects Real Estate Prices?

For those studying the current decrease in real estate market prices these days, inflation is most commonly observed in relation to these very decreases. Inflation consistently affects the price of real estate across the United States. To first understand what inflation is, proves important in grasping why it can have so much affect on the cost of housing.

So, what exactly is inflation? Generally speaking, inflation is the increase in services and goods, that makes your United States dollar worth less. This can affect the purchase of groceries, travel, vehicles, and especially the housing market.

There are many theories on inflation that have been studied over many years. Authors and business persons write books on the topic every day, whiles others read the books and try to create their very own theories on the subject. At this point in time, there are two types of inflation changes that can drastically affect the status of the economy – therefore, real estate. The first, and most significant in relation to housing, is cost-push inflation.

Cost-push inflation is when price of goods and services go up to the consumer, as the costs to own and operate the companies that create these goods and services, begins to increase. In a sense, the companies ‘push’ their increase in operating costs onto the consumers of their goods and services.

In relation to the housing market, companies that may build homes, give or broker loans, sell construction materials, etc. must also then push their costs onto the consumer. This making the real estate market prices rise for those looking to buy. In which case, market researchers would deem this point in time a ‘sellers-market’ in real estate.

So, how does inflation relate to the decrease in housing costs? When inflation hits its peak, or as market researchers define it, when the cost of living becomes too high for the consumer to handle, the cost of housing decreases. We as the United State are currently in this market, which we know as, a ‘buyer’s market’. As the cost of goods have hit an irregular high, the cost of real estate across the globe has become outrageously affordable for all.

Real estate investors wait for moments in time, like now, to invest in rental properties, home upgrades, and other investments they can hold onto until the market turns. For the average family, the cost of buying a new house, or constructing a new house is also at an all-time low.

So, whether you have been waiting for the right time to invest, inflation has temporarily made this cost-effective pricing window available. Inflation will make a change again, soon enough, so why not take advantage of the low prices the real estate market currently has to offer? Invest in your dream home today.

Article Source: Ezine Articles Michael Liebrum

Categories: Blog, Business Connections, Commerical Real Estate, Investing in Real Estate, Real Estate Investing, Real Estate Negotiating, Real Estate Sales, Reviews, Short Sale Pro, Short Sales

Tags: Business Connections, Real Estate Investing, Real Estate Investor, Real Estate Networking, Real Estate Transaction Negotiator, Residential Real Estate, short sales

10 APR 0

Tips to Help You Get Your Home Sold

Once the crash of the real estate market occurred in 2008, the market around the country was hit hard. Prices fell to 50% from the height of the market, which left home prices spiraling out of control. So it’s no surprise that the home values suffered just like everyone else in the United States.

Even though home prices have fallen significantly, there is still good news around the corner. The values have been pretty steady since the beginning of 2011, and the market is becoming stronger every day. So it’s possible that things are moving in the right direction. Keep in mind; it’s still a buyer’s market out there, so sellers in the area need to work hard to show the amount of value that is still there. In order to get the best price we want to provide you with a few tips that will definitely help.

Tip 1: Studying the Local Housing Market – It’s very important to have a good knowledge base around the local housing market. When you have a better feel for what the real estate prices are averaging you will have a good idea about how much you can get out of your home.

Tip 2: Hiring a Home Inspector – Another beneficial tip is making sure you hire a home inspector. These individuals will help you find any type of problems that need repaired before the buyer actually hires one. This approach will allow you to command a higher price and even sell your home faster.

Tip 3: Cleaning the Home – We also recommend getting the house as clean as possible if you want to get the best home price. If everything looks cluttered and dirty you can expect that buyers will be turned off. Even if they are interested they probably won’t want to pay your listing price. The best thing to do is make your house gleam before it’s presented to the market. Everything from the windows to the bathroom should be sparkling. Sure it’s hard work, but it’s going to pay off in the end.

Tip 4: Paint the Walls – While this isn’t mandatory it can make a big difference. The cost to paint is pretty inexpensive when you consider the type of money you are going to get from the sale. In fact, sometimes this allows you to get a higher price when selling the home.

Tip 5: Curb Appeal – One of the best ways to get good home prices is by offering plenty of curb appeal. This means when buyers are driving by the home they look at everything from afar. If you need to add lighting, landscaping, or even repaint the front door it can be a big help.

If you utilize some of the tips we’ve given you here today you won’t have to settle for the sales price that other properties are receiving. It will actually help you get the top value for your house, even when the market is a little tough.

Article Source: Lance Mohr

Categories: Blog, Real Estate Negotiating, Real Estate Sales, Residential Real Estate, Short Sales

Tags: housing market, Market Analysis, Real Estate Sales, residential foreclosure, Residential Real Estate, Short Sale Pro, short sales

2 APR 0

What Makes Your House LEED-Certified?

Before we discuss the makings of LEED-certified home, let us first understand what LEED certification is and why it is important. This rating system stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, formed by the US Green Building Council. This system measures the construction practices followed during the building of a structure or home. This allows the buyers to purchase or build a home that is environmentally friendly.

Its importance:

With the deteriorating state of our environment, having a certifying body that will look into how homes and buildings are built is greatly needed. This will aid homeowners and contractors in monitoring their usage of natural resources. The waste produced and its implication to the environment.

On top of the monitoring, the LEED certification team works hard to promote a better alternative of building structures, an option that will not include hurting the environment. It is admirable how many professionals have worked hard to ensure that the quality is not compromised while following the principles of eco-friendly building. Such principles include the use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials, conservation of water, efficient use of energy and preserving the quality of air that will be circulating inside the property.

Better understanding of the LEED certification:

Note that there are four levels of LEED. Corresponding points are given to the properties. The number of points will determine the level of certification from the LEED. There is certified, silver, gold and platinum. Each level has a set of requirements. To be certified, the building project has to apply for it and submit the essential documents. If the certification body is satisfied with, the requirements submitted, then a certificate will be issued.

In order to be certified, the construction of the property should embody the eco-friendly practices. This includes the use of recycled materials, reducing or eliminating the waste generated because of the construction and using materials that do not emit harmful substances to the environment.

The LEED for homes is a great way to guide homeowners who want to purchase or renovate their existing homes and make it more environmentally friendly. To be certified is not easy. Aside from the guidelines to be followed, a third party will be assessing the property. They will validate any claims you have made. They will also ensure that you earn the certification by following eco-friendly standards in building or renovating homes.

Following the LEED guidelines is crucial even if you are not aiming to be certified. Following such guidelines will help you conserve energy, which means lowering your utility bills. This will also help you conserve water and provide you with a better quality of air at home.

It is time to pay attention to the real condition of our environment. Through this, we will be able to make the necessary changes and help improve its state. The LEED certification is one way of making our world a better place. Builders will be more careful with the materials and processes they use for the construction. This will also give a better option for homebuyers. Now, they will be properly guided when purchasing an eco-friendly property or renovating their exiting home

Article Source:Ezine Articles Roby Hicks

Categories: Blog, Business Connections, Investing in Real Estate, Real Estate Investing, Real Estate Negotiating, Real Estate Sales, Residential Real Estate, Reviews, Short Sale Pro, Short Sales

Tags: foreclosed homes, housing market, Market Analysis, Real Estate Coaching, Real Estate Investing, residential foreclosure, Residential Real Estate

26 MAR 0

Short Sale Over a Foreclosure Might Save Your Financial Future

Losing your home due to the inability to meet the monthly payment obligations is perhaps the worst financial situation you could ever find yourself facing. In fact, a foreclosure puts a huge blemish on your credit report, where improving it could take years. Moreover, a mortgage lender may file a legal case against you as part of the foreclosure action. All this would then hinder your ability to obtain any kind of credit, leaving you completely helpless.

Consider a Short Sale as a Better Credit Position

The pitfalls of a foreclosure are frightening and sometimes irreparable. Hence, any option that promises a way out of the situation is a better alternative. This process is one option for homeowners who are mired in financial woes. Simply put, a short sale involves selling your home at a price that is lower than the amount you owe the mortgage lender.

The best part about short sales is that they create a win-win-win situation for all parties involved in the transactions:

The seller is able to evade foreclosure and payoff their mortgage liability.
The lender is able to recover his dues without going through a lengthy legal procedure, and fees, of foreclosure and marketing the repossessed property.
The buyer is able to purchase the home at a reduced price.

Considering a Short Sale? Keep the Following Factors in Mind

The first safeguard measure you must take when settling your mortgage through this process is to get a written acknowledgment from the lender, stating that all your debts are absolved. Other considerations to bear in mind to avoid any potential negative consequences of the process are:

Protect your credit rating: Do not forget that a short sale is mentioned on your credit report. Therefore, get the lender to report it favorably. For instance, if your report merely states that the debt is satisfied, your score will not be impacted. On the other hand, if your lender reports ‘settled for less than the full balance,’ your score will drop automatically.
Get tax advice: A tax liability on a short sale arises when the lender claims that the debt forgiven should be treated as an income. A tax professional can help you find alternatives to limit this liability.

While a short sale is certainly a superior alternative to foreclosure on several grounds, a homeowner often struggles to convince the lender to agree to them right away. This is because the lender has to agree to forgo a part of the mortgage claim that they want to recover. Therefore, when faced with a financial crunch, a short sale must be pursued as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the greater the amount of arrears, and the less likely that the lender will be to agree to the process. With that said, I have seen people live in their homes for many months without paying their mortgage and still complete a success transaction. Of course this is a bit risky and I would never recommend this strategy to anyone.

If you, or someone you know is facing a foreclosure scenario you will want to have a seasoned professional assist you in examining your options. Having an expert work with you could protect you, your home, and your financial future.

Article Source: Jenifer Wehner @ Ezine Articles

Categories: Blog, Foreclosure, Real Estate Sales, Reviews, Short Sale Pro, Short Sales

Tags: Business Connections, Commercial Real Estate, Foreclosure, Real Estate Investing, Real Estate Sales, short sale, short sales

22 MAR 0

Using an Agency in Real Estate Transactions

Agency is simply the relationship between the principle (the seller or buyer) and the real estate professional. In agency, the professional has a fiduciary duty to look out for the best interests of his/her principle. The fiduciary duty is defined as the ‘duty of utmost care, integrity, honesty, and loyalty in dealings.’

There is a form that is used called the Agency Disclosure form (or AD for short.) This is the very first form that is used in every real estate transaction. It has 1 purpose: it discloses (makes openly known) the 3 types of agency that could happen in a real estate transaction.

1. Agent represents the seller only.

In this agency the agent for the seller represents only the seller. He has a fiduciary obligation to get the seller the best price possible for his home. He also has the fiduciary duty to make sure the seller understands all the forms he must sign. The agent serves to protect and promote the seller. In a fiduciary relationship the agent has an obligation to put the needs of the seller first above his/her own needs. He does not have a fiduciary duty to the buyer but does own the buyer the duty of fair and honest dealings.

2. Agent represents the buyer only.

This is the exact same as above except the agent represents the buyer only and has the fiduciary duty to get the home for the buyer at the best price while protecting and promoting his/her best interests. He only owes the seller the duty of fair and honest dealings.

3. Dual agency: agent represents both the seller and buyer

If a dual agency is formed it must be disclosed and agreed to by all parties of the transaction. A dual agency can never be done in secret. This dual status must be known because an agent will know confidential information about his principles. The disclosure forms states that an agent in a dual agency situation must never reveal confidential information to the other party without written permission.

The agency laws were put into practice to protect home owners and home buyers. It establishes that an agent must put the needs of the principle above his own. The law also makes the declaration of who represents who and in what capacity widely known. There are to be no secrets in a real estate transaction.

Dangers of Dual Agency

In most real estate transactions there is one agent representing a seller (aka sellers agent or listing agent) and another agent representing a buyer (aka buyers agent). However, at times, one agent might end up representing both the buyer and seller. This is called dual agency. It is perfectly legal but also can be filled with challenges. In many states, a dual agency status must be acknowledged and agreed to in writing by all parties.

To understand the potential challenge let’s use this as a scenario:
• The house is informally appraised and the fair market value seems to be $270,000
• The seller begins with a listing price of $275,000
• The real estate agent represents both the buyer and seller: a dual agency

It is not unusual in the beginning of the formation of a contract to purchase that the buyer will have his initial offer price and also a back up price in mind. He might tell his agent to offer $260,000 but would not go higher than $265,000.

If this agent represents both the buyer and the seller how does he approach the seller with that offer? He must tell him there is an offer of $260,000 but cannot reveal anything else without breaking his fiduciary duty to the buyer.

Now the seller does not want to sell the house at $260,000 and asks his agent what he thinks would be a good counter offer? Does the agent knowing the house is worth an estimated $270,000 suggest to him to counter at $270,000 and possibly lose the deal? This would be in the best interest of his seller. But he could also recommend the seller to counter at $265,000 knowing the deal would most likely close. This would be in the best interest of his buyer. He could even say, I cannot tell you what to counter it as which might not make his client too happy. The agents’ fiduciary duties to both of them are in conflict.

Other challenges could crop up when further in the process it comes to other concerns; for example, repairs. The buyer might want a carpet allowance. So the agent needs to represent that need. But he also has the duty to get the most money for the seller. This is just an example of another challenge in dual agency situations.

I do not write this to say that dual agency is bad, wrong, or illegal. It can be done and be done successfully. I write this so people understand that agency clarification is important; do not treat it lightly. If you are potentially in a dual agency situation you must consider all the benefits and challenges.

This is why agency clarification is the first form to be filled out in the real estate process. You want to know exactly who is representing who so you do not reveal information to ‘the other side’ accidently.

Let me finish with an interesting twist; 2 different people working for the same broker also creates dual agency. For example, it one agent is with Century 21 Award. They may have several offices in any given sales area with 100′s of agents. I work out of one office and let us say I have a listing. A person that I do not know and have never met works in another office. That agent could bring a buyer to my listing, the buyers like it, and decide to make an offer. This is a dual agency because we both work for the same broker even though we do not know each other and work out of different offices.

Categories: Blog, Business Connections, Commerical Real Estate, Real Estate Investing, Real Estate Negotiating, Real Estate Sales, Residential Real Estate, Reviews, Short Sale Pro, Short Sales

Tags: Business Connections, Commercial Real Estate, housing market, Real Estate Investing, Real Estate Transaction Negotiator, Residential Real Estate

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