Experienced, Proven, Truthful Real Estate Info

287 House St, Glastonbury offered by Rob Rosa & Rubicon Crossings Realty

2014-02-10T14:57:00.001-05:00

Check out this video to view a new listing on the market: 287 House St, Glastonbury offered by Rob Rosa & Rubicon Crossings Realty

Want to Buy a HUD home? Here's FAQ

2014-01-08T04:29:00.000-05:00

What is a HUD Home?

A HUD home is a home that was financed with a FHA insured mortgage and the owner fails to make the payments. The lender then forecloses on the home; HUD pays the lender; and HUD takes ownership of the home (and markets for sale).

Who can buy a HUD Home?

Any approved buyer who qualifies for a mortgage can buy a HUD home.

How can I find out what HUD homes are for sale?

Potential buyers may search for HUD homes on HUD’s website www.hud.gov , or HomeSource’s www.hudhomestore.com.

How do I buy a HUD home?

An individual interested in purchasing a HUD home should contact a Rob Rosa at (860) 558-2122 or by email at rubiconcrossings@gmail.com. We are certified with HUD to sell HUD homes. We have a valid NAID number and have the keys to allow you to visit any HUD home in CT.

Can I get a loan to buy a HUD home?
Yes any purchaser that can qualify for a mortgage loan can purchase a HUD home. A Rubicon Crossings Realtor can put you in touch with the right loan officer to help you every step of the way.

If my bid is accepted, then what happens?

You can view the winners on the website under bid results. HomeSource will notify us by email of acceptance of the potential purchaser’s bid, the original contract paperwork must be received within 48 hours. Once the paperwork is received it will be reviewed for accuracy, and ratified. Once the contract has been ratified it is set for closing.

Can I submit bids on multiple properties?

Yes, a buyer may submit bids on multiple properties. Investors will be required to close on multiple properties if they are the successful bidder. Owner Occupant bidders will be awarded one property.

Can I cancel my bid?

A buyer may submit a notice of cancellation before or after the bid is accepted. The buyer can also not submit their contract and/ or fail to submit pertinent financial information in which would result in a cancellation of the bid.

Can I buy a HUD home as an investment? When can an investor submit a bid?

Once the o/o-owner occupant priority period has expired HUD properties are then released into the open market at which time investors are able to submit bids to purchase the property. Please note that the priority period is granted with the attempt that owner occupancy will occur. To bid as an investor the website priority will say All Bidders.

What is Owner Occupant Period?

The Owner Occupant period is delegated to the first 15 days the property is listed and extended for Insurable properties. All owner-occupant offers received are reviewed and the property is awarded to the highest acceptable net owner-occupant bidder. At the conclusion of the 15-day Owner Occupant priority period if the property remains unsold, UI-Uninsurable properties will have a 5 day Exclusive listing period.

Does HUD help with closing costs and Selling Agent’s Commission?

HUD will cover allowable closing costs and the selling agent’s commission based upon a scale that is already in place.

How can I see the inside of a property?

A Real Estate agent must grant you access to the property.

How do I get keys to HUD homes?

Rob Rosa & Rubicon Crossings Realty agents have a set of keys to HUD homes. Most HUD homes that are available for sale are on lockbox for Realtors to achieve easy access.

When should I do a walk through inspection?

Once the bid is accepted and the contract has been ratified the buyer may do a home inspection. 24-48 hours prior to settlement the buyer is urged to complete a final walk through of the property prior to settlement.

If the HUD Home needs repairs, will HUD make them?

No. HUD homes are sold in “as-is” condition, with out warranty. However, if the purchaser wants to borrow the funds to fix up the home, this is possible under certain conditions.

What is the 203 K program?

It is FHA’s rehabilitation and repair of a single family home program. Lenders work with FHA as well as purchasers to make financing easier and more affordable for the buyer to purchase the home and make the repairs necessary. The loan granted to the buyer will exceed the price offered for the home which will account for the amount needed to make repairs. The lender will use the projected escrow to account for the repair costs and the amount of the loan.

What is the repair with Escrow Program?

The “Repair with Escrow” program covers homes that can be sold using FHA financing as long as the repairs are done to the property, after settlement, which will be paid for out of the escrow account held by the closing agent. The escrow amount us predetermined prior to listing and noted in the advertisement for sale. These items included in the repair escrow are item that must be completed for the property to meet the minimum FHA standards. The escrow is financed by the purchaser over and above the offer price.

What does it mean when a property is “insured, “uninsured”, “insured with Escrow”?

Insured property- a property that is both eligible and qualifies for FHA-insured financing in its current condition.

Uninsured property- a property which has in excess of $5,000 in minimum property standards repairs needed and does not qualify for a FHA loan in its current condition, unless, the buyer is using the 203 K program.

Insured with Escrow – is a FHA loan issued for a property that has less than $5000 in repairs needed to meet minimum property standard. Minimum property standards are defined as items that affect the habitability of the home. The buyer must finance the escrow established and fix the identified repairs needed for the property within a certain timeframe from purchasing (taking ownership) the property.

These products are only applicable on a property being purchased using a FHA mortgage.
(In all cases conventional loans and cash can be used to finance these properties.)

Tip to Avoid When Buying Cash Flow Real Estate

2014-01-07T13:11:00.002-05:00

Leave out management, vacancy and maintenance in calculating cash flow – I see it all the time. Rent – PITI is used to calculate positive cash flow. If you do not have room for at least 10% property management, 10% vacancy and 10% maintenance then you could end up losing money over time. It is much more accurate to take 70% of Rent – PITI to calculate positive cash flow.

Where do I pay the EMD from?

2013-12-31T17:05:00.001-05:00

Here's a helpful "DO" when applying for a loan: Provide your EMD (earnest money deposit) from your own personal bank account or acceptable gift funds. This will present a difficult problem if not managed properly in the beginning. Please talk to your loan officer for additional clarification.

If You are Buying or Selling...As of Jan 1 You will Need Carbon Monoxide Detectors

2013-12-27T17:12:00.002-05:00

What is Carbon Monoxide?

It is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death.
CO is found in combustion fumes such as those produced by cars, trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, gas ranges and heating systems. CO becomes deadly if it builds up in enclosed or badly ventilated areas. Red blood cells pick up CO, and prevent the body from properly absorbing oxygen, damaging tissues and possibly causing death.
Everyone – people and animals – are at risk for CO poisoning. Certain groups – unborn babies, infants, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia or respiratory problems – are more susceptible.

Every year unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning causes

More than 400 deaths; (highest fatalities among those 65 and older);
20,000 emergency room visits;
4,000 hospitalizations;
Common symptoms:

Mimic flu/cold – dizziness, weakness, nausea, headache
Chest pain and confusion
At high levels – loss of consciousness and death.

The Connecticut Legislation

As of January 1, 2014, Sellers of 1-2 family homes built prior to October 1, 2005 will be required to furnish their purchasers with an affidavit that the property has working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in CT. Failure to provide the affidavit requires the sellers to credit their purchasers with $250 at closing.

View the text of the law Public Act No. 13-272 - An Act Requiring Working Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Certain Residential Buildings at the Time Title is Transferred.

Info from the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH)
Access more detailed information on Carbon Monoxide from the Connectuct DPH.

On the Radio
2013 CAR President Mary Ann Hebert and Waterbury Fire Marshal Chief Ballou were featured in a radio segment which aired on 99.1 WPLR, Star 99.9, 95.9 Fox. Listen to or download the podcasts.

Listen to CAR’s public service
announcements here:

Public Service Announcment Radio Ad 1 (30 sec.)
Public Service Announcment Radio Ad 2 (30 sec.)
Public Service Announcment Radio Ad 3 (10 sec.)
Public Service Announcment Radio Ad 4 (10 sec.)

Lowe’s REALTOR® Discount Program will Save Your Clients Money on CO/Smoke Detectors and More.
Join the Lowe’s Realtor Benefits program at https://www.lowesrealtorbenefits.com/ where you can send 10% discount coupons for use in Lowe’s stores to clients and customers. With CO and Smoke Detectors becoming needed in many homes, these coupons would provide a valuable discount to help your clients get what they need. Visit the program today to register and access the coupons! You will need your NRDS ID to register.

Presented to you as a public service by Connecticut Association of REALTORS^®

As Home Prices Rebound, Lenders Rush to Unload REOs

2013-12-26T15:28:00.001-05:00

As Home Prices Rebound, Lenders Rush to Unload REOs

Thinking of getting real estate license in CT?

2013-12-10T06:47:00.000-05:00

Here's another recommendation and excellent testimonial about our dedication and support to make sure our students are happy and well-prepared to move forward with their real estate aspirations: "I signed up for the Rubicon School of Business Real Estate class in the Fall of 2013. Rob does an excellent job of teaching the class and offers many different options for students with a busy schedule. The class is a blend of discussion and lectures that lends itself to open dialogue in the class. With Rob's experience in the field of Real-Estate you are able to get a good understanding of concepts as well as how they are practically applied in the real world. I would recommend this class to anyone interested in learning about the Real Estate profession and especially to those that have a busy challenging schedule as he offers exceptional flexibility and student support outside of normal class hours."

Matt M.

Please feel free to contact Rob Rosa at (860) 558-2122, by email at rubiconschool@gmail.com or visit our website at http://CTRealEstateSchool.Info to learn more about our real estate pre-licensing classes that are approved in the state of CT.

Holiday Home Fireplace

2013-12-07T13:49:00.000-05:00

This outdoor fireplace would be the perfect place to gather for the holidays! Where will you be celebrating the holidays this year?

#holidayhomes #outdoor #fireplace

Strawbridge Condos in South Windsor CT - Rob Rosa

2013-12-02T16:59:00.001-05:00

Looking for a great value on a condo in S Windsor?

Visit to learn more:
Strawbridge Condos in South Windsor CT - Rob Rosa

Payday for Borrowers After Foreclosure?

2013-11-15T07:48:00.001-05:00

Wow! Now this is truly interesting in a home market that is appreciating and slowly getting better for sellers...foreclosed home owners might have some $$$$ coming there way!

Check this link out to read more about the story: Payday for Borrowers After Foreclosure?

17 W Middle Tpke, Manchester, CT For Sale by Rob Rosa and Rubicon Crossings Realty, LLC

2013-10-30T14:33:00.001-04:00

See video here 17 W Middle Tpke, Manchester, CT For Sale by Rob Rosa & Rubicon Crossings Realty, LLC

Investor or Builder Opportunity. House is on large lot that has possibilities to be subdivided into total of 3 lots. In a Res-Com zoning area. Property is being offered with total lot or selling 2 separate lots too. Take a 2nd look for investment!

443 Main St, Manchester CT - Commercial & Multi Family for Sale by Rob Rosa

2013-10-29T23:39:00.001-04:00

443 Main St, Manchester CT - Commercial & Multi Family for Sale by Rob Rosa

443 Main St, Manchester CT. Incredible potential with this property on a corner lot & over 14,000 cars passing by. Get exposure galore! It is in the Business III zone with potential for res, com, retail, office, storefront, car sales, car wash, restaurant & more! The property is made up of 3 buildings & .56 acres. Building 1 is com storefront, retail or office space. Building 2 is 2 residential apts - apt 1 is 3 bedrooms and apt 2 is 4 bedrooms. http://rubiconcrossingsrealty.com, Rob Rosa (860) 558-2122

10 Inside Tips From a Designer Who Specializes in Small Baths

2013-10-28T16:55:00.001-04:00

10 Inside Tips From a Designer Who Specializes in Small Baths

By: Dona DeZube

Published: December 27, 2012

A New York City designer shares secrets to making a small bath both functional and beautiful.

Got a small bathroom to renovate? Go wild with texture and colors if it’s a rarely used guest bath, but stick to clean and simple in a master bath.

That’s the word from designer Jamie Gibbs, who transforms incredibly small New York City bathrooms into beautiful spaces. “I liked being shocked by details in a little space, especially if it’s not going to be used much,” Gibbs says.

His small-bath secrets:

1. Avoid textures in bathrooms that get daily use. In a heavily used bathroom, anything with texture becomes a collection spot for mold, mildew, and toothpaste. Say no to carved vessel sinks or floor tile with indentations.

2. Be careful with no-enclosure showers with drains right in the floor. These Euro showers allow for a feeling of openness, but the average American contractor doesn’t know how to waterproof the floor for them, Gibbs says. The tile seals can be compromised if not installed correctly, causing the materials to decompose, and water to leak underneath.

3. Use opaque windows and skylights to let light filter into all parts of the bath. A long skinny window with frosted glass means you don't have to burn high-wattage light bulbs. Make sure water condensation will roll off the window into an appropriate place (i.e. not the framing or the wall) to avoid future maintenance issues.

4. Look for fixtures that have a single handle rather than separate hot and cold taps. “Space-saving gearshift faucets are a very good choice in small bathrooms,” says Gibbs. You’ll also save money by not having to drill holes in the countertop for the hot and cold taps.

5. Save space with wall-mounted toilets and bidets, but be aware that the water tank goes into the wall. That’s fine if space is such a premium that you won’t mind going into the wall to make any repairs. But if you share a wall with a neighbor, that's a different issue.

6. Use a wall-mount faucet to make a reduced-depth vanity work in a small space.“I can get away with a 22” vanity instead of a 24” vanity with a wall mount faucet,” Gibbs says.

7. Check the space between the handles and the faucet of any space-saving fixtures. “If you can only get a toothbrush in it to clean, you'll save space, but it’s functionally stupid,” Gibbs says. Make sure the sink is functional, too. If you’re using a vessel sink, make sure it’s large enough and not too high. “If it’s too high, you'll knock it so many times that the fittings will come loose,” Gibbs says.

8. A pedestal sink is all form and no function. “It’s a great-looking sink, but there’s no place to [set] anything,” Gibbs says.

9. Wall-mounted vanities seem like they’re space savers, but they create dead space between the vanity and the floor — a space that often accumulates junk and never gets cleaned.

10. If you're comfortable with it, go European and put up a glass walls between the bathroom and bedroom to create the illusion of space. Or put bathroom fixtures in the bedroom just outside the bath.

Selling Your Home Soon?

2013-10-18T07:49:00.002-04:00

Hi Friends in CT. Selling your home soon? Find out what homes sell for in your neighborhood by requesting a free list of recent homes sales and current listings -- if you’re not already following my blog, please do so and reply back to me to get this free list.

Rob Rosa

Feel free to call me directly at (860) 558-2122

Growing another business one click at a time. It's not hard, just need to share and keep thinking out of the box.

2013-10-14T17:53:00.001-04:00

http://www.sfi1.biz/12360426

36 Elgin Dr, Tolland CT offered by Rob Rosa & Rubicon Crossings Realty

2013-09-23T23:09:00.001-04:00

36 Elgin Dr, Tolland CT offered by Rob Rosa & Rubicon Crossings Realty

7 Wyndemere, Avon, CT offered by Rob Rosa and Rubicon Crossings Realty

2013-09-23T22:37:00.001-04:00

Check out this video of a gorgeous home with spectacular views of the valley!

7 Wyndemere, Avon, CT offered by Rob Rosa and Rubicon Crossings Realty

Hero Home Source and Rob Rosa

2013-09-23T16:52:00.001-04:00

Visit Hero Home Source and Rob Rosa

Hero Home Source offers deep discounts, incentives and rebates to Teachers, Law Enforcement, Firefighters and Military Personnel. Retired or Active Duty officers and educators qualify for these substantial savings when selling or buying real estate. No cost or obligation what so ever.

Rob Rosa can sell your property!

2013-09-15T12:31:00.001-04:00

Rubicon Crossings Realty & Rob Rosa selling properties fast in CT!

1. We Will Sell Your Home FAST!

Our team will get your property sold fast. That's not an empty promise or braggadocio. It is a fact. In hot markets or slow markets, in every part of town, our selling speed is legendary.

2. We Will Sell Your Home For TOP DOLLAR!

There are many resources we use and reason why our team will get you Top Dollar for your home.

3. You Will Have LESS HASSLES!

We will get your home sold, every "i" dotted, every "t" crossed with the least inconvenience to you.

4. Your Home Sale is SAFE!

With, our Team Approach, no mistakes will be made, no detail missed, and no unpleasant surprises. There are over 72 different things that can go wrong with a real estate transaction. We'll work hard to make sure those things don't happen during your sale.

H4P or HECM for Purchase

2013-09-12T12:35:00.001-04:00

When you are a senior who wants to buy a home, prefer no monthly payment & maybe pension or SS is not enough, this might be a good solution for you.

New find in Tolland CT by Rob Rosa

2013-09-04T14:05:00.001-04:00

Putting another home on the market today! Gorgeous home with updated kitchen & stainless steel appliances, large fam room, 3 beds, 3 baths, fin bsmt & much more in Tolland CT. Only $259,900 Contact me for more info & more pics.

5 Inspection Problems Buyers Shouldn’t Ignore

2013-08-23T08:21:00.001-04:00

5 Inspection Problems Buyers Shouldn’t Ignore

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

Home buyers need to be extra vigilant about inspections in the early stages of a purchase because if problems are discovered too late in the process, it can "dash home owners' dreams and budgets," writes Yahoo! Finance in a recent article.

One home buyer in Long Island, N.Y., explains in the story that she didn't discover the fixer-upper she bought needed $225,000 in repairs until after she purchased it.

Jonathan and Drew Scott, who educate viewers about transforming fixer-uppers on HGTV's "Property Brothers," offers up a checklist of five things buyers should look for to ensure they don’t buy a lemon.

Mold: Buyers should note any musty smells in the home and be on the lookout for any mold. Mold can be caused by improper air circulation as well as water leaks.
Pests: Termite damage can be widespread and costly to repair.
Outdated fixtures and wiring: Electrical problems in a home can cause fire hazards. Buyers should take note of any indication of faulty wiring, such as cable coming out of drywall.
Poor DIY jobs: Buyers should make sure that the previous home owner's do-it-yourself projects were done correctly and are up to code. For example, poorly done flooring and painted-over wallpaper can be time-consuming and costly to fix.
Drainage problems: Sloping sod can cause flooding problems in a backyard, and a slow-draining sink could be an indication of a bigger problem. Buyers should test sinks and flush toilets to test for any potential problems.

Source: “Property Brothers: Don’t Buy a House Without Checking These 5 Things,” Yahoo! Finance (Aug. 19, 2013)

Wouldn’t you ‘like’ to play chef in this inviting kitchen space?

2013-08-13T20:49:00.003-04:00

Wouldn’t you ‘like’ to play chef in this inviting kitchen space?

Buying or Selling a Home? Where Are Values Headed?

2013-08-12T11:08:00.001-04:00

Buying or Selling a Home? Where Are Values Headed?

by THE KCM CREW on AUGUST 12, 2013 · 0 COMMENTS

in AGENTS, FOR BUYERS, FOR SELLERS, PRICING

Today, many real estate conversations center around housing prices and where they may be headed. Some believe rapidly rising prices have created a new ‘housing bubble’. Others believe that the sudden rise in interest rates will impact purchasing power to such a degree that it will force prices downward. There is no lack of opinions and there is absolutely no consensus.

That is why we like the Home Price Expectation Survey. Every quarter,Pulsenomics surveys a nationwide panel of over one hundred economists, real estate experts and investment & market strategists about where prices are headed over the next five years. They then average the projections of all 100+ experts into a single number.

The results of their latest survey

The latest survey was released last week. Here are the results:

Home values will appreciate by 6.7% in 2013.
The average annual appreciation will be 4.7% over the next 5 years
The cumulative appreciation will be 23.7% by 2017.
Even the experts making up the most bearish quartile of the survey still are projecting a cumulative appreciation of over 13% by 2017.

Individual opinions make headlines. We believe the survey is a fairer depiction of future values.

Top tips for real estate investment success

2013-07-29T07:14:00.001-04:00

Top tips for real estate investment success | GulfNews.com

Experienced, Proven, Truthful Real Estate Info

287 House St, Glastonbury offered by Rob Rosa & Rubicon Crossings Realty

Want to Buy a HUD home? Here's FAQ

Tip to Avoid When Buying Cash Flow Real Estate

Where do I pay the EMD from?

If You are Buying or Selling...As of Jan 1 You will Need Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Listen to CAR’s public serviceannouncements here:

As Home Prices Rebound, Lenders Rush to Unload REOs

Thinking of getting real estate license in CT?

Holiday Home Fireplace

Strawbridge Condos in South Windsor CT - Rob Rosa

Payday for Borrowers After Foreclosure?

17 W Middle Tpke, Manchester, CT For Sale by Rob Rosa and Rubicon Crossings Realty, LLC

443 Main St, Manchester CT - Commercial & Multi Family for Sale by Rob Rosa

10 Inside Tips From a Designer Who Specializes in Small Baths

10 Inside Tips From a Designer Who Specializes in Small Baths

Selling Your Home Soon?

Growing another business one click at a time. It's not hard, just need to share and keep thinking out of the box.

36 Elgin Dr, Tolland CT offered by Rob Rosa & Rubicon Crossings Realty

7 Wyndemere, Avon, CT offered by Rob Rosa and Rubicon Crossings Realty

Hero Home Source and Rob Rosa

Rob Rosa can sell your property!

H4P or HECM for Purchase

New find in Tolland CT by Rob Rosa

5 Inspection Problems Buyers Shouldn’t Ignore

5 Inspection Problems Buyers Shouldn’t Ignore

Wouldn’t you ‘like’ to play chef in this inviting kitchen space?

Buying or Selling a Home? Where Are Values Headed?

Buying or Selling a Home? Where Are Values Headed?

The results of their latest survey

Top tips for real estate investment success

Listen to CAR’s public service
announcements here: