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Real Estate Broker Commission – You Can Successfully Negotiate

It goes without saying that most homeowners, regardless of market conditions, would like to make as much as they can when they sell their property. You do, I do, everyone does. Of course, when the market conditions are down it’s even more important to squeeze out every last penny you can.

Like any other financial situation, though, it’s not necessarily how much you make but how much you keep and the ‘keeping’ starts with negotiating the real estate broker commission. (more…)

Are Jumbo Reverse Mortgages a Thing of the Past?

A growing number of seniors are turning to reverse mortgages to help them live out their life in comfort and without financial concerns. A reverse mortgage allows the senior, who must be at least 62, to tap into the equity of his or her home and use that money for basic living expenses, home repairs or any other needs. When the senior passes away, moves out of the home or sells the house, the mortgage payment comes due.

A more traditional way to tap into the equity of a home is through a home equity line of credit. The disadvantage of a home equity line of credit is that payments begin on the credit line immediately, which can strain the already tight budget of someone living on a fixed income. (more…)

What to Expect from the Title Company?

Purchasing a house is one of the most important investments that many of us undertake. This is why we have to make sure that everything is taken cared of accordingly. Since purchasing a house is not as easy as buying any good, it is essential that an expert works on the complex process. This is what the title company does. Their business is into issuing of policies of insurance, which guarantees the legalities of the ownership of the land.

One might think that he does not need anyone to tend to his needs because he will surely learn the process as he purchase a property. However, several things have to be checked before one can say that the property he is buying is in good title. Here is an overview:

Abstract of title

This is the first thing that the title company does. In order to complete the abstract of title, they have to check the records of the property involved. This means that they have to look into the county where the estate is found. They will indicate in the abstract the name of the legal owner. In addition, the abstract shall also indicate any unpaid mortgages, taxes, judgments and liens pertaining to the property. It shall disclose any information that has to be settled before conveying the property. It shall also specify any restrictions and other settlements that concern the property. (more…)

How to Stop Home Foreclosure

Financial struggles can often affect your home as well. Falling behind on mortgage payments can lead to the loss of your home, but you can learn how to stop home foreclosure and negative marks on your credit history.

Sometimes no matter what you do, you cannot afford to stay in your home. This can be due to loss of employment, divorce, or even illness. When this happens, you want to do everything possible to avoid a foreclosure.

Not only is it stressful, but it will affect your credit rating making it almost impossible to get another mortgage or any credit for several years. This means if you are looking to rent after moving, a foreclosure on your credit report can limit you to where you can move. (more…)

How to Buy Foreclosures

Purchasing foreclosure properties works just a little bit different from a traditional real estate deal. Once you learn how to buy foreclosures, you will find that’s it’s not difficult, but that it does take a little more work on your part.

There are basically three ways to buy foreclosure property:

  1. Default/Preforeclosure state.
  2. Auction/sale state.
  3. REO or bank owned state.

With default or pre-foreclosures, you typically deal with the homeowner–sometimes with the lender. You goal is to convince the homeowner that this deal is in their best interest. Finding pre-foreclosure properties can be done by subscribing to a foreclosure listing service where you will receive updates on homes in pre-foreclosure, banks and/or real estate attorneys can also provide this information. If you can work a deal, you will probably walk away with a smile on your face. (more…)