Archive for the ‘Common Real Estate FAQs’ Category

May 19th, 2010

FL First time home buyer resources

Find out what you need to know about various FL First Time Home Buyer programs and information you’ll need to take advantage of YOUR tax dollars!!

Like many first time home buyers in FL people are asking how they can get their hands on grant money or other types of government subsidies to help them buy a home. As a Realtor, my clients also ask me about these programs from time to time when they can qualify. I thought I’d answer some general questions about these programs and also point you to a few resources that might help you dig deeper.  Read more...

dustin Posted in 1st Time Buyers, Buyer Resources, Common Real Estate FAQs, Short Sales Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »
March 17th, 2010

FHA Loan Guidelines

If you have talked to anyone about getting a mortgage recently you’ve probably heard about FHA loans or “Government Backed” or “Government insured loans”. A common misconception is that these loans are only for very low income people who can’t get a traditional loan from a bank, or first time home buyers, but this is not the case….

Uncle Sam wants You… to qualify!

There are very broad criteria for FHA insured loans that just about many people can qualify for. This doesn’t mean everyone does though. For example, FHA loans have more liberal credit guidelines, unlike many other loan products, but there are still criteria that need to be met.
The Background of FHA Loans…  Read more...

dustin Posted in 1st Time Buyers, Buyer Resources, Common Real Estate FAQs, FHA Loans Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »
March 12th, 2010

Buying Short sales vs. Bank Owned Properties (REOs)

With the majority of sales being Short Sales and Foreclosures in our current market I thought I’d explain a little about each one and some of the pros and cons.

There are upsides and downsides to each, for example:

Buying a Foreclosed home- (Bank owned, REO, etc)

When you are buying a foreclosure there are usually bank required addenda/contracts that will be utilized when buying which sometimes scare would be home buyers. They are not to be feared if you understand what is required of you, and the terms they contain, but if you are fearful it’s always good to have your attorney review them BEFORE you sign.  Read more...

dustin Posted in 1st Time Buyers, Buyer Resources, Common Real Estate FAQs, Foreclosures, Investor Resources, Short Sales Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment »
March 12th, 2010

Are Foreclosures Really Good Investments?

The answer is…it depends…

First, you need to identify what makes a deal good to you? Good price? Good Condition? Good Terms? Some combination of the three? Knowing what makes sense for your goals and finances is the key knowing if the property you’re looking at is a deal.

First things First…..

When thinking about buying a foreclosure, or any home for that matter, make sure you know what your goals are for the property BEFORE you make the offer!!!

Just remember, “if you fail to plan you plan to fail”, at least most of the time anyway. When it comes to my clients, I let them know upfront that if they like a property that needs $30K in rehab costs, and a lot of out of pocket expenses, but they don’t have much money to put into the deal readily available, that they need to be careful.  Read more...

dustin Posted in 1st Time Buyers, Buyer Resources, Common Real Estate FAQs, Foreclosures, Investor Resources Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »
March 12th, 2010

Why all the Foreclosures- What’s the Deal?

No one with a pulse could miss the all news about the “Foreclosure Crisis” we are facing as a nation, and particularly here in S. Florida.  I’m sure the gurus of late night tv who teach you “how to make millions in foreclosures”, or whatever the spin, will be really raking in the cash thanks to all the publicity.

One question I seem to get every now and then is the reason behind so many people are facing foreclosure right now. Who’s to blame? Is it the government? The banks? Those mean ‘ol real estate investors?I thought I’d take a minute to quickly address what I’m seeing in my daily life as a Realtor here in Broward County FL.

—  Read more...

dustin Posted in Common Real Estate FAQs, Foreclosures, Seller Resources, Short Sales Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »
March 12th, 2010

Alternatives to Foreclosure

You may be on verge of missing your mortgage payments, behind on payments, or even facing foreclosure so what are your options?  Try to look at the situation more from a financial standpoint rather than an emotional standpoint.  This way you can more successfully analyze which option might best suit your needs and  move you towards resolving your financial difficulty.

One very important thing to remember: Time is of the essence. Take time to think through your situation and make a decision.  Then, take action right away so you have enough time to complete the solution you choose.

Nine options when facing Foreclosure


  Read more...

dustin Posted in Common Real Estate FAQs, Foreclosures, Seller Resources, Short Sales No Comments »
March 4th, 2010

7 Deadly Sins of Selling a Home

You may end up in “Home Seller’s Purgatory” if you commit these sins!

Stressed out

Sin #1 — Pricing Your Property Too High

Every seller obviously wants to get the most money for his or her property. Ironically, the best way to do this is NOT to list your property at an excessively high price! A high listing price will cause some prospective buyers to lose interest before even seeing your property. It may also lead other buyers to expect more than what you have to offer.

Ironically, OVERPRICING does sell Homes…your neighbor’s! If your home is priced higher than others in the area (or what buyers are paying) it makes the other available homes look like bargains!

 Read more...

dustin Posted in Common Real Estate FAQs, Seller Resources Tags: , , , No Comments »
February 24th, 2010

7 Tips to Negotiate like a Pro when buying a home

7 Tips to Buy and Negotiate like a PRO…be a Seller’s Worst Nightmare!!


If you plan on purchasing a 1st home, or any home for that matter, there are things you NEED to know…

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “Knowledge is power” before, and there is some truth to it, but Knowledge applied is the only way you really benefit.

I want to share some helpful tips and techniques I use for my Buyers in everyday transactions and negotiations to help you get the most for your money and cover your “assets” in the process.

Imagine for a moment… you are about to buy your 1st home. You have taken the time to learn more about your financial situation and comfort level in your housing budget…

…you know your “goals” for purchasing a home and a great understanding of what kind of home you need and what you will pay for it…  Read more...

dustin Posted in 1st Time Buyers, Buyer Resources, Common Real Estate FAQs Tags: , , , , , , No Comments »
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