I think it says it all!!! Don’t leave money on the table, pay an expert to handle the sale of your home…

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If you are interested in buying or selling, please call me at (954) 588-7260 or contact us.

When we are approached by a Homeowner who is is considering stop or already stopped paying his mortgage we recommend them to talk to a foreclosure defense attorneys to get a good understanding of what they are getting into (Actually it would be better to meet 2 or 3 to get different points of view). A few years ago most attorneys offered a free first consultation but lately we have heard that most of them charge a basic fee for that first consultation; and I find it’s just fair! Even if you have to pay, it’s important to understand the possible consequences of a short sale, a foreclosure or any other option you may be considering. It is your opportunity to ask all the questions you may have.

In our Rotary Club Meeting this morning we had Roy Oppenheim as a guest speaker and he mentioned his Law Blog. We found in his site this great video that can’t explain better what a Deficiency Judgement is and how it can affect YOU.

If you are considering walking away from your home please call us at (954) 588-7260 or contact us and we can provide you with a few names of attorneys you may contact to set up that important meeting and to help you know how much your home is worth in Today’s market.
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One of the Best Headlines I have Read in a Long Time:

Decline in South Florida homes for sale giving sellers an edge.

We as Real Estate Agents selling property in South Florida have been noticing it for many months. I am glad finally the media is helping us convey this information to buyers looking for steals. Even though there are still very good deals out there, the real estate market specially in the lowest price points and in desirable areas as Weston moves very fast and at reasonable prices.

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If you are interested in buying or selling, please call me at (954) 588-7260 or contact us.

Even though Apples and Pears are both fruits they definitely taste completely different. I totally understand that when National Real Estate Data is released it shows trends but savy consumers know that Real Estate is Local in nature , actually hyper local…

Even within an specific area the market changes based on price range, subdivision, age and condition of the properties. I have had out of town buyers coming to Weston, Florida thinking they can get a bargain but they don’t exist. You can find good buys but not steals. Matt Ferrara posted a very interesting article about the topic…

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If you are interested in buying or selling, please call me at (954) 588-7260 or contact me.

Is it the most buyers are willing to pay?

Is It the least sellers are willing to get for the property?

Is what and appraiser thinks it is worth?

Fortunately we have this dilemma since the market has been moving very fast. In the Single Family Homes Market in Weston for all price ranges we have been very close to 6 months of inventory which is the threshold between a Sellers Market and a Balanced Market*; if we look at the same market of properties priced under $ 400,000.00 the trend for the last year has leaned over being a sellers market with an average of 4.68 months in the last 15 months.

Now what is the problem then???

The sellers have high expectations based on the fact that they get many showings and in most cases competing offers.

The buyers can be divided in two groups: the ones that look in detail at closed sales and their offers are not competitive and those very aggressive willing to offer way above comparable sales expecting the appraisal to take care of the “real” value of the property.

Now we have the appraiser who if we are lucky know the area and pick reasonable comps and those who value regular sales taking more than 50% of comparable properties to be short sales (deducting 10% off the listing price if they are pending)  an foreclosures when the market’s trend is a price to sell ratio of 95% and distressed sales only represent 30% of the closed sales. The appraisals tend to be below the negotiated purchase price and in most cases the sellers are willing to reduce the price to reflect the appraised value and in fewer cases the buyers are willing to bring extra cash and pay above appraised value.

The spread of prices is unbelievable in both active listings and closed sales. It’s hard to determine an exact price and we look at best and worst case scenarios to determine how to price either when we have a listing (making sure it is competitive based on whatever else is in the market) or when we suggest a price to use when presenting offers. Sellers and Buyers have the last word!

We don’t want the market to look like the earlier 2000’s where people overpaid just to be able to grab a property, but in a market where supply is short and demand is high the gaps will always exist and the most aggressive buyers end.

Have you experienced problems being able to secure a property to purchase?
What would be your advice to someone who has presented several offers and has always been outbid by other buyers?

*Months of Inventory based in Closed Sales
Less than 6 months=Sellers Market
Between 6 and 9 months=Balanced Market
More than 9 months=Buyer’s Market

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If you are interested in buying or selling, please call me at (954) 588-7260 or contact me.

We all have heard of the many, but some times hard to get options, to stay in the home. With detailed explanations of the benefits, how does each option works,  how to start the process and even videos of people facing similar situations.

Options to Stay in Your Home:
Refinance
Repayment Plan
Forbearance
Modification
Deed-for Lease

Options to Leave Your Home:
Short Sale
Deed-in-Lieu

It is very important to study your options before making a decision like letting go your home to foreclosure. As time goes by Short Sales with some banks are moving faster than in the past I also know a lot of people who have been able to refinance there home. The clue for any of the options is patience and preparation. Provide all the requested information and chances are you will find your best alternative. I have noticed that homeowners get easily discourage if they try to contact their bank and don’t get any feedback…you have to get educated and KEEP TRYING.

Good Luck!!!

If you want to know how much your home is worth and what you can expect if you decide to do a short sale contact me at 954-588-7260.

I have been very concerned for the last couple of years with the long term effect of Short Sales and Strategic Defaults. Sometimes selling a property as a short sale is the only option but what about strategic defaults?

Each person’s circumstances are different and you should do what makes you feel more comfortable.  I am an advocate to try a loan modification first even though in many cases they are just a way to push forward a financial problem. It may not be the wisest “financial decision” but I think it buys time to work out the problem when the waters have calmed down. Unless there is a reduction of principal the only way to work out the loans is to create a balloon payment; which means at the end of the loan period or upon selling the property a lump sum has to be paid. If someone stays in the property long enough there should be enough equity to pay for it. If it has to be sold anytime in the first years of the loan most likely it will become a short sale but the borrower’s financial situation and the lenders circumstances will be different and you can deal with it then. I am not a financial advisor and I don’t pretend to be one…I know it is a controversial opinion but I think in the long run it will benefit everyone.

I understand trends are important and many people feel that if everyone is doing it, it may be right. I wish I had a crystal ball and be able to see the future as of what will happen in 5-10 years to all the short sales and foreclosures deficiency judgments. For now just make sure you research and  understand what you are getting into. Do your homework, talk to at least 3 attorneys and hear different points of view.

I am sharing an article from Current Matters that refers to this topic…

I recently had an email conversation with a well respected real estate professional about the difference between strategic defaults and short sales. We both agreed that we needed to share our conversation with the readers of this blog. Original Question: I have

via A Conversation on Short Sales vs. Strategic Defaults.

WESTON HILLS COUNTRY CLUB

SAVANNA

THE RIDGES

ISLES AT WESTON

THE MEADOWS

THE FALLS

THE LAKES

THE ISLANDS

EMERALD ESTATES

EMERALD ISLES

SAN REMO

SAN SEBASTIAN

HAMPTON ISLES

NEW RIVER ESTATES

BONAVENTURE

I don’t mean to be disrespectful but I am always scared of “Trends” when they involve financial decisions. Strategic Mortgage Defaults reminds me too much the times when everyone was an investor expecting to flip a property for a huge profit.

How many people did their due diligence?
How many people could afford the worst case scenario?
How many people did it because “everyone is doing it”?

I understand that a Strategic Default can be a preventive measure expecting to protect other assets a homeowner may have. Let’s say the Mortgage, Taxes and Insurance on a Property add up to $ 2,500.00 a month and the same property can be rented for $ 1,600.00 this means reducing annual expenses by $ 10,800 a year that are probably being taken out from the homeowners savings account. The worst is the uncertainty of when the property will recoup the lost value.

My main concern is the downward spiral it creates. As more properties hit the Market as Short Sales or Foreclosures prices may tend to decrease.

In reality this is one of those situations that are a catch 22…there is no wrong or right answer. The most important thing is to make an informed decision understanding the many consequences it may bring and that probably the unpaid balance will not disappear and the credit score will end taking a hit.

Some related articles:
Fed-Up Homeowners who can pay their mortgage, Don’t - RISMEDIA
Strategic Defaults lessons fromthe great depression – THE NEW YORK TIMES
Walking away from your mortgage has consequences – USA TODAY
What might happen if you walk away from your mortgage – MONEY

The Answer is: Consult an Attorney…

From several conversations with attorneys I have gathered the following information. You particular circumstances may differ so please do your due diligence before making any decision.

Is the Property being sold as a Short Sale or being Foreclosed?

If the Property is being sold as a Short Sale and the Lease is current the new owner must honor the lease term. Very often, by the time the Short Sale is approved, the original lease has expired and the tenant is living in the property with on a month to month lease. Beware of oral agreement since they are harder to enforce than written contracts. In some cases the Tenant lives in the property until the amount given as advanced rent and security deposit is exhausted. It is advised to have a  written agreement with the owner because the owner’s default in paying his mortgage doesn’t give the tenant the right to default in his rental payments. One of the most common complaints from tenants when they keep paying their rent is either the lack of maintenance to the property. Attorneys always advice their clients to keep paying the Association/Condo dues while the Short Sale is being processed.
A good landlord/tenant relationship is key to ensure a smooth transition. Being it to grant access to prospective buyers and be able to commit with a closing date or transferring the lease to the new buyer.

If the Property is Foreclosed the new owner has the right to request the Tenant to vacate the property. Tenant is normally aware that a foreclosure is taking place well in advance.  The new owner can provide the Tenant with a “3 Day Notice” and if the tenant doesn’t leave most likely an eviction will take place. Under some circumstances the new owner offers incentives to ensure the property is left in good conditions and the tenant vacates without the need of being evicted.

If the Property is a Fannie Mae Foreclosure you may get some Help!

Some Qualified renters may be offered month to month Leases and even help to relocate. For additional information:

Fannie Mae Support for Renters

Fannie Mae Renters FQA’s

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Thinking of selling your home? Now might be a good time to put it on the market when the inventory of great properties for sale is low. For a FREE market analysis of your property call me at (954) 588-7260 or contact me.