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Real Estate Marketing (The Podcast)

How do I get a listing or deal? #Investor #Realtor

Short Sales are BACK!

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: http://tinyurl.com/qa62n6h

GUESTS: 
Bryant Tutas 
407-873-2747 
Co-founder of www.ShortSaleSuperstars.com. Working Short Sales every day all day.

Real Estate Broker and Owner of Tutas Towne Realty. A virtual Real Estate company specializing in listing and selling Short Sales and REO properties in the Central Florida Area.

Finding solutions that get your property “sold” is what I do.

Folks, if you need to sell your home then give me a call today and let’s talk! 407-873-2747 All calls are confidential. I can help……

….if you’re facing foreclosure. www.CentralFloridaShortSales.com 
….if you need to sell a Holiday Home. www.BuyProperty.ning.com 
….expose your property to over 500 web sites. www.TutasTowneRealty.com 
….educate you on current market conditions. www.BrokerBryant.com

Mike Linkenauger 
904-733-4911

Main website http://www.short-sale-specialists.com

Short Sale Websites - www.ShortSaleHosting.com
Mike got his start in Real Estate in 2005 at the young age of 26. He immediately established himself as a top producer in the Jacksonville, FL market, moving into the top 1% of agents his first year in the business. As the Florida housing market became depressed in 2007, Mike shifted his focus and immediately found a calling in assisting home owners with a short sale. In no time he amassed an inventory of over 100 short sale listings and quickly established himself as one of the top short sale agents in the State of Florida. As his online presence grew, homeowners from other parts of Florida began contacting him for guidance with a short sale and to be connected with a local short sale agent.

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Buying a Home with Cash

Pros and Cons of Cash Buying

All-cash home purchases hit a record in the first quarter of 2014, reaching 43 percent, according to RealtyTrac, which has been tracking cash-buying trends since 2011. Home-Cash-PurchasesThis latest figure represents a 19 percent rise from last year—a number industry watchers attribute to stricter mortgage qualification standards coupled with high buyer demand and competition. If you're thinking about buying your next home with cash, you might be wondering how this option stacks up against a mortgage—not to mention, how you'll come up with the money.

Why Cash? Pros & Cons

On the pro side, using cash lets you sidestep mortgage loan qualifications and much of the paperwork and administrative fees. This accelerates the buying process and makes you more attractive to sellers who are eager to close. You have better odds of out-competing other buyers and better leverage to negotiate a lower price. Finally, the prospect of not having to pay monthly mortgage obligations and interest is appealing.

On the other hand, the cash you tie up in your house won't be as readily available for emergency spending. This could place you in a position of needing to sell or mortgage your home in the event of an emergency, and convincing lenders to extend a mortgage or equity loan could be difficult if you lack a steady income, a situation many retirees face. One way to address this issue is opening a home-equity line of credit after you buy your home to make sure you have emergency funds available. A reverse mortgage can also help in a pinch.

Another issue is whether the amount you save on mortgage interest might be better invested. Buying a house with cash amounts to investing in a bond with an interest rate equivalent to what you would pay with a mortgage. Compare this interest rate with other investment options to evaluate how buying your home with cash affects your long-term savings.

Finding Funds

If you want to pay for your home with cash but don't have a lump sum handy, how do you find the money? Options include:

  • Realtor suggests a few strategies, including investing in a long-term CD, a method that can be combined with CD laddering if you don't want to lock up all your cash.
  • For current home owners, another option is refinancing your existing mortgage into a larger one, known as "cash-out refinancing." Zillow recommends weighing this option against others, such as home equity loans and lines of credit.
  • If you're receiving regular payments from an annuity or structured settlement, you may be able to sell all or a portion of your future payments to a financial services firm and put the money toward your home purchase.

What About Taxes?

Paying for your home in cash precludes the tax breaks you would get from your mortgage interest payments. Use the calculator at Mortgage101 to estimate the potential tax benefits of a mortgage so you can weigh this against buying with cash.

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How to Buy Investment Properties with an IRA - Step by Step (Part 4 of 4)

Using a self-directed IRA to buy real estate is a sound investment strategy for many people. The ability to buy assets that can provide strong returns is appealing to a wide range of people. Listed below are the basic steps necessary to buy a property in compliance with the IRS rules governing the use of an IRA account.

photo credit: roberthuffstutter via photopin cc
photo credit: roberthuffstutter via photopin cc

1. Contact a financial firm that has experience with self-directed IRA’s. Working with a firm that is familiar with these accounts and the real estate transactions is the most important step.

2. Understand the IRS rules. A property bought via the IRA must be an investment home. Second homes, vacation homes and primary residences are strictly prohibited. Furthermore, distributions from the account are not allowed until the owner of the IRA is at least 59 ½

3. Deposit funds into the account. One of the important rules about buying property with an IRA is that all funds for the purchase as well as any other expenses has to come directly from the IRA. The owner cannot chip in extra money to help cover property tax or replacing the roof, in example.

4. All revenue received on the property must be deposited to the IRA account. The revenue cannot be given to the IRA owner or relatives.

5. Take time to preview multiple properties. It is wise to enlist the assistance of a real estate agent who has knowledge with these types of transactions. An agent can recommend properties in areas that have strong rental history. Furthermore, the agent can help calculate the return on investment based on average rent payments for the area.

6. Once you have picked out an investment property it is time to put down an offer. Contact the custodian for your IRA account and tell them you want to buy a property. The custodian will then fill out the necessary forms and sign all real estate documents on the behalf of your IRA account.

7. It is a wise idea to get a contract with a property manager to handle the finances of the property. This will prevent you from collecting the rent payments and making any necessary repairs yourself. A property manager can keep all the transactions clean and legal and free you from the headache of property management.

It is important to understand the rules concerning using an IRA to buy and manage real estate investments. Failing to follow the rules can lead to penalties and possibly loss of the tax advantages associated with an IRA account. When in doubt consult a tax professional before making any decision or transaction with the IRA funds.

This is Part 4 of a 4 Part Series.

Part 1: How a Realtor® can help you invest in your IRA

Part 2: Purchasing Investment Properties for your IRA

Part 3: How to invest in real estate using an IRA

Part 4: Step by Step Guide to Buying Homes with your IRA

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Is Your Mortgage Out Of Balance With Your Budget?

 

Is Your Mortgage out of Balance with your Budget?

 It can happen quickly....

An expensive car repair, an unexpected hospital visit, a missed week of work – just a few little things and the life you’ve worked so hard to build can feel like it’s tipping dangerously out of balance.

This is happening to many people here in Phoenix, Arizona.  Many hard working homeowners may even be having their hours at work cut back which has a huge impact on their financial stability.  One missed mortgage payment and it feels like you are always trying to play "catch-up".  It turns into a snow ball effect.

 Once the scales turn against you, it can feel like it is impossible to ever tip them back in your favor again. When your financial problems reach the point where they threaten your home, it is difficult to manage the stress. Sometimes it is even difficult to force yourself to seek help.

Homeowner Options!

If you feel that you are headed toward Foreclosure, and need Foreclosure Solutions, or if you are avoiding facing that fact, the sooner you reach out for help, the better your options.  The impact of Foreclosure in Phoenix, Arizona is huge and the sad fact is that it’s often avoidable with other options and many cases it's usually a Short Sale.  The good news is that there are Foreclosure Solutions!

 

To find out if a Phoenix Short Sale is right for you...Click here for your...

Free Report!!Free Report!!

As a real estate professional who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, my mission is to provide financially-challenged homeowners with options to foreclosure, ensure that they steer clear of scams, and help navigate them through the solution that best meets their needs.

 Choose to face the challenge with a professional on your side.  Choose a Phoeinx Short Sale Agent.

 I can help you realign the balance in your financial life and tip the scales Backin your favor. Call or email me and schedule your free, confidential consultation. We can work together to make sure you end up ahead.

 

Contact Me

Arthur Wainio

www.shortsalewitharthur.com

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12433923861?profile=originalInteresting that they were last minute listings here in the Palm Springs, CA area.  One in North La Quinta and the other in West Indio..both had Sale Dates set of approx. 21 days out.  Both Sellers had been denied Loan Mods and were at wits end and OVER the banks!

Chase has always been tough for me, but this Short Sale was approved and sale date postponed within 3 weeks!  We are now about 3 weeks from closing which is amazing considering it's a VA loan.  Had to get around the Seller non-allowables, but so far, we're moving to close.

Wells Fargo, on the other hand, has always seemed relatively sane in my Short Sale dealings, so it was no surprise that they pushed their Sale Date back and gave me some time to maneuver my HAFA docs into position.  Just received the approval and we're set to close 11/7. 

Now..as we all know, getting approval letters, HUD-1's corrected, net sheets in order, inspections done, tenants moved, and whatever else can happen during the closing stages, does NOT guarantee a close and a pay check in the Short Sale Ether World.  But..it appears today that things are moving along as well as can be expected.

Focusing on Equity Sales today.  I've got an offer to write!!  Equity Sales are still happening in my area as long as the Seller can list their home for a number that WORKS with the current market. 

I'm listing and closing about 50% equity Sales and 50% Short Sales so we're running neck and neck for 2011. 

 

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I got an offer in January from an out of area Realtor on a duplex I had listed as a short sale.  I thought this was kinda strange they never saw the property that I knew of.  I figured maybe they where related to a tenant.

 

The beginning of April we had gotten approval. With no deficiency to sellers.  My seller had been difficult to deal with from the beginning, getting info to submit price changes, signing the offer, ect.

 

The buyer/Realtor told me she was new to all this and she was very confused.  She had been licensed since 2007 and I'm guessing not doing much in Real Estate.  I asked if they would be doing an inspection of the property.

 

The week before closing I was still trying to get the lease agreements from the seller.  During that time I had sent the buyer/Realtor an arms length affidavit. Two days later I was told the deal was off buyer/Realtor decided not to continue with the purchase.  By this time I had been pulling my hair out of my head getting the seller to co-operate.  One unit had no lease just month to month, I thought this was the reason for buyer was not going forward. Seller also stated no rent was received for April there was no security deposit and no last months rents paid for the unit with no lease.

 

I sent the buyer an email asking if they would reconsider if the tenant would sign a lease agreement.  We then got notice they would close. So I asked if we where still on for inspections.  I understood the buyers husband would be present and the hired inspector.  The morning of inspections I spoke to the tenant to clarify he never paid Aprils rent, no security deposit and no last months pre paid he told me that was all untrue.  Oh did I mention the buyers never showed for the inspection.  I had the tenant write a statement of the facts. The other tenant made a comment that she thought the sellers mother was buying the place, my comment was I wasn't aware of that.

Meanwhile I thought these people where crazy this inspector has no clue of what be was doing. I had never met this guy so I thought he must have been from the area where the buyer/Realtor is from. Then again was that my business? The property was bringing in a 14% cap rate and I thought that's why they where wanting to purchase.  This was Friday morning closing was for Monday afternoon.

 

That day (Friday) I got a fax from the seller stating she was as frustrated as I was and didn't appreciate my petty comments and I had a fiduciary to her.  Note I'm a transaction broker.  I didn't understand the comment of petty remarks.  If begging and pledging to get the seller to co-operate is petty then OK.  At this point I took all my info and her fax and sent it to our lawyer who was doing the closing and said until I hear back from you I will not respond to this seller.

Monday morning I find out from the attorney that the buyer/Realtor is the sellers aunt, the inspector was the sellers step father (not a home inspector) and the step father was purchasing this also because they had formed an LLC, that they wanted us to change names at closing to this LLC.  The closing agent at this stage said she quits.  At this point I could careless if it didn't close I felt total deceived by the buyer and seller.  At this point there was no arms length affidavit from either party.  Gee I wonder why? 

The buyers husband shows up to closing acting as he knew nothing and brings a definition from some ask search, what the IRS claims is an arms length transaction is.  Mean while he has the arms length affidavit  with the signature of the Realtor on it. I take this and make a copy, then tell them I will NOT sign this.  Then they tell me that I knew this all along supposedly the seller had told me this in February.  If I had known do you honestly think I would have worked so hard to get no where? 

I feel this Realtor/Buyer has major ethic issues and I would like to go forward with an ethics complaint would you?

 

 

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Okay, I am feeling out of sorts. CHECK THIS OUT... Here's where I feel the bank has the upper hand because there is some equity in the property after the first is paid off and for this reason they are using it to their advantage. Chase being the 2nd and a hard money lender being the 3rd. Chase feels in position to reduce the commission since the loan is not a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac; just on the basis of the investor said so. On top of that, they are willing to release the lien, but the Seller will keep the financial obligation to pay the remainder of the balance to Chase off. That's not the icing yet...Chase is requiring the 3rd to release the lien and any financial obligation while paying the 3rd $6,000 of a $109K loan. So, the question is, "Where is the deficiency Chase?" So, while I've gotten another deal done & should definitely be rejoicing, I feel like we have all been screwed. I'm sure there is more good in this than what I can see right now, but my vision is blurred as a result of my Seller having any further financial obligation (even though he's cool with it) and commissions being reduced. SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK.
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How do you list an under water home with no hardship. If the Seller is willing to bring the "difference" to the table does the Buyer have to be informed? Does this have to be "announced" in the MLS? I think there will be more of these transactions and I want to address them appropriately. Has anyone heard of the lender reducing the debt when there is no hardship?
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The Short sale and the Sole ProprietorI have been working on a short sale for several months, and the seller is truly in a hardship position…stuck between a rock and a hard place.He is paying an interest only note on land at 8%; he was able to arrange a 90% loan when the property was purchased directly from a developer (not from a Realtor) for $400,000 three years ago.The current market value is approximately half the purchase price, or $160,000 less than the existing mortgage. I advised the seller to list at $200,000 subject to acceptance of his lender allowing the short sale. We have an offer pending and have been through the financials …the seller is currently underwater with his income to expense ratio (making less than his obligations).The seller owns a business and needs his credit to run it.Yesterday after two months of paperwork being compiled and completed, the seller suddenly says I can’t go forward with the deal. If the short sale closed his credit rating would take a big hit, and it would affect his ability to continue in his retail business. He knows the interest only loan is not reducing the principal, he knows there is no way to predict if he’ll ever be able to sell for an amount that will clear the note, and he knows that every month that his cost exceeds his income puts him closer to a total melt down.I have advised him to seek a loan modification, but with the value of the property and his current income it will be nearly impossible to work out better terms. His bank has suggested he do a short sale, but if he does his business will be affected, if he doesn’t he’ll go broke rather quickly...but still own his business. He is stuck with a loan he can’t afford, but must keep making payments (in his mind) to remain in business.The seller has asked me to put the property back on the market for 10% more than he owes…but no one will buy it for that amount. I didn’t sell him the property but feel as though I must make every attempt to find a solution for my client. Any thoughts?
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We have all been waiting for this news and now it official!Lets hope they can handle it and we can be sent the REO listings!Titanium Solutions- Titanium Holdings Enters the REO market with its Launch of Excellen REOIt is all over the news here is one place at the DSNews to read about itor just Google Excellen REO. I'm sure there will be many posts on this topic.Titanium Holdings, Inc., the parent company of loss mitigation specialist Titanium Solutions, Inc., is jumping into the property disposition arena with the official launch of a new business unit, Excellen REO.Excellen REO is headquartered in Fort Mills, South Carolina, along with its sister company Titanium Solutions and parent Titanium Holdings.Cary Sternberg is the president of Excellen REO a few of his former titles were, he was formerly with American Home Loan Servicing, VP of Loan services for Indy Mac and REO manager for Ocwen.For another company to launch into the REO market indicates to me that the "shadow inventory" we have all been hearing about, is real and it is just a matter of time as to when it will hit the market and if it will be in drips or not.
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