Real Estate Tips

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Refinance Benefits - Refinancing Could Save You Money

The most common reason most people refinance is to save money, but
many people refinance for various other reasons.

1. Refinancing to Lower Your Monthly Payment for an Existing Loan.
You can refinance your existing loan at a lower interest rate thus
reducing your monthly loan payments. With interest rates at their
lowest for years, you can find some excellent rates - sometimes far
much lower than what you’re paying for your current loan or
mortgage. Refinancing your mortgage or loan when rates are down
could save you hundreds of pounds every month and thousands over the
life of your loan.

2. Refinancing to Consolidate Debts.
You may choose to refinance in order to consolidate debts and
replace high-interest loans with a low-rate loan. The loans being
consolidated may include higher purchase loans, student loans and
credit cards. You can clear all your existing credit cards, loans
and other debts and replace them all with one low cost cheaper
monthly payment. On a £12,000 loan some homeowners can save in
excess of £250 a month which is a considerable saving. A debt
consolidation loan is a smart solution for anyone who has many
outgoing monthly payments. A Refinance loan allows you to repay
existing loans from the proceeds of a new loan - the loan is usually
secured on property or your home.

3. Refinancing to Reduce the Term of the Loan.
Reducing the term of your loan can help you save money over the life
of the loan. For example, refinancing from a 7-year loan to a 3-year
loan might result in higher monthly payments, but the total of the
payments (or total cost of the loan) made during the life of the
loan can be reduced significantly. You’ll also be able to build up
your equity faster. Use this free loan calculator (
http://www.commercial-mortgage-guide.org.uk/calculator/ ) to see how
the total cost of the loan reduces when the repayment period is
shortened. A refinance loan can save you thousands in interest
charges over the life of your loan.

4. Refinancing to Switch From Variable to Fixed Rates.
You can also refinance in order to switch from a variable rate loan
to a fixed rate loan. The main reason behind this type of refinance
is to obtain the stability and the security of a fixed loan. Fixed
loans are very popular when interest rates are low, whereas variable
rate loans tend to be more popular when rates are higher. When rates
are low, you can refinance to lock in low rates. When rates are
high, you may prefer the short term discounted variable rate loans
to obtain lower payments. A major benefit to refinance is the
ability to lock in a low interest rate for the duration of your
loan.

5. Refinancing to Switch from One Lender to Another.
Some lenders offer better mortgage or loan deals than others. They
may offer better customer support services, more flexible loan
repayment terms or just a service that is more suitable for your
needs. Refinancing your loan can allow you to drop your current
lender and switch to a new one with a better loan or mortgage
package.

You should carefully consider the savings you can make by
refinancing against the costs and penalties. Any homeowner can
refinance, but the point is to find a deal that will improve on your
existing mortgage or loan.

About the Author: © Copyright 2005, Bwalya Mwaba writes for the The
Commercial Mortgage Guide. Visit our website for mortgage related
news, articles, tools and more: http://www.commercial-mortgage-
guide.org.uk/. This article may be reprinted as long as all the
above links are active and clickable and this author box (byline) is
not edited.

Real Estate Buyers Beware: Get Representation… You Need Representation by Elaine VonCannon

It is the buyer’s right to seek an agent, and it is in their best interest to do so.

For Sale by Owner
When a potential buyer sees a For Sale by Owner property he or she should contact their realtor before contacting the For Sale by Owner. And when the buyer makes an offer on the For Sale by Owner Property he or she needs representation on the sale. The buyer always needs representation for many reasons.

Home Inspections
Most buyers do not know to ask for home inspections, what they cost, or who to call to do one. If there is work to be done on an inspection report, a buyer should negotiate, and a REALTOR has skill and experience at this.

New Home Sites
New home site buyers need to hire a REALTOR to look out for their interests, too. Remember, the site agent is there to protect the builder’s interest and therefore everything will be geared towards what benefits the builder, not the buyer. When registering at a new home site, be sure to include your agent’s phone number, name, and company.

Dual Agency: The Listing Agency
When a REALTOR chooses to represent the seller AND the buyer, this is considered dual agency. A buyer’s rights are not emphasized in these circumstances. Bringing a REALTOR onto the buyer’s side equalizes the sale, and gives the buyer much needed experience and professional advice.

Earnest Money Deposit
When the buyer makes an offer on a For Sale by Owner – who makes the Earnest Money deposit? How does a buyer obtain the deposit back if the contract falls through? A REALTOR will place the money in an escrow account.

Buyer’s Broker Agreement
A buyer’s broker protects the buyer’s interest in the transaction. In Virginia, the seller pays the commission, so by law the listing agent and the selling agent have to protect the seller’s interest. So, if you select a buyer’s broker to work with you on the home purchase, you will be represented in the sale.

Cost Analysis
In order to prevent overpaying for a home, a REALTOR will do a cost analysis for a buyer, to determine if the home is priced correctly. This is the same kind of analysis an appraiser would do, using comparable sales which have closed in the last three months in the area.

Escalation Clauses
Escalation clauses are applicable in markets where there is very little inventory and it is a fast selling market. The escalation clause will give you a competitive edge in procuring the home that you want when multiple offers are presented on a property. An escalation clause is not a standard feature on contractual sales.

Home Owners Association
The buyer needs to know the time frame for the Home Owners Association (HOA) packet. A buyer may be caught in buying into an HOA with high hidden fees if the timeframe is missed when he or she can exercise their right to void the contract. This will vary from state to state.

Disclosures & Disclaimers
If there has been any structural damage to the home or adverse environmental problems with the home they must be disclosed. An example of this would be asbestos wrapped pipes. If not, then a disclaimer will accompany contract. Laws on disclosure/disclaimer vary from state to state.

Well and Septic
In rural areas, where well and septic are used instead of city water, they are applicable as conditions of the contract. There are time frames for these inspections also, which vary from state to state.

Termite and Moisture
Clean termite and moister letters vary from state to state and from the timeframe that needs to be adhered to in the contract. The majority of lenders require a clean termite and moister letter prior to closing. The REALTOR in your area would know these timelines.

Referrals
If you are moving into an unfamiliar geographic location, ask your real estate agent if he or she can refer you to an agent in the area you are moving to. A REALTOR obtained through referral will help in relocating and purchasing your new home.

Select an Agent Carefully
Each For Sale by Owner buyer needs to interview a REALTOR and select one who is comfortable approaching For Sale by Owners and working with them. Do not let For Sale by Owners or new home site agents dissuade you from using an agent. He or she may say that you will pay less for the home purchase. In reality, a REALTOR’s professional advice may save you from taking a property that could become a nightmare, or help uncover a hidden jewel. Remember, if you’re searching for a home you still need a realtor, to look out for your end of the sale. Get representation on your side.

About the Author

Elaine VonCannon is a REALTOR with RE/Max Capital in Williamsburg, Virginia, and she manages investment property as part of her business. Elaine is also an Accredited Buyer’s Representative as well as a Senior Real Estate Specialist. She has helped numerous clients invest in and make money on property in Southeastern Virginia.

Not All REALTORS Are Created Equal: 10 Tips for Finding One by Elaine VonCannon

I have seen home buyers and sellers less than satisfied with REALTORS who were not providing them the level of service they felt they deserved. If you take the time to find a good match, you may find your search for a home to be a rewarding experience. Here are some tips on evaluating a REALTOR.

1. If you are a seller, select a REALTOR who will advertise your property individually and distinctly.
2. A REALTOR must have a hot, up-to-date web site that changes to reflect the market.
3. Take into account the busy lifestyle of today’s professionals. Consider that most people use the internet to search for homes. Understand a REALTOR’S presence on the internet is crucial to their effectiveness.
4. If paying commission is a huge point with you, find a REALTOR who will be flexible.
5. Use a REALTOR with a national presence in the real estate market. Analyze the REALTOR’S web site as an indicator of this.
6. Choose a REALTOR with experience. If they are newly licensed, ask if the REALTOR is in a mentor program.
7. Check the REALTOR’S license by visiting your state’s department of occupational professionals web site. You can determine if the license is in good standing, read about any complaints or investigations, and see how long the REALTOR has been licensed.
8. Find a REALTOR who will research and obtain information from the source. This includes visiting a tax office or courthouse to research things like zoning or mapping topography of a home site.
9. Ask your REALTOR if they have access to more than one Multiple Listing Service (MLS) – if this is applicable in your area. Access to more MLS means increased opportunities to sell you property to qualified buyers or find the home that meets your criteria.
10. Open houses are not the way to sell homes, so do not be dazzled by a REALTOR who hosts them frequently. Often open houses attract neighbors and people not yet ready to buy.

If you take the time to find out more about the REALTOR you expect to use, you could land yourself a dream home, or a nice net gain on the home you are going to sell.

About the Author

Elaine VonCannon is a REALTOR with RE/Max Capital in Williamsburg, Virginia, and she manages investment property as part of her business. Elaine is also an Accredited Buyer’s Representative as well as a Senior Real Estate Specialist. She has helped numerous clients invest in and make money on property in Southeastern Virginia.

Local Realtor Attends “World-Class Service” Seminar by Leslie Riggs

For Further Information Call:
Jonathan Taylor (714) 815-4540
For Immediate Release

Local Realtor Attends “World-Class Service” Seminar
This past week, Orange County real estate specialist Jonathan Taylor attended an advanced customer satisfaction seminar in Palm Springs given by BY REFERRAL ONLY, a professional training company devoted to excellence and delivering “wow” service.
“I’ve lived and worked in Orange County for over 40 years,” said Taylor “My work in real estate helps build the community I love.”
During the seminar Taylor learned about common mistakes many homeowners make when selling their homes. “I came back from the seminar full of information to share with the community,” said Taylor. “Orange County is a wonderful place to live. I’m committed to making sure that home sellers and homebuyers have all the information they need to make the right decisions.”
Jonathan Taylor of First Team Real Estate has set up a free, 24-hour Consumer Awareness Hotline a1-888 281-3740 Ext 8605 that gives Orange County home sellers a behind-the-scenes peek at the most common mistakes people make when selling their homes – how not to make them – and shares tips on simple, inexpensive things to do that make homes sell for thousands of additional dollars.
“Some home sellers overinvest in expensive improvements that don’t significantly increase the value of their home,” said Taylor, “while other sellers fail to do the simple things that cost almost no money, yet always make homes sell for thousands of dollars more.
“It’s really nice to see that people are calling and getting benefit from the hotline,” added Taylor. “We get calls from people almost every week thanking us for the tips.”
Listen to Taylor’s free, 24-hour Consumer Awareness Hotline by calling 1-888 281-3740 Ext 8605

About the Author

Top Prodcer fro First Team Real Estate

How to Buy a Home with No Money Down by Garret Belisle

For many of us coming up with “the” down payment for a home is quite a struggle. There are many reasons for this, such as your income, your family needs, your savings account is well, non-existent. Not to long ago if you didn’t have at least 10 percent down you didn’t have a 10th of a percent of buying a home. As of late it can be a very affordable 5 percent or zero percent.

Okay now on to how it is done…

So let’s say you are a first time buyer (although this also works if you have already owned a home) and you simply need a break. You need a way to get into the market without spending a cent. Its called the No Money Down Mortgage, at least that’s what its called where I live, maybe its called Zero Money Down where you live but you get the idea. Now here is what is needed :

There are specific qualifications….and yes they are pretty much in this order.

Read on MacDuff….

1. An A Plus Credit History.

No recent history of any bad debt of any kind, which also includes all payments for your credit cards or shopping cards etc, etc. must be paid on time in most recent months.

2. Limited liabilities.

This means something like “Sign here….don’t move while we look into your ENTIRE credit history, but disclosure is not a bad thing, if your credit is good it will certainly work in your favour. This is done to make sure you can carry the extra debt.

3. At least 3 years of stable employment.

This needs to be verified on paper by your employer preferably or some form of financial statements. The employer is much better in most cases.

Finally. You must be able to carry large monthly payments.

Without a down payment, obviously lenders and the bank want to make sure you can handle the obligation of larger payments, The monthly payments may increase from a few to several hundred more a month but you can buy several styles of home.

This is the program in detail it is widely known and used by almost all banking institutions for greater details or understanding I highly suggest you go to your local bank and have a sit down with your financial advisor, someone you know and trust.

So in a nutshell, if the down payment is the current problem, it may no longer be with this program. You no longer need to pay your landlords mortgage, you can immediately get into a home with this program if you qualify.

And again, sorry to repeat myself but go and make an appointment to review this option with your realtor or banker or both. It’s worth taking a look at.

And always ask about mortgage leads…this will get the ball moving a little faster.

Now go get that house

About the Author

Garret Belisle runs several community blogs with advice on home buying and credit repair and currency trading to name a few.
You can view more information here :
http://www.gbcmortgage.blogspot.com
You may also subscribe for automatic updates as well

5 Questions you must ask your realtor before you list your house for sale. by Vince Ohare

5 Questions you must ask your realtor before you list your house for sale.

Your house is a major part of your life and when it comes time to sell it you need to get the best possible price. Here are some things to ask your prospective realtor before you list your house for sale.

1 How many homes have you listed and how many homes have you sold in the last 6 months? You are looking for a realtor that has experience with homes that are just like yours and from the same neighborhood. They can tell prospects about the schools, churchs etc.

2 Could you send me some info about yourself? You always need to do some research on someone that is listing your house. If they dont have promotional materials odds are they are not professional. If they avoid your request they will probably take a back seat when someone is looking to buy your home.

3 What is the average time when it comes to listing and actually selling a house? If they are moving houses too quickly they might not be getting the best prices that they can.

4 How long have you been in business? You always want someone with experience that is a no brainer.

5 Do you have assisants in case I need to get in touch with someone? Every real estate agent has assisants if they are serious about their work.

This is just a list to go by before you sell your house. Your main goal is to get the best possible price. If you want ask around your neighborhood or go to the local community meetings and ask around. Odds are someone in the room has bought a house in the neighborhood.

For more tips like this visit A1-Moving-Supplies.com

About the Author

Vince Ohare is a free-lance writer that has been published on many internet topics. This article can be republished as long as the links stay intact.

Why Get Pre-Approved For A Mortgage? by Chris Rocks

One of the most important steps in the home buying process is getting Pre-Approved as early as possible.

The Pre-Approval process involves you speaking with a Mortgage Lender about your financial situation, what you’d like to accomplish, and any concerns you have. Armed with that information, a Mortgage Lender can obtain an approval from a lender up to a specified loan amount and provide you with monthly payment information and closing cost information.

There are many benefits to getting Pre-Approved. First, Realtors will spend more time assisting you with your home search if they are confident you’ll be able to obtain financing once you’ve located a home you’re interested in purchasing. Second, Seller’s will take your offer more seriously since they know you will be approved for a mortgage — and they won’t risk taking their home off the market only to find out the deal is going to fall through 30 days later. Finally, since you know you’ve been approved and much of the paperwork has already been processed, you’re in for a much less stressful experience.

Why is it important to do this as early as possible?

Many loan officers report that over 50% of the credit reports they see have inaccurate information listed. This inaccurate information could be the difference between you getting a loan or not getting a loan - getting a rate of 5% or getting a rate of 7.0%. The earlier these errors are found, the sooner they can be corrected.

So, what do you need for the Pre-Approval Process?

Here a list of documents your Mortgage Lender will want to initially see copies of:

*W2’s from the last 2 years
*Tax Returns from the last 2 years
*Pay stubs from the last 30 days
*Bank & Brokerage Statements from the last 3 months

Additional documentation will be required depending on your specific situation and as the process progresses.

Your Mortgage Lender will go through a loan application with you, which covers questions related to your current residence, employment status, marital status, etc. There will be a series of disclosures you’ll have to sign as well - some required by the State or Federal Government informing you of your rights in the process.

With the application and disclosures signed, the supporting documentation you provided, and an understanding of what you are hoping to accomplish, the Mortgage Lender is ready to submit your “loan” through what’s called “Automated Underwriting”. Within minutes, unless your situation requires an underwriter to personally review your file, you will have an answer to your loan application.

Now that you have an approval, your Mortgage Lender will issue a Pre-Approval letter outlining the terms of your approval. Your Realtor will request a copy of this letter (typically before they begin showing you homes) and will include a copy with any offer
you make on a property.

Now it’s time for the fun part – looking for homes!

About the Author

Chris Rocks is a successful Mortgage Consultant and writer based out of Chicago, IL.

Website URL: http://www.loansbyrocks.com

Contact Email Address: chris@loansbyrocks.com

Sellers, Are You Having A Hard Time Selling Your Home? by Sue and Chuck DeFiore

Sue and Chuck DeFiore have the perfect solution for you – Lease Purchasing your home!

What is Lease Purchasing?

A Lease Purchase is a process that combines a basic rental lease with an agreement to purchase, or with an option to purchase the property. The Buyer (or Lease-Purchaser) pays to the seller a monthly payment that usually approximates a rental amount or a typical mortgage payment on the
home. A percentage of that payment is typically applied towards the purchase price. At the end of the term, the buyer has the right to purchase the property for the price and terms to which both parties have previously agreed.

Put another way, a lease purchase is essentially a rental agreement combined with a purchase contract with pre-negotiated terms. The buyer leases the property for a specific period of time and then purchases the property before the end of the lease agreement. Sales price, length of rental, rent credits, escrow instructions, etc., are all contained in the agreement.

A lease purchase is a wonderful way to control property without the headaches of banks, mortgages, taxes or immediate loan qualifying. Lease purchasing gives you the right to buy the property, but not the obligation to buy.

Following are just some of the benefits of Lease Purchasing for sellers.

1. Usually top sales price for the property.
2. Better quality tenants.
3. Higher rent than usual for the market area.
4. Non-refundable option consideration.
5. All minor maintenance is delegated to the tenant/buyer.
6. Seller remains on the deed.
7. Seller retains the tax shelter.
8. No fees to pay.

So, you ask, how do I lease purchase my home? Drop by our website and check out “How To Sell Your Home In 30 Days Or Less! Without A Realtor Or Realtor Commissions!”, Just click on the
link below:
http://www.homebusinesssolutions.com/products/lpsellermanual.htm

We will give you the ability to move your home in 30 days or less! This will allow you to move forward with your plans, whatever they are! Why not get started making those plans today!

Copyright DeFiore Enterprises 2005

About the Author

Interested in having your own successful, home based creative real estate investing business? Chuck and Sue have been helping folks start successful home based businesses for over 20 years, and we can help you too! To see how, visit http://www.homebusinesssolutions.com

7 Selling Mistakes You Don’t Want To Make! by Madan “Raja” Ahluwalia

7 Selling Mistakes You Don’t Want To Make!

Mistake #1 — Pricing Your Property Too High

Every seller obviously wants to get the most money for his or her product. Ironically, the best way to do this is NOT to list your product at an excessively high price! A high listing price will cause some prospective buyers to lose interest before even seeing your property. Also, it may lead other buyers to expect more than what you have to offer. As a result, overpriced properties tend to take an unusually long time to sell, and they end up being sold at a lower price.

Mistake #2 — Mistaking Re-finance Appraisals for the Market Value

Unfortunately, a re-finance appraisal may have been stated at an untruthfully high price. Often, lenders estimate the value of your property to be higher than it actually is in order to encourage re-financing. The market value of your home could actually be lower. Your best bet is to ask your REALTOR® for the most recent information regarding property sales in your community. This will give you an up-to-date and factually accurate estimate of your property value.

Mistake #3 — Forgetting to “Showcase Your Home”

In spite of how frequently this mistake is addressed and how simple it is to avoid, its prevalence is still widespread. When attempting to sell your home to prospective buyers, do not forget to make your home look as pleasant as possible. Make necessary repairs. Clean. Make sure everything functions and looks presentable. A poorly kept home in need of repairs will surely lower the selling price of your property and will even turn away some buyers.

Mistake #4 — Trying to “Hard Sell” While Showing

Buying a house is always an emotional and difficult decision. As a result, you should try to allow prospective buyers to comfortably examine your property. Don’t try haggling or forcefully selling. Instead, be friendly and hospitable. A good idea would be to point out any subtle amenities and be receptive to questions.

Mistake #5 — Trying to Sell to “Looky-Loos”

A prospective buyer who shows interest because of a “for sale” sign he saw may not really be interested in your property. Often buyers who do not come through a REALTOR® are a good 6-9 months away from buying, and they are more interested in seeing what is out there than in actually making a purchase. They may still have to sell their house, or may not be able to afford a house yet. They may still even be unsure as to whether or not they want to relocate.

Your REALTOR® should be able to distinguish realistic potential buyers from mere lookers. REALTOR®s should usually find out a prospective buyer’s savings, credit rating, and purchasing power in general. If your REALTOR® fails to find out this pertinent information, you should do some investigating and questioning on your own. This will help you avoid wasting valuable time marketing towards the wrong people. If you have to do this work yourself, consider finding a new REALTOR®.

Mistake #6 — Not Knowing Your Rights & Responsibilities

It is extremely important that you are well-informed of the details in your real estate contract. Real estate contracts are legally binding documents, and they can often be complex and confusing. Not being aware of the terms in your contract could cost you thousands for repairs and inspections. Know what you are responsible for before signing the contract. Can the property be sold “as is”? How will deed restrictions and local zoning laws affect your transaction? Not knowing the answers to these kinds of questions could end up costing you a considerable amount of money.

Mistake #7 — Limiting the Marketing and Advertising of the Property

Your REALTOR® should employ a wide variety of marketing techniques. Your REALTOR® should also be committed to selling your property; he or she should be available for every phone call from a prospective buyer. Most calls are received, and open houses are scheduled, during business hours, so make sure that your REALTOR® is working on selling your home during these hours. Chances are that you have a job, too, so you may not be able to get in touch with many potential buyers.

(c) Copyright 2005 Madan Ahluwalia. All rights reserved.

Madan “Raja” Ahluwalia is an Attorney at Law and Realtor. Raja offer his real estate clients a counseling-based approach to home buying, where the client’s long-term goals are the most important consideration and outweigh the benefits of any single sale. Raja possesses a thorough understanding of the real estate market and trends, based on years of involvement in real estate. He provides expert insights and helps clients understand timing, pricing and financing issues. Contact Raja at raja@kw.com or 650.430.4023.

USED THIS BIO

Madan “Raja” Ahluwalia is an Attorney at Law & Realtor. Raja offers his clients a counseling-based approach to home buying, where the client’s long-term goals are the most important consideration. He possesses a thorough understanding of the market and trends, based on years of involvement in real estate. He provides expert insights and helps clients understand timing, pricing and financing issues. Contact Raja at raja@kw.com or 650.430.4023.