Is There More of a Role for Investors in a Real Estate Recovery?

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It’s been a rough ride for homeowners and many investors since 2006 when it seemed that the good times would never end. But they did. The millions of foreclosures have done a lot to put a damper on the American Dream. The younger generations are no longer set on buying that first home. Many of them are living with their parents because they can’t even afford rent.

Investors have stepped up over the past six or more years, accounting annually for more than 30 percent of all home purchases. Some of that buying has been in blocks of hundreds or thousands of homes by major investors like the Blackstone Group. One recent headline tells us that the percentage of purchases by investors rose to 42 percent in one month. As long as the foreclosures keep coming there will be investor participation, but the competition for good houses has heated up. That competition is bringing higher prices, thus the media articles about a “market recovery.”

It’s weak, even if we can call it a recovery at all. There is still a large hole which the first time buyers used to fill. Just tracking prices isn’t working like it has in past markets. This is a new situation, and old statistical models may be misleading. The multiple strategies used by investors have all worked really well over the past few years:

• Wholesaling: Investors use location and negotiation skills to locate properties at deep discounts and then quickly sell them to other investors who wouldn’t have found them on their own. The sale can also be to a retail buyer, but there’s far less of that activity in current markets.
• Fix & Flip: The investor buys a distressed property and does renovation and repairs, many times selling them within three months or so to a rental property investor or possibly a retail customer.
• Rental Investors: These people buy homes with the long-term goal of renting them out for positive monthly cash flow over expenses, and a profit from appreciation at sale in the future.

All of these strategies are still working, but they’re mostly just contributing to the movement of Americans from homeownership to tenant status. This may be the future, at least for the next five to ten years until the economy has a chance to improve and unemployment decreases. It’s been a nice ride for real estate investors, and it’s not over. However, if we consider the dream of homeownership wounded but not dead, things will turn around at some point and buyers will be back. However, they may want to buy but still be hampered by their credit, lack of down payment cash, employment uncertainty, or student debt.

Even long-term rental property investors must have an exit strategy, and it’s in that exit strategy that investors may be able to help renters move back to ownership. The goals of both parties are aligned, as the buyers will be taking the home off the books of the investor when they want to liquidate the investment. Perhaps there’s a way to increase the number of potential buyers for that investment property by making it easier for them to buy.

Rent-to-own or lease-purchase arrangements have been around for a long time. A buyer who may not be ready to purchase but would like to do so can lease the home with an option to buy at some point in the future. They may need to build a down payment, or improve their credit. There are a number of benefits for the investor in this type of arrangement:

1. The tenant buyer really wants to own the home, so they’ll take better care of it.
2. The lease agreement may be structured with the tenant buyer paying some of the repairs and maintenance, definitely not part of a regular lease.
3. In many cases the tenant buyer will pay a higher rent, increasing cash flow.

A rental home investor with a plan to sell a home five to eight years in the future, perhaps to buy a more expensive rental or invest elsewhere, normally would just follow their plan and list it for sale. They’re already marketing the home for tenants, but now could take a different approach. How about helping a strapped tenant who wants to own but has a few hurdles to jump? Instead of just marketing for a tenant, changing the marketing approach to locating tenants who want to own could work for both sides.

The investor gets a three to five-year lease-purchase agreement providing the tenant with the option to buy on or before the lease expires. The timing of the expiration is when the investor wants to sell. The price is set to provide the desired profit for the investor. The tenant buyer has a plan with a due date, and they can begin to move toward ownership, taking great care of the home. It’s really no big change for the investor, just a different marketing approach. Should the tenant not exercise their option to buy, the investor is just fine, as they can list the home for sale as they would have anyway. It’s a win-win and may help bring back the dream.

Written by Dean Graziosi– New York Times Best Selling Author

 

 

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5 Trends That Will Move Real Estate Markets This Week!!

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Enjoy Labor Day … because these five trends may rock the real estate world the rest of the week:

 

  1. Who’s remodeling? See profits at HD Supply, Restoration Hardware.
  1. Homebuilding profitable? Watch Hovnanian earnings, out Wednesday.
  1. Look at real estate slice of Producer Price Index.
  1. Are rates moving? See Freddie Mac mortgage survey, out Thursday.
  1. Who’s borrowing? Watch mortgage bankers’ application survey, out Wednesday.

 

            Source: Jonathan Lansner – writer OC Journal

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Dita Von Teese, queen of burlesque from Irvine, buys Tudor hideaway with ‘secret garden’

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Burlesque star and onetime Playboy cover girl Dita Von Teese – Heather Sweet when she was growing up in Irvine – has bought a Tudor Revival-style house in Los Feliz for $2.83 million.

Built in 1927, the 3,200-square-foot retreat boasts a round castle turret, Gothic arches and center medallions encircling feudal fixtures. The property, on a third of an acre in a “Sherwood Forest” setting, includes a “secret garden,” according to listing agent Peter Reyes of Keller Williams Realty in Los Feliz, near Hollywood.

The four-bedroom house has slate and hardwood floors. A dark-bottom swimming pool and detached pool house with a wet bar and dry sauna fill out the grounds.

Real estate website Trulia recently broke news of the sale, which closed in late July. The home was listed in May at $2.99 million.

Von Teese, 42, whose family moved from Michigan to Irvine when she was 12 years old, also lived in Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach. She left Orange County in 2001, became a Playboy cover girl the following year and went on to marry and divorce heavy metal rocker Marilyn Manson.

Her recent, over-the-top “Burlesque: Strip Strip Hooray!” national tour showcased routines inspired by old-fashioned glamour, a bathtub-sized martini glass with 250,000 Swarovski crystals, a blinged-out mechanical bull, her hallmark corsets and custom stilettos by Christian Louboutin.

She also teamed up with the designer to release a line of lingerie.

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Source:

 Image – Dita Von Teese, a burlesque star who grew up in Orange County, has bought a 3,700-square-foot, Tudor Revival-style house in Los Feliz.
COMPOSITE BY MARILYN KALFUS; INSET: DANIELLE BEDICS; TRULIA
Leslie Sargent Eskildsen is an OC real estate agent. leslieeskildsen.com.  http://www.ocregister.com/lansner/irvine-679168-teese-house.html
Marylin Kalfus OC Journal Staff Writer

 

 

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Buying with cash saves cash – and time

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An article by Real Estate Agent Leslie Sargent Eskildsen, discusses the differences of Buying a house with cash or taking out a loan.

She writes, “Just recently, a reader asked me about the difference between buying a house with cash and buying a house with a home loan. That’s a great question!

Here’s a rundown of the differences.

Buying a house with cash saves you money. You don’t have to pay for an appraisal. That doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t pay for an appraisal, you just don’t have to.

Buyers using a home loan have to pay for an appraisal. The lender requires an unbiased, licensed appraiser to give a thoroughly researched and documented report on the value of the home so the lender is confident you’re paying the right price and that they are making a sound investment.

A home buyer paying cash also saves on other lender related costs including a credit report, loan origination fee, flood certification, tax service fee (the lender has to be aware of any back taxes owed) lender required title insurance and any points a borrower chooses to pay to bring down the interest rate on the money borrowed.

In addition, a cash buyer is not required to purchase home owner’s insurance.

When you get a home loan, the lender requires evidence of insurance, and you pay for a full year up front.

I’d never recommend not buying home owner’s insurance. However, when you’re buying a house with cash, you can work it out directly with your insurance carrier as to the frequency of payments.

When you are buying with cash, you also save on escrow fees including the loan tie-in fee, the loan documentation prep fee, and the notary fees (you’re not signing anything that needs to be notarized).

The more subtle aspects of buying with cash include the need to prove you have the cash up front with your offer. This means you need to submit, up front, bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover the price.

If you are flush with tons of cash, you may want to keep a bank account that only has a balance large enough to cover the cost of the house and your share of the escrow fee and a processing fee.

You have no need to show the seller how much you have overall.

You get to keep your financial status a secret, as opposed to a buyer getting a home loan. Those who buy with a loan have to provide full financial disclosure to the lender to qualify for the loan.

There’s much less paperwork required when buying with cash. You can also close escrow much more quickly. You do not have to budget time for the appraisal review, underwriting review, management review, and all the time to prepare and review loan documents.

There’s also the advantage of representing less risk to a home seller. If you show the seller the money up front, and if your offer is a figure that is acceptable to the seller, you will probably win out over a buyer who needs a loan. Cash is much easier and less risky.”

 

Source: OC Journal – leslieeskildsen.com.

 

 

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Looking to maximize your rental income without spending a lot of money out-of-pocket?

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Looking to maximize your rental income without spending a lot of money out-of-pocket? Tenants don’t want to cook in a dark, cramped, outdated space. Increase the wow-factor of your property by updating your kitchen. Stainless steel appliances are nice, but if you’re remodeling on a budget, read on for some easy, low-budget ways to improve your kitchen. Plus, if you decide to sell in the next 5-10 years, a mid-range kitchen remodel  can give you up to a 70% return on your investment, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2015 Cost vs. Value Report

Paint Cabinets White

Are your kitchen cabinets a little beat up? Do you have wood cabinets that look dated and make the room gloomy? You can easily upgrade your kitchen by painting your cabinets white. White cabinets work with all types of design styles, so whether your tenant’s style leans more toward rustic or modern, they’ll be able to make their belongings fit nicely. White cabinets also give you a neutral palette to try out an array of stylish backsplashes or even a bold color for a statement wall.

1

Via Modernize.com

 

Add Interesting Lighting

Lighting is an inexpensive way to add some real style to your kitchen. Pendant lamps or even a chandelier are great tools for integrating your cooking and eating space–whether it’s a breakfast nook or an adjacent dining room. You can also play with scale to make a cavernous space feel more intimate or a small space more cozy and welcoming.

2

Via Modernize.com

If you have a kitchen that tends to get very hot, consider adding a light fixture with a ceiling fan. Your tenants will appreciate it in the warm summer months.

 

Maximize Storage Space

Even if you have a small kitchen, you’ll be able to meet the needs of your tenants with some smart storage solutions.,. Install multiple shelf units within cabinets to double and sometimes triple the storage space. In the area under the sink–always tight because of plumbing–install some handy door racks inside the cabinet to keep supplies organized. You can also make the most of those faux drawers (typically found below the sink) by converting them to tilting drawers that hold sponges and other small cleaning supplies. If you’re working with limited space for dishes, utensils, spices or small cooking accessories, look underneath the cabinets. There are ample options for installing racks with hooks to hang coffee mugs or utensils; magnetic strips for cutlery sets, dish drying racks and even spice shelves. The space underneath cabinets can provide an incredible amount of unexpected storage space, and in a neat and tidy manner.

3

Via Modernize.com

 

Utilize a Non-Traditional Island

If you have the space, consider adding an island to your kitchen. The island will provide valuable counter space for preparing meals and can serve as a dining room table for small family dinners or as a serving buffet during parties. Depending on the type of island you select, you may also be able to get some extra storage space out of it. You don’t have to spend a lot of money of a factory produced island (that may or may not match your cabinets). Instead, consider non-traditional islands like a repurposed dresser or bookshelves. Here are some great DIY inspirations for kitchen islands. Whatever you end up using, just make sure to fasten the island to the floor to keep the surface stable.

 

5

 

 

Source : Bryn Huntpalmer, Editor of Modernize.com Via Modernize.com

 

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Home Buyers Attracted to Lower Home Prices, Not Incentives

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Home Buyers Attracted to Lower Home Prices, Not Incentives
The Realtor® Magazine published an article in March about real estate purchaser preference.
They claim that although incentives are attractive, lower home prices draw more interest.

Many Las Vegas real estate agents don’t oppose incentives and have found success with them.
However, one major factor that affects buyer interest is that fact that buyers who work with
Realtors® typically use the MLS home search. There is no search criteria for “incentives” or
similar terms. Potential buyers have to stumble upon incentives as they peruse and the odds
of being found are lower. However, most buyers do use price as a criteria and if a seller’s
house priced better than its competition it will draw more views. The important thing in a
tough selling market is to get as much attention as possible.

According to the article:
“The single thing that’ll drive buyers and salespeople to a property is that it must be
priced at today’s market value. If that happens, you’ll get buyers at the property, and
you’ll get practitioners there, too, because they believe buyers will buy.”

 

 

 

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Consider This When Investing

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Consider This When Investing in Real Estate

 

The real estate market is improving in many parts of the country. So if you’re thinking about investing in real estate, now might be the time to get your feet wet.

Real estate investing can be quite profitable. Some investors make a comfortable living buying and flipping properties — putting tens of thousands of dollars in their pockets in only a few weeks. Meanwhile, other investors take a different approach and move into a home they’re fixing up with plans to sell for a profit in two or three years.

No matter the approach you take, investing in real estate generates cash that can go toward the purchase of your new residence, or you can use this money to build your savings account or prepare for retirement. It doesn’t take special skills to start investing in real estate, but there are several factors to consider before making your first purchase.

1. What are your plans for the property?

Determine your plans for the property before investing in real estate. Will you live in the home, fix up the property and sell a few years later? Will you get tenants and make the home a rental property? Then again, maybe you’re more interested in buying and flipping real estate for a quick profit.

There are different ways to proceed with investing your money, time and energy into a property. Weigh the pros and cons of different types of real estate investments and choose the one that best fits your situation.

2. Which mortgage option is right for you?

Real estate investors can choose from different types of mortgages depending on their plans for a property. For example, an adjustable-­rate mortgage might work if you’re buying and flipping real estate, or if you plan on living in an investment property short-­term.

Adjustable-­rate mortgages have an initial fixed­-rate period up to five years followed by annual rate adjustments. A rate adjustment means the mortgage interest rate increases or decreases based on the market.

Typically, adjustable-rate mortgages start out with a rate lower than most fixed­-rate mortgages. If you’re keeping an investment property for a short span of time, there’s the option of getting an adjustable-­rate mortgage and selling the property before your first rate adjustment.

On the other hand, if you’re keeping an investment property long-­term, consider a fixed-­rate mortgage so your interest rate and monthly payment will remain the same for the duration of the term.

3. How much cash do you need to fix up the place?

Investing in real estate can require sizable cash, especially since properties you purchase might need renovations or improvements. If you’re buying a foreclosure that will be your primary residence and a future investment property, you might qualify for the FHA 203(k) loan.

This loan provides funds to purchase the property, plus funds to improve the condition of the property. On the other hand, if you’re buying and flipping a property, the bank can help with investment property loans.

Make sure you schedule a home inspection before buying real estate so you’ll know what to expect cost-­wise with fixing up the property.

4. Is the property is an ideal location?

You can have a lovely property, but if it’s located in an undesirable part of town, it might take longer to find a buyer or tenant. Location matters in real estate. Some people only look for properties in good school districts, and others prefer buying or renting homes near an interstate or major highway for easier access to work.

When looking for properties to buy, pay attention to school ratings, nearby amenities, and consider whether the property’s in a safe, quiet neighborhood.

Real estate investing can be profitable, but you shouldn’t jump into investing without doing your homework. Buying and financing properties is easier when you know what to expect, and when you can build a relationship with a knowledgeable mortgage officer and realtor.

Source: Evan Potter – Total Mortgage

 

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Investment Properties In Todays Market

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This Holiday season, think about decking the halls of a new investment property!  As the economy continues to improve, many people will feel more confident about their finances and prospects for the future.  Real Estate can be a good addition to your investment portfolios as you build wealth for the future.

Investors need to think about all aspects of real estate investment, including rental income, expenses, home price, appreciation and taxes.  At Red Rock Management we have written about the top markets for rental cash flow and trends in single family rental investment by the largest institutuions.

 

 

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Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Foreclosure

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Foreclosure filings were reported on more than 1 million U.S. properties during the first half of 2012, which means there are plenty of opportunities for those who want to invest in the foreclosure market.

Be aware, though, that purchasing a foreclosure can be complicated; costly mistakes sit in wait for would-be buyers who have not done their homework.

Zillow polled some real estate agents to learn about the most common mistakes they see when it comes to buying foreclosure properties.  Here are their tips to help you avoid costly blunders:

1. Don’t limit yourselfIt’s OK to go into your property search with the intent to purchase a foreclosure, but don’t wear blinders and assume those are the only homes you should check out. Yes, there are some competitively priced foreclosures on the market, but the same can be said of traditional listings.

Foreclosures often come with baggage – liens against the property, repairs that need to be made, and so forth. A traditional seller might be more flexible about taking care of repairs or negotiating price. Additionally, if you limit your search to foreclosed properties, you may not end up in your desired neighborhood or with the style of home you’ve always dreamed of.

Don’t rule anything out. Keep an open mind so you end up with the best house for your money.

2. Don’t go it aloneFind a real estate agent versed in the complexities of the foreclosure market. Whether you’re looking at a pre-foreclosure, short sale or bank-owned properties, you’re going to need the guidance of a professional who has a background in buying and selling these types of properties in your local market.

Similarly, you must remember that real estate agents are not lawyers. Foreclosure laws and regulations are tricky, and they vary from state to state. Don’t rely on your real estate agent for legal advice; be prepared to consult with a local real estate attorney who understands how these purchases work.

3. Know your stuffKnow how much you can spend. Know the neighborhood where you want to buy. Know the process. Securing early financing is important because it will ensure that you are qualified to purchase the property. Being pre-approved will give you greater bargaining power when the time comes to make an offer.

Target a specific neighborhood or two to avoid becoming overwhelmed by listings. Ask your agent to notify you of listings within these neighborhoods that meet your other criteria, such as size and cost. Check comparable recent sales to get a good feel for the market.

Even though you’re working with a qualified agent and lender, you need to do some work upfront to become familiar with the basics of the foreclosure process.  Learning the lingo will give you credibility, which will help others realize you’re serious about this buying endeavor. Basic know-how may give you the added bargaining power you need to negotiate a better price.

4. Don’t skip the inspectionSure, the house looks good, but what’s going on inside the walls and under the floor boards?

A 2011 survey conducted by Harris Interactive found that 72 percent of U.S. homeowners agree the home inspection they had when they purchased their current residence helped them avoid potential problems; 64 percent of respondents reported that their home inspection saved them money.

The American Society of Home Inspectors website (www.ashi.org) includes a searchable database of certified inspectors.

Tag along while the inspector is looking at the property. Ask questions. Take notes. Most inspectors charge $300 to $500 for their services; it’s up to you to figure out how much it’s going to cost to rectify deficiencies.

5. Look beyond todayBecause a foreclosed home may decline further in value, it’s smart to approach the transaction with a long-term perspective. Sure, you may be hoping to flip the property and quickly resell, but what if you can’t? Are you prepared for the long haul? What will the property cost if you hold onto it for five or 10 years? Pencil out the numbers, or you may suffer long-term financial repercussions.

Source – Zillow Foreclosure center

 

 

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