Archive

Posts Tagged ‘Foreclosure’

Things to Know About Short Sales

March 6th, 2010 CheapFlatsLondon No comments

In today’s real estate world, foreclosures are common-place.  Everyone probably knows someone who has had to go through the ordeal of having a home foreclosed.  However unpleasant this aspect of real estate may be, there is something that can be done so that you do not lose out completely.

In essence, what happens is that the home is sold for an amount that’s less than the mortgage or property sale value and the remaining balance is exonerated or forgiven by the lender.  If this is accepted by the lender, and you really have to work with your lender so that this can happen, you will avoid foreclosure.  The term is commonly known as a short sale because the proceeds fall short of what is owed on the property.  To some lenders, it is better to sell a property at a modest loss than to continue trying to get the current debtor to pay the mortgage or to foreclose on the property and have it sit unsold for an undetermined period of time.

You must be aware of what’s involved in short sales.  Even though you avoid having your home foreclosed on by the lender, there are negative consequences for the bank, which loses out on money that it had hoped to recover, and for the property owner who must sell a home at less than favorable conditions and then deal with a poorer credit report.

A short sale comes about due to economic and/or financial hardship that has fallen upon the debtor.  The owner or borrower has a problem paying the mortgage, falls in arrears and the bank has to collect the money that is owed to it.  There are no favors being done by either party.  What is actually taking place is that the lender and the borrower have found the best solution to the greater losses that would be incurred by both parties if there were a foreclosure.  The financial institution loses less money than it would in a foreclosure, and the borrower takes a lesser hit on his/her credit history and lessens the debt load.

Among the steps you should take is to talk to your lender.  After all, nothing can be done unless you and your lender agree to the short sale of the property.  Even though there is consent, it may change at any moment and negotiations between the bank and the debtor may continue even whe4n the short sale is already on the real estate market.  This is where it differs from a foreclosure in which the borrower’s property is forcefully sold or repossessed after the borrower has failed to comply with the terms of the mortgage

Something that you must be well aware of is that the agreement will include a contingency where the lending institution must approve the sale.  This becomes even more complicated if there is more than one mortgage on the property.  Another thing to keep in mind is that a short sale will stay on your credit report for seven years, like all entries.  However, it is usually possible to get another mortgage 1 to 3 years after a short sale.

All in all, if you have to choose between foreclosure and a short sale, it might be a good thing to consider the latter, especially after you have consulted with professionals in the field.

How to Invest in Real Estate

December 15th, 2009 CheapFlatsLondon No comments

As the old saying goes, you have to spend money to make money, and that could not be truer when investing in real estate. You may have grand ideas about how to spruce up a local property and then sell it for a mint, but if you dont have that initial capital, than you cant even start. What most investors do is get a loan. A loan that is used for real estate investment purposes is a mortgage. As any homeowner knows, a mortgage can be an albatross around the neck of any property owner, but if you are looking to flip properties fast, they are not such a big deal. You can get a mortgage from most banks, credit unions and even from insurance companies. They can also be done privately through a wealthy investor who is going to be investing in you, but these tend to be rare.

The average mortgage can be broken down into two categories: loans for residential spaces and loans for commercial spaces. If you are looking to buy a property that is going to be used for commercial purposes, like a store or a research centre, than you would need a commercial loan. Most properties that fall into these categories tend to be multi-units, ranging from 4 or 5 to dozens. If you are looking to get a mortgage for a residential space and it needs to only be a one-unit space, than you would want a residential mortgage. Even if you are going to be making a commercial profit, say as a landlord, from a residential property, you would still need a residential mortgage. The way the loans work, you file for one and when you receive it, you are given all the money you requested at once and then you pay the mortgage back in bits and pieces. If you are going to be investing in property, you will need a lot of money, not only from the cost of the property but things like closing costs and points can really add up.

The bank or credit union that you are applying for the mortgage from will take three main factors into consideration when they look at your application. The first is your income. The second is your credit score and the third is savings. The mortgage can be broken down into five essential parts that any investor needs to look at closely before signing any legal papers. The principal of the loan, meaning how much the loan if for, the rate of interest, meaning the fee the bank is requesting to borrow the money, the terms of the agreement, meaning how and when the bank is going to want their money back, the payment schedule, and the final value, which includes any extra fees that are not otherwise stated. One important aspect of mortgages that needs to be understood is that the longer the bank gives you to pay back the loan, the higher the interest rate will be, meaning, the more money you have to pay the bank to borrow the money. Try to get the shortest period possible on a loan to save yourself the most money in the long run.

Three Reasons Why Now is the Best Time to Invest in Real Estate

December 14th, 2009 CheapFlatsLondon No comments

 

1. The “F” Word.

Foreclosures are at an all time high. Just about every one of us can think of a family member or friend in foreclosure, or at least a neighbor. While this is a sad result of the mortgage meltdown and the current job market there are still silver linings to every cloud. Banks are more willing to offer deals on REO (Real Estate Owned) properties that they are holding in their over inflated non-performing asset portfolio. They need to move these properties to stay properly capitalized and your chances of getting a good deal are getting better and better every day.

If you have not started to track foreclosures in your market you need to begin today. Keep an eye on homes that go into foreclosure. Then you can identify the homes with the most potential of being a good deal. If the home goes all the way through the foreclosure process make sure you follow up with the bank before the home makes it on to the open MLS market. This will help you develop relationships with the banks and find some real nuggets along the way.

2. The “I” Word.

OK so maybe it isn’t as easy to get a mortgage as it was a couple of years ago. We all know the market has tightened up. The fact is there are still a lot of people with jobs and good credit that can get a mortgage. Fannie Mae recently loosened their rules on the number of homes investors can finance from 4 up to 10. 10 homes is quite a few if you are just starting out.

Even more exciting is that interest rates are at an all time low. If you can get a good deal on a home in foreclosure and secure a 5.5% interest rate then it becomes extremely easy to cash flow on a rental property. Many experienced investors have been making it work for years at 10% interest rates. We should all be able to hit a home run at nearly half of that! Check your credit and find a good investor friendly mortgage broker and find out what you qualify for today.

3. The “T” Word.

Back to the number one reason to invest today, foreclosures. So many people are in foreclosure or have recent job losses it is making it extremely difficult to become or continue to be homeowners. While this may not be a permanent situation it does make the rental market one of the best we have seen in years. I have many clients who are prospering in the rental market. Even better are those tenants that would like to be homeowners today, were yesterday and will be tomorrow. These tenants have the potential to lease a home right now with the opportunity to buy it once their situation has improved and the mortgage market has opened up again. This is the wholly grail for real estate investors as we can cover cash flow today with the big pay off in the future when we sell the home.

I am not saying that it is easy to invest in real estate today nor do I think this is the kind of market where you are going to flip three houses a month and become a millionaire in six months. For those with vision and with the proper training you could be setting yourself and your family up for amazing wealth over time. So many people have kicked themselves for not getting into the market fifteen years ago. Don’t be that person fifteen years from now.

 

The Basics Of Investing In Real Estate

December 11th, 2009 CheapFlatsLondon No comments

Investments in real estate serve as a good depository for your extra funds since real properties usually appreciate in value over time offering you far better returns than many other sources. Owning a real property also gives you the absolute right to sell or rent the real estate and even acquire some more if you intend to, as mandated by law.
It is typical for realtors to come in when buying real estate for the first time. It’s always a good idea to consult a licensed realtor. Their expertise will surely aid in your choice of a property that suits your taste and budget. If you are a seller, realtors are likewise around to help in the process of finding the right buyer and getting the best possible price for your property. Also, if you are interested in the lease of a property, realtors can help you locate properties on lease.
Hiring a real estate agent is necessary in most instances. But don’t just hire any run by the mill agent. Select one that is a member of a local group that provides Multiple Listing Services (MLS). These agents are linked professionally so your choice of possible alternatives can be far-reaching.
If you are buying real estate as future investment, then check with “for sale by owners” (FSBO) ads because the price rates are normally liberal and properties on sale are usually in good condition. Also a nice spot to look at are banks, especially during auction sales for foreclosed properties. There are usually great bargains to be found because seized properties usually go for lower than their actual market value. You can find more information on this at http://www.Click-Rent.com
Real estate financing is also an option if you are cash strapped but interested to acquire the property anyway. Financing institutions offer deals easy on the pocket with the 20 to 30-year payment terms available.

Economy Got You Down? Investing in Real Estate Could Bring You Out of Recession

November 30th, 2009 CheapFlatsLondon No comments

Foreclosure…It’s a word that we’ve all become intimately acquainted with as of late. It’s an epidemic. Thousands of families have lost their home. Extreme measures are being taken by the government and financial institutions to put an end to the epidemic, but will it be enough? All signs point to the fact that the US is on the verge of recession. In fact, economists may look back at this time and say that we are already in a recession. As with all things, the economy will get worse before it gets better. But what should you do while you wait on the economy to turn around?How about real estate investing? I’m not joking. There has never been a better time than now to invest in real estate. Houses are cheap; mortgage rates are at their lowest in history. There are so many opportunities to make money in real estate. You can buy a home for your family or you could purchase a rental property. And you can do all of this for a bargain.Everyone has been affected by the real estate recession. Even if you haven’t lost your home, you have been affected by the chain reaction begun by the real estate recession. People are being laid off, and they are no longer spending money on entertainment, cars and furniture. The effect of the recession has been far reaching. It can be likened to a virus that has infected everyone in the US. Homes are an investment. And even in this time of uncertainty, there is the certainty that prices will stabilize and rise once again. If you are currently renting, you will not be able to cash in on this real estate wave. Investing when prices are down is a smart strategy. Remember the number one rule of investing: Buy low; sell high? Start looking. Track patterns of growth and determine where the most growth will occur once the recession has ended. Look for developing areas that have slowed. Purchase property in this area. This is the property that will recover the quickest once development begins once again. If you already own your home, why not consider buying a rental property? People need a place to live, and with all of the foreclosures, there are more renters than before. Take advantage of low prices and low interest rates. Your payment will be low, but you can still rent the property out for the amount that you would in an up economy. Keep in mind that you may need to put more money down on an investment mortgage than a mortgage for a home that you intend to live in. If you plan to rent to tenants, be sure to purchase a property in an area where people have jobs. You should also pick an area where people want to live. After all, a rental property will not make you any money if it sits empty.

Real Investment In Real Estate Market

November 16th, 2009 CheapFlatsLondon No comments

As any one of us knows, the real estate market is in a path of recession.
The national economy is in doldrums, same is the case of real estate. The residential real estate market has reached a rock bottom and many experts tell that there can be a collapse of the market and economy!
But, with all these uncertainties, real estate market is the one field where you can safely invest your hard earned money.
You can be worried! But the recession in the market will help you to buy low and hold it until the real estate market rebounds. Believe it, this is not the first time that the real estate market has undergone recession and each time it has rebounded with much prospects.
This is a great time to have low interest mortgage rates and also low asking prices for the properties. So do not miss great time of a buyer’s market.
There are many reasons, why one should invest in real estate market.
- Like stock exchange markets, bears and bulls play the real estate market as well. Presently it is bear’s market and tomorrow it will be bull’s market. You can buy in this market and can patiently wait for a bull’s market to sell it off for high price.
- Holding a property is always good. Property prices will always increase. Think about Beverly Hills and the people who own that. Suppose they would have sold out that early, what a huge loss they would have breasted?
- It is a tangible real asset. It is not like a paper or a document. It is materialistic. Either you can stay there or can rent it out, which will gain you good income.
- The bear real estate market has another reason to cheer. The mortgage interest rates are low and so as the property prices. Both ways you are getting benefited now in this buyer’s market. This is a rare occasion, cash it on.
Many are out there flipping the properties. Some will be claiming great success, but many are their in the failed track. This is like a gambling. Surely you can try it out, but best is to have safe investment.
While investing in real estate market, you have to invest in diverse properties. You can divide your investments and please be assured of investing half in safe and secure properties. You can take chances with other half, investing in blighted areas which have a chance to flourish.
Real Estate Property is the Most Wanted Commodity as all of us need a home to live in.
I will agree that we want to make good returns out of the real estate market investments. You can get the properties now at low and hold it for a while to sell it off for a fair price.

You Donâ??t Need Good Credit or Money to Invest in Real Estate

November 6th, 2009 CheapFlatsLondon No comments

Most children play the popular board game Monopoly and believe that to be successful at real estate, you need to have money. In some cases, this is true. But what if I told you that you donâ??t need a lot of money to successfully invest in real estate? You may think you need credit or collateral. No! You can wholesale property for as little as $10 in some instances. This is not a get rich quick scheme but a real career that can lead you to financial independence. Wholesaling is the best way to make money in real estate. You donâ??t have to worry about your credit score, having a realtorâ??s license or a lot of money in the bank.

The Keys to Wholesaling

Many people think that being a wholesaler is difficult. Not true, if you can develope some basic skills, you can make thousands of dollars per sale. Hereâ??s what makes a successful wholesaler.

1. The ability to find good properties. You wonâ??t find these by scanning the MLS listings in your area or looking through the classifieds (even though you may find a great deal in either on occasion). A simple way to find great properties is to drive around town. Look for properties that donâ??t seem to be in great shape. Better yet, find a property that is being sold by the owner. Networking is another way to find great properties. Let everyone know what you are doing. If you can, join professional organizations. You may find your best properties by word of mouth.2. Hone your people skills. Once you have found that perfect property, you need to convince the owner that he should sell the property to you. (your intentions to find another buyer before it is time to close) You need to have sharp people skills to convince someone who owns a valuable property to sell it to you at a discount. But wholesalers are doing this every day and making returns that are a 1,000 times more than their initial investment.3. Create a great network of buyers. You can find great properties and have great people skills to get the contract, but if you donâ??t have anyone to sell that property to, all of your efforts will fall flat. If you donâ??t know many people in your area, find a small publication in your area that offers free or low costs classified ads. Use free online classifieds such as www.craigslist.org or www.backpage.com. Buyers will begin calling you and you can talk about the properties you have under contract. But donâ??t just consider that first sale. You want to be able to call the buyer back when you find additional properties. Establish a relationship with the buyer. Have several buyers on your speed dial so that when you find that great deal, you can close it quickly. Donâ??t forget the basic principal mentioned above—networking. You never know when your neighbor or your friend in the civic club may decide to invest in real estate. You want them to come to you.

How Much Can I Make?

If you posses the skills listed above, you can triple your current income (or maybe even more) if you are in a basic nine to five job. Letâ??s look at an example:

· You are driving around town and you see a property for sale you think a buyer you know would like.  You find the owner and meet with him or her. He agrees to a sales contract if you put down $100 in earnest money.· The property once valued at $100,000 is in disrepair and is only valued at $65,000. The buyer agrees to purchase the property for $70,000. Once the deal goes through, you have made $5,000. Do you have a day to spare to make $5,000?

As I mentioned earlier, this is not a get rich quick scheme. You have to make contacts, learn how to spot good investment property and have excellent people skills. But once you get these skills down, you will be quitting your nine to five job in no time!

 

Expect Greatness & Nothing Less

2006: Most Active Real Estate Foreclosure Markets

October 9th, 2009 CheapFlatsLondon No comments

The foreclosure market is an attractive option for buyers wanting to invest in real estate. A foreclosed property is a mortgaged property that has been taken over by the lender due to non-payment of the mortgage. The lender then sells the property in order to recover the money, often at below market prices. Foreclosed homes, condos and other properties can for make excellent investments and is a popular choice for those entering the real estate market.
The October 2006 issue of Business 2.0 Magazine ranks the top 10 foreclosure markets in the United States. Greeley in Colorado tops the list followed by Detroit in Michigan, Miami in Florida, Indianapolis in Indiana, Ft. Lauderdale in Florida, Denver in Colorado, Dayton in Ohio, Dallas and Fort Worth in Texas, and Atlanta in Georgia.
Greeley, CO, has the largest number of foreclosure households in the country, with 0.59% of homes falling in the category, an increase by 14.7% since January 2006. The report holds aggressive residential development, risky underwriting practices and stagnant wages as the main causes.
Detroit, MI, stands next with 0.51% of the households in foreclosure. The badly performing auto industry and the resulting impact to autoworkers’ incomes has contributed to number of homes in foreclosure in this city.
Third on the list is Miami, FL, where 0.37% of the households are in foreclosure, a staggering 91% increase since January 2006. The report states a weakening economy, higher property insurance premiums, and rising energy and interest rates, as the reasons for this rapid increase.
The fourth among the top ten foreclosure markets is Indianapolis, IN. Although the foreclosure rates are slightly lower from last year, still the portion of households in foreclosure stands at 0.35%. Setbacks and layoffs in the city’s auto industry together with falling home prices have contributed to foreclosure rates in this city.
Fort Lauderdale, FL, stands fifth with 0.34% of households entering foreclosure, which is up by a whopping 118.5% since January 2006.
Denver (with 0.33% of households in foreclosure), Dayton (with 0.33% of households in foreclosure), Dallas (with 0.31% of households in foreclosures), Fort Worth (with 0.31% of households in foreclosure) and Atlanta (with 0.31% of households in foreclosures) round out the top 10 foreclosure markets.
If you are looking to invest in the foreclosure market, consult a real estate agent who can help you clinch the best deal on the foreclosure property of your choice.