how to renovate a house on a budget

How to Renovate a House on a Budget and Boost Your Profits

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Are you considering selling your home?

For the majority of homeowners, your home is the biggest investment that you have. So, when it comes time to eventually sell your home, you want to ensure that you are maximizing your profits and making the most of your investment. 

One of the best ways to maximize your profits is to renovate certain aspects of your home and opt for a facelift. While home renovations can be costly, there are steps that every homeowner can take to minimize the cost of a home renovation and make it affordable. 

If you’re considering doing some home renovations before listing your home for sale, you’re going to want to read this. We’re sharing our best tips for how to renovate a house on a budget. Not only are these tips sure to increase the value of your home, but they’re also incredibly wallet-friendly for those on a budget. 

Goodbye dark, 1990s kitchen and hello bright, contemporary kitchen! 

1. Opt for DIY Projects 

First things first, it’s best to opt for DIY projects that allow you to conduct the upgrades yourself. 

The truth is, hiring contractors is one of the most expensive aspects of renovating a home. In forgoing this cost, you’re bound to save a large portion of your budget. 

Today, DIY projects have never been easier for the common homeowner to conduct. Even without a contracting background or experience, online videos make it possible for the common homeowner to conduct renovations. 

Fortunately, the majority of these home renovation projects are simply facelifts. This means that very limited knowledge is required for completing these tasks and the majority of homeowners are capable of completing these tasks. 

2. Replace Carpeting

If you have carpeted flooring, it’s always worthwhile to consider installing a more appealing option. 

Of course, most buyers today prefer to have hardwood. That being said, there are still ways to strive for a classic wood floor look but without the price tag. This is where laminate flooring or engineered hardwood come into place. 

Remember, carpeted flooring is more prone to holding spills as well as scent. 

3. Paint Kitchen Cabinetry 

For many families, the kitchen is the heart and soul of the home.

After all, this is typically where friends and family gather in daily life as well as times of celebration. In understanding this fact, it’s clear why an upgraded kitchen will appeal to potential buyers. 

Fortunately, upgrading your kitchen doesn’t have to mean a total renovation and spending thousands of dollars. Instead, it’s best to focus to attention on providing your kitchen with a facelift rather than a renovation. 

The most simple and effective means of providing your kitchen with a facelift is to paint your cabinetry. This has the ability to transform dark, outdated cabinets into bright, contemporary cabinets. To finish, you can also upgrade the handles and light fixtures to provide a fresh, modern look.

4. Make Use of Recycled Materials 

Where possible, it’s always best to opt for recycled materials throughout your renovation. 

If you’re replacing doors, windows or even flooring, why not peruse the lightly used section? This is a great way to source high-quality materials without the high-end price tag. 

Many businesses such as Habitat for Humanity carry secondhand furniture. This furniture is often of high-quality and is donated by contractors, real estate professionals and homeowners. 

5. Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint 

Applying a fresh coat of paint is the most inexpensive way to give a new sense of life to a home. 

Remember, your aim is to keep your home as neutral as possible. This means repainting walls that are bold in color and opting for neutrals such as white and grey. This also serves as your opportunity to cover up any major holes or scratches in your current paint. 

Fresh paint is also extremely beneficial to the photography for your future listing. This is extremely important considering that 95 percent of buyers use the internet to find their future home. 

6. Maximize Curb Appeal 

The entryway is often the aspect of the home that many homeowners mistakingly forget about. 

The truth, however, is that the entryway is possibly the most important aspect of home when it comes time to selling. In fact, studies reveal that 99 percent of real estate representatives suggest that homeowners focus on correcting their curb appeal prior to selling. 

Remember, the entryway of your home is what radiates either positive curb appeal or negative curb appeal. Without great curb appeal, many potential buyers will forgo the opportunity to view the interior of the home. 

To maximize curb appeal, be sure to minimize your furniture, maintain your grass and gardens and minimize furniture. It’s also beneficial to update your entryway door or opt to paint it a bright color. The door sets a tone for what is expected to come of the rest of the home. 

How to Renovate a House on a Budget 

One of the most significant concerns homeowners face prior to selling a home is whether or not to conduct any renovations. 

While there’s no doubt the kitchen needs upgrading and the walls could surely benefit from a fresh coat of paint, are these renovations worthwhile?

The truth is, there are a number of home renovations that every homeowner can conduct without going into serious debt. These projects are minimal, DIY friendly and won’t take a large hit to your wallet. 

If you find yourself wondering how to renovate a house on a budget, why not take these renovations into consideration? In the end, these simple renovations are sure to increase the appeal of your home and, in turn, maximize profits. 

Once you finish these renovations, you can move onto your next step of finding a realtor. If you’re looking for tips on how to choose the best realtor for your sale, be sure to visit our blog post! 

best places to invest in real estate

These Are the Best Places to Invest in Real Estate in 2019

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Americans prefer real estate to stocks for long term investing. And that’s especially true of younger Americans. While 61% of people 35 and over invest in the stock market, only 37% of Americans under 35 do.

Whether you’re just starting to invest or you’re a seasoned investor, real estate is the perfect way to diversify your portfolio. It’s a relatively low-risk way to build wealth over time.

But how do you decide where to buy? Do you stick with the local market or do you take a chance on a new town?

Wonder no more. These are the best places to invest in real estate in 2019.

Orlando, Florida

The City Beautiful has been in the top five for years. Invest in a house near the House of Mouse.

Orlando’s employment and population growth is steady. And home values have increased by 10%. 

Disney World’s ever-expanding compound is like job security. The parks will always be a draw for vacation renters and for people moving to the area for employment, making it one of the best cities to invest in real estate.

Atlanta, Georgia

Billed in some circles as the “next Silicon Valley,” Atlanta is on the rise. The southern city is home to promising tech startups, as well as standbys like Mail Chimp. There’s also a Microsoft presence drawing business from around the world.

Job growth is up. Home values are up. And rental prices are competitive.

St. Petersburg, Florida

Tampa’s coastal cousin, St. Petersburg makes the list for its vibrant downtown and cultural offerings. Like Atlanta, St. Pete has a burgeoning tech scene. Its rich railroad history is matched by a flourishing future.

Cost of living is low in the Sunshine State’s Sunshine City. A recent trend of price reductions makes it a great time to buy.

Plus, it’s a great place to go back to. There’s something for everyone in St. Petersburg. It’s a celebration of the Arts, sports, and, of course, the beach.

Cleveland, Ohio

Long-suffering Cleveland is having the last laugh. Once an easy punchline, the Ohio city is enjoying a renaissance as young professionals settle in, among them the tall Kardashian.

Jobs are growing at a higher rate than the national average. And there are a variety of job sectors, including manufacturing. When one industry stagnates, the others can pick up the slack.

Low home prices mean you can get more house for your money which makes it one of the best places to buy rental property. You can buy one large home and divide it into several rental units. 

There’s a bustling theater district and plenty of architecture to admire. Cleveland is also home to two winning sports teams, overshadowing the other not-so-winning sports team.

Charlotte, North Carolina

North Carolina’s largest city Charlotte has a lot to offer. Equal parts southern charm and busy metropolis, it’s been one of the country’s recent fastest growing cities.

Charlotte is an east coast financial hub and home to several NASCAR races, the perfect example of its two complementary sides. It’s also a family vacation destination, which makes it prime real estate for vacation rentals.

Silver Spring, Maryland

Located near our country’s overpopulated Capital, Silver Spring, Maryland, is rife with some of this year’s best property investments. The northern suburb can keep its distance while taking advantage of DC’s growing job market. It’s just a metro ride away. 

Silver Spring’s updated downtown area is home to restaurants, live music, and outdoor activities. Public transportation is first rate.

Arlington, Texas

With its central location and strong local pride, Texas often has a spot on any list of best places to make real estate investments. Arlington’s family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to Fort Worth and Dallas make it this year’s Texas representative.

The average house is less than $200,000, but high rents are common, giving you more return on your investment. Home of the Dallas Cowboys and Six Flags, Arlington has a strong tourist draw.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

The best places to buy property have a lot going on, and Colorado Springs fits the bill. Nature and culture come together to make the mountainous city a peak investment opportunity.

There are national landmarks and lots of convenient hiking, thanks to nearby canyons and state parks. The historic district is a chance to relive the Wild West. Museums in the city run the gamut from the military-focused to an exploration of the gold rush.

Employment growth in Colorado Springs is among the highest of the bunch. The cost of living hovers around average, but it’s rising quickly. 

Honorable Mention: The Midwest

Rising home prices nationwide mean fewer people are buying and more people are renting. This is particularly true in the Midwest where people are looking for a place to raise a family. Renting a home with a big yard for kids is the next best thing to owning one.

Places like Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and the Twin Cities are holding steady with job growth and make for a good endgame investment strategy. It might not be flashy, but it’s a good bet.

As ambitious young earners move home after a stint on the coast, they turn their eye toward the familiar. In an effort to make home a more attractive place to live, they resuscitate and develop their hometowns.

As recently as the mid-2000s, the Over the Rhine neighborhood in Cincinnati was a notoriously dangerous hotbed of criminal activity. Now it’s home to some of the city’s best restaurants and luxury condos.

The same thing is happening in Indianapolis’s Monon 16 area where the city has invested millions of dollars for revitalization. Kansas City has similar plans for their east side.

The Best Places to Invest in Real Estate Are Slow and Steady

The best places to invest in real estate in 2019 are the safe bets. While the market bubbles of yesteryear would have netted you handfuls of cash, the economy is still nursing its wounds. 

Florida remains an investment stalwart. And the Midwest rises as an unexpected dark horse.

Are you looking to invest in real estate this year? Brush up on your investing technique by browsing our investment articles.

short sales process/short sale approval

7 Things You Never Knew About the Short Sales Process

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The year-over-year growth of real estate prices has started to take a downturn for the first time in a number of years. Where we saw growth of 10% last year, this year’s growth was only 7% and that number is likely to continue to trend downward as federal interest rates rise.

With the market beginning its transition from a seller’s market to a buyer’s market, the subject of short sales has started to crop up in many real estate circles.

What are short sales? Is it okay if I need to short sell my home? What sort of investment opportunities does the short sales process offer to investors?

For the uninitiated, short selling a home is when a homeowner sells their property for less than what they owe their lender.

In this article, our aim is to give you insight on the short sale process in 7 quick facts.

1. Short Sales Are Different Than Foreclosures

Foreclosures are the result of sellers falling behind on their mortgage payments and the bank forcing the sale of the house. Short sales are a lot less dire.

Short sales come as the result of homeowners needing to get away from their property during a down market, homeowners trying to work out deals with their bank to avoid foreclosure, and a few similar situations.

Furthermore, short selling your home does not damage your credit in the same way a foreclosure does.

With a foreclosure, you could be sitting with a black mark on your credit for up to a decade. With a short sale, you could get another home loan within a couple of years.

2. You’ll Need to Get Approval for a Short Sale

One of the stickiest parts of working through a short sale is getting approval from your lender. As we mentioned in this article’s intro, a short sale in real estate is when a homeowner sells their home for less than what they owe the bank.

That means that at the end of the sales process, the previous owner will still owe their lender a sum of money. Lender’s concern over the amount they’re going to lose is why banks get involved in the short sales process.

In order to get approved for a short sale, typically, you’ll need to prove a few things. These things could include proof of financial hardship and/or a major life change.

3. Bankruptcy Can Cause Issues with Short Sale Approval

If you’re considering going through the short sale process, chances are you have broad financial issues. These issues typically encompass a number of outstanding debts that come in addition to what you owe on your home.

Since bankruptcy prevents debtors from collecting money from you and short selling your home is technically a form of debt collection, it can sully the process.

Talk to your bank or a third party financial advisor prior to declaring bankruptcy whilst pursuing a short sale.

4. Bringing on a Real Estate Agent Can Be Helpful

Selling your home via a short sale is a lot more involved than selling your home via a standard for-profit sale. There is a lot of additional paperwork involved that can be harrowing to deal with if you’re not a real estate expert.

That’s why it’s important to consider bringing on a real estate agent to assist you with your short sale. While agents are an additional expense that can put you at an even deeper deficit with your bank, the expediency and possible higher sale price that they can bring to your home are often worth their fee.

5. The Short Sales Process Is Long

A lot of people read the term short sale and assume that the period of time it takes to sell a home though it is short.

Makes sense, right? Not only is “short” included in the title but it stands to reason that selling your house at a cut-rate in a down market would entice buyers to make offers quickly.

Unfortunately, the speed of short sales doesn’t live up to its name. As a matter of fact, it’s not uncommon for short sales to take as long as 9 months to be completed.

This is largely due to the level of involvement your lender will have in approving buyers and making demands which can seriously hamper down your sales process.

6. Buyers Beware when Buying Short Sales

Given lender’s heavy-handed approach to short sales, only a quarter of short sales actually close.

That means that 75% of buyers making offers on short sale homes leave disappointed. Most offers fall through because of how long they take to get approval.

If you’re a buyer looking to score on a short sale, don’t be in a rush to get into your new property.

7. Investors Flush with Cash Love Short Sales

Short sales are homes sold out of desperation. A desperate seller often means a very happy buyer.

If you’re ready to make a cash offer on a short sale home, you’ll get a lot of attention from sellers and their banks which could expedite the amount of time it takes for you to get your purchase approved.

Once you have a new piece of property in your portfolio, you can sit on it until the market turns back up (or even sooner if you’re lucky) and turn a considerable profit!

Wrapping Up Things You Never Knew About the Short Sales Process

The short sales process is typically arduous and filled with pitfalls. That being said, it’s preferable to foreclosures and presents an outstanding opportunity for the patient buyer or cash-rich investor.

We hope that our 7 facts above have helped you better understand short sales.

If you’d like more information on short sales, real estate, and more, check our additional content on Short Sale Blog today!

best places to invest in real estate

Is Real Estate a Good Investment? 5 Reasons Why the Answer is Yes

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Whether you’re thinking about retirement or you’re trying to learn ways to build your wealth, investing is always a viable option. And, there are more ways to invest your money than playing the stock market. You could also consider investing in real estate. 

But, is real estate a good investment? And, if so, why?

These may be just a few of the first questions you will ask when starting to build your investment portfolio. You may also wonder what type of real estate investment is right for you. 

Not to fear! In this article, we’re discussing a few good reasons why investing in real estate is such a great idea. We’ll also give you some pointers to get through your first purchase. Keep reading to learn more.  

Is Real Estate a Good Investment?

If you’re wondering why a real estate investment is the best way to secure your future, then you’re in the right place. Here is a detailed breakdown of what a real estate investment can do for your financial dreams. 

Assets

When you’re investing in stocks, you’re taking a risk against your available assets, especially if the stock plunges below market value, or worse. 

A home investment yields great potential for your assets because there will always be value in your land and your home or investment property.  

You also have an opportunity to protect your investment and corresponding assets with a homeowner’s or property insurance policy. 

Better Returns

Why do people invest in real estate? 

Because it provides better returns than the stock market with little to no volatility. Traditionally, the longer you hold onto your investment, the more your risk of loss is minimized. This will help you build equity as the market improves.  

Real estate offers you more control over your investment. Your property is a tangible asset that can be used to leverage and capitalize on other revenue streams, all while gaining capital appreciation. 

Value

Real estate values will always increase over time. This means, even if the market takes a dip, your investment will bounce back when the market recovers. And, the longer you hold on to your investment, the more return you will see when you finally sell.

You can also feel secure during times of inflation. Home and rent values typically increase during times of inflation leaving you with a sound investment that will appreciate while keeping pace with the market.  

Portfolio Diversification

So, why invest in real estate? 

Your financial planner will probably tell you that investing in real estate is one of the best things you can do for your investment portfolio. Diversifying your portfolio spreads out your risk and mitigates potential pitfalls. 

On the other hand, many investors have increased their wealth significantly by solely investing in real estate.  

Tax Benefits

Unlike other investments such as stocks, real estate investing offers many tax advantages. You can write off mortgage interest, operating expenses and other costs, as well as property taxes, cash flow from your investment and insurance and depreciation. Add all of this up at the end of the year and you could see tremendous deductions that add cash to your wallet. 

Advice for Investing in Real Estate

Now that you know why real estate investments are so popular, it’s time to gain a better understanding of how it all works. Read on to learn more about what your first real estate investment transaction should look like.   

Budgeting

Before you can begin investing in real estate, you’ll need to make sure you have a budget for it. Buying a home or apartment or piece of land is expensive. Not to mention maintenance costs and potential income gaps between tenants, if you’re renting.

It’s important to weigh out all of the potential costs you may face with your new investment before making a commitment.   

Pay With Cash

Many financial experts recommend paying for your real estate investments in cash. This eliminates the financial burden of a mortgage so you can begin enjoying your returns right away. 

If you can’t pay with cash, you should make sure that you can afford the mortgage payment, even without rental income. Missing mortgage payments will negatively affect your credit which can cost you thousands or more in the long run.  

Research Properties Thoroughly

Especially if you’re purchasing property that you’ll want to sell later, you should research the deed of the property to ensure there are no liens or judgments. Also, consider the neighborhood and comparables in the area that could affect your property value, now and later. 

If you’re considering purchasing a foreclosed property, you’ll want to keep an open line of communication with the bank to avoid any surprises at the time of closing.

Start Small 

The best way to get into real estate investing is to start with a small home or property. You can work your way up to an investment property such as a duplex or apartment complex after you’ve gained some returns on your first investment.

Alternatively, you may consider purchasing an apartment building so that you can live in one unit while renting out the others. This is a great way to get your feet wet and get more comfortable with being a landlord and managing your investment property. 

Final Thoughts

If you’re still asking yourself, should I invest in real estate, then you may not be ready. Don’t jump into anything that you can’t handle. Sometimes it’s best to wait for the next property on the market while you compose your finances and other preparations.

Overall, the final answer to the question, is real estate a good investment, is a resounding yes. The market remains steady and rates are still low, so what are you waiting for? Get out there and find your next investment and start building your wealth right away. 

If you still have questions or would like to perform more research on investing in real estate, check out this blog post for more information. We strive to bring you accurate and up to date details about short sale real estate and other real estate transactions.  

investment property financing/buying a foreclosed home

The Beginner’s Guide to Investment Property Financing

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Only 7 million Americans (or 3% of the population) consider themselves to be real estate investors. Yet, real estate is one of the best ways to make money.

From renting to renovating and selling, there are so many ways to make your investment property profitable. In fact, real estate is safer and often yields a better return than stocks.

But first, you need to secure an investment property loan. Read on to learn what you need to know about investment property financing so you can get started.

Understand Your Credit Rating

The first thing you need to do before getting investment property loans is to look at your credit profile. This will give you a sense of where you are financially and what options you should pursue.

Get a free copy of your credit report from any of these credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

You may find items on your credit report that you need to dispute. Now is the time to fix any errors and understand what position you are in.

If your score isn’t great, you can take some time to raise it before you try to get a mortgage for an investment property. But, you don’t have the time to wait for your credit to improve, you can still move forward with securing an investment property loan.

Gather Your Down Payment

The best way to secure investment property financing is to have a sizable down payment. The more money you can put down, the better chance you have of getting the best interest rate.

You will need at least 20% down in most cases. While many times people use the sale of their home to gather a down payment, you probably aren’t selling.

There are various ways you can gather some money for a down payment if you don’t have it in savings. You may want to find an investment partner. Maybe you know someone who doesn’t have the time to dedicate to an investment property but are willing to partially fund the project.

Collect Your Paperwork

The next step is to make copies of your financial documents. You will need these documents as proof your financial situation before you can get a loan.

Print out two months of bank statements and credit card statements. You’ll also need statements from any investment or retirement accounts.

Be prepared to present your two most recent pay stubs from your current employer. You’ll also need to bring your driver’s license and Social Security card.

If you are self-employed you will need to show your business license, your tax returns for the past two years and bank statements. You may also need a letter from your CPA as proof that you have been self-employed for the past two years.

Now, you’re all set for the next step.

Get Pre-Approved

Once you have your documents ready to go, you can start to try to get pre-approved for a loan.

By now you should have an idea of how much money you need and what type of home you’ll be investing in.

Getting pre-approved means that you get a document in writing that states that a lender is willing to loan you a certain amount of money. This document is useful when you work with the seller. It shows that you won’t back out because you couldn’t get financing.

Sometimes it’s difficult to get approved by traditional banks for an investment property. Especially if your credit isn’t stellar and your down payment isn’t huge.

But that is not your only option.

Consider Neighbourhood Banks

A neighborhood bank may be a better fit for you compared to a large national financial institution.

Typically, neighborhood banks are more flexible. They want to invest in your local area and often have a better grasp of your area’s market than banks.

Go With A Mortgage Broker

You may also want to work with a mortgage broker to find an investment property loan. Brokers have access to a large variety of loan options and can secure you one that you might not have been able to get on your own.

Just make sure you research the broker you plan to work with. Make sure they have the required credentials including a college degree. You can ask if they belong to any professional organizations before you settle on any one broker.

It does take some work on your part, but it is worth the effort if your broker finds you what you need.

Explore All Your Options

Still no luck? Well, that means it’s time to think outside the box. Don’t abandon your dreams of having an investment property just yet.

Especially if you have your eye on a particular property that will yield a great profit such as a foreclosure. Just make sure you understand how to get a profit from fixing a foreclosure home.

You might find that a home equity line of credit or taking a lump sum out of an insurance policy is the right solution for you to get a decent down payment.

You can also get investment property loans from private peer-to-peer lenders. There are various sites such as Proser and LendingClub connect investors with individual lenders.

Each lender may have specific credit score requirements. That means it may take time to find a suitable lender. Yet, for the most part, private lenders may be more willing to take more risks than banks.

Final Word on Investment Property Financing

There you have it. A beginner’s guide to securing investment property financing.

Remember, to stay positive. Repeat real estate investors will tell you that getting the financing for the first property is always the hardest.

As your credit improves and you build a proven track record of success, your future projects will be easier to get going.

Next, read about common real estate investment mistakes to avoid.

how to get out of foreclosure

How to Get Out of Foreclosure When You’re Short on Cash

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Fewer people are foreclosing on their homes these days. In fact, foreclosure activity dropped to a 12-year low in 2017.

At the same time, though, there are still hundreds of thousands of foreclosures occurring each year.

Are you currently facing foreclosure? Are you unsure of how to avoid it without spending a lot of money you don’t have?

If you’ve been wondering how to get out of foreclosure, keep reading. Some effective strategies you can use even when you’re short on cash are explained below.

Look for Ways to Raise Extra Funds

If you’re not too far behind on your payments, you might be able to scrape together the funds to avoid foreclosure by implementing some of these tips:

Cut Expenses

Start by eliminating all “extras” from your budget. This includes cable TV, a gym membership, your expensive cell phone plan, your second car, etc. Anything that isn’t absolutely necessary should go.

Sell Your Belongings

Sell anything of value that you don’t absolutely need. This includes electronics, a second car, musical instruments, collectibles, jewelry, etc. Sell these items in a yard sale, on Craiglist, or at a local pawn shop.

Look for a Side Job

You might be able to earn extra money by picking up a side job with a company like Lyft or Uber. You can also look into babysitting, dog walking, or delivering food for GrubHub. There are tons of gigs out there you can use to earn extra cash.

Withdraw from Your Retirement

Finally, you may also want to consider withdrawing money from your retirement. If you have a Roth IRA, you can do this without incurring any penalties or taxes.

If you have a regular IRA or 401(k), though, keep in mind you’ll have to pay taxes and early withdrawal penalties on the money you take out.

The money can be worth it, though, if it allows you to get caught up on your house payments and avoid foreclosure.

Consider Refinancing

If, after taking the above steps, you’re still short on the money you need to avoid foreclosure, consider refinancing your mortgage.

By refinancing your home loan, you’ll experience very little impact on your credit score. You’ll also get a more affordable loan with lower monthly payments.

Of course, you also get to continue living in your home, which is almost always the end goal when you’re facing foreclosure.

You can talk to your lender about refinancing your home loan.

There are also several programs that help to simplify the process, including the Federal Housing Authority and the Home Affordable Refinance Program.

Talk to Your Lender

If refinancing isn’t an option for you, there are several other plans you can use to improve your financial situation and avoid foreclosure, including the following:

Loan Modification

With this approach, your lender modifies aspects of your loan (interest rate, type of interest, term length, etc.)

Forbearance

A lender might agree to reduce or suspend your mortgage payment for a certain period of time while you get back on your feet (find a new job, go back to work after being on disability leave, etc.).

Look into a Short Sale

If you can’t figure out a way to stay in your home, you may want to consider a short sale.

A short sale involves selling your home for less than the amount that you have left on your mortgage. The lender takes the money from the sale and you’re able to walk away and start over again.

In some cases, you can’t get as much money as you need from your house. Lenders will often accept whatever you can get, though. Even though they lose some money, they get to avoid the expensive and time-consuming foreclosure process.

How to Get Out of Foreclosure with a Short Sale

Are you interested in using a short sale to get out of foreclosure? If so, you’ll have to follow these steps:

Understand the Consequences

First of all, it’s important to understand the consequences of a short sale. For example, a short sale will negatively impact your credit score (although, not as much as a foreclosure will).

There may also be tax consequences. The IRS typically considers canceled debt from a short sale to be taxable income.

For example, if you sold your home for $150,000 and owed your lender $200,000, there would be a deficiency of $50,000. If the lender forgives that $50,000 debt, they will issue a tax form known as a 1099-C. This money is then considered taxable income to you.

Contact Your Lender

If you’re aware of and accept the consequences of a shorts ale, start by contacting the loss mitigation department of your bank.

They’ll have you fill out an application and some other paperwork. You’ll also have to provide documents detailing your financial situation.

List Your Home

If your lender decides that a short sale is the best option for you, you’ll have to put your home up for sale. Once you get an offer, you’ll take it to the lender in order to have your short sale approved.

It can take quite a while for a short sale to be complete, especially since you have to go back and forth to the bank after getting an offer. It may be a time-consuming process, but most people find it worth it to avoid foreclosure.

Read the Fine Print

Finally, be sure to read through all the paperwork thoroughly before agreeing to anything.

Lenders don’t always accept the proceeds from your short sale as a full payment of your home loan. Make sure that your lender will accept to this before you start the short sale process. That way, you won’t be in for any unpleasant surprises later on.

Want to Learn More about Short Sales?

Do you want to know more about how to get out of foreclosure with a short sale? Or, do you just want to learn more about short sales in general?

Either way, we have resources for you.

Check out the short sale archives of our blog today to learn everything you need to know about the short sale process, including information on how to use a short sale to avoid foreclosure.

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How Mortgage Restructuring Can Save You Thousands of Dollars

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The value of outstanding mortgage debt in the U.S. in 2017 was nearly $15 trillion. That’s more than $45,000 for every man, woman, and child in the country.

Your home is the single most expensive item you will ever buy in your life. And most of us have to pay off our mortgage debt over decades.

But circumstances can often change, meaning that those monthly mortgage repayments are can become a serious burden. One way to try to alleviate some of that burden is by restructuring your mortgage.

Read on as we take a look at how you can save serious money by mortgage restructuring.

Restructure Your Payments

There are two ways to do this, depending on whether you want to save money in the long or short term.

If your lender will allow it, you can restructure your mortgage so that it is over a longer period. This means that your monthly repayments will reduce, saving you money in the short term. But the downside is that the total you pay overall will increase, as you are paying interest over a longer period of time.

If you want to save money in the long term, then you can restructure your payments so that you’re overpaying your monthly payment. In this way, you will pay your mortgage off sooner and be paying interest for a shorter period of time. The savings can easily be several thousand dollars.

Recast Your Mortgage

Another way to pay your mortgage off more quickly is by a process known as recasting.

This involves paying off a lump sum of your mortgage, usually $5,000 or more. Your mortgage is then recalculated, which means that your monthly payments will reduce. In addition, you will also make huge savings overall as the interest you will accrue will be significantly less than your previous mortgage.

There is a fee incurred for recasting your mortgage which usually amounts to a few hundred dollars. This is more than outweighed by the savings you will make. But recasting your mortgage does require you to have a large sum of money available.

Refinance Your Mortgage

If you want to change things up completely, you could consider refinancing.

Finding a different mortgage at a preferential rate can save you both on your monthly payments and the overall amount of interest you will pay. But this needs to be weighed up against the fees you may incur for leaving your current mortgage early. These can often be a significant percentage of your current loan amount.

You will also need to be approved for your new mortgage, which has become more challenging since the financial crisis.

Defer Your Payments

If you are really struggling to meet your monthly mortgage repayments currently, but believe you will be able to make up the shortfall in the future, then it might be worth trying to defer your payments.

Realistically, few mortgage providers will agree to this unless there is a clear reason why you need the deferment. You would need evidence that you will be able to return to the normal schedule within a reasonable timeframe and make up the shortfall you will have accrued.

The likelihood is that in most cases you are unlikely to be successful. But it may be possible as it means that the lender will still end up receiving all the money they are owed, which is not always the case in foreclosure sales.

Pay Bi-Weekly

This is a really simple trick that sounds like it shouldn’t work but can end up saving you tens of thousands of dollars.

Instead of monthly mortgage repayments, you pay half the amount every two weeks. At first glance, this seems like you will just end up paying the same amount over the course of the year. But since every month but February is actually longer than four weeks, you actually end up paying off more.

52 weeks of bi-weekly payments equate to 13 monthly payments instead of 12. And whilst this doesn’t sound like much, the savings can be huge.

For example, for a $300,000 mortgage at 5% over 30 years, your monthly repayments would be $1,610.46, and the total you would repay over the whole term would be $579,767.35. If you paid $805.23 bi-weekly, you would finish paying off your loan nearly 5 years sooner. Your total repayment would be $528,275.45, which is a saving of an enormous $51,491.90.

Not all lenders allow bi-weekly payments, however, so you will need to discuss this option with your mortgage provider.

Extend the Term

If your current repayments are becoming difficult to manage, one option is to extend the length of your mortgage.

By paying off your mortgage over a longer period, it means that your monthly payments will be reduced, making them easier to manage. But the downside of this is that you will be paying interest over a longer period, so the total that you end up paying will increase.

The length of time that you can extend your mortgage will also depend on a number of factors. These include your age and how many more years you are likely to be working.

Switch to Interest Only

Another way to reduce the size of your monthly repayments is to switch to an interest-only mortgage.

Under this type of agreement, you are only paying down the interest each month, which makes your repayments far more easy to manage. There is a serious concern with this type of mortgage, however. Since you are paying down none of the principal amounts that you borrowed, you still owe the full amount of your loan.  This will still have to be paid off at some point.

Unless you are expecting a sudden windfall, you will need to start saving to pay off the loan at some point in the future.

What Are Your Options Outside of Mortgage Restructuring?

If mortgage restructuring isn’t going to work for you then there are other options.

If the repayments on your home are becoming burdensome, one option is to consider a short sale. Our site is packed with useful information on everything you need to know about short sales, whether you’re selling or looking to invest.

We also have plenty of useful articles on real estate financing too. Feel free to take a look around.

The Las Vegas Short Sale Market: From Then Till Now

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Las Vegas’ housing market has traditionally been considered a weak one, with banks dominating local real estate. But as the market improves home owners are managing to do fine without their help.

The Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors says that as of January 2014, 70% of used home sales are comprised of private buyer seller deals. That is an improvement of 19% from 12 months ago and an increase of 26% compared to two years ago.

As Las Vegas makes its slow recovery from the recession it is evident that both locals and investors are buying and selling properties in the market.

The banks are still actively involved in handling the short sales market, but there are decidedly fewer foreclosures. Short sales made up nearly 50% of all real estate deals a year ago but now only account for 21%.

Remember that the “short” reference in the name is not a reference to time span, it is a reference to paying short on your mortgage. If anything a short sale could turn into a lengthy process so be prepared.

Foreclosures On The Demise

One of the reasons short sales have become so popular in the Las Vegas property market is the attractive alternative they present to foreclosures. In Fall of 2012 Nevada signed in its robosigning law. This forced the banks to deliver more paperwork before they could seize homes. This has slowed down foreclosures significantly and reduced the number of homes for sale by the bank.

The Short Sale Market

When the Las Vegas property market decreased in value, lots of investors entered it, with the intention of buying short sale properties cheaply and renting them out. This demand resulted in Las Vegas property values growing at one of the fastest rates in the country.

In November 2013 the median price of a Las Vegas home stood at $167 000, a 31% increase from a year ago. However in the third quarter of last year it emerged that 40% Las Vegas’ home owners who had mortgages were upside down, or had debt greater than the value of their homes. This gave Las Vegas the highest rate in the United States, but it was still well below 71%, the national peak two years ago.

A Different Response To The Ups And Downs Of The Las Vegas Property Market

Some Las Vegas home owners have made peace with the market trend, opting to wait it out and escape negative equity. If the values do rise they have the opportunity of making a traditional sale without the need to enter into short sale negotiations. Economics experts argue that home owners are no longer as panicked as they used to be about the prospect of a short sale. And while there are still short sales available, there are a lot fewer than there used to be.

The lesson that can be learnt from this, is that you can also postpone or avoid a short sale simply by being patient. If you have no reason to sell right now, then don’t do it.

The Short Sale Market In 2013

The short sale market took off in 2013 as the result of a combination of a number of different factors. The first major factor was banks issuing default notices to home owners who were not paying their monthly installments. By contrast notices were not issued towards the end of 2012, resulting in the foreclosure rate dropping to an all-time low in December of that year.

Secondly the Co-operative Short Sale Program incentivized all major lenders to enter into short sales. Thirdly the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act was extended until the end of 2013, from its original date at the end of 2012.

From Then Till Now

Since they appeared for the first time in 2007 short sales have changed tremendously. At that time it was very difficult to convince banks to take up the short sale process. These days the banks also want to avoid foreclosures and are more receptive to adopting short sales as an alternative to help achieve that.

The Short Sale Market In 2014

The number of short sales has had a positive influence on the Las Vegas property market to date. The market is now experiencing something of a revival as foreclosed and short sale buyers have used their opportunities and re-entered the market.

Short Sale Advice For Property Buyers In Las Vegas

It is advisable that buyers keep a buffer between their offering price and what they could end up paying for a property. Counter offers from lenders have become more popular for properties in the short sale market, sometimes asking between 3 and 5% higher than the original asking price if a buyer is interested.

The counter offers are sometimes used as short sales can turn into lengthy processes. The short sale market for properties under $100 000 is especially solid at the moment.

An experienced short sale realtor who has proven success dealing with properties that are under water will be able to help you make an informed decision about your property and how to sell it. Remember that vacant homes cost the banks more money so if you really cannot sell, it is in the bank’s best interests to accept a short sale. Your short sale agent will be able to help you apply with your lender. He or she will also help you to be prepared for the process and advice you how long it should take, so you can make all the other necessary arrangements.

There are a number of specialist short sale agents working in Las Vegas who all have significant experience handling short sale properties. If you need to make a choice shortlist from those who have sold the most properties.

Short sales have helped a number of Las Vegas residents to change their lives and take control of their finances again. They present a proverbial lifeline to people who owe more than they can sell their homes for on their mortgages.

buying a foreclosed home at auction

5 Tips for Buying a Foreclosed Home at an Auction

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As the foreclosure crisis has affected hundreds of thousands of homeowners around the country, there are also some homeowners who got their first home from one. I

f you’re a first home homebuyer or looking to build wealth through real estate, buying a foreclosed home at an auction is a smart move.

Here are five tips for finding the perfect home when looking for a foreclosed home at an auction.

1. Finding the Right Auction

If you want to succeed at auctioning, you need to find the right one. There are online and print resources that offer information all about where to find auctions and which offer the best deals.

Foreclosure auctions happen all the time and offer some great deals. Try Auctioin.com or RealtyTrac if you want to find auctions in your area. If you’re looking to buy right away, you can find an auction happening in your region soon.

Forecloser sales are usually compiled within each county. Either online or at the county offices, you’ll find data telling you all about the local market. Third-party sales agents or “trustees” even track foreclosure data and may be happy to share that data should you choose to work with them.

Ask local real estate agents to help you find good properties that are up for auction. By law, there’s no agent commission on foreclosure sales, but you may end up finding that the price is inflated to cover fees that the sellers incur.

Ask around for who is handling foreclosure auctions and you’re sure to find a few people who know where to look.

2. Do Research On Properties

It’s vital for you to do lots of research whenever you’re considering a property at an auction. Either the properties or the auction itself should offer due diligence documents and transaction details. These give you an insight into what’s happening with the properties up for auction and what to expect during the course of the auction.

Real estate attorneys know what to look for when seeking information on properties. Get some independent advice by hiring a knowledgeable real estate agent or attorney to advise you on properties.

Before you commit to an auction, you need to know the estimated resale value of a property. Submitting a bid on a property that’s higher than the resale value puts you at a financial disadvantage.

Without proper research, you’ll put yourself into a position to get hit with property liens. There’s a high probability that properties that are foreclosed upon have been borrowed against. This borrowing, based on the value of the home, is up for repayment when a house is sold.

It’s now your responsibility if the borrower doesn’t settle before the home is sold.

3. Take a Look At The Property

If you have time, drive by the property and take a look at what the condition is. When you know what the condition is from the outside, you’ll be able to guess what it looks like on the inside.

Homes under foreclosure aren’t necessarily ready to be moved into. If the home is occupied, it’s the renter or the financial institution who is foreclosing on the person inside. Disturbing the occupant is illegal, rude, and considered trespassing if someone lives at the property now.

Foreclosed properties receive bids under an “as-is” condition. The condition of the interior of the home is typically unknowable until it’s yours. Once you own the property, expect the worst and allow yourself to be surprised.

Put aside several thousand dollars to handle the repairs to make it liveable. In order to bid comfortably, leave yourself a few thousand dollars to get the ball rolling. The looks of things on the outside are a fair indicator of what’s inside, but not the full story.

A poorly kept exterior typically indicates an unfortunate interior. However, lots of people keep up a home on appearances while letting things fall apart inside. This is especially in the favor of sellers looking to get a good price.

4. Secure Your Financing

Before you start dreaming about ideal home situations, doublecheck your funding.

If you have bad credit but lots of cash on hand, you’re in the perfect situation. Most foreclosure auctions will take cash, cashier’s check, or a money order endorsed by a bank. Since auctions need to be paid in full as soon as you win the property, you’ll need to have payment ready at a moment’s notice.

Some states allow you to pay a percentage while requiring the rest within a set period of time. Don’t expect this to be the case, however. Have your money ready ASAP.

If you’re buying from a county foreclosure, you may even have to put money down in advance. Depending on where you’re located, 5% or 10% on the day-of must be put down. This ensures that only serious and competitive bids end up in the final tally.

5. Confirm the Details

Even if the auction is happening today, call in to see that all the details of the auction are the same as when you first read about it. Some foreclosure auctions get canceled or postponed on the day of.

If the person who owns the house comes up with the money, they can push back a foreclosure. Some buyers get a loan modification or sell the property as a short sale. Every buyer has a different situation and everyone home has a different story, some of them with a twist right before the end.

Buying a Foreclosed Home at an Auction is Smart

No matter what your financial situation, buying a home in foreclosure is a way to start building wealth. Buying a foreclosed home at an auction offers you the opportunity to get your first house or start revitalizing a community.

If you’re looking for a way to turn a foreclosed home into something that turns a profit, check out our guide for more info.

The Most Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Short Sale

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Are you looking to snap up a home via a short sale?

Well, the idea of buying a new home at a fraction of the price doesn’t seem possible. However, this is the reality for a number of home buyers and investors who are able to find a short sale.

If you’ve never heard of a short sale or aren’t sure what it is, then this article is for you. We’ll also discuss some of the mistakes you should avoid making when buying a short sale.

Let’s review.

What is a Short Sale?

Simply put, a short sale is a home that’s sold for less than what the homeowner owes on it. At this point, the lender won’t get all the money it’s owed. This works out in situations where the house is in foreclosure.

The only way a home can be sold on a short sale is when the lender approves of it. Now, while this may seem like a great advantage as a home buyer, there are some expenses you must be aware of.

These typically occur after the purchase of the property. For instance, say you purchase a property, then end up paying $50K in renovations. These are considered hidden costs, especially if you were unaware of the amount of work required beforehand.

It’s essential to have a reliable inspector inspect the property to ensure there’s no major damage from termites or with the plumbing, foundation, and electrical system.

Next, let’s review some of the most common mistakes buyers make when purchasing short sale houses.

Not Reviewing Property Issues

Again, knowing what’s wrong with a property is key when you’re trying to get a “deal.” It’s not much of a bargain if you spend more than you bargained for.

There are instances where prior property owners are spiteful and damage the property. Then there are other cases where properties sit empty for years and develop plumbing and mold problems.

Whatever issues exist in a home, be sure you know about all of them before you sign on the dotted line.

On the upside, you may qualify for loan programs like Fannie Mae HomeStyle that offer assistance to home buyers that have to renovate.

Not Having a Home Inspection

It’s not enough to talk to the past owners, the realtor, or the bank. It’s also not good enough to do a walk-through of the property on your own. It’s best to have a knowledgeable expert inspect all areas of the property.

If you have to hire more than one, then do so. Everything from the plumbing and electrical to the foundation and roof requires inspecting.

There are a number of expensive problems you can run into, such as termites and structural damage. Plus, these problems can be dangerous. Do note there’s a time frame for having a home inspected, which is called an inspection period.

In a short sale, this can give you leverage when it comes time to make a final deal.

Not Reviewing Legal and Insurance Details

Buying from a bank comes with risks because they often sell properties as is, without any disclosure. This means you have to do extra research on your part. Normally, a disclosure statement will detail things like whether a home is within a floodplain or if there are unpermitted renovations.

You can get cited by the city if you make renovations without getting them permitted and approved. If this is present in your property, then it falls on you, whether you did the renovation or not.

Not Giving Enough Closing Time

The process of buying a short sale property is a bit longer than with a typical home. This is because the lender has to go over and approve the foreclosure terms and price. This will be lower than what the home seller owes the lender.

Of course, this leaves them with the short end of the stick, which is why they’re not so quick to let the property go. This will tarnish their reputation since most won’t want to get a loan from a bank that has a mortgage on a short sale.

Choosing the Wrong Property

Unfortunately the saying “if it seems too good to be true, it probably is” couldn’t be more factual for buying short sales. In many cases, if the deal is a bit too low for a property, then there’s likely more to it than meets the eye.

This is where common sense comes into play. It’s important to consider whether you’ll be able to afford to rent it out at the same rate or less than the mortgage payments you have. And how much do you have to invest to make the property habitable?

Not Offering Enough

When you’re presented with a short sale, you’re tempted to go as low as you can. However, making low ball offers isn’t the way to go. While the lender is trying to avoid costly foreclosures, they’re still trying to get as much as possible.

This means you could end up outbid, losing your chance of getting the property. Also, if your offer causes a greater loss than a foreclosure would, then they’re not going to accept your deal.

Offering Too Much

While you can make an offer that’s too low, there’s also the possibility of putting too much on the table. There has to be some middle ground when making your offer.

When you end up paying too much on a short sale, you could end up “upside down.” This is when you paid more than the current market value in a market that’s declining. In other words, it’s going to take a very long time to see the value rise to a profitable level.

Any investment you make should yield an ROI. The only way to do this is to buy low and sell high. You can’t do that if you purchase a short sale house with a declining value, especially if it’s lower than what you purchased it for.

Buying a Short Sale Home

Now that you have a better idea of what a short sale is and the mistakes to avoid, it’s time to consider buying a short sale property.

If you’re looking to learn more about short sales and investing in properties, keep tabs on our blog. You will find a ton of great tips and information you can use to ensure you’re making profitable investments.