Buying Real Estate Using Rent-To-Own And Lease-Purchase Options
Real Estate Advisor asked:
Owing a home is a big part of the American dream. But not everyone is fortunate enough to become a homeowner due to delimiting factors such as insufficient income, bankruptcy, bad or no credit, loss of employment, etc. For people with such troubles, owning a home is a distant dream and some of these people resign themselves to a lifetime of renting. But such people are not without options. Rent-to-own, which is also known as a lease-purchase option, can be an excellent alternative available to some people who are currently unable to buy a home.
A rent-to-own or lease-purchase option is an agreement between a prospective home buyer and a home seller. The agreement is basically a rental contract with a right to purchase the property after a period of time (usually 1 year). When a home seller offers a lease-purchase option, what they are really offering is the option to rent the house at some monthly rate, and to lock in the sales price of the home now, even though the prospective buyer would not actually purchase the house until a later time (if at all).
Here is a hypothetical example. Let’s say the monthly rent for a home is $1700. Under a lease-purchase option, a prospective buyer would rent the home for the $1700 a month, but would also pay an additional premium (e.g., $200-$300) every month for the option to buy the home after a period of time (usually 1 year). So in this example, the total monthly rent is actually $2000, but $200-$300 of the money will be applied toward buying the house at a later time. In other words, the home seller would apply the $200-$300 extra paid every month toward the prospective buyer’s down payment at the end of the year.
The good news for prospective home buyers is that it allows them to lock in the purchase price of the home now, even though they are not purchasing the home until a later time. The bad news is that if a buyer decides not to purchase the home at the end of lease term, the seller often keeps the premium amount paid over the year, although this is usually a point of negotiation.
Prospective home buyers should know that many of the terms described above are negotiable such as how much the monthly rent will be, how much extra has to be paid every month for the option fee (if any), the length of the lease term, etc. The other issue to consider is if it makes sense to lock in a home purchase price now in markets where real estate prices are still declining.
When compared to renting, a lease-purchase can be an attractive alternative because it gives prospective buyers an opportunity to own a home before they normally would be able to. There are some advantages to a lease-purchase option such as:
1) Low or No Initial Down Payment. Many lease-purchase options do not require an initial down payment.
2) Equity Advantage. At the end of the lease term, the value of a home may have appreciated over time, which benefits the purchaser.
3) Living Experience. Prospective home buyers have the opportunity to try out a home and neighborhood before purchasing the property.
4) Leverage Advantage. With just a small investment, a prospective buyer can control a property; yet still have the option of not buying the home if market conditions don’t warrant it.
Rent-to-own or lease-purchase option can be an effective strategy to home ownership. However, there are both positive and negative aspects to this type of approach (as described above). A good real estate agent can help you navigate the complex world of rent-to-own and lease-purchase option properties.
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Owing a home is a big part of the American dream. But not everyone is fortunate enough to become a homeowner due to delimiting factors such as insufficient income, bankruptcy, bad or no credit, loss of employment, etc. For people with such troubles, owning a home is a distant dream and some of these people resign themselves to a lifetime of renting. But such people are not without options. Rent-to-own, which is also known as a lease-purchase option, can be an excellent alternative available to some people who are currently unable to buy a home.
A rent-to-own or lease-purchase option is an agreement between a prospective home buyer and a home seller. The agreement is basically a rental contract with a right to purchase the property after a period of time (usually 1 year). When a home seller offers a lease-purchase option, what they are really offering is the option to rent the house at some monthly rate, and to lock in the sales price of the home now, even though the prospective buyer would not actually purchase the house until a later time (if at all).
Here is a hypothetical example. Let’s say the monthly rent for a home is $1700. Under a lease-purchase option, a prospective buyer would rent the home for the $1700 a month, but would also pay an additional premium (e.g., $200-$300) every month for the option to buy the home after a period of time (usually 1 year). So in this example, the total monthly rent is actually $2000, but $200-$300 of the money will be applied toward buying the house at a later time. In other words, the home seller would apply the $200-$300 extra paid every month toward the prospective buyer’s down payment at the end of the year.
The good news for prospective home buyers is that it allows them to lock in the purchase price of the home now, even though they are not purchasing the home until a later time. The bad news is that if a buyer decides not to purchase the home at the end of lease term, the seller often keeps the premium amount paid over the year, although this is usually a point of negotiation.
Prospective home buyers should know that many of the terms described above are negotiable such as how much the monthly rent will be, how much extra has to be paid every month for the option fee (if any), the length of the lease term, etc. The other issue to consider is if it makes sense to lock in a home purchase price now in markets where real estate prices are still declining.
When compared to renting, a lease-purchase can be an attractive alternative because it gives prospective buyers an opportunity to own a home before they normally would be able to. There are some advantages to a lease-purchase option such as:
1) Low or No Initial Down Payment. Many lease-purchase options do not require an initial down payment.
2) Equity Advantage. At the end of the lease term, the value of a home may have appreciated over time, which benefits the purchaser.
3) Living Experience. Prospective home buyers have the opportunity to try out a home and neighborhood before purchasing the property.
4) Leverage Advantage. With just a small investment, a prospective buyer can control a property; yet still have the option of not buying the home if market conditions don’t warrant it.
Rent-to-own or lease-purchase option can be an effective strategy to home ownership. However, there are both positive and negative aspects to this type of approach (as described above). A good real estate agent can help you navigate the complex world of rent-to-own and lease-purchase option properties.
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Avoid Top 10 Mistakes Made By Real Estate Investors
Real Estate Advisor asked:
Real estate investment is perhaps one of the most lucrative forms of investment today. But it is also equally risk bound especially when one is not well versed with the trends and nuances of the real estate market. So if you are contemplating on investing in real estate, it is best to avoid costly mistakes in real estate investment especially when you invest your hard earned money into it. Knowing the most common mistakes made by real estate investors helps one steer away from making such mistakes in the future and ensures good return on investment.
Here are the top ten mistakes made by real estate investors, according to bankrate.com. Bankrate has put together the top ten mistakes after speaking to established, full-time real estate investors and other professionals involved in real estate investment such as bankers. Read on to know them and avoid them.
1. Not planning up ahead. Lack of a proper plan is the biggest mistake made by novice investors. Finding a house after forming a proper investment strategy is the right way instead of looking for a house to fit the plan. Many make the mistake of buying a house because it seems to be a good deal and then trying to see how they can fit it into their plan. Instead of buying a house and thinking one can plan in due course, investors should rather concentrate on the numbers and try to make offers on multiple properties. This will ensure a good property that not only matches their investment model but also works out well with the numbers they had planned for.
2. To believe you can make money quickly. The second major mistake that real estate investors make is to think it is very easy to get rich in real estate. This is only a myth and the reality is that investing in real estate is a long term project.
3. Doing it single-handedly. For becoming a successful real estate investor one needs to build a team of professionals who would assist the investor in his deals. This would ideally include a real estate agent, an appraiser, a home inspector, a closing attorney and a lender.
4. Making excess payment. One another reason that investors in real estate goof up in their investment is by paying too much for the properties they buy. Paying too much and locking up all the funds in the erred property deal will leave you with no money to redeem yourself.
5. Leaving out the groundwork. Not doing your homework could be a costly mistake if you were a real estate investor. Every field of business needs sufficient amount of homework to be done, and real estate investment is no exception. Learn the fundamentals and then venture into investing in properties.
6. Throwing caution to the winds. Investors have to exercise a certain degree of caution and take earnest efforts while making a deal. New investors often fail in this regard and sign a deal without doing adequate research on the property.
7. Miscalculating money flow. Investors whose strategy is to buy, hold and rent out properties need to ensure sufficient cash flow for maintenance. Property managers could be expensive and the owner has to incur more expenses such as mortgage, taxes, insurance, advertising costs etc. Investors have to allocate their budget such that all these expenses are taken care of, or end up having their asset turn into a liability.
8. Lowering the volume. A larger volume of deals or transactions helps in increasing the profits by reducing the impacts of marginal deals.
9. Getting trapped in your own deal. Having more number of options at hand for the property you buy is a wise strategy. This helps one to be prepared for fluctuations in the real estate market. Plans to rent out the house could go awry when the rental market slumps. Having alternative plans helps you cut down losses and tackle unexpected situations.
10. Making incorrect estimates. People who plan to rehab their house need to check if they will still reap the benefits at double the time that they had estimated. This ensures they do not miscalculate and lose money on the deal.
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Real estate investment is perhaps one of the most lucrative forms of investment today. But it is also equally risk bound especially when one is not well versed with the trends and nuances of the real estate market. So if you are contemplating on investing in real estate, it is best to avoid costly mistakes in real estate investment especially when you invest your hard earned money into it. Knowing the most common mistakes made by real estate investors helps one steer away from making such mistakes in the future and ensures good return on investment.
Here are the top ten mistakes made by real estate investors, according to bankrate.com. Bankrate has put together the top ten mistakes after speaking to established, full-time real estate investors and other professionals involved in real estate investment such as bankers. Read on to know them and avoid them.
1. Not planning up ahead. Lack of a proper plan is the biggest mistake made by novice investors. Finding a house after forming a proper investment strategy is the right way instead of looking for a house to fit the plan. Many make the mistake of buying a house because it seems to be a good deal and then trying to see how they can fit it into their plan. Instead of buying a house and thinking one can plan in due course, investors should rather concentrate on the numbers and try to make offers on multiple properties. This will ensure a good property that not only matches their investment model but also works out well with the numbers they had planned for.
2. To believe you can make money quickly. The second major mistake that real estate investors make is to think it is very easy to get rich in real estate. This is only a myth and the reality is that investing in real estate is a long term project.
3. Doing it single-handedly. For becoming a successful real estate investor one needs to build a team of professionals who would assist the investor in his deals. This would ideally include a real estate agent, an appraiser, a home inspector, a closing attorney and a lender.
4. Making excess payment. One another reason that investors in real estate goof up in their investment is by paying too much for the properties they buy. Paying too much and locking up all the funds in the erred property deal will leave you with no money to redeem yourself.
5. Leaving out the groundwork. Not doing your homework could be a costly mistake if you were a real estate investor. Every field of business needs sufficient amount of homework to be done, and real estate investment is no exception. Learn the fundamentals and then venture into investing in properties.
6. Throwing caution to the winds. Investors have to exercise a certain degree of caution and take earnest efforts while making a deal. New investors often fail in this regard and sign a deal without doing adequate research on the property.
7. Miscalculating money flow. Investors whose strategy is to buy, hold and rent out properties need to ensure sufficient cash flow for maintenance. Property managers could be expensive and the owner has to incur more expenses such as mortgage, taxes, insurance, advertising costs etc. Investors have to allocate their budget such that all these expenses are taken care of, or end up having their asset turn into a liability.
8. Lowering the volume. A larger volume of deals or transactions helps in increasing the profits by reducing the impacts of marginal deals.
9. Getting trapped in your own deal. Having more number of options at hand for the property you buy is a wise strategy. This helps one to be prepared for fluctuations in the real estate market. Plans to rent out the house could go awry when the rental market slumps. Having alternative plans helps you cut down losses and tackle unexpected situations.
10. Making incorrect estimates. People who plan to rehab their house need to check if they will still reap the benefits at double the time that they had estimated. This ensures they do not miscalculate and lose money on the deal.
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I want to start a Real Estate Investment company. Do I need a real estate license?
Top 7 Countries That Invest In U.S. Real Estate
Real Estate Advisor asked:
Despite a recent slowdown, the U.S. real estate market continues to be a popular investment destination for foreign investors. Attracted by a desirable return on investment, many foreign nations continue to invest heavily in the U.S. residential and commercial real estate markets. In fact, in 2005, foreign investment in U.S. real estate reached 1.83 trillion.
To evaluate the impact of foreign investment on the U.S. real estate market, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) produced a 2006 report entitled ‘Foreign Investment in U.S. Real Estate: Current Trends and Historical Perspective.’ The report provides insights into the trends in foreign real estate investment, its impact on the U.S. economy, and the major countries that participate in U.S. real estate investment. Below are some highlights from the NAR report.
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the top seven countries that had significant holdings in U.S. real estate as of 2005 were:
Germany - 13 %
Latin America - 13 %
Australia - 11 %
Japan -10 %
United Kingdom - 10 %
Canada - 6 %
Netherlands - 6 %
The U.S. economy is wide open to foreign investors. Both investors and Americans significantly benefit from all this foreign investment. The NAR study estimates that without foreign investments in the securities market, the long-term lending rates would be four percentage points higher than the current rate, which would adversely impact the U.S. real estate market.
Foreign direct investment into the U.S. not only creates more jobs but also contributes to the demand for U.S. real estate. In fact, foreign investment may be responsible for creating two million U.S. jobs by the end of 2006, which further bolsters the demand for U.S. real estate.
Permanent and temporary immigration of foreign-born workers into the U.S. further bolsters the demand for real estate. According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, 1.2 million net immigrants are expected to arrive in the United States annually. This immigration pattern is expected to offset the decrease in housing demand by post baby-boomer generations.
In summary, the impact of foreign investment and immigration into the U.S. will continue to play a major role in the U.S. real estate market.
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Despite a recent slowdown, the U.S. real estate market continues to be a popular investment destination for foreign investors. Attracted by a desirable return on investment, many foreign nations continue to invest heavily in the U.S. residential and commercial real estate markets. In fact, in 2005, foreign investment in U.S. real estate reached 1.83 trillion.
To evaluate the impact of foreign investment on the U.S. real estate market, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) produced a 2006 report entitled ‘Foreign Investment in U.S. Real Estate: Current Trends and Historical Perspective.’ The report provides insights into the trends in foreign real estate investment, its impact on the U.S. economy, and the major countries that participate in U.S. real estate investment. Below are some highlights from the NAR report.
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the top seven countries that had significant holdings in U.S. real estate as of 2005 were:
Germany - 13 %
Latin America - 13 %
Australia - 11 %
Japan -10 %
United Kingdom - 10 %
Canada - 6 %
Netherlands - 6 %
The U.S. economy is wide open to foreign investors. Both investors and Americans significantly benefit from all this foreign investment. The NAR study estimates that without foreign investments in the securities market, the long-term lending rates would be four percentage points higher than the current rate, which would adversely impact the U.S. real estate market.
Foreign direct investment into the U.S. not only creates more jobs but also contributes to the demand for U.S. real estate. In fact, foreign investment may be responsible for creating two million U.S. jobs by the end of 2006, which further bolsters the demand for U.S. real estate.
Permanent and temporary immigration of foreign-born workers into the U.S. further bolsters the demand for real estate. According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, 1.2 million net immigrants are expected to arrive in the United States annually. This immigration pattern is expected to offset the decrease in housing demand by post baby-boomer generations.
In summary, the impact of foreign investment and immigration into the U.S. will continue to play a major role in the U.S. real estate market.
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2006: U.S. Cities With Overvalued Real Estate And Home Prices
Real Estate Advisor asked:
Buying a home is a big-time real estate investment and has to be done with great prudence. Knowing where not to buy a home is as important as are the dos and don’ts of buying a home.
Of the many top ten lists on CNNMoney.com, there is listed the top ten overvalued cities in America where it is better not to buy a home for the next two years or so. The report states a variety of reasons for the unfavorable market conditions.
Five cities in California – Bakersfield, Fresno, Merced, Sacramento and Stockton, figure among the top ten cities that have the least possibility of home price appreciation. Home prices have reached a new high (by nearly 60%) in these areas over the past two years. With an economy driven by agriculture and relatively higher unemployment rates anticipated for that area, the real estate market is predicted to slump in the region.
Although three cities in Florida are recommended as good real estate buys, the report also cites four others in Southwest Florida that fall among the very bottom of the list. With home prices here expected to plummet very soon, cities like Fort Myers, Naples, Punta Gorda and Sarasota are those that one would do best to avoid for a year’s time or so, while buying a home or a condo.
Market prices are expected to decline in the Jersey Shore (New Jersey) area that saw a radical boom in the last two quarters. Although home prices in the third quarter have rebounded from the slight drop during the second quarter, the bubble is expected to burst soon and the overpriced market is likely to stabilize. The popular seaside cities of New Jersey, Atlantic City and Ocean city are anticipated to fall under the unfavorable list.
In Phoenix, Arizona, a hot favorite among investors last year, sliding home prices may to be an unavoidable occurrence in the next 12 months. With home prices dropping by more than $100,000 in some residential developments and investors trying to sell off their property, it is safer to wait for a year or longer before investing here.
Economists at Moody’s Economy.com also predict a sharp decline in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, California’s Inland Empire.
The bottom ten cities that are likely to see major drops in median home prices during the coming year are Stockton, (leading the list with a predicted fall of 9.7%), Merced, Reno/Sparks, Fresno, Vallejo/Fairfield, Las Vegas, Bakersfield, Sacramento, Washington, D.C and Tucson.
Given these fluctuating real estate market conditions, one should exercise a great deal of caution when investing in real estate. It makes sense to get the expert advice of a real estate agent to advise you about your next home purchase, since agents often have access to the most up-to-date real estate market data and neighborhood pricing trends.
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Buying a home is a big-time real estate investment and has to be done with great prudence. Knowing where not to buy a home is as important as are the dos and don’ts of buying a home.
Of the many top ten lists on CNNMoney.com, there is listed the top ten overvalued cities in America where it is better not to buy a home for the next two years or so. The report states a variety of reasons for the unfavorable market conditions.
Five cities in California – Bakersfield, Fresno, Merced, Sacramento and Stockton, figure among the top ten cities that have the least possibility of home price appreciation. Home prices have reached a new high (by nearly 60%) in these areas over the past two years. With an economy driven by agriculture and relatively higher unemployment rates anticipated for that area, the real estate market is predicted to slump in the region.
Although three cities in Florida are recommended as good real estate buys, the report also cites four others in Southwest Florida that fall among the very bottom of the list. With home prices here expected to plummet very soon, cities like Fort Myers, Naples, Punta Gorda and Sarasota are those that one would do best to avoid for a year’s time or so, while buying a home or a condo.
Market prices are expected to decline in the Jersey Shore (New Jersey) area that saw a radical boom in the last two quarters. Although home prices in the third quarter have rebounded from the slight drop during the second quarter, the bubble is expected to burst soon and the overpriced market is likely to stabilize. The popular seaside cities of New Jersey, Atlantic City and Ocean city are anticipated to fall under the unfavorable list.
In Phoenix, Arizona, a hot favorite among investors last year, sliding home prices may to be an unavoidable occurrence in the next 12 months. With home prices dropping by more than $100,000 in some residential developments and investors trying to sell off their property, it is safer to wait for a year or longer before investing here.
Economists at Moody’s Economy.com also predict a sharp decline in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, California’s Inland Empire.
The bottom ten cities that are likely to see major drops in median home prices during the coming year are Stockton, (leading the list with a predicted fall of 9.7%), Merced, Reno/Sparks, Fresno, Vallejo/Fairfield, Las Vegas, Bakersfield, Sacramento, Washington, D.C and Tucson.
Given these fluctuating real estate market conditions, one should exercise a great deal of caution when investing in real estate. It makes sense to get the expert advice of a real estate agent to advise you about your next home purchase, since agents often have access to the most up-to-date real estate market data and neighborhood pricing trends.
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Tips For Military Home Buyers Who Are Buying San Diego Real Estate
Real Estate Advisor asked:
San Diego County is home to one of the largest concentrations of military bases in the United States. In fact, the San Diego area contains 12 major Marine Corps and Navy bases and facilities. If you’re in the military and moving to San Diego, one of your biggest decisions is whether to buy a property, live on base housing (if this option is available to you), or rent a home or apartment. If you choose to buy a property, there are many issues to consider before taking this step.
BUY OR RENT?
The decision to buy or rent is more complicated for military personnel because you may be assigned to San Diego only for a limited period of time. If you plan to purchase while in San Diego and then sell when you transfer, the condition of the real estate market at the time you sell will make this either an easy or difficult process. In a seller’s market (when demand exceeds supply), properties tend to sell quickly and at or above asking price. In a buyer’s market (when supply exceeds demand), properties usually take much longer to sell and may sell below asking price. Individuals in the military should consider this issue in determining whether to buy or rent real estate in the San Diego area.
For those who choose to buy, the major other consideration is the likely appreciation rate of your property during your tenure in San Diego. If you plan to sell your property before you depart to your next assignment, you should remember that there are expenses (e.g. realtor fees, taxes, etc.) associated with selling your house, and any price appreciation you realize by owing the property for a few years, may or may not be offset by these fees.
Some individuals choose to keep their property even after they transfer to a new assignment outside of San Diego. In these cases, you can rent out the property, leave it empty, or find another acceptable use of the dwelling. If you choose to hire a Property Manager to oversee the renting and maintenance of your property, keep in mind that the fess for this service will cut into any monthly profit you realize on the property.
GETTING A HOME LOAN?
If you decide to purchase a property, obtaining a home loan is one of the tasks you must undertake. Many active-day members, retirees and other service veterans are eligible for special loan programs guaranteed by the Veterans Administration (VA).
To be eligible for a VA guaranteed loan, you must have served on activity duty and have a discharge status of other than dishonorable after a minimum of 90 days of service during wartime, or a minimum of 181 continuous days during peacetime. There is a minimum 2-year service requirement for veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980. The 2-year requirement also applies to Officers who began service after October 16, 1981. There is a minimum 6-year service requirement for National Guard members and Reservists, and surviving spouses are also eligible under some conditions. There are other special conditions in which a person may be eligible, so contact your local VA office to get more information.
WHAT IS VA GUARANTEED LOAN?
The VA loan is a federal guarantee of a maximum of 25% of a home loan amount but not to exceed $104,250. This formula allows eligible members to obtain a maximum loan amount of $417,000 (as of 2006). However, service members must meet other eligibility requirements. Individuals borrowing using this type of loan must intend to be occupants of the purchased property.
Private lenders are the source of funds for VA guaranteed loans. The guarantee provides these private lenders assurance that the federal government will reimburse the lender up to the maximum allowable amount if the borrower fails to repay the loan. Because of this guarantee, lenders are more favorable to offering loans without a requirement for a down payment.
VA CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY
Individuals desiring a VA guaranteed loan must first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Veterans Administration (VA Form 26-1880). Contact your local VA office to obtain this form by calling 1-888-244-6711. You will need a copy of your military discharge document (DD-214) to submit with your application. Once you have the Eligibility Certificate, you can then select a lender or mortgage broker to work with on getting the loan.
CLOSING COSTS
In addition to the purchase price of your property, there are closing costs that must be paid to process your home loan. These closing costs are fees that are charged by different service providers to help complete the loan process. For example, your lender will require an appraisal of the property to make sure that its value is at or above your purchase price. Other charges commonly included in closing costs are: recording fees, credit report fee, prorated taxes and assessments, hazard insurance, flood insurance (if required), survey, title examination, title insurance, postage and shipping fees, and the VA Funding fee.
WHAT IS THE VA FUNDING FEE?
The VA charges a fee to individuals utilizing the VA guaranteed loan. This fee is a percentage of the loan amount and is linked to the size of your down payment on the home you plan to purchase.
For active-duty personnel or veterans who put no money down, the funding fee is 2.15% of the loan amount. This rate increases to 2.4% for National Guard/Reserve.
For active duty personnel or veterans who put a down payment greater than zero but less than 10% of the loan amount, the fee is 1.5% of the loan. This rate increases to 1.75% for National Guard/Reserve.
For active duty personnel or veterans who put a down payment of 10% or more of the loan amount, the fee is 1.25% of the loan. This rate increases to 1. 5% for National Guard/Reserve.
The rates listed above are for first time users of the VA loan guarantee program. Individuals who have used the VA guaranteed loan program before pay higher rates than first time users. The rates above are subject to change. In some limited cases, individuals are exempt from paying the funding fee. You should contact your local VA center for current information.
CHOOSING A VA LOAN VS. A CONVENTIONAL LOAN
You must carefully evaluate the terms of the VA guaranteed loan vs. the terms of a conventional loan. One advantage of a VA guaranteed loan is that many lenders will not require you to put a down payment on the purchase of the property, assuming you meet their other lending criteria (e.g. credit scores, sufficient income, adequate debt to income ratio, etc.). There are also many zero down payment conventional loan programs. In some cases, the VA guaranteed loan will offer a lower interest rate and better terms, and in other cases, you can obtain a better deal through conventional financing. A good loan officer can help you evaluate the advantages of either loan, given your particular situation.
FINDING THE RIGHT HOME
If you are familiar with the San Diego area, then you probably already know where you want to live. If you are less familiar with the communities in San Diego, your Realtor can serve as an excellent resource to answer your questions. There are many steps to take during the home search process, which include:
1. Work with your loan officer to identify how much you can afford.
2. Determine what type of property you want to buy (single-family home, townhouse, condominium, other). Your Realtor can advise you about the differences between these types of properties.
3. Determine how many bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, etc. you need.
4. Determine what areas of San Diego you would consider living in.
5. Calculate the drive time (with and without traffic) to your job.
6. Identify the quality of schools in the neighborhoods that you are considering.
7. Locate the crime statistics for the neighborhood that you are considering.
8. Identify the location of local community resources such as libraries, shopping centers, athletic centers, etc.
9. Ask your Realtor to advise you about the resale potential of the home you are considering.
Although there are many other factors to consider, the above is a good starting point. Your Realtor should be able help you get answers to the questions above as well as provide you many other resources. Keep in mind that most Realtor’s who assist homebuyers and paid by the home seller, but make sure to ask your Realtor about this.
HOW MUCH SHOUD I PAY FOR A HOUSE?
Your Realtor should be an excellent source of information to help you understand a fair offer price. The Realtor should provide you information about what other similar properties in the same community have sold for recently, current pricing trends for the community, as well provide you a recommendation based on their experience in the local market.
DO I NEED A HOME INSPECTION?
There are many other issues besides the offer price to consider when making an offer. For example, many buyers find it advantageous to get an inspection of the property by a qualified inspector. The inspection typically covers the major systems of a property. Check out the National Association of Home Inspectors web site for more information about what is covered in a typical home inspection. Getting a home inspection is generally a good idea.
HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?
If you want to use the VA guarantee, then make sure you have obtained the Certificate of Eligibility far in advance of your relocation to San Diego. Whether or not you are using the VA loan program, be sure to obtain a loan pre-approval (sometimes called loan prequalification) from a lender or mortgage broker. This lets home sellers know that you are a serious buyer and are ready to act quickly if needed.
Prior to moving to San Diego, get a sense of the local real estate market. Your Realtor can set up an automatic email notification system that will send you descriptions and pictures of properties that meet your criteria. Doing this type of research should save you a lot of time when you arrive.
Once you have your loan pre-approval, the next step is to locate a property that meets your needs. Your Realtor should show you a variety of available properties that meet your criteria. Once you find a house you an interested in, your Realtor will prepare the purchase offer documents, and guide you through the loan and closing process.
In summary, it’s simply a process of getting a loan, finding a house that you like, making an offer that is accepted, and going through the closing process, which can occur in less than 30 days.
CONTACT A SAN DIEGO REALTOR
If you are moving to San Diego, contact a Real Estate agent who is familiar with VA guaranteed loans and has experience working with military buyers. Many agents have prior military service themselves, and are very familiar with your situation and needs.
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San Diego County is home to one of the largest concentrations of military bases in the United States. In fact, the San Diego area contains 12 major Marine Corps and Navy bases and facilities. If you’re in the military and moving to San Diego, one of your biggest decisions is whether to buy a property, live on base housing (if this option is available to you), or rent a home or apartment. If you choose to buy a property, there are many issues to consider before taking this step.
BUY OR RENT?
The decision to buy or rent is more complicated for military personnel because you may be assigned to San Diego only for a limited period of time. If you plan to purchase while in San Diego and then sell when you transfer, the condition of the real estate market at the time you sell will make this either an easy or difficult process. In a seller’s market (when demand exceeds supply), properties tend to sell quickly and at or above asking price. In a buyer’s market (when supply exceeds demand), properties usually take much longer to sell and may sell below asking price. Individuals in the military should consider this issue in determining whether to buy or rent real estate in the San Diego area.
For those who choose to buy, the major other consideration is the likely appreciation rate of your property during your tenure in San Diego. If you plan to sell your property before you depart to your next assignment, you should remember that there are expenses (e.g. realtor fees, taxes, etc.) associated with selling your house, and any price appreciation you realize by owing the property for a few years, may or may not be offset by these fees.
Some individuals choose to keep their property even after they transfer to a new assignment outside of San Diego. In these cases, you can rent out the property, leave it empty, or find another acceptable use of the dwelling. If you choose to hire a Property Manager to oversee the renting and maintenance of your property, keep in mind that the fess for this service will cut into any monthly profit you realize on the property.
GETTING A HOME LOAN?
If you decide to purchase a property, obtaining a home loan is one of the tasks you must undertake. Many active-day members, retirees and other service veterans are eligible for special loan programs guaranteed by the Veterans Administration (VA).
To be eligible for a VA guaranteed loan, you must have served on activity duty and have a discharge status of other than dishonorable after a minimum of 90 days of service during wartime, or a minimum of 181 continuous days during peacetime. There is a minimum 2-year service requirement for veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980. The 2-year requirement also applies to Officers who began service after October 16, 1981. There is a minimum 6-year service requirement for National Guard members and Reservists, and surviving spouses are also eligible under some conditions. There are other special conditions in which a person may be eligible, so contact your local VA office to get more information.
WHAT IS VA GUARANTEED LOAN?
The VA loan is a federal guarantee of a maximum of 25% of a home loan amount but not to exceed $104,250. This formula allows eligible members to obtain a maximum loan amount of $417,000 (as of 2006). However, service members must meet other eligibility requirements. Individuals borrowing using this type of loan must intend to be occupants of the purchased property.
Private lenders are the source of funds for VA guaranteed loans. The guarantee provides these private lenders assurance that the federal government will reimburse the lender up to the maximum allowable amount if the borrower fails to repay the loan. Because of this guarantee, lenders are more favorable to offering loans without a requirement for a down payment.
VA CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY
Individuals desiring a VA guaranteed loan must first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Veterans Administration (VA Form 26-1880). Contact your local VA office to obtain this form by calling 1-888-244-6711. You will need a copy of your military discharge document (DD-214) to submit with your application. Once you have the Eligibility Certificate, you can then select a lender or mortgage broker to work with on getting the loan.
CLOSING COSTS
In addition to the purchase price of your property, there are closing costs that must be paid to process your home loan. These closing costs are fees that are charged by different service providers to help complete the loan process. For example, your lender will require an appraisal of the property to make sure that its value is at or above your purchase price. Other charges commonly included in closing costs are: recording fees, credit report fee, prorated taxes and assessments, hazard insurance, flood insurance (if required), survey, title examination, title insurance, postage and shipping fees, and the VA Funding fee.
WHAT IS THE VA FUNDING FEE?
The VA charges a fee to individuals utilizing the VA guaranteed loan. This fee is a percentage of the loan amount and is linked to the size of your down payment on the home you plan to purchase.
For active-duty personnel or veterans who put no money down, the funding fee is 2.15% of the loan amount. This rate increases to 2.4% for National Guard/Reserve.
For active duty personnel or veterans who put a down payment greater than zero but less than 10% of the loan amount, the fee is 1.5% of the loan. This rate increases to 1.75% for National Guard/Reserve.
For active duty personnel or veterans who put a down payment of 10% or more of the loan amount, the fee is 1.25% of the loan. This rate increases to 1. 5% for National Guard/Reserve.
The rates listed above are for first time users of the VA loan guarantee program. Individuals who have used the VA guaranteed loan program before pay higher rates than first time users. The rates above are subject to change. In some limited cases, individuals are exempt from paying the funding fee. You should contact your local VA center for current information.
CHOOSING A VA LOAN VS. A CONVENTIONAL LOAN
You must carefully evaluate the terms of the VA guaranteed loan vs. the terms of a conventional loan. One advantage of a VA guaranteed loan is that many lenders will not require you to put a down payment on the purchase of the property, assuming you meet their other lending criteria (e.g. credit scores, sufficient income, adequate debt to income ratio, etc.). There are also many zero down payment conventional loan programs. In some cases, the VA guaranteed loan will offer a lower interest rate and better terms, and in other cases, you can obtain a better deal through conventional financing. A good loan officer can help you evaluate the advantages of either loan, given your particular situation.
FINDING THE RIGHT HOME
If you are familiar with the San Diego area, then you probably already know where you want to live. If you are less familiar with the communities in San Diego, your Realtor can serve as an excellent resource to answer your questions. There are many steps to take during the home search process, which include:
1. Work with your loan officer to identify how much you can afford.
2. Determine what type of property you want to buy (single-family home, townhouse, condominium, other). Your Realtor can advise you about the differences between these types of properties.
3. Determine how many bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, etc. you need.
4. Determine what areas of San Diego you would consider living in.
5. Calculate the drive time (with and without traffic) to your job.
6. Identify the quality of schools in the neighborhoods that you are considering.
7. Locate the crime statistics for the neighborhood that you are considering.
8. Identify the location of local community resources such as libraries, shopping centers, athletic centers, etc.
9. Ask your Realtor to advise you about the resale potential of the home you are considering.
Although there are many other factors to consider, the above is a good starting point. Your Realtor should be able help you get answers to the questions above as well as provide you many other resources. Keep in mind that most Realtor’s who assist homebuyers and paid by the home seller, but make sure to ask your Realtor about this.
HOW MUCH SHOUD I PAY FOR A HOUSE?
Your Realtor should be an excellent source of information to help you understand a fair offer price. The Realtor should provide you information about what other similar properties in the same community have sold for recently, current pricing trends for the community, as well provide you a recommendation based on their experience in the local market.
DO I NEED A HOME INSPECTION?
There are many other issues besides the offer price to consider when making an offer. For example, many buyers find it advantageous to get an inspection of the property by a qualified inspector. The inspection typically covers the major systems of a property. Check out the National Association of Home Inspectors web site for more information about what is covered in a typical home inspection. Getting a home inspection is generally a good idea.
HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?
If you want to use the VA guarantee, then make sure you have obtained the Certificate of Eligibility far in advance of your relocation to San Diego. Whether or not you are using the VA loan program, be sure to obtain a loan pre-approval (sometimes called loan prequalification) from a lender or mortgage broker. This lets home sellers know that you are a serious buyer and are ready to act quickly if needed.
Prior to moving to San Diego, get a sense of the local real estate market. Your Realtor can set up an automatic email notification system that will send you descriptions and pictures of properties that meet your criteria. Doing this type of research should save you a lot of time when you arrive.
Once you have your loan pre-approval, the next step is to locate a property that meets your needs. Your Realtor should show you a variety of available properties that meet your criteria. Once you find a house you an interested in, your Realtor will prepare the purchase offer documents, and guide you through the loan and closing process.
In summary, it’s simply a process of getting a loan, finding a house that you like, making an offer that is accepted, and going through the closing process, which can occur in less than 30 days.
CONTACT A SAN DIEGO REALTOR
If you are moving to San Diego, contact a Real Estate agent who is familiar with VA guaranteed loans and has experience working with military buyers. Many agents have prior military service themselves, and are very familiar with your situation and needs.
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Do You Need A Real Estate Appraiser When Buying A Home Or Condo?
Real Estate Advisor asked:
If you are considering purchasing or selling a home, condo or any other type of real estate, you will most likely need the services of a real estate appraiser. An appraiser performs an assessment of properties and other types of real estate to help establish its value. While there are several methods appraisers use to establish the value of real estate (e.g. cost method, income method, and comparison method), for residential properties, the comparison method (also known as market value) is the most common approach. The appraiser’s job is to provide an opinion about the value of a property based on its “highest and best use.” If you are financing the purchase of a property, your lender will normally require an appraisal to make sure that the property is really worth the amount loaned.
The real estate appraiser is tasked with carrying out a completely objective assessment of a property and will normally provide a written evaluation report. This is accomplished by a physical inspection of the property, as well as a comparison to other similar properties for which the value is already established. To make a determination about value, the appraiser gathers details such as the size of a property, size of the lot, location, condition, best use of the property, amenities, etc.
After this initial inspection, the appraiser may scout the neighborhood to compare the property with other similar properties in the neighborhood by age, size, price range, etc. The appraiser then gathers additional data from several sources such as the local Multiple Listing Services (MLS), which provides information on current and recent comparable sales. The appraiser also gathers information from his/her own past experience in the local market. All of these sources of information are taken into consideration while writing the appraisal report, which will provide an estimate about the value of a property.
There are many reasons to use the services of a qualified appraiser. When purchasing real estate, an appraisal provides you with a negotiating tool and helps ensure that the price you are paying is appropriate. If you are selling your property, the appraisal will help you determine an appropriate price range. Besides real estate and mortgage transactions, you may need to order an appraisal to lower the tax burden (assuming the value is really lower than the value established by taxing authorities), to establish the replacement cost of insurance, to settle an estate, etc. An appraiser only gives an estimate of the value of the property. A real estate appraiser is not to be confused with a home inspector.
If you are considering buying or selling a home, condo or any other type of real estate, you can use the services of a qualified real estate appraiser who will provide an estimate of the fair market value of your property.
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If you are considering purchasing or selling a home, condo or any other type of real estate, you will most likely need the services of a real estate appraiser. An appraiser performs an assessment of properties and other types of real estate to help establish its value. While there are several methods appraisers use to establish the value of real estate (e.g. cost method, income method, and comparison method), for residential properties, the comparison method (also known as market value) is the most common approach. The appraiser’s job is to provide an opinion about the value of a property based on its “highest and best use.” If you are financing the purchase of a property, your lender will normally require an appraisal to make sure that the property is really worth the amount loaned.
The real estate appraiser is tasked with carrying out a completely objective assessment of a property and will normally provide a written evaluation report. This is accomplished by a physical inspection of the property, as well as a comparison to other similar properties for which the value is already established. To make a determination about value, the appraiser gathers details such as the size of a property, size of the lot, location, condition, best use of the property, amenities, etc.
After this initial inspection, the appraiser may scout the neighborhood to compare the property with other similar properties in the neighborhood by age, size, price range, etc. The appraiser then gathers additional data from several sources such as the local Multiple Listing Services (MLS), which provides information on current and recent comparable sales. The appraiser also gathers information from his/her own past experience in the local market. All of these sources of information are taken into consideration while writing the appraisal report, which will provide an estimate about the value of a property.
There are many reasons to use the services of a qualified appraiser. When purchasing real estate, an appraisal provides you with a negotiating tool and helps ensure that the price you are paying is appropriate. If you are selling your property, the appraisal will help you determine an appropriate price range. Besides real estate and mortgage transactions, you may need to order an appraisal to lower the tax burden (assuming the value is really lower than the value established by taxing authorities), to establish the replacement cost of insurance, to settle an estate, etc. An appraiser only gives an estimate of the value of the property. A real estate appraiser is not to be confused with a home inspector.
If you are considering buying or selling a home, condo or any other type of real estate, you can use the services of a qualified real estate appraiser who will provide an estimate of the fair market value of your property.
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A Guide to Going Bankrupt in Real Estate!
Escapeso Austin Real Estate asked:
First off, watch some late night infomercials on TV. And possibly order some real estate tapes from Carlton Sheets. This will provide you with a positive upbeat attitude and a sense of false confidence that is essential in order to go bankrupt. Believe that after listening to some tapes, you can compete with people that have done this 7 days a week for years.
Second. For your first investment, buy in a city you know little to nothing about and avoid using a buyers agent who does know the city. Go directly to the sellers agent. The best way to make a truly horrible decision is to avoid any outside advice. The best part of this is that avoiding a buyers agent usually doesn’t save you any money since the selling agent simply makes more when you deal with them directly.
Look for a discount or a distressed property over a good long term investment. Late night infomercials and Carlton Sheets talk a lot about this. Getting equity at the point of sale. One thing about distressed properties with desperate sellers is that they frequently are in crappy areas with low appreciation rates. Buying a property at under market rate in an area with low appreciation potential versus a property in a good area is the kind of short sighted thinking that will really help you reach the goal of bankruptcy and foreclosure.
When you talk to people including your realtor, try to spend time talking about all the crap you learned from your book or light night infomercial. The more you listen to other people, the more you might get different perspectives and the higher chance you might learn new things. This could really hurt your chances of going bankrupt so avoid listening to anyone. Remember you know everything even if you only got interested in real estate last week.
Be positive to the point of stupidity. Alot of investors I know always think about how their situation would be affected by a 10 or 20 percent drop in the market before making a purchase. You should avoid this kind of thinking. You need to be blinded by greed. You should only fantasize about how you are going to double your money.
When calculating your monthly cashflow, assume that you will have 100% occupancy all the time and no maintenance cost. While you are at assume that its going to rain money tomorrow.
Also, be stubborn when renting your properties. Decide upon a number say $900 a month and refuse to budge. Come up with some bizarre logic about how the property deserves $900 a month. Lose months of rent having the property sit vacant instead of going down $50 on the rent. Instead of responding to the market make statements like “Well the markets wrong then”.
As you move closer to foreclosure, don’t alter your spending habits. Don’t move into a smaller house or cut spending. Act like nothing is wrong.
Overextend, overextend, overextend. Are you approved to buy one house. Why not buy 5, heck why not 20. Instead of building up a portfolio of properties over time, gaining experience along the way, just buy alot of properties next Tuesday.
Alot of people are getting into the foreclosure game. Their is no reason you should be left behind. Throwing caution to the wind and filling your eyes with greed and you should find yourself walking down the golden path to foreclosure.
This is not a definitive guide to foreclosure. Alot of people end up in foreclosure due to many things unforeseen events like unpreventable family illness, divorce or job loss. This is simply a guide to what I call elective foreclosure.
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First off, watch some late night infomercials on TV. And possibly order some real estate tapes from Carlton Sheets. This will provide you with a positive upbeat attitude and a sense of false confidence that is essential in order to go bankrupt. Believe that after listening to some tapes, you can compete with people that have done this 7 days a week for years.
Second. For your first investment, buy in a city you know little to nothing about and avoid using a buyers agent who does know the city. Go directly to the sellers agent. The best way to make a truly horrible decision is to avoid any outside advice. The best part of this is that avoiding a buyers agent usually doesn’t save you any money since the selling agent simply makes more when you deal with them directly.
Look for a discount or a distressed property over a good long term investment. Late night infomercials and Carlton Sheets talk a lot about this. Getting equity at the point of sale. One thing about distressed properties with desperate sellers is that they frequently are in crappy areas with low appreciation rates. Buying a property at under market rate in an area with low appreciation potential versus a property in a good area is the kind of short sighted thinking that will really help you reach the goal of bankruptcy and foreclosure.
When you talk to people including your realtor, try to spend time talking about all the crap you learned from your book or light night infomercial. The more you listen to other people, the more you might get different perspectives and the higher chance you might learn new things. This could really hurt your chances of going bankrupt so avoid listening to anyone. Remember you know everything even if you only got interested in real estate last week.
Be positive to the point of stupidity. Alot of investors I know always think about how their situation would be affected by a 10 or 20 percent drop in the market before making a purchase. You should avoid this kind of thinking. You need to be blinded by greed. You should only fantasize about how you are going to double your money.
When calculating your monthly cashflow, assume that you will have 100% occupancy all the time and no maintenance cost. While you are at assume that its going to rain money tomorrow.
Also, be stubborn when renting your properties. Decide upon a number say $900 a month and refuse to budge. Come up with some bizarre logic about how the property deserves $900 a month. Lose months of rent having the property sit vacant instead of going down $50 on the rent. Instead of responding to the market make statements like “Well the markets wrong then”.
As you move closer to foreclosure, don’t alter your spending habits. Don’t move into a smaller house or cut spending. Act like nothing is wrong.
Overextend, overextend, overextend. Are you approved to buy one house. Why not buy 5, heck why not 20. Instead of building up a portfolio of properties over time, gaining experience along the way, just buy alot of properties next Tuesday.
Alot of people are getting into the foreclosure game. Their is no reason you should be left behind. Throwing caution to the wind and filling your eyes with greed and you should find yourself walking down the golden path to foreclosure.
This is not a definitive guide to foreclosure. Alot of people end up in foreclosure due to many things unforeseen events like unpreventable family illness, divorce or job loss. This is simply a guide to what I call elective foreclosure.
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How reputable are the real estate courses offered by real estate companies?
operaphantom2003 asked:
I am interested in going into real estate when I finish college and have been looking around at schools. Century 21 offers their own course (3 weeks) and another real estate company offers one for 6 weeks while the community college offers one for 8 months that trains you how to appraise and broker as well as just getting your license to sell.
I am interested in going into real estate when I finish college and have been looking around at schools. Century 21 offers their own course (3 weeks) and another real estate company offers one for 6 weeks while the community college offers one for 8 months that trains you how to appraise and broker as well as just getting your license to sell.
Which program is best and what is the difference between being a real estate agent (seller) and a broker?
The costs range from $600-$2500
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Strategies For Buying Real Estate In A Slow Market
Real Estate Advisor asked:
The real estate market tends to be cyclical with some periods favoring buyers and other periods favoring sellers. As with other free markets, the pricing and availability of real estate is directly related to the forces of supply and demand. While many real estate markets in the United States are experiencing a substantial slowdown, other markets remain robust, and some even continue to grow. What makes the situation even more complicated is that even within a particular city or county, there may be some areas that are hot and others that are cold.
In regions of the country in which the real estate market is slowing, there are some things homebuyers can do to increase their chance of getting the property that they want on terms that are favorable. Below are some strategies to consider:
1. Clarify What You Want. Be sure to understand what kind of property you want (e.g. bedrooms, bathrooms, size, yard, location, etc.). Identify items that you “must have” and items that you would be willing to forego if your other priorities were met.
2. Consult Experts. You’ve no doubt heard the saying that “all real estate is local,” so arm yourself with the best information available. Consult a local real estate expert who can guide you about what communities are hot and which ones are not. Obviously, you are more likely to find deals in communities that have excess supply and limited demand than vice versa.
3. Understand Market Data. Obtaining and evaluating data can be one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal. Identify communities that you find desirable and ask your real estate agent to provide you relevant sales statistics. For example, your agent can provide you:
a. A summary of how many properties are available in communities that you deem desirable.
b. How long properties are taking to sell this month, last month, last quarter, last year, etc.
c. How many properties have sold this month, last month, last quarter, last year, etc.
d. Changes in the median and average price of properties for a community this month, last month, last quarter, last year, etc.
e. Data on the sales price to list price ratio (SP: LP). This ratio provides information about how much, on average, sellers are reducing their price.
f. Detailed data on properties that are similar to the type of property you desire (often known as “comparables” or “comps”).
4. High Inventory Communities. Identify, or ask your agent to identify, communities that appear to be particularly slow, and that have an unusually large inventory of homes. You will have a broader variety of options in these communities, and you may increase the likelihood of finding a better deal.
5. Loan Pre-Approval. Be sure to consult with your bank or mortgage broker and obtain a loan pre-approval document. This not only let’s you know how much you can afford, but it also demonstrates to sellers that you are a serious buyer and that your offer is worthy of serious consideration.
6. Seller’s Motivation. While information about why a seller is selling is usually confidential, there are situations in which the seller will allow their agent to disclose important factors regarding their personal situation. Be sure to ask your agent to inquire about any information that the seller has disclosed to his/her agent that can be conveyed to your agent. This information may help you decide on making an offer on a property and the price you wish to offer.
7. Home Inspection. A home inspection conducted by a qualified inspector can provide you valuable information about the condition of a property. Moreover, if there are items that need repair or replacement, you can use this information to modify your offer price or terms.
8. Expand Search Scope. As mentioned above, even within a particular city or county, there may be some areas that are hot and others that are not. Be sure to provided detailed information about what you want to your agent, so that he/she can provide you a variety of community options.
9. Be Patient. Time is on your side when there is excess supply and insufficient demand. Try not to “fall in love” with a house so much that you cannot be objective. It may be that multiple offers and counter-offers occur before you either get the property you want or decide to walk way from a deal. You may also want to look at more properties than you normally would, so that you are exposed to a variety of options.
While the above is not an exhaustive list of strategies, it is a good starting point of issues to consider when buying real estate, particularly in a market that favors buyers. Obtain the services of a knowledgeable Real Estate agent who can provide you with additional strategies to help you reach your real estate objectives.
Create a video blog…instantly.
The real estate market tends to be cyclical with some periods favoring buyers and other periods favoring sellers. As with other free markets, the pricing and availability of real estate is directly related to the forces of supply and demand. While many real estate markets in the United States are experiencing a substantial slowdown, other markets remain robust, and some even continue to grow. What makes the situation even more complicated is that even within a particular city or county, there may be some areas that are hot and others that are cold.
In regions of the country in which the real estate market is slowing, there are some things homebuyers can do to increase their chance of getting the property that they want on terms that are favorable. Below are some strategies to consider:
1. Clarify What You Want. Be sure to understand what kind of property you want (e.g. bedrooms, bathrooms, size, yard, location, etc.). Identify items that you “must have” and items that you would be willing to forego if your other priorities were met.
2. Consult Experts. You’ve no doubt heard the saying that “all real estate is local,” so arm yourself with the best information available. Consult a local real estate expert who can guide you about what communities are hot and which ones are not. Obviously, you are more likely to find deals in communities that have excess supply and limited demand than vice versa.
3. Understand Market Data. Obtaining and evaluating data can be one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal. Identify communities that you find desirable and ask your real estate agent to provide you relevant sales statistics. For example, your agent can provide you:
a. A summary of how many properties are available in communities that you deem desirable.
b. How long properties are taking to sell this month, last month, last quarter, last year, etc.
c. How many properties have sold this month, last month, last quarter, last year, etc.
d. Changes in the median and average price of properties for a community this month, last month, last quarter, last year, etc.
e. Data on the sales price to list price ratio (SP: LP). This ratio provides information about how much, on average, sellers are reducing their price.
f. Detailed data on properties that are similar to the type of property you desire (often known as “comparables” or “comps”).
4. High Inventory Communities. Identify, or ask your agent to identify, communities that appear to be particularly slow, and that have an unusually large inventory of homes. You will have a broader variety of options in these communities, and you may increase the likelihood of finding a better deal.
5. Loan Pre-Approval. Be sure to consult with your bank or mortgage broker and obtain a loan pre-approval document. This not only let’s you know how much you can afford, but it also demonstrates to sellers that you are a serious buyer and that your offer is worthy of serious consideration.
6. Seller’s Motivation. While information about why a seller is selling is usually confidential, there are situations in which the seller will allow their agent to disclose important factors regarding their personal situation. Be sure to ask your agent to inquire about any information that the seller has disclosed to his/her agent that can be conveyed to your agent. This information may help you decide on making an offer on a property and the price you wish to offer.
7. Home Inspection. A home inspection conducted by a qualified inspector can provide you valuable information about the condition of a property. Moreover, if there are items that need repair or replacement, you can use this information to modify your offer price or terms.
8. Expand Search Scope. As mentioned above, even within a particular city or county, there may be some areas that are hot and others that are not. Be sure to provided detailed information about what you want to your agent, so that he/she can provide you a variety of community options.
9. Be Patient. Time is on your side when there is excess supply and insufficient demand. Try not to “fall in love” with a house so much that you cannot be objective. It may be that multiple offers and counter-offers occur before you either get the property you want or decide to walk way from a deal. You may also want to look at more properties than you normally would, so that you are exposed to a variety of options.
While the above is not an exhaustive list of strategies, it is a good starting point of issues to consider when buying real estate, particularly in a market that favors buyers. Obtain the services of a knowledgeable Real Estate agent who can provide you with additional strategies to help you reach your real estate objectives.
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