Real Estate Blog 360

How to Buy a House - What happens during the purchase process?

2011-11-04T16:54:00.000-07:00

The following 35 steps describe all the steps that your REAL ESTATE TEAM (your Real Estate Agent, lender, and the title and escrow company) will perform so that your transaction is successful. After each description, you will see who is associated with that step, labeled in brackets.

These steps have been numbered to make the process easy to follow, although some of them may occur at the same time. Check with your Real Estate Agent or your lender if you need more detail or clarification.

1. Pre-approval and evaluation of your financing options [Lender]

2. The loan application form is completed [Lender]

3. Choosing the desired property, and presenting the purchase offer and the initial good-faith deposit [Real Estate Agent]

4. The transaction is started at the Title and Escrow Company [Title and Escrow Company]

5. Property inspections are ordered [Real Estate Agent]

6. Credit report and property value assessment are ordered [Lender]

7. The contract is reviewed with particular attention to the steps with specific dates [All team members]

8. The preliminary title report is reviewed and sent to the lender and the Real Estate Agent [Title and Escrow Company]

9. The disclosure reports are delivered to the buyer [Real Estate Agent]

10. The preliminary title report is reviewed [All team members]

11. The desired loan is selected [Lender]

12. The inspections are reviewed and/or the contingencies are eliminated [Real Estate Agent]

13. The contingencies are removed from the loan and the deposit is increased if necessary [Real Estate Agent]

14. Receipt of increased funds [Title and Escrow Company]

15. Final gathering of documents for loan approval [Lender]

16. The Escrow Agent ensures that the title report is free of errors and that it complies with any additional instructions [Title and Escrow Company]

17. The package is sent to the lender (risk assessor) for final approval [Lender]

18. Discussion about the selection of an agent for insurance against hidden defects [Real Estate Agent]

19. The loan is approved and the loan documents are ordered [Lender]

20. The loan documents are sent to the title company [Title and Escrow Company]

21. The property owner’s hidden defects insurance is ordered [Title and Escrow Company]

22. The closing date, and the required final balance needed to close the transaction, are confirmed [Real Estate Agent]

23. The Real Estate Agent gives final instructions for the closing [Real Estate Agent]

24. Final conditions of the loan are reviewed with the escrow agent [Lender]

25. The escrow instructions are formulated [Title and Escrow Company]

26. The escrow instructions are signed (by both Buyer and Seller) and the loan documents are also signed (by the Buyer) [Title and Escrow company]

27. The signed documents are returned to the lender along with the hidden defects insurance policy [Title and Escrow Company]

28. Final visit to the property [Real Estate Agent]

29. The loan le is reviewed [Lender]

30. The monetary exchange occurs [Lender]

31. The buyer deposits the funds balance in the escrow account [Title and Escrow Company]

32. The team decides that other measures are necessary for closing [All team members]

33. The documents are registered (the deed) at the county office [Title and Escrow company]

34. The transaction is closed. Final accounting: Checks are written and sent, a final account statement is produced,

and all parties are summoned and notified of the closing [Title and Escrow company]

35. The keys are handed to the new owner [Real Estate Agent]

Hope this in depth break down helps give you the confidence you need to buy a house, contact me if you have any questions!

Sincerely,

Oliver Graf

http://www.Youtube.com/OliverGraf360

How to Show Income When Getting A Home Loan - Mortgage Loan Help

2011-10-13T16:51:00.000-07:00

Buying a New Home or Condo has been gaining momentum amongst First Time Home Buyers, Rehab Property Flippers, and Buy and Hold Cash Flow Investors.

When Buying a Home or Condo, you will want to get your loan pre-qualified first. Part of getting your home loan pre-approved is showing your income and how much house you can afford.

Watch this quick video where I interview a top loan consultant to explain the process of how to show income when getting a home loan. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O0PNruU4kU

To determine your maximum San Diego mortgage amount, lenders use guidelines called debt-to-income ratios. This is simply the percentage of your monthly income (before taxes) that is used to pay your monthly debts. Because there are two calculations, there is a "front" ratio and a "back" ratio and they are generally written in the following format: 33/38.

The front ratio is the percentage of your monthly income (before taxes) that is used to pay your housing costs, including principal, interest, taxes, insurance, mortgage insurance, and homeowners association fees (when applicable). The back ratio is the same thing, only it also includes your monthly consumer debt. Consumer debt can be car payments, credit card debt, installment loans, and similar related expenses. Auto or life insurance is not considered a debt.

These are just guidelines and they are flexible. If you make a larger down payment or have sterling credit, the guidelines are less rigid. The guidelines also vary according to loan program. FHA guidelines, VA guidelines, and Conventional Loan Guidelines all vary.

Whether you want to buy a high end home or a nice comfortable starter home, Oliver will be more than happy to assist you regardless of your budget.

Oliver Graf

Premium Service, Proven Results!

How to Buy a House Step 1 "Get Prequalified for Your Loan" - Real Estate Mortgage Prequal

2011-10-03T21:30:00.000-07:00

When Buying a Property many people ask, what is the first step, Should I Get Pre-Qualified for a Loan first?

The answer is Definitely Yes! Before you start looking to purchase a new home or condo, you should review your finances, discuss your home loan options, figure out how much you can afford, and get pre-qualified. Getting Pre-qualified is a simple process thatwill put you in a much better position because you will have the confidence to move forward with a purchase and it will give you significantly more negotiating power when purchasing.

What does it take to get pre-qualified for your loan? Not as much as you might think... With a short phone conversation, we can briefly review information about your employment, debts, income, and assets. We can also look at your credit profile, discuss your down payment options, and cover the different loan programs that can work for you.

Once you get pre-qualified, your loan officer will give you what's called a Pre-Qualification Letter. This letter states that, as your loan officer, they have reviewed your finances and can get you qualified for a loan up to a certain amount. The whole process is simple and to the point,the paperwork is kept to a minimum, and generally your loan officer can provide most clients with a "Pre Qual letter" within about 15 minutes.

Once pre-qualified then you can go out and find the home or condo that catches your eye. Once you and you decide on "the one", being pre-qualified for your mortgage will do a couple of things. First, it lets you know in advance how much you can offer. Second, your real estate agent(me) wil submit your mortgage prequalification letter with your offer so that the seller knows that a lender has reviewed your situation and that you can afford the home.

It puts you in the best possible position and gives you the most negotiating power when buying a house, so make sure you get qualified in advance.

Contact me if you have any questions or need any help,

Oliver Graf

Real Estate Expert
http://www.ThinkOG.com

How To Make Sure You Don't Over Pay When Buying A House

2011-09-29T18:30:00.000-07:00

Local San Diego Realtor's and National Real Estate Speaker's Oliver Graf and Sam Khorramian reveal the secrets on making sure you don't pay too much when you buy a house or condo.

When buying a home, town house, condo, high rise unit, or an investment property, making sure you don't over pay is key.

Watch this quick video on "How To Make Sure You Don't Over Pay When Buying A House"

Some quick tips on how to make sure making sure you don't over pay when buying a house or condo.

- Be sure to throughly evaluate all the comps. Look at what is active, pending, and sold. Stay within half a mile of the subject property and only look at sold properties 3-6 months back at most.

- Drive the neighborhood and surrounding areas at different times of day so you get a feel for the "location". As they say real estate is all about "location, location, location".

-Find Out How Much the Seller Paid

-Determine the Seller's Mortgage Balance

-Look at how long (how many days) the home has been on the market.

If you have any questions feel free to contact me, Talk to you soon!

Have real estate questions? http://www.thinkog.com/

To your Success,

Oliver Graf

How To Lower Your Real Estate Property Taxes...

2011-08-26T11:01:00.000-07:00

How to lower your property taxes

Despite home prices in major urban centers decreasing 31 percent between 2005 and 2009, property taxes across the U.S. increased by nearly 20 percent. There is good news, however; homeowners can fight back.

Making sense of the story

- Homeowners should keep in mind that property taxes do not always correspond with home values, because local governments typically don’t measure values every year and some have limits on annual property-tax increases.

- As a result, current property taxes might reflect the home’s value when the market was healthier. According to the Congressional Budget Office, property-tax adjustments lag behind changes in home prices by an average of three years.

Although homeowners cannot change their property-tax rate, which is set by the local government, homeowners can get their assessment lowered if they appeal to their local assessor.

One key to a successful appeal is fact checking the assessor’s work. About half of all successful appeals come from homeowners pointing out an error in the assessor’s description of the home, according to one property tax expert.

- During the appeal process, which is similar to a less-formal court hearing, homeowners may present their case to several local officials or representatives. The simplest way to convince officials that a property has been incorrectly valued is to provide evidence of the sales price of homes that are comparable to the property being discussed. This should include square footage, amenities, and neighborhood characteristics. Sale documents and photos of the property in question, as well as the comparable properties also should be brought in.

- Homeowners who have made improvements or substantial changes to the property should be cautious about appealing an assessment though, as it could have negative effects and actually increase the property’s value and, in turn, the property taxes.

From Aug 25th, 2011. C.A.R's Market Matters
Reprinted with permission of the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Contact me if you have any questions or need any help with Real Estate,

Oliver Graf

Real Estate Expert
Follow me on Twitter: Twitter.com/OliverGraf360

Senate Bill 458 gives added protection to short-sale hopefuls

2011-07-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

On Friday July 15th 2011, Gov. Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 458 (Corbett) into law. The new law, which contained an urgency clause and became effective upon signing, protects homeowners pursuing short sales by barring first and secondary lien holders from going after sellers for money owed after the short sales close.

Making sense of the story

-- A short sale – a transaction in which the homeowner sells the property for less than is owed on the mortgage – must be approved by the lien holder or lien holders, if there is more than one.

-- Under previous law (SB 931 of 2010), a first mortgage holder could accept an agreed-upon short-sale payment as full payment for the outstanding balance of the loan, but the rule did not apply to junior lien holders. SB 458 extends the protections of SB 931 to junior liens.

-- The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) sponsored the bill and urged lawmakers to pass this much-needed legislation.

-- “The signing of this bill is a victory for California homeowners who have been forced to short sell their home, only to find that the lender will pursue them after the short sale closes and demand an additional payment to subsidize the difference,” said C.A.R. President Beth L. Peerce. “SB 458 brings closure and certainty to the short-sale process and ensures that once a lender has agreed to accept a short-sale payment on a property, all lienholders – those in first position and in junior positions – will consider the outstanding balance as paid in full, and the homeowner will not be held responsible for any additional payments on the property.”

From July 21, 2011. C.A.R's Market Matters
Reprinted with permission of the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Contact me if you have any questions or need any help,

Oliver Graf

Real Estate Expert
Follow me on Twitter: Twitter.com/OliverGraf360

Short Sale News for Homeowners: Treasury expands HAFA short sales program for vacant properties

2011-07-14T20:07:00.000-07:00

The Treasury department recently announced several changes to the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) program to make the program accessible to more borrowers and properties. With the lackluster numbers on permanent HAMP modifications and other widely reported problems, HAFA and short sales may become a bigger focus for policy makers, loan servicers, and REALTORS® in 2011.

One particularly notable change announced relates to HAFA eligibility of vacant properties. Previously, only properties which were vacant for 90 days due to employment-related moves of more than 100 miles were typically eligible. Under the new HAFA guidelines, previously owner-occupied properties which have been vacant or rented for up to 12 months are eligible as long as, among other things, the seller has not purchased another property in the interim.

The new guidelines are effective Feb. 1, 2011, and are not applicable for, among others, loans owned or guaranteed by government owned or sponsored entities including Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA and VA.

From January 26th, 2011. Market Matters Weekly Advisory
Reprinted with permission of the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Contact me if you have any questions or need any help,

Oliver Graf

Real Estate Expert
Follow me on Twitter: Twitter.com/OliverGraf360

How to Get More Real Estate Deals Tip 1: Legal Notices and Notice of Defaults

2011-06-23T16:33:00.000-07:00

Legal Notices / Notice of Defaults

You can start to look for legal notices in small papers usually on weekdays. There are also legal newspapers in many communities that most of the general public is unaware of. Do a little research in your local community to find where you can find these free postings to prospect.

The County Records/Courthouse is another place to find these lists for free. Sometimes they can be a bit tricky to find so I'd recommend asking for help as soon as you get there.

The best place to go for the lists is the County Recorder’s Office or the County Clerk. Usually, there will be a computer or filing system that you can use to pull the most current recordings of default.

Purchasing NOD Lists: There are a lot of companies out there that can help you pull the list for you every day. These companies are great and they make your job a lot easier by pulling all the NODs for you as well as doing a reverse look up to find their numbers as well. Depending on the city of your choice you can find prices anywhere from $20-$140 per month.

If you decide to purchase these NOD lists it is important that they are selling you CURRENT filings. You do not want to be calling on NODs that are a month old. You also want to make sure that they include the Homeowner’s phone number. Some companies will sell you these lists without phone numbers. This is a big waste of time. Also, make sure they will send out new lists daily. You want to do your best to be the very first person to call the Homeowner. The early bird gets the worm. You will want this information as fast as possible every day.

For optimum results, combine your phone prospecting efforts with your mailing campaigns. Think about it... how powerful would it be to call or door knock a prospect AFTER they have already received a few of your marketing pieces. It will get you the deal every time and chances are no one else is doing it!

Make sure you track your NOD lists by date so that when you follow up on your mailings with a phone call or a door knock it is all organized in a manner to make your follow up easier. Write out your marketing plan for you list in advance and then follow it.

Remember...it can take up to 7 touches before you get the deal. Don’t stop short, keep calling, mailing and knocking your list.... The fortune is in the follow up!

Good luck, now go out there and get more deals.

To your success,

Oliver Graf
Real Estate Expert

Understanding the Real Estate Foreclosure Process (3 Steps)

2011-06-21T19:18:00.000-07:00

In this market, housing values are declining as unemployment is increasing. For a homeowner, that means that the value of the house will be “upside-down”, and the market value of the home is actually less than the loan amount. Due to high unemployment we have seen a rise of foreclosures, where the bank takes back the property.

Foreclosure is the proceeding in which a bank or other secured creditor sells or repossesses a real property after the Homeowner has failed to comply with an agreement between the lender and the borrower (a mortgage or a deed of trust).

This happens when a property owner stops making their mortgage payments. After consistently missing payments the lender will usually consider the loan in default and begin with the foreclosure proceedings. The Lender at this point has the right to sell the property or even call the loan due.

All short sale / foreclosures have 3 steps in the timeline towards the property being sold.

1. Notice of Default (NOD):
A Notice of Default is a public notice given to the homeowner. In some states the notice is posted on the window or door. When a borrower is in default, or behind in mortgage payments, the lender will seize the home. In California lenders usually do not file an NOD until the homeowner is at least 90 days behind in payments.

2. Notice of Trustee Sale (NOTS):
A Notice of Trustee Sale is a public notice, published in a newspaper communicating a date for auction. This is also generally posted on the door; it will be a minimum of 21 days before the sale takes place.

3. Auction:
An auction is a public place where properties are auctioned to the highest bidder.

To your success,

Oliver Graf
Real Estate Expert

How to work with Homeowners (for Agents Real Estate and Investors)

2011-05-25T16:11:00.000-07:00

Currently over 25% of mortgages are over-leveraged,
meaning these properties are worth LESS than the amount
of the mortgage.

There is an estimated 7 MILLION foreclosures coming
down the pipe over the next few years, and right now
luxury homes are going into foreclosure twice as fast as
the medium-priced homes.

THIS IS A PERFECT STORM FOR YOUR
REAL ESTATE BUSINESS!!

Once you locate a potential short sale deal and you set
the appointment with the homeowner, there are three
major factors to understand...

1) Homeowners can be skeptical. Many of these homeowners
are in a short sale situation because of a loan officer that put
them into a bad loan, they were tricked into terms they did
not understand, or they got in over their heads.

2) They are most likely in some sort of hardship. It could be
anything from Job loss, to death of a spouse, medical issues.

3) They have a lot going on in their heads, particularly fear
of making a bad decision.

Learn to be there for them and come from a place of service.

Be real with them and educate them on what their options
are. When you put their interests first and show a strong
knowledge you will get the deal every time!

To your success,

Oliver Graf
Real Estate Expert

Why Invest in Real Estate Now?

2011-05-23T10:10:00.000-07:00

Now more than ever Residential real estate ownership is gaining ever-increasing interest from retail investors for many of the following reasons:

--The current market can provide incredible deals and even in a "bad market" Real estate provides more predictable returns than stocks and bonds.

--Real estate provides an inflation hedge because rental rates and investment cash flows usually rise by at least as much as the inflation rate.

--Real estate provides an excellent place for capital in times when investors are unsure of prospects in the stock and bond markets or when investors expect long-term returns in stocks and bonds to be inadequate.

-- Cash Flow, Cash Flow, Cash Flow

--The equity created in a real estate investment provides an excellent base for financing other investment opportunities. Instead of borrowing from a 401(k) or family member to get the capital, investors can borrow against their equity to finance other projects. The relative ease in borrowing against a real estate investment combined with the deductibility of the mortgage interest makes this option a less-expensive method for financing other opportunities for investors who are comfortable taking on the additional financial risk.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

To your success,

Oliver Graf

Real Estate Expert
Follow me on Twitter: Twitter.com/OliverGraf360

Options for Property Owners struggling with their mortgage

2011-04-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

Owners of distressed or “up-side-down” properties are face with many choices on both a financial and emotional level. For the struggling homeowner it is important to understand that when they are in a “distressed” position any of the following could have negative credit / tax consequences.

1) Loan Modification: This is where the homeowner and the lender come to an agreement. A modification can involve reducing the interest rate, deferring payments on the loan, an extension of time to pay back the mortgage, reduction in balance, or a combination of all of these possibilities.
Note: According to the Treasury Department, only 9% of home owners eligible for mortgage modifications have actually had their payments reduced, Only 1 in 50 have had any debt reduced, 78% see their debt increase as a result of late charges / attorney fees / missed payments, 63% of modified loans end up back in default within 1year. So while this option can sound really great, most banks and lenders are not actually helping the majority of people who apply for a loan modification.

2) Foreclosure: Foreclosure is a legal process through which the mortgage holder gains title to the property form a homeowner show has stopped paying their mortgage. After certain time periods, the lenders can foreclosure with or without the consent of the property owner.

3) A deed in lieu: Also known as cash for keys. A deed in lieu can happen when the homeowner offers to “give back” the property to the lender before the foreclosure date. The lender gets the property back without having to go through the entire foreclosure process and agrees to accept title to the property from the homeowner. In exchange they forgive the loan, and can give the homeowner a small amount of money to walk away. The deed in lieu must be agreed to by the lender and the homeowner.

4) Bankruptcy: A legal action generally filed by a homeowner to have debt (s) discharged. An “automatic stay” happens once someone files bankruptcy, “staying” all actions against the person. While petitioning for bankruptcy can cause delays in the foreclosure process. It does not necessarily prevent a foreclosure from eventually occurring.

5) Short Sale: Many people consider this the best option because the lender agrees to let a homeowner sell the property at today’s market values as opposed to what is owed on the mortgage.

What options have you tried / seen work best?

To your success,

Oliver Graf

Real Estate Expert
Follow me on Twitter: Twitter.com/OliverGraf360

Exactly what is a Short Sale?

2011-03-31T11:37:00.001-07:00

A short sale describes a Real Estate transaction in which a sellers
lender or lenders (depending on how many mortgages there are) agree
to allow the homeowner to sell the property for an amount less
than what is owed on the loan(s).

The consent of the seller’s lender(s) is needed because without
it there wouldn't be enough money from the sale to pay off the
lenders in full in addition to the other costs of the sale (like
commissions and other closing costs.)

As a result, the lender’s lien(s) would remain on title, and
the homoeonwer selling the property would be unable to
transfer title to the buyer free of monitary liens.

Simply put, a short sale is where the lender agrees to allow
the homeowner to sell the property for less than what is owed
on the mortgage (s).

Peroperties that are worth less than the amount owed to the
secured lender(s) are often referred to as being “under water”
or distressed properties.

Big Industry News affecting Short Sales in California...

2011-01-19T10:21:00.000-08:00

Big Industry News affecting Short Sales in California...

Senate Bill 931 was recently passed giving much relief
to sellers who are in a short sale position.

The bill expands existing anti-deficiency laws for first lien
holders regarding loans secured by properties of 1-4
units to short sales and took effect on January 1, 2011.

This is BIG for Sellers, Investors, and Agents!

In part, the new law provides that: "No judgment shall be
rendered for any deficiency under a note secured by a first
deed of trust or first mortgage for a dwelling of not more than
four units, in any case in which the trustor or mortgagor sells
the dwelling for less than the remaining amount of the indebtedness
due at the time of sale with the written consent of the holder
of the first deed of trust or first mortgage."

Simply put, California sellers who are granted a short sale
by a lender holding a first mortgage will now be exempt from
a deficiency judgment.

This is great news for any of your deals your currently working on
and great news for the business over the next year!

One of the most discouraging aspects for a homeowner facing
a short sale is the threat of deficiency they will experience for
selling their property short.

Fortunately, with Senate Bill 931 homeowners will no longer
be responsible for a deficiency on first mortgages in California.

Full text available here:
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/sen/sb_0901-0950/sb_931_bill_20100930_chaptered.html

What impact do you think this will have on the market and sellers in general?

To your success,

Oliver Graf

Real Estate Expert

Follow me on Twitter: Twitter.com/OliverGraf360

*** Make sure you sign up for our FREE mailing list today! ***

New FICO 8 Mortgage Score Now Available on all Top Three U.S. Credit Reporting Agencies

2010-11-04T10:37:00.000-07:00

FICO, the nations leading credit score provider announced some big news....

A brand new FICO® 8 Mortgage Score

This new credit scoring model is designed specifically for mortgage lenders and focuses on providing a more precise risk assessment for the real estate market.

FICO® claims that the new FICO 8 Mortgage Score will reduce borrower, lender, and investor risk, and help support market stability

The FICO® 8 Mortgage Score will analyze the full credit history for the borrower and aids mortgage professionals in better predicting a borrowers risk so they can mitigate the incidence and high cost of foreclosure.

Take a look at this Exerpt from the FICO.com website...

"MINNEAPOLIS—October 26, 2010—FICO (NYSE:FICO), the leading provider of analytics and decision management technology, today announced that its latest credit scoring product, the FICO® 8 Mortgage Score, is now available from all three major U.S. credit reporting agencies. Mortgage lenders now have access to more precise risk assessment tailored for the real estate market, which can help support market stability and reduce borrower, lender and investor risk.

The FICO® 8 Mortgage Score was built specifically to help mortgage lenders better predict mortgage performance and improve credit decisions for both current and prospective homeowners. The score analyzes the full credit history on file to deliver significantly sharper assessment of mortgage repayment risk, and aids servicers in earlier identification of borrowers at risk so they can mitigate the incidence and high cost of foreclosure. Validation results have demonstrated an additional predictive value of up to 15 percent for mortgage servicing over the broad-based, all-industry FICO® Score used most widely today.

“The FICO 8 Mortgage Score’s broad availability means that all U.S. lenders and servicers can now easily access scores that are fine-tuned for mortgage performance,” said Jordan Graham, executive vice president of Scores and president of Consumer Services at FICO. “Moreover, by combining this superior predictive performance with the FICO Economic Impact Service, lenders are able to adjust policies and strategies quickly based upon forward-looking economic modeling. This is what we mean by the FICO analytic advantage: the ability to use the most advanced predictive analytics to compete and win in this highly challenging environment.”

“To do the best job of evaluating risk and increasing profits, lenders need updated credit scoring analytics that incorporate mortgage credit performance since the subprime mortgage meltdown,” said Craig Focardi, senior research director at TowerGroup. “The availability of mortgage credit scores across all three credit reporting agencies will enable lenders to upgrade their loan underwriting and account management practices.”

The FICO® 8 Mortgage Score retains the same 300-850® scoring range, minimum scoring criteria, authorized user and inquiry treatment as the general-risk FICO® 8 Score. To achieve its significant increase in predictive strength, FICO Mortgage Score assesses several additional data variables from consumer credit files to specifically predict mortgage repayment risk. Accordingly, FICO Mortgage Score includes additional score reason codes compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act that help lenders understand and explain the scores to applicants."

Full Post here: http://www.fico.com/en/Company/News/Pages/10-26-2010.aspx

How do you think this new scoring system will affect the Lending Industry?

To your success,

Oliver Graf

Real Estate Expert
Follow me on Twitter: Twitter.com/OliverGraf360

*** Make sure you sign up for our FREE mailing list today! ***

The price of a “no-cost” loan

2010-11-01T15:15:00.000-07:00

Some home buyers who may be concerned about paying high closing costs might be tempted by a “zero-cost” or “no-cost” loan option, which requires no cash outlay, but typically adds a half percentage point to the rate.

However, some financial consultants say these loans tend to be most beneficial to buyers planning to have the loan for less than five years.

KEEP THIS IN MIND

• One of the primary differences between a no-cost loan and similar loans is that no-cost loans do not tack on closing costs to the balance, but instead increase the rate.

• With no-cost loans, third-party fees including the appraisal, credit report, title insurance, recording, and the use of a mortgage broker are paid by the lender. The fees, including the amount the broker is being paid, are disclosed on the closing statement.

• Home buyers who bypass a broker and work directly with a lender may encounter less transparency, as loan officers are not required to disclose the amount the bank is making on the loan.

• Borrowers weighing their loan options are advised to use a mortgage amortization calculator to compare the costs for a conventional loan compared with a no-cost loan. The Federal Reserve provides an amortization calculator on its Web site at www.federalreserve.gov.

Read the full story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/24/realestate/24mort.html?ref=realestate

What are your thoughts on "No-cost" Loans?

To your success,

Oliver Graf

Real Estate Expert
Follow me on Twitter: Twitter.com/OliverGraf360

*** Make sure you sign up for our FREE mailing list today! ***

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The FHA’s 203(k) Rehab Program provides loans that cover Rehab & Renovation costs

2010-10-22T14:31:00.000-07:00

Here is a great loan program if you are looking to do Rehabs or buy a property that needs work...

A little-known loan program for fixer-uppers

Home buyers thinking of purchasing a distressed property in need of repair, but who are concerned that the cost of the repairs could drain their savings account may qualify for the Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) 203(k) rehabilitation program.

MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY FOR CONSUMERS

* The FHA’s 203(k) rehabilitation program provides loans for covering renovation costs as well as the purchase price of the primary residence. Investors are not eligible for this program. Additionally, similar to traditional FHA loan programs, the rehab program allows for a down payment of as little as 3.5 percent.

* A common misperception about the program is that the house needs to be unlivable. Realistically, the property just needs to be outdated, according to a lender familiar with the program. The property “just has to appraise below market value and then at market value with the repairs.”

* Improvements deemed “luxury” are ineligible; however, the program has a wide range of definitions for “repairs” and “modernization.” Covered repairs include items such as a new roof or heating system, as well as decorative changes, like replacing vinyl with ceramic tile on the kitchen floor or painting the interior.

* In addition to putting down at least 3.5 percent of the current value of the property, buyers also must use a HUD-approved lender, appraiser, and a contractor approved by the lender for the repairs. One list of approved businesses can be found at 203kcontractors.com.

* Borrowers considering the FHA rehab loan program should be aware that loan rates typically run around a percentage point higher than conventional loans, and come in 15- to 30-year terms, either fixed or adjustable. Additional paperwork for inspection, appraisal, title updating, and the like can increase closing costs by $1,000 or more higher than the average.

* For additional information about the FHA 203(k) rehabilitation program, please visit http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/203k/203kabou.cfm

From Oct. 21st, 2010. Market Matters Weekly Advisory
Reprinted with permission of the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

How do you think buyers can benefit from this program?

How to Get More Business Today With These Simple Easy-to-follow Lead Generation Tips - For Real Estate Investors, Agents, and Brokers

2010-08-17T14:36:00.000-07:00

How to Get More Business Today With These Simple Easy-to-follow Lead Generation Tips

Many people make the mistake of thinking that prospecting is about making the sale or closing the deal. You will rarely “make the sale” on the first call… It's about getting the chance to make the sale. The ultimate purpose of a prospecting call is to set an appointment to make your “pitch”. You should be focused on simply setting an appointment before you hang up the call.

Find out as much as you possibly can about the individual you are prospecting in advance. This gives you the huge advantage of being able to talk about their needs when you call them.

Always use your script on your prospecting calls (If you don’t have a script, make one! If you need help, feel free to contact me). This should be non-negotiable. Without a script, it's too easy to leave something out or get off track. Remember, after you practice and internalize the scripts this will become second nature to you.

The 5 Critical Points of Prospecting:

1) Selling is asking questions. Questions will help you find out everything you need to go for the sell. This is called question-based selling. When you ask questions, you come off more sincere, and it gives you the ability to find out more about your prospect. Listen to what they are saying and then present all the ways your product or service will benefit them.

2) Prospecting is a numbers game. We have all heard that every no gets you closer to a yes. We have to understand that hearing NO is going to be a big part of our business. The more NO’s you hear in a day the better you did, just keep on going for the YES! If you want more sales… you need to talk to more people.

3) You should set a goal for yourself to keep you on track. An example of this would be: 10-12 contacts an hour for 2-4 hours every day. This alone will get you better results than you ever imagined.

4) You can never lose a deal from too much follow-up. Remember, most sales will happen after several contacts. Don’t leave money on the table with the lack of follow-up. Set a follow up schedule for yourself and try to automate as much of the process as possible.

5) An objection is simply a question in the mind of the prospect that needs to be answered. So script out the answers to your 5 most common objections. Then you will be equipped to handle them as soon as they come up. Since objections never change, simply figure out the answers.

The best place to start is on the PHONE. The sooner you develop and learn your script and objection handlers the sooner we will be able to jump on the phone and get business. If you are persistent every day in making your minimum # of calls you can’t help but to succeed. Do it consistently EVERY DAY and you will receive a flood of business!

What creative ideas are you using to land more prospects?

Sincerely,

Preston Mattix
Real Estate Expert

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How to Price a Property correctly - Sell Real Estate FAST

2010-06-25T15:41:00.000-07:00

How to Price a Property correctly so you can sell it quick and get the most amount of money - Sell Real Estate FAST

When you put a property up for sale, the price you set is the most critical factor in terms of the return you’ll receive on your investment. That’s why you should always get a professional evaluation before deciding the price (You can contact me anytime if you would like a FREE help pricing property). Look at the facts and do an honest assessment of the property, based on several factors, including but not limited to:

• Market conditions
• Condition of your home
• Repairs or improvements
• Selling timeframe

In real estate terms, “market value” is the price at which a particular house, in its current condition, should sell within 30 to 90 days.

If the price of your property is too high, this could cause several things:

• Limits buyers visiting the property. Potential buyers may not view the home because it appears to be out of their buying range or “over priced”.

• Limits the number showings. Other salespeople may be more reluctant to view your home and show it to their prospective buyers.

• Used as leverage against you. Other Realtors® may use the price of the subject property to drive the sale of other homes that are more competitively priced.

• Longer time on the market. When a home is on the market too long, it may be perceived as “stale” or defective. Buyers wonder, “what’s wrong with the property,” or “why hasn’t this sold yet?”

• Lower price. An home that is priced too high, still on the market beyond the average selling time, could lead to a lower selling price in the end. To sell it, you will have to reduce the price – sometimes more than once. In the end, you run the risk of getting less than if it had been properly priced in the first place.

• Wasted time and energy. A bank appraisal is most often required to finance a home, so if it is overpriced it will not appraise and they buyers lender will force a reduced price.

Real Estate Professionals have known it for years – well-kept homes that are priced right from the start get you the fastest sale for the best price! And that’s why you need a highly trained professional to assist you in the selling of your home.

Often, in a seller’s market, homes that are priced slightly below market value initially will sell for more, simply because of the extra interest they incite. This can be a risk, however, and when it comes to such a decision you can contact me for help any time.

If you have any other questions please contact me anytime

Oliver Graf
Real Estate Expert

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How to STOP a Foreclosure Sale: Tips on getting a Foreclosure Sale Date (Notice of Trusee Sale) Postponed

2010-06-09T09:48:00.000-07:00

How to STOP a Foreclosure Sale: Tips on getting a Foreclosure Sale Date (Notice of Trusee Sale) Postponed

If you are a Realtor, Investor, or Homeowner who has a property that has an upcoming foreclosure sale date soon, use the following....

Submit everything on the list below and more important is the actions taken after you submit it. Call and note the account multiple times until you get someone who is ready and willing to help you. Leave messages, send emails, and fax them, hit them on every front possible until you receive the postponement. DO NOT “wait for them to get back to you”, keep calling until you confirm

1) URGENT cover letter – Outlining the entire situation
2) Authorization form – All loans
3) Hardship Letter – Highlighted and Emphasizing “Permanent Nature”
4) Listing Agreement and Short Sale Addendum
5) NODPA – Notice of Default Purchase Agreement (Price Filled in)
6) COMPS – Underlined, Circled and Broken down with cover letter
7) HUD – Make sure all names, numbers, and payoffs are correct and settlement agent states “buyers choice”

Complete Every Step in this order… Get all rep names and numbers and save/note them. Start this process a minimum of 3-7 days before the projected sale date.

1. Send a FORMAL STOP SALE request with “Urgent” cover letter to every fax number and email that you have on the file. Resend Entire package above if necessary.

2. Call Negotiator and Supervisor to Note in the account that you are trying to postpone the sale. Also have rep review the account and make sure that all the required postponement items are showing up and ready for review. Stay on the phone with them until they confirm both.

3. Call Foreclosure AND Customer Service department to confirm that the request to post pone was made. If they say they cannot help you, keep calling back until you find someone that will help you.

4. Get the Trustee Sale Number and Trustee contact info one of three ways: 1) Check the NOTS letter, 2) Request Trustee Company Name and Contact Number from Customer Service, or 3) Get it off title.

5. Also, check if the Trustee Sale company is co-owned by the servicer / lender, if so any postponements can be made directly in house via email or phone by the negotiator (stay on the phone with them while they do it).

6. Call and confirm with Trustee Company that the request to postpone was received. If the request was never made, call lender back and escalate the postponement. Keep checking back until confirmed.

7. Go higher up with all parties if necessary. Repeat by phone until all parties confirm the postponement.

Obviously nothing is guaranteed, but using these techniques will help you get a Foreclosure date postponed.

Let us know about your success with these tips

To your success,

Oliver Graf
Real Estate Expert
Follow me on Twitter: Twitter.com/OliverGraf360

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Success Tips: How to Pre-qualify Prospects and Referring Partners so you get more Real Estate Business

2010-06-01T12:54:00.001-07:00

How to Pre-qualify Prospects and Referring Partners so you get more Real Estate Business

For Real Estate Agents, Brokers, and Investors...

Generating new clients is a key to success in any business. So you want to make sure you are focusing on clients that are ready to move forward and not wasting time others. When you are talking a lead or potential prospect, ask yourself these questions as a way to qualify them. If they meet all five, you have yourself a solid prospect and you will be on your way to doing business with them. If someone doesn’t meet all FIVE requirements, they are probably not a good match and your time would be best spent speaking to other potential clients.

One thing to keep in mind, especially when speaking with prospects, is that some of them will be very well off and others have been through a very difficult time and are going to be defensive. Always be as pleasant as possible and don’t take things personally.

1) Cooperate: When speaking with them, are they amiable and willing to cooperate? Although they may be facing challenges because of today’s market or because of credit issues, that is fine, but if they get belligerent or angry with you, you do not have to work with them.

2) Plea for Help: Do they want to be helped? Find out their “hurt” and show them how your product or service is the “cure”

3) Realistic: Do they have realistic expectations? Does the prospect realize that the currentor may not be the same as it was few years ago? If financing is involved, do buyer prospects realize that loan programs are not the same today as they were 2 years ago. market may

4) Conversation: Are they willing to have a conversation with you? Do they even answer the phone or have they been avoiding you for weeks? Are they short with you and give clipped, one word answers or do they at least provide a little dialogue? Follow the rule of three, once you have left them 3 messages if they do not respond throw them away and move on.

5) Action: Do they want to move forward anytime within the next 0-14 days? Are they motivated and ready to move forward now?

Qualifying your prospective clients quickly and effectively is a skill that is sure to bring you massive success in any industry. Click Here to learn the secrets to prospecting, qualifying, and how powerful the use of scripts can be to make BIG money in sales

To your success,

Oliver Graf
Real Estate Expert
Follow me on Twitter: Twitter.com/OliverGraf360

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Top 7 FREE Real Estate iPhone Apps – Download them for Free!

2010-05-28T14:25:00.000-07:00

You have to take a look at the following list of the top 7 free real estate-related iPhone apps to help take your real estate game to the next level.

Now more than ever homeowners, agents, and investors are doing more business remote, this list of apps will help you navigate the real estate market and take your super charge your real estate business. Try them out and let us know what you think?

1) Real Estate Resource Directory - This is a great app that provides real estate agents and investors resources like comparable sales data, easy to use calculators, property valuation functions, demographics for a particular area, and a nice list of contractors and real estate related professionals.

2) Realtor.com: With this app you can search homes that are for-sale in given areas, view property details, store searches and listings, find open house information, send listings to friends and family, and save ratings and notes.

3) Real Estate Hunter: Real Estate Hunter lets you store and maintain all of your search information of for-sale or for-rent listings by inputting the property information such as what type of property, prices, property address, square footage, property tax information and other fees. It also allows users to automatically calculate mortgage and monthly costs. You can compare asking and offer prices for various properties and add your own photos and contacts. Within the application, the user can rate each property; save additional information in custom fields; and e-mail a CSV file of your data to open in Excel and other programs. The free version lets you store information for up to three properties; you can add additional properties for a small fee.

4) Google Maps: This is one of my favorite apps because it is so easy to use and has a solid list of features. With Google Maps you can search Driving directions, Transit and walking directions, Biking directions, Latitude, Layers, Street View, Satellite view, Real Time Traffic Reporting, Location Business listings, and Business reviews.

5) Zillow Real Estate: With Zillow’s app you can find property valuations by address, filter properties by monthly payment, price, number of bed and baths, publish listings by email, Facebook or Twitter. You can receive updates when properties pop up that match your criteria.

6) Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Home Selection Assistant: This one is a lot of fun, you can track and organize photos by location; see comparable home values, local school information, area demographics and amenities; store photo albums of favorite properties and different rooms; easily share photos on Facebook or through e-mail; and access the vault of read real estate-related articles directly through bhgrealestate.com.

7) AgentFirst Real Estate: This is a top notch tool while out in the field. With this app you can Search First American Title's property information database, find parcel/tract information and property sale data. You can directly order tax information, recorded documents, sales comparables and property profiles. To use this app you have to first have an active AgentFirst account.

Bonus Tip: Another great tip for Real Estate Agents and Investors who have an iPhone or iPod is TubeTilla. With Tubetilla it is easy to store and watch videos of properties you are working on your iPhone or iPod. Being able to store and play videos with your phone can be an incredibly powerful sales tool because anywhere you meet prospects, agents, and clients you can show them videos of all your properties without even having an internet connection. As they say a picture is worth a thousand word and a video is priceless! You can store and watch YouTube videos right on on your iPhone, iPod or Zune!

To your success,

Preston Matix

Real Estate Investor

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Tips on loans and financing for Mobile and Manufactured Homes

2010-05-27T11:53:00.000-07:00

What are mobile home loans?

Mobile homes are actually manufactured homes which are normally found in campsites or mobile home parks. They are transported by tractor-trailers over public roads to sites. Sometimes they are used as temporary accommodation on campsites. These houses can be placed in one location permanently as well as can be moved to other areas. If you want to buy this kind of homes, then you can take the help of mobile home loans from FHA (Federal Housing Administration) approved lenders. FHA approved lenders generally give loans from their own funds to eligible borrowers to finance the purchase of mobile home. FHA insures the lender against loss if the borrower can't make the payments.

Objective of the loan
The mobile home loan is used to purchase a manufactured home, a lot on which a manufactured home is to be placed.

How to qualify for mobile home loans?
The eligibility criteria for the mobile home loans are as follows:
• Borrower should have sufficient income to make the minimum required down payment.
• Borrower must be able to prove that they can make the payments on the loan and cover their other expenses.
• Borrower primarily intends to occupy the manufactured home as his principal residence.
• Borrower must have a suitable site to place the manufactured home. It can be a rental site in Manufactured Home Park or can be a home site. The site should have adequate water supply and garbage disposal facilities.
• The borrower should have an average credit score.

Loan term
The maximum term for a manufactured home or a single-section manufactured home is twenty years. However, for a multi-section manufactured home and lot, the term is for 25 years. For a manufactured home and lot, the term is for 15 years.

How can you find the dealer who gives mobile home loans?
You can get the contact details of the lenders in your area who give mobile home loans from the local retailers. Contact us if you need help of have any questions.

However, it should be noted that one of the basic criteria for getting mobile home loans is that manufactured homes must be according to the Model manufactured home installation standards.

Investing
Mobile home parks can be a great investment for the short and long term. If your interested in comercial real estate, especially mobile home parks, I recommend you take a look at this system, they give you everything you need to succeed. Click Here to find out how to make money with mobile homes!

Guest Post by:
Sabrina Gomez
http://www.mortgagefit.com/mobile-homeloan.html

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How to Make BIG profits Investing in Tax Liens

2010-05-07T12:40:00.001-07:00

How you can Easily Make BIG profits with Tax Liens, One of the HOTEST investing strategies in today’s Real Estate Market...

As we all know, there are several big money investing strategies when it comes to Real Estate.

With rising interest rates and economic hardship, one of the strategies Investors are using to make big money in this market is Tax Lien Certificates. How it works.... if a homeowner falls behind on their property tax payments, which is currently happening all over the country, you have the opportunity to come in and pay off the back taxes (generally for not a lot of money) and make a great return on your money, and if the homeowner is unable to repay, you can acquire the property for pennies on the dollar!

Tax Liens and Tax Liens Certificates

Shockingly, there are certain individuals that do not like to pay their real estate property taxes. (hard to believe, right?).

The non-payment of taxes creates a serious cashflow problem for local governments because they count on the money from property taxes to supply vital services like police, schools, and new roads to their local communities. So when people don’t pay, it puts them in a bind.

Tax Liens solve this problem, by creating a win-win situation. By issuing a tax lien certificate, the agency needing the money from property taxes gets paid right away when you invest in a tax lien. In exchange for paying the taxes you will receive the government’s lien for taxes. Basically, you get the governments claim on the property for the delinquent taxes.

The Government wins because they get money now and can pay their bills, and you as the Investor win because you’re in possession of a certificate that entitles you to certain benefits…

Benefits of Tax Lien Certificates

Why would an investor want to invest in tax liens? Because when you buy a Tax Lien certificate you get some incredible benefits:

1) First, you get paid fantastic interest on your money. Not only is the taxpayer obligated to repay you in full, but on top of that they have to pay you interest on your money. This can be a great source of cash flow because depending on state laws and competition, tax sale investors can make returns anywhere from 15-45%! That’s a GREAT return on your money!!

2) On top of making great cashflow, if the property owner can not repay the money, you have the right to acquire the property for Pennies on the dollar! Since tax lien certificates are secured by real estate, if you as the investor do not get all your money back plus interest and/or penalties you (as a lien holder) have the right to acquire the property. Generally the foreclosure of a real estate tax lien will extinguish all junior liens including mortgages. Thus providing you with free and clear ownership of the property for pennies on the dollar!

This is why so many investors are making a killing in tax lien certificates. They've either got a chance to earn a high rate of interest on their investment (15-45%) or they've got an opportunity to buy a home at a fraction of its market value.

Finding Tax Liens to Invest in

If you're interested in finding tax lien information, here are a few links to do state-wide searches of county or federal tax liens and where you can access online tax lien information - both federal and county - for that state:

California: http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/ucc/

Hawaii: https://boc.ehawaii.gov/docsearch/nameSearch.html;jsessionid=3F5A44F36C8F7E0E7835BFA0A76759EE.kolea

Florida: http://www.sunbiz.org/lienlis.html

To learn how to make serious money investing in Tax Liens, I highly recommend the following course: Make Easy Money in Tax Leins - Click Here!

Sincerely,

Oliver Graf
Real Estate Expert
Follow me on Twitter: Twitter.com/OliverGraf360

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How is my credit affected: Short Sale vs Foreclosure

2010-05-05T15:44:00.000-07:00

Credit Impact: Foreclosure vs Short Sale

How is my credit affected: Short Sale vs Foreclosure

In today's market, many homeowners are faced with the decision to try a short sale or just let the property go to foreclosure. Below are some points to think about / share with your clients.
If you have questions on whether missing mortgage payments and selling your property for less than the full amount you owe on it(short sale) will hurt your credit score, the answer is yes. HOWEVER, the credit damage done by a short sale is significantly better than a Foreclosure or Deed in Lieu, the short sale does not show up as long nor is the impact as severe as a property foreclosure.
Take a look at some of the most common questions….

1) When will I be able to purchase another house? (Primary Residence)

Foreclosure: Homeowner is eligible for re-purchasing a primary residence in 5 years

Short Sale: Homeowner is eligible for re-purchasing in 2 years

2) When will I be able to purchase another property? (Investment Property)

Foreclosure: Homeowner is eligible to purchase an investment property after 7 years

Short Sale: Homeowner is eligible to purchase an investment property after 2 years

3) Future loan disclosure: Will I have to disclose what happened with my house?

Foreclosure: On any future 1003(mortgage) loan applications when they ask, “have you ever had a property foreclosed upon…” you will have to mark YES, affecting what programs will be available to you and interest rate that you would qualify for.

Short Sale: There is no similar disclosure required for a short sale

4) How will my Credit Score be affected?

Foreclosure: The credit impact of a foreclosure is MAJOR and can reduce your credit score anywhere from 250-300 points.

Short Sale: Only late/missed payments on the mortgage will show up as derogatory items on the credit report. After the sale is completed the mortgage will be reported as paid or settled. Short Sales can affect your score differently depending on how many payments are missed, sometimes as little as 50 points. A short sale will have an affect on your score for approximately 18-24 months.

5) How will my Credit History be affected?

Foreclosure: A foreclosure will remain as public record on a homeowner’s credit history for 10 years, sometimes even longer.

Short Sale: Short sales are currently NOT reported in the credit history of a credit report. The loan is generally reported as “paid off, settled”

For all the information on Fannie Mae's guidelines, go to...https://www.efanniemae.com/sf/guides/ssg/annltrs/pdf/2008/0816.pdf

If you would like Free information on Short Sales, please contact me anytime.

What are you noticing in today's short sale / foreclosure market?

To your success,

Oliver Graf
Real Estate Expert
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