Welcome to Southwest Florida Real Estate

Archive for April, 2013

More Things To Consider When Selling Your Home

Making the decision to sell is a serious one. To make the best decision, you need to give some thought to a number of issues. Here are a few you should consider.

HOME FOR SALEMore Things to Consider When Selling Your Home

As the red-hot real estate market cools a bit, sellers must return to the basic fundamentals of selling a home to get the job done. The days of listing a residence and having a great offer in a week are fading away. Instead, we are returning to the more traditional scenario where you have to actually put some effort into selling the property.

With a return to traditional real estate markets, selling your home is not the slam dunk process it used to be. Here are some questions you need to consider when selling.FOR SALE

1. Is the house ready to be sold? This may sound like an odd question, but it really is not. Whereas buyers would snap up anything over the last few years, they are now more choosy. This means you need to clean up both the outside and inside of the home. Clean everything. Repaint faded areas. Landscaping can make a major difference and you should definitely take steps to spruce up your property. Carpets also may need to be replaced.

2. Are you properly focused on the correct attributes of the property? The term Dream Home is used in marketing for a OPEN HOUSEreason. Purchasing a home is an emotional event. Yes, it is a good investment, but people rarely fall in love with investments. Instead, they fall in love with the characteristics of a home. If you have a great view, emphasize it in your marketing and add a picture. Marble top kitchens? Make sure prospects understand the value. The point is simply to identify those aspects of the property that make it unique. Ask yourself what you like best and then put it in the marketing.

3. What kind of tax hit are you going to take on a sale? Yep, the IRS wants a chunk of change on any property sold at a profit. This is SOLDnot a tax article, but generally one can exempt $250,000 of the sale proceeds if you are single and $500,000 if you are married. There are all kinds of tax rules, so make sure to speak with an accountant so you can gauge just how much money you will actually walk away with and can use for a new property. You do not want to get into a situation where you do not have enough money to buy something new.

The decision to sell your home is one that should not be taken lightly. Make sure you understand the ramifications. If you decide to sell, put your best foot forward with the property.

Advertisement

Category:

Seller Tips

Tagged with:

What To Expect With Re-Financing Your Mortgage, Establish A Financial Goal

This is a very important question which all homeowners should ask themselves both at the start and towards the end of the process of re-financing. The answer to this question can spur the homeowner to investigate re-UNDERWATERfinancing further or convince the homeowner to table the thoughts of re-financing for the moment and concentrate on other aspect of owning a home.

Establish Financial Goals

This should be the first step in the process of determining whether or not re-financing is worthwhile. Without this step, a homeowner cannot accurate answer the question of the worth of re-financing because the homeowner may not fully understand his own financial goals. While financial goals may run the gamut from one extreme to another the most basic question to ask is whether the more significant goal is long-term savings or increased monthly cash flow. This is important because re-financing can usually achieve these two goals.REFINANCE

Do You Want to Save Money in the Long Run?

Homeowners who establish a goal of saving money in the long run should consider re-financing options such as lower interest rates or shorter loan terms. Both of these options can considerably lower the amount of interest the homeowner is paying on the loan. This is significant because paying less interest will result in a greater cost savings.

Consider an example where a homeowner has an existing debt of $100,000, an interest rate of 6.25% and a loan term of 30 years. Just by reducing the loan term to 15 years the homeowner can significantly decrease the amount which is paid in interest during the course of the loan. However, this option will also result in an increase in the monthly payments made by the homeowner. Therefore this type of re-financing option may only be available to those who have enough cash flow to compensate for the increase in monthly payments.   Do You Want to Increase Your Monthly Cash Flow?

CALCULATESome homeowners may have a chosen goal of increasing their monthly cash flow. For these homeowners the overall cost savings may not be as important as having more money available to them each month. These homeowners might consider a re-financing option in which they are able to extend their loan terms. This means they will be repaying the existing debt over a longer period of time. The homeowner will pay more in interest in the long run but will achieve their goal of lower monthly payments and an increased cash flow.

How Will Re-Financing Affect Tax Deductions?

This is another serious consideration for homeowners who are interested in investigating the possibility of re-financing. TheSTEPS interest paid on a home loan is often tax-deductible. A homeowner who re-finances in a manner which results in less interest being paid annually may adversely affect their tax strategy. The implications of this type of chance can be amplified for homeowners who were previously just below a significant tax break line. A significant decrease in the amount of interest paid will mean a significant decrease in the deduction the homeowner is allowed to take. This reduced deduction can put the homeowner in an entirely different tax bracket and could end up costing the homeowner money in the long run. For this reason, homeowners who are considering re-financing should have a tax preparation professional determine the ramifications re-financing will have on their tax return before a decision is made.

Category:

Re - Financing

Tagged with:

Bank’s Mortgage Interest Rates, A Number Of Different Factors

Interest rates all start with the Fed rate.  Basically, what the fed rate is, it is a rate that banks are offered as their borrowing rate from their local federal reserve.  This fed rate is adjusted regularly by the Federal Reserve INTERESTBoard so that growth of an economic nature is achieved.  For example, if the supple of money is reduced and the interest rates are increased, this usually means that there is oncoming inflation.

This causes the effect on mortgage rates to be not be immediate or direct from inflation or recession.

When you go to a bank in order get a loan or mortgage to buy a new house or refinance your current house, they take that loan and sell it to various agencies.   From there, the money that they get from selling the loan will go into allowing them to repeast the process and hand out more home loans.

The money that the agencies use to buy the loans come from other lenders that sell mortgage-backed securities bonds.  These are INTEREST RATESmade of many mortgages put together into a single bond.  In the end, these bonds are considered one of the most secure investments allowing a lot of various people to invest in them.  It should also be noted though, that sometimes the stock market competes with the same money that is sometimes invested in the bonds.

The competition between the stock market and the bonds depends on a number of different factors.  When there are higher interest rates on the bonds, they get the upper hand and attract more investors.  When the opposite happens and the stock markets are performing positively, the bulk of the investor money can go into the stock market.

HOMESometimes, in order to attract money and investors to the bonds that are backed by mortgages, they are given higher return on investment rates.  Of course, this can in turn causes higher rates up the line to the home buyer.

Most of the time when you look at a bank’s mortgage interest rate, it is an average calculated between all the different lenders across the United States.  When you are looking to get a mortgage and working with your lender, the lender uses a set of criteria to determine the final rate that you willRISK end up paying in the end.  Usually, the more rick there is in the mortgage, the higher the interest rate you will end up paying.

The set of criteria that they consider are the lendee’s debt income ratio, credit score rating and mortage to value ratio.  This means that just because you see a specific rate posted at a bank or online, it does not mean that you will actually get that rate.  Sometimes it can be more and other times it can be less.  It just depends on how you fall into the criteria used.  Basically, every loan is different and is done on a case by case basis.

Category:

SW Florida Areas

Tagged with:

Mortgage Note Buyers, Helpful Terms You May Want To Know

A Mortgage Note Buyer is simply a person that can get you a lump sum of cash quickly for the future payments you are scheduled to receive.   So if you took back a mortgage or seller financed your home or property when MORTGAGEyou sold it and are receiving payments, you will be given a fat check in place of those future payments.     The note buyer will then receive the monthly payments instead of you, without any changes for the person making those payments. This is a very simple and easy process.

This is referred to as the “cash flow” industry.

The “cash flow” industry was created by the forces of supply and demand, and it has now filled the void left by traditional lending sources such as banks.

Why do they do this – What’s in it for them?

Mortgage note buyers and the companies they work with or for are all about the investment portfolio or longHOME term wealth.   It is profitable for them to collect payment streams that bring them in a consistent cash flow every month.  The difference between them and you is that they have thousands of these payment streams coming in and it adds up for them.  They also don’t mind waiting long years to collect these payments.  It’s a good investment.

Mortgage note buyers can get you cash for:

* Owner-Financed Mortgage Notes     * Land Contracts     * Contracts for Deed     * Deed of Trust     * Trust Deed     * Promissory Notes

Some note buyers work nationwide and some work a smaller targeted area.  They are all different.  Some work with many types of properties and some only with single-family residences.  Here is a list of the types of CALENDARproperties many mortgage note buyers work with:

* Single Family Residences     * Duplexes     * Condos     * Town Homes     * Apartment Buildings     * Commercial Buildings     * Land (improved or unimproved)     * Mobile Homes with Land

*Not all mortgage note buyers work with every item listed above, so check to make sure they can do the type of deal you require.

A good contract note buyer will have many programs available to suit your needs in selling your future payments.  Whether you want to sell all, or just part of your future payments. Some options include:      1. Full Purchase – The purchase of all of your future payments for one lump sum of cash.    2. Partial Purchase – The purchase of a specified number of your future payments for a lump sum of cash now.    3. Split Payment Purchase – The purchase of a specified monthly STOPamount.

The options are truly unlimited.   In conclusion, a mortgage note buyer’s main goal is to create a “Win-Win” situation that gets you the cash you need, when you need it.   Want to consolidate credit cards, pay for college tuition, take a well deserved vacation, purchase a new or second home, or invest in other opportunities?  Well if you are collecting payments on a seller-financed note a Mortgage Note Buyer can help you fulfill those dreams.

Category:

Mortgages

Tagged with:

Must Known Facts About Tax Liens, Properties Are Taxed

A tax lien is a legal claim filed in court by a government agency against a person or business owing taxes. Tax liens normally attach to money or property to pay the taxes. A list of tax liens properties on which the taxes has nLIENSot been paid are kept at the county courthouse along with the proper and complete documentation to avoid any legal problems afterward.
Every year properties are taxed for their value and every year plenty of people fail to pay their taxes on time, incurring taxes and plenty on themselves either due to the financial issue or they just misplaced the tax bills. If you are late to pay your dues then the government seeks investors to balance their budget. Tax Liens can be filed for income taxes, unemployment taxes, sales taxes, real estate excise taxes, Social Security or disability taxes. Once the tax lien is paid, papers are filed with the courts, affirming the discharge of the property.
Many investors invest their assets in the hope that they will be getting huge profit through it but in spite there lies some awful factTAX TIME which must be known especially (if you are an investor) in order to avoid any complication, one disaster discussion of investment can wipe out your whole capital and your enthusiasm from all this kind of investment.   
The first step should be of building a profitable portfolio of tax liens to your self only to decide the basic purpose of your tax lien investment. Developing a portfolio will surely answer your most critical question like why do I want to invest in tax liens in the first QUESTIONSplace? Also your reason for investing will determine what type of investment will be best for you.
With the passage of time the tax lien auctions business got huge popularity, most probably because of the abrupt turning of the real estate market and worst jumping down of the stock market which has remained unstable for some time thus compel investor to see some other ways through which they can get a healthy positive outcome with huge benefit. Although profit in tax liens is slow but still it is a hidden secret to the investors. Investing in tax liens assures that your capital PAYwill go towards something that is profitable and with a set time period where you can anticipate realizing your profit. Only you have to learn the fundamental principles which are golden and yet very essential to acquire hefty profit. Also try to get more and more knowledge to strengthen your foundation in tax lien business, which could be done through the acquaintance with the property laws, ordinance and so on.

Category:

Real Estate News

Tagged with:

Ski Europe, Many Wonderful Places To Enjoy

When it comes to skiing and winter sports, Europe has more than its fair share of amazing resorts.  From the greatly priced, to the more than reasonable, Europe has it all, and has so much to offer any skier.  If you’ve never been to Europe on a skiing holiday, or if you’re looking to expand your experience, you’ll find something ENJOYthat catches your eye without too much research, and you might just end up joining the legions of skiing fans that wouldn’t go anywhere else in the world for their vacation.

On mainland Europe, you have such a varied selection.  From the world-famous French skiing resorts to Austria, Switzerland and the tiny principality of Andorra, you’ve got such a wide range of skiing to choose from.  France is known the world over as the true home of skiing, and the French really know how to do a quality vacation.  With naturally amazing resources, and scenery that can take your breath away, France is an ideal location for a skiing trip.  Why not try the Courchevel resort, which has four different ski resorts within one, providing the perfect blend of quality and affordability in a skiing trip.  From the grossly overpriced 1850 resort, the playground of Europe’s film stars and playboys, to the seemingly remote 1350 at the bottom of the hill, you have so much to choose from in Europe’s finest skiing country.  With the kids or with your friends, France is truly a destination that will make for a memorable skiing vacation.SKI LIFT

Or how about some of the Italian resorts?  Italy, famous for being the cheaper way to ski, also benefits from a diverse range of resorts, like the tiny Alba resort, as well as some larger, more sizeable areas to ski.  Famous for passion and a depth of culture, Italy is the ideal place to take a skiing break in Europe, and the weather’s good too!  Or how about Italy’s neighbor, Croatia?  A rising European nation, you’ll find a Croatian holiday outrageously good value for money, not to mention top quality.  From the international standard ski resorts to their world-class restaurants, Croatia is certainly a country on the up, and its skiing facilities can only improve as more and more tourists flock to their slopes each year.  Additionally, Bulgaria is an excellent skiing destination to take the kids.  With open arms, you will be welcomed by the Bulgarian people, who are more than eager to tell you about their rich and deep past, and welcome you as part of their future.  In these expanding and developing European nations, you will come to appreciate the value of tourism, and the quality of treatment and service they are prepared to offer for your investment.

FLY HIGHHow about Austria for your skiing trip?  When we think of skiing, we often imagine the Alpine ideal, with breathtaking scenery and fresh, clean air.  Well, it simply doesn’t come much better than Austria, and if you’re looking for a skiing destination that has it all, why not try Austria for that touch of class with your skiing.  Or why not pop over to Switzerland for their Alps experience?  Skiing the alps in the home of chocolate and cuckoo clocks, you will be amazed at how picturesque this modern nation has managed to be, whilst still becoming a world leader in financial industry.

Skiing in Europe is the ideal way to spend your vacation.  If you RESORTlove skiing, you are guaranteed to find a great resort somewhere, within your budget that meets your needs, and caters for your ability.  With most resorts also boasting strong training academies, you can also work to improve your skills while you are there, ensuring that your skiing trip is both useful and memorable.  Whatever you are looking for, choose Europe as your number one skiing destination, for that perfect blend of quality, tradition and culture, and for a holiday that is truly breathtaking. 

Category:

Skiing Locations

Tagged with:

Buying A Home After Foreclosure – What To Expect

Even though buying a home after a recent foreclosure is possible, home buyer should not apply for a mortgage blindly. Because of your current credit standing, many lenders are ready to take advantage of you. Your options AFTERare limited. Nonetheless, this does not mean you have to accept a terrible mortgage loan.

Why Does a Foreclosure Occur?

Homes are foreclosed when a homeowner is unable to repay the mortgage. On average, mortgage payments have to be three months late before a lender begins the pre-foreclosure process. If the homeowner is able to acquire funds, the lender will stop foreclosure.

Many factors contribute to a homeowner’s inability to repay a mortgage loan. For starters, living beyond one’s means will make it harder to maintain regular monthly payments. Sadly, many people fall in love with a home they cannot afford.

Furthermore, some homeowners do not take into consideration utilities and other expenses that come with RECOVERYowning a larger home. Acquiring excessive credit card debt may also result in less disposable income.

The Disadvantages of Buying a Home after Foreclosure

For the most part, many lenders will not approve a mortgage loan immediately following a bankruptcy. In their estimation, you are a risky applicant. If you were unable to make regular payments three months prior, the odds of a future loan defaulting are high.

Naturally, circumstances do change for the better. For example, if loss of employment or illness contributed to a foreclosure, you may be in a better position to afford a mortgage six months after a foreclosure. Still, there are disadvantages to obtaining a home so soon.

Mortgage interest rates following a foreclosure are outrageously high. Because most traditional mortgage companies will not approve your loan, you may be subjected to interest rates 3 or 4 percentage points above current rates. This will increase mortgage payments by a few hundred dollars.

BUYBest Approach for Purchasing a Home after Foreclosure

If you are hoping to buy a home following a foreclosure, be patient. The key is to rebuild your credit. During the next 24 months, attempt to open new credit accounts, and maintain regular payments. Pay creditors on time and avoid missed payments.

Next, shop smartly for a new mortgage. Prior to accepting a mortgage offer, contact several lenders for quotes. If using the internet, you may obtain instant quotes from several lenders in minutes.

Category:

SW Real Estate News

Tagged with:

How Fair Lending Protects Us, Don’t Feel Pressured When Purchasing A Home, Car Or A Lease

Fair lending is an extremely important issue in the protection of consumers and their interests. There is a variety of legislation, both state and federal, that will be in place to make sure that lenders do not take DEBTadvantage of consumers when they are borrowing money. One of the most important is that they explain the terms of the loan to you properly.

The annual percentage rate, or APR of the loan, which is the total cost of loan including all extra charges and arrangement fees must be clearly disclosed to consumers. They must also tell you of all other charges, penalties and fees that may be due under the loan. They must tell you how often you must make loan repayments, for example if they are monthly, or weekly or on another timescale. They must also tell you for how long the loan will last; this is the lifetime or term of the loan. Then they must tell you how much each repayment will be.

As well as all of these vital details, the lender must also make you aware of any amount that must be paid down, at the beginning of the loan, or CARat the end of the loan. You must be informed of the ways in which you can repay the loan early and whether such early repayments will incur additional charges. You must also be told how to cancel the loan within a set cancellation period.

It is illegal for any lender to force or coerce you into taking a loan, and your bank, a car dealer, a home lease or any other company cannot force you to take on credit from their company if you think you can get a better deal from someone else. For example, if a car dealer offers you credit to buy a car in his lot, then you can always go to your bank or any other lender and see if you can get a better APPROVEDdeal or more favourable terms from them.

If you are thinking of getting short-term loans such as a payday loan then you will have different rights and you should be given a leaflet or brochure explaining your rights. This is the same if you are pawning something in a pawn shop. If you are not given a list of such rights you should go online immediately and find out these rights from federal trade commission and make sure you have not been taken advantage of.

Category:

SW Florida Life

Tagged with: