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7 Secrets About Short Sales You Need To Know Before Making An Offer

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker

Are you interested in buying a short sale?

Even if your aren’t, and you’re in the market to buy a house, you should know about “short sales”. There’s always a chance that a house you fall in love with will be subject to a short sale.

So, do you avoid a short sale like the plague? Or do you roll up your sleeves and make an offer?

You Probably Know This, But Just In Case

A short sale is when a homeowner sells their property for less than the amount they owe.

Not that the homeowner can just agree to a price and sell you the house for any old amount. They will need approval from their lender.

Not too many years ago, short sales weren’t really something you’d see on the market. Then the market tanked, and it became a solution for many people who owed more than they could sell their house for. It was a better alternative than foreclosure, for homeowners and for lenders.

At this point, short sales have been around for a quite while. And they keep on showing up. Maybe not as much as they have in recent years, but there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. Unless the market goes back to the heydays of the early 2000s.

Which means you need to at least be aware of them, and know whether or not you want to deal with trying to buy one.

So, let’s get into some seven things you should know in case the house you want to buy is a short sale.

1. Not Every Short Sale Is A “Deal”

A lot of buyers say that they want to go after short sales, because they want to get a good deal.

Just because a house is being sold “short” (for less than the owner owes), does not mean it’s a good deal.

If there are equal options for you to choose from on the market that are not short sales, it may not make any sense at all to go after a short sale.

You really should only go after a short sale if you are getting a good deal. Or, if there are no other options, that are as good or even better, for about the same price. It isn’t worth the hassle.

2. Even If It Is A Deal, You’re Going To Pay For It

You’re going to pay for it in patience. Lots and lots of patience. Which boils down to time. And time is money.

The time you’re waiting for a short sale to be approved could cost you in many ways. Just to name a few:

  • You might miss other opportunities you would have liked to go after.
  • You might incur costs because you need to line up temporary housing while you’re waiting for the deal to close.
  • You could spend money on due diligence (inspections, mortgage process, etc.) all for nothing, if the sale never goes through.
  • Your mortgage rate could go up during the process of waiting.

Lenders have gotten a bit better and quicker about the process at this point. When this trend first started, they were swamped, and it was all kind of new for everybody. So it took time. Now that the kinks have been worked out, it can happen more quickly. But not necessarily. There is no way to know how long it will take. Err on the side of caution, and plan on it taking anywhere from six months to a year. But it’ll probably be more like between three to six months.

Regardless, it will almost always take longer than a straight up sale between you and a homeowner who does not need to sell their house short.

So, again, the deal better be worth your time and patience.

3. Expect To Buy It “As-Is”

Almost every seller in the world wants to sell their home “as-is”. Meaning they want to negotiate that the buyer won’t further negotiate any issues that are found in a home inspection during the process.

But the reality is, it’s pretty rare for a homeowner to sell their home truly “as-is”. There’s almost always some sort of concession or repair made, once a buyer does their home inspection. No matter how firm the seller wants to be, or how good of a price they gave the buyer, it happens. And sellers will typically agree to some, or even all of the requests made by a buyer. It’s just easier than losing the deal.

But it isn’t always just home inspection issues. It could be something related to permits, or certificates the town requires, for instance.

In a short sale, the lender isn’t going to step and fix anything, or consider a credit for repairs usually. And they aren’t going to get any permit or certificate issues resolved. It’s hard enough getting them to agree to the lower-than-owed price they accept. So don’t expect it. Don’t even hope for it.

And the owner probably isn’t in any financial position to do any repairs, given their situation. And frankly, they probably are pretty much checked out at that point anyway. They want nothing to do with what you want. They get nothing out of it. Unless they are that desperate to just get this chapter of their life over with, and somehow figure out a way to make some repairs.

Point is, expect to take on whatever problems the house comes with…

Which means, again, it better be a pretty good deal.

4. Don’t Be Surprised If The Lender Counteroffers

Unfortunately, not all real estate agents or homeowners even get the lender on board with the fact that they’re trying to sell the house short.

So, you could negotiate what seems to be a great deal with the owner, only to have their lender come back and counter your offer for way more than the house was even listed for.

So, let’s say the house is listed for $250,000. You negotiate it down to $225,000. But then the offer is submitted to the lender for approval, and they counter at $325,000…probably because they are owed that much.

This strikes a lot of buyers as crazy. How can a lender do that!? The house was listed for less! Well, they weren’t in on the process when the owner and agent made those decisions. Now they are.

It might take some time for them to come around.

Many buyers get so frustrated that they back out of the deal because of the lender not coming to agreement on the price. Only to see the lender eventually lower their expectations and accept an offer for the price the buyer had offered… or even less!

So, it might make sense to just hang in there and wait the bank out. Stand your ground. Be patient. Wait.

Or, let another buyer or two loosen the jar lid, and throw offers at the property. Let them get frustrated and get the lender to see the light. Then step in with your offer after one or two other buyers failed to get from offer to a closed deal.

But that does take patience. And some amount of strategy.

And there is no guarantee…

5. The Deal May Never Be Approved

Whether or not a short sale is approved is out of your control.

There are a lot of factors.

One of the most frustrating things is that a lot of owners who are trying to sell short do not put in the effort they need to. There’s a lot they need to supply in terms of information. And their motivation is minimal. Beyond that, they are stressed out and probably depressed. So there are times that the homeowner delays the process, if not kills the process altogether.

It can get to a point where they progress too far, and fall into foreclosure. And that process can drag on for quite some time. Sometimes, owners feel it would be even better to just get foreclosed. It buys them more time. And a short sale, while better for them than a foreclosure, is no bed of roses. It is still going to negatively affect them.

And a lender could simply not agree to a short sale. Maybe the owner is in better financial shape than they feel is necessary to approve a short sale. Or perhaps they just decide it makes more sense to foreclose.

It can be frustrating. Your hands are tied. There’s a lot of hurry up and wait. And very little you can do to get anyone to move faster. Even constant follow-up, complaining, or threatening to kill the deal will not make the process move faster.

So, just be prepared that you could waste your time, all for nothing. And you will spend money on your end of the process that will never be returned.

6. Be Prepared To Move Fast

When and if a short sale is approved, the chances are that the lender will give you a short time to actually close the deal.

So, while they could take months and months just to say yes…they might give you two weeks to close the approved deal. And if you don’t, it could throw the process back into review.

The biggest hassle here is with your mortgage (if you are borrowing money to purchase). Your lender needs some time to get your loan approved and “clear to close”.

You could be super diligent and get as much of your mortgage process done months ahead of the short sale being approved, but there is still a lot that needs to be done in the final stages. So make sure you’re working closely with your lender, and be good about getting them everything they need ahead of time.

7. Hire A Real Estate Agent Who Is Okay Working With Short Sales

It’s so important to work with a real estate agent who is willing to be in it for the long and hard haul…

Not every agent wants to deal with short sales. This is understandable. Agents don’t get paid more for dealing with this type of sale. In fact, they often get paid less. And they are more work. And they are less of a guarantee. And agents work with very little guarantee that their efforts will result in compensation as it is.

So, do be aware of this, and thoughtful about it.

So, when you hire a buyer’s agent to work with you on a short sale, you need to also be in it with them for the long and hard haul! It is the right thing to do.

And it will pay off…

Because so many buyers give up on getting a great deal on a short sale because an agent will persuade them to avoid going after one altogether, or encourage a buyer to move on if the process is taking too long. Again, not judging…they have valid reasons for being that way. But it is important for you to know.

One thing your buyer’s agent should do before you make an offer on a short sale is to assess whether the listing agent on the property knows what they are doing. Many do not. And in those cases, you might as well not even waste your time.

As scary as this all may sound, short sales aren’t something you need to avoid. Just know what you’re getting into beforehand.

And be patient. You will pay for the deal in patience, but knowing what you know now, it should be worth every penny of patience you pay.

 

Source: http://www.bestrealestateblog.com/7-secrets-short-sales-need-know-making-offer?m=JnojPGPgYwNqRUqKIeuc

Do You Need A Real Estate Agent When Buying New Construction?

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker

If you consider buying a new construction home, there’s a good chance you’ll question whether or not you even need to use a real estate agent.

You might even wonder if there’s an advantage to not using a real estate agent…perhaps thinking you can get a lower price, or more upgrades thrown in, if the builder isn’t paying a real estate agent their commission.

Or, you just might not give it any thought whatsoever, and stumble into buying your new construction home, without having your own real estate agent to represent you.

So, do you need to use a real estate agent when buying new construction?

Technically? No.

Should you? Yes.

Beyond Just Signing A Little Paperwork

One reason people question whether an agent is necessary, is because many tend to see it as an agent just signing some paperwork so they can get a commission.

There are certainly agents out there who don’t bring a heck of a lot to the table in terms of expertise and skills. There are ones who literally just want to make sure they are in the room when you do the paperwork, so they can secure their commission.

Unfortunately, they give great agents a bad rap.

Those are not the type of agents you should hire if you are buying new construction. Or any house for that matter.

The purchase of a new construction home really isn’t any different in many ways than purchasing a resale home. The knowledge and skills of a good real estate agent go beyond the “finding” of your home, or doing some paperwork.

The Builder Is Not Your Ally

Not that the builder is evil, and out there trying to take advantage of you. But a builder is certainly going to be looking out for their (the builders) best interests…not yours.

If a builder or their representative pushes you to not use your own real estate agent, that’s a huge red flag. Some may even give you an “incentive” not to use your own real estate agent, and say that they will throw in some free upgrades, or lower the price of the home.

A truly reputable builder will not push you to not use your own real estate agent. And they certainly won’t try and lure you with the temptation of free upgrades. Because that’s shady.

Look at it like this…

Let’s say you were suing someone in court. The person you are suing is a lawyer. The lawyer says to you, “Hey, don’t bother getting your own lawyer. No need really. I know what I’m doing. If you need some thoughts along the way, just ask me what I think you should do. Save yourself the cost of a lawyer, and I promise to take it easy on you in court.”

You’d never do that. It makes no sense. The lawyer isn’t going to look out for you more than his own interests. It would be your mistake for trusting that he would. Nobody would think you were all that bright for doing that.

Most reputable builders go out of their way to deal with local real estate agents. They expect to deal with a real estate agent.

They’ve factored a real estate agent’s commission into the cost of the home.

It’s About Representation

There may very well be a licensed agent at the new construction site, sitting in the model home. But that’s not your agent…despite any disclosures or documents that they may go over with you.

You want your own agent. Someone third party, not affiliated with the builder. Someone affiliated with you and your interests.

Because this is about representation. Representation of you and your interests. Not just someone along for the ride and to sign a few papers and then swing back around and collect a commission check.

And if you hire your own real estate agent, the agent has a fiduciary responsibility to you. They need to treat the relationship with care and trust. Look out for you and your interests.

But beyond that, they’ll help you understand the contract, and look for anything unusual. They might suggest some things to add to the offer and contract, like certain contingencies the builder may be trying to get away from including. They will negotiate on your behalf.

Your real estate agent will be able to help you decide between all of the options you have out there in the market. They will help assess the big picture. Maybe new construction isn’t the best choice for you. Maybe it is. Maybe this development is the best for you. Maybe it isn’t…

Do This First

Before you just stroll into check out a model home, find a real estate agent to represent you. (If you already have on, skip to the next section…)

Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200. Interview and choose an agent who will represent you.

If you find one that specializes in new construction, that’s a bonus, but don’t expect it or limit yourself to one that does. There’s more resale business than there is new construction in many areas. So a lot of agents aren’t going to be specialists in new construction. And that’s fine. You want someone sharp about the universal stuff, like negotiating, analyzing the deal, understanding the market, and you and your needs.

Then Do This

Now you can go check out model homes…

But don’t just wander into a development or model home on your own and have a look see.

For the first visit, go with your real estate agent. “Register” at the site, and reserve the right to representation by your real estate agent. (If you do not go with your agent on the first visit, it can be a mess trying to involve one afterwards.)

While you don’t technically need your own real estate agent, there’s certainly a lot of benefit to having one…and a lot of potential downside to not having one.

 

Source: http://www.bestrealestateblog.com/need-real-estate-agent-buying-new-construction?m=JnojPGPgYwNqRUqKIeuc

Home Inspection 40+ year old homes

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker

SAMPLE Inspection report

What to expect from an inspection report?

Generally speaking, reports should describe the major home systems, their crucial components, and their operability, especially the ones in which failure can result in dangerous or expensive-to-correct conditions. Defects should be adequately described, and the report should include recommendations.

 Reports should also disclaim portions of the home not inspected. Since home inspections are visual inspections, the parts of the home hidden behind floor, wall and ceiling coverings should be disclaimed. 
 
Home inspectors are not experts in every system of the home, but are trained to recognize conditions that require a specialist inspection.
 
Home inspections are not technically exhaustive, so the inspector will not disassemble a furnace to examine the heat exchanger closely, for example.
 
Standards of Practice are designed to identify both the requirements of a home inspection and the limitations of an inspection.

The only mandatory repairs are what the mortgage lender, appraisal, or insurance company requires. The rest is negotiated between the parties (buyer and seller). 

What is checked?

STRUCTURAL

  • Inspector tries to physically get on the roof
  • Checks the entire roofing system
  • Checks all penetrations through the roof
  • Crawls through the attic checking for evidence of water penetration and for proper framing (if there is a crawl space)
  • Load bearing walls, inside & outside, down to and including the foundation system

MECHANICAL

  • Check all built in appliances
  • Dishwasher, disposal, oven, range top, kitchen vent, garage door operators, ceiling fans, etc.
  • Central heating and cooling

ELECTRICAL

  • Starting from where power connects to house
  • Breaker panel, where the breakers are
  • To all accessible outlets, switches
  • All accessible wiring

PLUMBING

  • Check for proper operation of all the sinks, faucets, commodes, bath tubs, shower, water heaters, etc.

No home is perfect, try to focus your attention on big ticket items 

Roof

  • Roof over wood shingles – Most insurance companies do not allow this
  • Older than 15 years (typical lifespan) – Red flag for insurance company

HVAC  page6image8013312 page6image8013536 page6image8013760 page6image8013984 page6image8014208 page6image8014432 page6image8014656 page6image8014880 page6image8015104 page6image8015328 page6image8015552 page6image8015776 page6image8016000 page6image8016224 page6image8016448 page6image8016672 page6image8016896 page6image8017120 page6image8017344 page6image8017568 page6image8017792 page6image8018016 page6image8018240 page6image8018464 page6image8018688 page6image8018912

  • 12-15 years – Average serviceable life 

Foundation

  • There are 2 types of foundations in greater Houston area – Those that have moved and those that will move. We have expansive clay soils; the home sits on ground, ground moves, house moves

Appliances 

  • Typical serviceable life of kitchen appliances, 10-15 years

Electrical 

  • Deficient might mean not to today’s electrical code, things like AFCI, GFCI and grounding

Plumbing  

  • Water heater 8-12 years $400-$1,200
  • Shower pan $1-3,000
  • Old cast iron drain line can be very expensive to repair
  • Active water leaks

ADDITIONAL INSPECTIONS (things that are not covered in a general inspection)

  • Hydrostatic test of Cast iron drain lines below house (performed by a Plumber)
  • Termites or pest inspections
  • Stucco
  • Chinese Drywall “2006”
  • Pool (performed by Pool Specialist)
  • Infrared / Thermal Imaging (some inspectors now include this)
  • Environmental (performed by Specialist) – Mold, Lead, Asbestos, Radon

A Simplified Guide to Your Home Inspection – Part II

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker

SAMPLE Inspection report

If you have recently gone under contract to buy a home, you may be planning for your physical inspection. A lot of information will be thrown at you in a very short period of time, and a large amount of it is confusing. Hopefully, this will simplify your process. Part I of this article covered roofs, foundation, plumbing and electrical systems. Here, we will cover windows, landscaping, and termites.

Your inspector may recommend new windows. If you are happy with your old windows, they function well, and the casings are in good shape, that is great. But installing new windows is a great way to make your home more energy efficient. New windows are not inexpensive, though. Your window installer may need to repair the window casing (see the termite section, below). If you would like to maintain a vintage look, know that custom windows are really expensive. Also, you will likely have to paint inside or outside once installed. There is one more issue with windows – if the exterior is not sealed properly, they can leak during rains. This is more common than you think, even with condominiums. However, new windows can save you energy dollars and really freshen the look of your home.

Depending on what part of the country you live in, you may have visions of all new landscape including hardscape (created mounds, decorative or retaining walls, etc.). Nothing makes a house look more like eye-candy than refreshed landscape. Or, you may want a simple grassy yard, which might require sprinklers. Be warned – all of this is can be really pricey. Hopefully, you and your gang will want to plant, weed and replant yourselves, which is very time-consuming but can be a lot of fun. And once it stops being fun, you can always hire a gardener.

The other landscape item that your inspector may point out are your home’s trees and their roots. You will need to trim branches regularly to keep them off your roof. The big thing, however, are tree roots as they can lift or crack a foundation and invade sewer lines. If this occurs with a big tree that you wish to keep, you may want to hire a tree surgeon to cut the right roots and leave the other roots alone.

Finally, your inspector will check your outside drains and sump pumps, if you have them. These need to function perfectly so you do not have standing water close to (or in!) your house after heavy rains.

Depending on where you live, you may have a separate termite and wood-destroying organism inspection. Just about every house has termites. Termites are often even present in brand new lumber for brand new houses! In addition to eradicating the little pests, you may need some wood replaced. This is common with window sills and casings, wood overhangs and wood posts. The termites will come back, as well. It is a good idea to have your home inspected every two years or so, top to bottom, and eradication done then.

Hopefully, this has taken some of the mystery out of your inspection. Remember that everything can be repaired or replaced – at a price, of course.

 

source: http://www.bestrealestateblog.com/simplified-guide-home-inspection-part-ii?m=JnojPGPgYwNqRUqKIeuc

A Simplified Guide to Your Home Inspection – Part 1

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker


SAMPLE Inspection report

If you are under contract to purchase a home, congratulations! Of course, you are excited and a little nervous, too. Your physical inspection can be especially nerve-wracking. In a short amount of time, you will receive more information than you can process, and it will all seem very serious. And confusing. And potentially expensive. In order to calm your nerves, here is a breakdown of the inspection’s most important home components and priorities. (Homes and condos are constructed differently across the U.S.; this will deal with structures that are mostly wood and not brick, and homes that are not new.)

Your home’s most important elements are its roof, foundation, plumbing, and electrical system.

First, here’s the story on your roof. Your inspector may say that the roof “is at the end of its useful life.” It is not unusual for a roof to need some repairs and maintenance, but it is unusual to need a whole new roof. With continuing maintenance and proper repairs, your dying roof can last several more years. Repairs are pretty easy and most roofers are cost-competitive. Condo purchasers will want to check with the condo board to see what repairs have been done or are anticipated.

Your foundation will either be raised above the ground on piers and posts, or it will be a slab. If you have a basement, it is raised; if you have a newer home, it is likely on a slab. If your raised foundation has some cracks, those can be easily repaired with special epoxy products. If it is completely cracked, and off its posts, run away.

Electrical problems that your inspector finds can be difficult to understand. Amps, breakers, sub panels, drops – what does that all mean? Older homes may not have enough power to run today’s modern appliances, toys, and systems. Wiring may be older, too. The good news here is that electrical work, even replacing wires and panels, is very routine for an electrician. It does not take very long to complete and is usually cheaper than you think it would be.

Your plumbing has many components and some are more serious/expensive to fix than others. Leaky faucet? No big deal to repair. Septic tank pumping? Routine. Roots in your sewer? Common. Unfortunately, many other problems can be progressively more serious and expensive to fix, especially if walls need to be opened. You will want to get estimates from at least two plumbers – hopefully only a portion of your plumbing needs repair. It is usually not necessary to re-pipe a whole house.

Hopefully, your inspection will make a little more sense to you now. The next post on this topic will go over other home components like heating and air-conditioning, fireplaces, windows, and outside spaces.

source: http://www.bestrealestateblog.com/a-simplified-guide-to-your-home-inspection-part-1?m=JnojPGPgYwNqRUqKIeuc

Will A Home Warranty Ease Your Worries?

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker

You know that old phone prank…

Someone calls and says, “Is your refrigerator running?”

The person on the other end then says, “Yes. Why?”

And then the caller says something like, “You better catch it before it gets too far away!!”

The joke worked because, for the most part, everyone has a fridge, and it is probably working.

And that is when you should have a home warranty in place… when your fridge is working, not once it is broken.

Do you have a list of worries?

There’s a lot of things you probably notice, but ignore around your house. Until it is too late, and becomes a much bigger problem.

It’s not broken…but maybe you notice that your fridge is making a different sound lately.

Your garage door isn’t working quite right. It goes half way down and gets stuck.

The bathroom faucet is dripping.

You notice a little leak in your bedroom ceiling.

Little worries like these are super common for homeowners.

Maybe you have an even longer list of little worries than those…

What’s the real worry?

But worries like those aren’t the real worry.

The real worry is the cost of getting them fixed.

For a lot of people, it is hard enough just paying the mortgage and other household bills.  It’s not like there’s tons of money sitting around to fix the little worries.

So you probably ignore it for as long as possible. Then the little problem becomes bigger and bigger. And the little problems become more numerous.

You figure you will deal with it when and if it becomes too big of an issue…which is usually once something is broken, or not working at all. You deal with it once you have to spend the money.

Get a home warranty before it is too late…

If all of that sounds too familiar to you, a home warranty can solve a lot of your worries.

But you need to get one before your appliance, your furnace, your air conditioning, or whatever else, is actually broken. They won’t cover your problem if it was a pre-existing condition…

Part of the problem might be that you don’t want to spend the money to buy a home warranty. They can cost hundreds of dollars. Maybe even upwards of a thousand or so, depending on the plan and coverages.

But in comparison to how much it could cost you if your furnace or water heater stopped working, the cost is really not so bad.

And, it isn’t like you can go and just buy a $500 home warranty once the furnace goes kapoot, call them up, and presto, have them send someone over to install a new one.

You can try… but they are gonna deny.

Expect some aggravation

As with anything… not all home warranty companies or plans are reputable or great.

Just do a little research online, and you will see tons of complaints about home warranty companies. Enough to scare you away from even buying one.

With that said, sometimes it is a matter of having the right understanding, expectations, or following the right protocol.

For instance, a home warranty company won’t necessarily get you a new furnace…if the existing one can be fixed. A lot of people complain that they wanted something replaced, but the warranty company merely fixed the problem. They have that right. If it can be fixed, they fix it. If not, they replace it. Sometimes, people misunderstand what to expect, or simply want more than they should expect.

Or, some people will feel that they should be able to call their own contractor to have a problem fixed or replaced, and expect that the warranty company will pay the bill. Most don’t allow that. The warranty company needs to be called first, and they will usually give you a choice of a few contractors that they have relationships with. Not necessarily contractors you know, or want to hire.

A lot of times, people complain just because they presumed that something would be covered, when it really isn’t. You need to know what your policy will cover. (A pool, for instance.) There are usually a few options within each home warranty company. Obviously, the more and better the coverage… the more the cost.

And it isn’t uncommon to have to fight a little bit (or a lot a bit) to get something covered. They certainly have their loopholes and language in the policies that allow for them to deny coverage if they want to. Or even just do things as cheaply as possible.

So, do expect that just buying a home warranty is not a direct ticket to getting everything you want, at least without question or a little fight.

It’s aggravating, but the old adage about the squeaky wheel gets the oil is probably a good way to approach dealing with your home warranty company. Expect to squeak.

A good, simple trick…

Hey, you may find a great home warranty company who addresses you and your problems thoroughly, quickly, and with little hassle. Without needing to squeak, even. If so, that’s great.

But probably not… judging by so much of what you read online. It is hard to find one that has an absolutely favorable reputation.

So a good trick you might want to consider is this…

…call your real estate agent.

Ask your real estate agent for their advice.

Advice on:

  1. Does a home warranty make sense for you, your needs, and your specific concerns?
  2. If so, what home warranty companies do they recommend?

Here is the real “trick” to this trick…

Real estate agents often have affiliations with home warranty companies. They are in the business day after day. Home warranty companies do not want to be on their bad side.

So, if you are having an issue with a home warranty company, your real estate agent may just be helpful in getting the warranty company to get things done. Especially if it is one that they have an affiliation with, or recommend.

All it might take is a phone call, or an e-mail from your real estate agent, and whatever issue you were having might just get resolved more quickly than by you spending hours on the phone, sending e-mails, or writing a scathing complaint online.

Too often, some of the in-between-the-lines benefits of a real estate agent get overlooked.

This is one of those benefits. Don’t overlook it.

If you have any little worry around your house…or a long list of them…call your real estate agent. Ask their advice. Most agents will give it freely, and for free. And gladly.

4 Reasons You Should Hire Your Friend Or Family Member As Your Real Estate Agent

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker

Should you work with a real estate agent who’s your friend or a family member?

This is such a common question. And it can be a touchy, awkward subject when you know a real estate agent and are planning to buy or sell a house.

Part of you probably wants to ignore the topic. Maybe hire another real estate agent, sell your house, or buy a house, and hope your friend or family member just doesn’t notice or find out.

They will. And it will be more awkward if you do that. So, you should address this head on.

It probably feels like a no-win situation as far as you’re concerned. If you don’t work with your friend or family member, feelings will be hurt, and the relationship will be affected forever. On the other hand, if you do work with them and something goes wrong…feelings will be hurt, and the relationship will be affected forever.

No, the agent shouldn’t let it affect your relationship…not because they’re supposed to be superhuman saints…but they are human and it does hurt. And not working with the agent you’re friends with, or are related to will most likely affect your relationship on some level.

Sounds miserable. And, beyond your gut feelings and concerns, there seems to be so much information on the Internet, and in conversation, that points to it making sense not to work with someone you know…

  • What if the agent doesn’t do a good job? Will you feel fine firing him or her? Or just have to grin and bear it?
  • What if you decide not to buy or sell, and waste their time? You would feel bad…
  • What if you simply don’t want your friend or family member to “know your business” or finances…

OK, fine. All valid concerns and reasons. People use these excuses. And it can make sense for you to avoid dealing with a friend or family member…if you have solid reason not to.

But those types of reasons are easy to find elsewhere. You can feel validated and “right” by all the stuff you see online, or hear out of the mouth of some random random real estate agent who’s trying to convince you to work with him, instead of your friend or family member.

Now that we have your concerns out in the open, let’s focus on why you should hire your friend or family member. Because there’s a lack of articles pointing out why it should make total sense for you to work with a real estate agent you are friends with, or are related to.

Here are some valid reasons for listing with your friend or family member:

  • TRUST – The entire basis of the relationship between a real estate agent and their clients is that it’s a “fiduciary relationship”. Simply put…it’s a “trusting relationship”. You really ought to be able to trust a friend or family member, above and beyond someone you don’t even know. If you can’t, well, then you shouldn’t hire the person even if they’re your friend or are related to you.
  • ABILITY –  If your friend or family member is a great agent, and is as good of a choice, if not a better choice than someone else who simply fits the bill because they aren’t your friend or family member…hire your friend or family member. Hiring some random, lesser skilled agent doesn’t do you any good, other than to avoid awkwardness.
  • APPRECIATION – This is such a loaded subject. Real estate agents hate this issue more than you do…more than you could ever imagine. They’re constantly bracing themselves to have to deal with it at some point. If you simply talk openly about this subject with the agent you know, and show that you understand their dilemma, and feel for them, you will get some crazy appreciation from the agent. And that crazy appreciation can translate into some awesome care and service.
  • COMPASSION – This is something most agents don’t want to openly say much about…so, let me say it for them. The agent you know probably really needs your support and for you (and everyone else they know) to hire them. This is a tough business. It’s highly competitive, and it’s hard to make money…not even lots of money. We’re talking just-surviving-in-the-business type of money. So when someone an agent knows uses someone else just to avoid any weirdness, it hurts. It hurts their heart, and their bank account. (And just because an agent isn’t getting filthy rich in this business, and needs as much business as possible, does not mean they aren’t a great agent who will do an awesome job for you!) So, have some compassion and help the agent you know, instead of some random agent you don’t really care about.

You are hiring somebody’s friend or family member anyway.

Go ahead and ask any real estate agent you don’t know if you should work with a friend or family member. But if they even sniff that you’re thinking of buying or selling, and they have a shot at business, they’ll probably give you so many reasons not to. Of course they will.

But that’s a double edged sword. Be leery of a real estate agent who pushes that angle too much, because that agent is someone’s friend or family member, and rest assured, they don’t have that same perspective when it comes to their own friends and family.

Use your own head, and your own heart to make the decision. Make it as much of a business decision as possible, but do take into consideration that there’s some amount of being a kind human that needs to be considered.

Before you hire someone else, at least sit and chat with your friend and family member who’s a real estate agent.

Better yet…sit with them now, before you’re actually buying or selling, and chat about real estate. More specifically, chat about their career. Get to know how they work, and are as an agent. So you can not only hire them when the time comes, but also so you can refer them as much business as possible starting now. They’ll surely appreciate it!

And, if you can’t possibly see yourself working with the agent you’re friends with, or are related to, at least ask them to refer you to another agent, before you just go finding a random one on your own.

Why You Actually Need To Hire A Buyer’s Agent When Purchasing A Home

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker

When you first start looking at houses to buy, you’re probably looking to find the best house possible…not looking for the best real estate agent possible.

It usually begins innocently enough…

Maybe you see a house online. So, you reach out to the agent with the click of the button. Or send a quick e-mail. Perhaps even pick up the phone to ask a few questions, or schedule a showing. Next thing you know, you’re being sent listings by e-mail, and going out to see houses with that agent.

Or, maybe you go to open houses and meet a bunch of different agents, and eventually just find yourself working with one of them. (Or several of them at the same time.)

You might be a little bit more deliberate about finding an agent, though. And you might choose to work with one who you have seen who has lots of signs, ads, or billboards. It might boil down to choosing an agent because everyone seems to use that particular agent.

But too many people just sort of stumble into working with a real estate agent by chance.

It’s not the best way to “hire” a real estate agent when you’re buying a house, but it’s pretty typical. Life is busy, and there isn’t any true process to finding the very best real estate agent.

So, the point is this: for most people, stumbling into a relationship with a real estate agent is just how it goes.

So, what is the point of the article then? What is the solution? What should you do?

First things first…

Make a concerted effort to find and choose the real estate agent you work with to buy a home… before you actually start looking at any homes.

While it’s natural to be excited to find the home you want to buy, when you do that first, you are skipping a worthwhile step.

Instead, you should ask friends, family, coworkers, or whoever else you know, for recommendations and referrals.

Then, meet with, and speak with a few agents. Get a feel for how they work. Determine whether you trust them, and whether they seem like they know what they’re talking about and doing.

Once you find one, actually hire the agent…

When you find one you like, hire that agent. Commit to the agent. Work solely with that agent.

Too many people feel like they should have several agents helping them find a house. Yet, all the agents have access to every home on the market. Every agent can get you in and show you the houses.

But not every agent can represent you, your needs, and your best interests the same. Some are better at handling the ins and outs of the process. And better at analyzing values, and advising you. And, of course, some are better at negotiating.

It isn’t about having several agents out there looking to find you some needle in a haystack. Or an agent who is willing to jump to show you a house the minute you call about one. It’s about having one that is solid and skilled representing your interests with their knowledge and skills, once you do find the right house.

And an agent that good isn’t likely to spend a whole lot of time or attention on you if they don’t feel that you are being loyal to them, or aren’t serious and committed to them, and the process of buying a house.

The best way to show them you are all of that, is to literally hire them. Sign a buyer’s agency agreement with them. Show them you are committed to him or her, and the process, by committing to them.

Why should you?

Most people, even some real estate agents, may tell you that you should never sign a buyer’s agency agreement and thereby hire a specific agent.

And you don’t have to. So many agents will work without requiring you to do so. You can get the milk for free, as they say…so why buy the cow?

Because…you aren’t “most people”. You know better.

If you don’t specifically find, choose, and hire a specific real estate agent to work with, you will possibly find one representing you by default.

It could be one that you meet at an open house. You just go to see the house. You love it. You want to make an offer. And, boom, the agent that was there is now representing you and your best interests.

Maybe that agent will be great. Maybe not.

And even if the agent is good, it isn’t like that agent will have a whole lot of background with you, or insight into you and your needs.

This can make the whole process not so great. You can find yourself feeling at odds, or working with someone who doesn’t seem to be fighting for you, so much as convincing you to do what they want you to do so they can make the sale.

That isn’t necessarily going to happen. But it can…and does…to so many people. To “most people”.

And then “most people” complain about how horrible their experience was buying a house.

Here’s the kicker…

The reason why people complain that their home buying experience is often not great, is because the client and the agent do not have a committed relationship!

The lack of commitment actually causes mistrust, and less than ideal dealings.

Yet, most people go about it that way.

So, solve the problem most people have by actually seeking, finding, and hiring the best real estate agent you can find to help you buy your house.

Don’t just stumble into a loose relationship with someone you need to trust to get you the best house, at the best price and terms.

“Got Any Hot Deals?” Read This Before You Ask That Question To An Agent

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker

Psssst. Do you want in on a hot real estate deal?

How about a house that’s already underpriced, and is being overlooked by every buyer in the market? And the owner is super motivated. Desperate even. And would probably take even less than they are asking already.

Just by buying it at such a low price you’re going to make money. But, if you put a few bucks in, you’ll make way more money. And quickly.

So, what’s the secret? How do you get in on such a hot deal!?

Apparently, a lot of people think the road to riches is paved with one carefully worded question…

“Got any hot deals?”

If real estate agents had a dime for every time they hear that question…

You can certainly try that approach. Ask every real estate agent you meet that very question. But it probably won’t get you in on any hot deals.

It’s not a bad question

It’s not that it’s a bad question. There’s nothing wrong with asking a real estate agent if they have any hot deals.

But, it can be aggravating to agents. And, even if they do know of any hot deals, it probably won’t do you any good.

Because reality.

Be in the market, not asking about it

First of all, who doesn’t want a good deal? There are always people in the market, ready, willing, and able to scoop up a good deal.

So, if you find yourself asking this and there isn’t a hot deal to be had, it’s because there are people actually, and actively in the market buying the deals. Some are just people looking for their own home, recognizing a deal when they see one, and grabbing it. Others are investors who are constantly on the lookout and in a position to buy deals when they see them.

So, if you’re just asking if there are any hot deals, it won’t do you any good. Unless you happen to be absolutely ready to pounce. Meaning, you have money lined up. Whether it’s in the form of financing or cash.

But it also means you have to be mentally ready to pounce. If you ask, and an agent does bring you a hot deal, you need to be ready to go after it…not wait to see if the price goes down more, or “posture” and wait for the seller to come groveling to you to make an offer, any offer. Or, just wait to see if another better deal comes along.

So, it’s perfectly fine to ask agents if they have a hot deal, but you need to be ready, willing, and able to do something about it. Otherwise, you can ask every agent you ever meet the same question, and it’s not going to get you anywhere.

Simply put, you need to be one of the people in the market… not just asking about the market.

Align with an agent

It might seem to make sense to ask every agent you meet if he or she has a hot deal.

But it doesn’t really work that way.

This is probably an issue of how the question is worded, and some misunderstanding.

It seems that when people ask this question, they’re asking the agent if they have a house listed that is a good deal. This doesn’t make a lot of sense. If an agent is listing a house, they should be attempting to get the highest price possible for their seller. Not getting a buyer a good deal.

Sure, there may be agents who play in the sandbox that way. But most don’t and won’t. So the question is a bit insulting, and totally aggravating.

That same agent can find and get you a hot deal…But not necessarily one they personally “have”.

They can find you a hot deal listed by another agent. And they probably would love to do that for you. But you need to be aware of the reality that the hot deal they can bring you to is likely not their listing, and not necessarily something they can pull out of a hat for you in that very moment.

They will need some time to scour the market for a hot deal. After you give them some information.

A “hot deal” is relative

Just because something is a hot deal, doesn’t mean it is a good deal for you…and your abilities, wants, and needs.

If you go around asking every agent you meet this question, they’re going to sense it. Having an army of agents all you on their mind for the next great deal just isn’t going to pan out.

Agents want and need to know they’re spending their time wisely on someone.

So, if you truly do want in on a “hot deal”, you should find and align with one agent (singular). Actually sit down with him or her and get into what you can actually do something about.

You can’t just say that you’re open to anything as long as it is a deal…and you’ll figure out how to make it work. And then expect the agent to spend a concerted amount of time and attention on finding you deals. Because the agent (unless they are new or desperate) probably won’t invest a whole lot of time or care truly finding you a good deal.

You need to show your sincerity, and your actual ability to an agent…at least if you want good attention from a good agent. And you should. So, align with the best agent you can.

There’s always a “hot deal”

A lot of the “hot deals” aren’t obvious.

The hot deals are made, as much as they are found.

And the best way to find and get a hot deal is not by offhandedly asking if an agent has one, but by being in the market, aligned with an agent, going out and making a hot deal happen. And, once in a while, just being in the right place, at the right time…but also being ready, willing, and able to scoop up the deal.

7 Budgeting Tips To Help You Buy Your First Home in 2018

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker

So you’ve decided to purchase your first home in 2018. Congratulations! Purchasing a home is a huge decision, and it can be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of your life.

But purchasing a home requires capital, and if your savings account is looking a little trim as we wrap up 2016, it means that you will have to do some budgeting in the upcoming year to make your dream of being a homeowner a reality.

Here are 7 budgeting tips to help you buy your first home in 2018:

1. Track Everything You Spend

You will not be able to make any major changes to your budget if you don’t have a firm understanding of how your money is being spent. Tracking everything you spend for a month will show you exactly how much you’re spending, where you’re spending it, how much of your budget is going towards necessities and how much of your budget is going towards luxuries.

You can keep track of all of your expenses in a spreadsheet, but a better strategy is to use a spending tracker like Mint or Prosper Daily (formerly BillGuard). These apps link to all of your accounts and will track and categorize your spending, making it easy to visualize where your money is going.

2. Identify Areas To Cut Back

Once you know where your money is going, it’s time to identify the areas where you can cut back and save additional funds to put towards your down payment. Every household will be different, but when you’re saving for a house, anything that’s not a necessity (like rent or medical insurance) should be considered an area where you can cut back.

Things like eating out, daily Starbucks and an expensive gym membership are great, but they can quickly eat into your budget. Cutting back on extra spending is a great way to build your savings and get you into your new home faster.

3. Create A Budget

Creating a budget – and sticking to it – is one of the best things you can do for your finances as you’re gearing up to buy your first home. There’s nothing more frustrating than having a savings goal and consistently falling short each month because of thoughtless spending. Having a firm budget (and holding everyone in your household accountable to it) helps you stay on track towards your savings goal.

Create a budget that includes all of your set expenses (like rent), the amount of money you will put into your savings account each month and allowances for categories like food, entertainment and gas. Then, stick to the budget no matter what.

Having a set amount for how much you can spend on things will make you think twice before pulling out your wallet.

4. Get Your Score Up

One of the most important factors in the home buying process is your credit score. Your credit score (and the credit score of your spouse, partner or co-buyer) will directly affect the interest rates on your mortgage, and a good credit score can save you thousands of dollars a month.

If you can, work to bring up your credit score as much as possible before you apply for your mortgage. Pay down any outstanding credit card debt, check your credit report for inconsistencies and always pay your bills on time.

5. Practice Paying Your Mortgage

When you create your budget, you should have an idea of how much you can afford to spend on your mortgage payment when you buy a home. But you shouldn’t wait to buy a home to start making that payment, particularly if it’s higher than what you’re currently paying in rent.

Practicing your mortgage payment will give you real life experience of what it will be like to make that payment each month. Take the difference between your current rent payment and your projected mortgage payment and immediately put it into savings at the beginning of the month.

You might find that you overshot how much you can afford and your projected mortgage payment puts you under too much financial strain. Or you might find that you actually have more wiggle room in your budget than you anticipated and can afford a higher mortgage. Either way, that’s information you want to know before you lock in a 15 or 30 year payment.

6. Pay For Everything In Cash

It’s easy to lose track of how much money you’re spending when you put everything on a debit or credit card. With just a quick swipe, you have everything you need. But paying for things in cash can make the purchase feel more real and can help you get a better handle on your spending.

At the beginning of the week, take out all of your spending money in cash. Then, make a commitment to only use the cash in your wallet to cover your expenses. If you run out of cash, that’s it.

Seeing your cash dwindle as the week goes on will help you visualize how much money you have left for the week and can help curb needless spending.

7. Reward Yourself

There’s no way around it – saving money is tough. It’s important that you reward yourself for your successes and for moving towards your savings goals.

Set milestones for your savings goals (like saving $1000 or paying off an outstanding credit card balance), and treat yourself when you hit that goal. The reward will give incentive to keep going when things get challenging.

One trap you’ll want to avoid is rewarding yourself with something large, extravagant and expensive. Rewarding yourself for saving money by spending money isn’t a recipe for success! Your reward should be something low cost (or free) that still feels like an indulgence, like a picnic day at the park with your family.

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to signing those closing papers, getting your keys and making 2018 the year you purchased your first home.