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Many homeowners who are having trouble paying their mortgages will stop opening their mail from the lender. It is understandable to feel, what is the point? I can't pay and nothing they say to me will change that. However, if your lender is Chase you may want to open that letter.

Chase is giving relocation assistance to some homeowners who are in default if they agree to short sell their home. The incentives can be anywhere from $2500 to $45,000. Not everyone will get this incentive, and there is no uniform way that these incentives will be offered. In other words, Chase is not saying why one borrower gets an incentive and another does not.

So if you get a letter from Chase, open it up. It may say you have won the lottery. You will need to find an experienced Sunnyvale short sale agent to help you sell your home, or Chase will give you the names of some who can help you. You then list your home as a short sale, accept an offer, have it approved by Chase, and at closing you get your relocation assistance.

It is a pretty good deal if you ask me, an experienced Sunnyvale Short Sale Agent.

If you have any questions about short sales in Santa Clara or San Mateo County please feel free to contact me.

Marcy Moyer

Keller Williams Realty

www.marcymoyer.com

marcy@marcymoyer.com

650-619-9285

D.R.E. 01191194

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Short Sale Relocation Assistance Program:
Your clients could receive
$2,500 to $30,000 in relocation assistance
 

Your financially distressed clients want to avoid foreclosure. You want to help them. So do we!

That's why Bank of America is excited to announce that for a limited time, we are offering enhanced relocation assistance payments in which qualified homeowners who initiate a short sale without an offer could be eligible to receive $2,500 - $30,000* in relocation assistance and owe no more on their mortgage with the sale of their property. 

Contact me today to get started on your short sale at RealtyTMS.com or call 303-633-5454 Heather.Aragon@realtytms.com

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It is no secret Mountain View as well as most of the Silicon Valley is experiencing multiple offers on homes for sale. While this is great for sellers, it can be extremely frustrating for buyers, and their agents. After losing 5-10 homes a buyer will unquestionalbly start to doubt their agent. They may feel that their agent is doing something wrong and maybe it is time to find someone else.

Will this work? Maybe, but there are limits to what a Mountain View real estate agent can do. A lot of winning an offer is up to the buyer, so maybe you need to look in the mirror first, before changing your agent.

In a real estate offer the buyer has some control over what happens. Here are some things you should do:

1. Are you making realistic offers? If a home is listed for $475,000, you know there are 10 offers, and you offer $470,000, what do you think is going to happen?

2. You have been pre-approved for $800,000 with 20% down. You only have down payment for 20% of $800,000, so you need to only offer a price that will make it through an appraisal. However, most homes are selling for prices higher than they can appraise for, so what do you do? You will need to find a less expensive home so that you have a 5-10% reserve of cash over the price where you think the home will appriase, i.e., you need to find a home where you can put down 25-30%, not 20%, so that when it does not appraise you have the cash to cover it.

3. The seller has completed a a full disclosure package, including a property inspection, termite, roof, chimney inspection, and you ask for a 17 day property contingency period. I am not saying you should not have your own inspection, but keep the time to a minimum.

4. You have a pre-approval letter from Happy Birthday Mortgage with nothing from an underwriter, and nothing from a direct lender. I don't care if the mortgage broker from Happby Birthday Mortgage is your mother, it is not going to fly. Get a full approval from a direct lender. It is hard enough to compete against a cash offer, but to try to compete with a pre-approval letter that may not be worth the paper it is written on is no way to act in a competitive market.

5. You are making an offer on a short sale and don't offer to open escrow until after bank approval. While that may be ok in a buyer's market, when there are so few homes for sale, and so many hopeful buyers, it is not going to work anymore.

So look at your self first. Tomorrow I will talk about what your agent can do to help your offer win.

Marcy Moyer

Keller Williams Realty

www.marcymoyer.com

marcy@marcymoyer.com

D.R.E. 01191194

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Home Trust Nation

In the past I added Home Trust Nation to the "never pay" list. Now I would like to update. In March 2012 I was contacted by Brandi. She said she was going through some old files and wanted to make sure that I had been paid for my work. This was a pleasant surprise. She was very professional and apologized for the oversight. It appears that a former employee has incorrectly filed the orders. She sent me out a check with another email apology. I was happy, and told her no worries. I received an email from her this morning indicating that an agent had read my previous post and was refusing to complete some commercial orders that they had accepted due to my post. First I would like to say that I think it is unprofessional to accept an order that you do not plan on completing. Next, as we all know the internet is forever. I had not even remembered the post and do not want to be the cause of anyone not wanting to work with them. I asked Brandi to give me the agent's contact information, and again she was very professional and did not want to bother me. You can all add Home Trust Nation to the "pay" list.

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The landscape for short sales is changing. As the inventory of homes for sale stays at historically low levels all over Silicon Valley, short sales are gaining in popularity for buyers. Added to that is the fact that short sales, while not a sure thing, are getting approved at increasingly higher rates.

Short sales can still be time consuming and frustrating, but when there are so few choices for buyers they begin to look better. So if you are thinking of selling your home as a short sale here are some tips to make things smoother.

1. PICK AN EXPERIENCED SHORT SALE AGENT TO LIST YOUR HOME. IF YOU ALREADY HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH A REALTOR WHO IS NOT EXPERIENCED WITH SHORT SALES ASK THAT AGENT TO CO LIST WITH AN AGENT WHO KNOWS HOW TO PROCESS AND NEGOTIATE A SHORT SALE.

2. Price your home realistically, not at a rock bottom price. The market is already hot and and appreciating. Banks are not stupid. If the home is worth $600,000 and you list it for $400,000 and get an offer for $500,000 it is unlikely to get approved.

3. Have the buyer put the deposit in escrow upon acceptance by you, not at acceptance by the bank.

4. If possible get inspections before you put the home on the market. It will make the transaction go much smoother.

5. Talk to your lender before putting the house on the market. find out what they need for the short sale and get it ready to send as soon as you get the accepted offer.

6. Enjoy your short burst of popularity. In this market everyone loves a seller, even a seller of a short sale, so enjoy.

7. Hopefully in 2-4 months you will hear the words from your agent, "Congratulations, you are off the hook."

If you have any questions about buying or selling a short sale in San Mateo or Santa Clara county please feel free to contact me.

Marcy Moyer

Keller Williams Realty

www.marcymoyer.com

marcy@marcymoyer.com

650-619-9285

D.R.E. 01191194

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Just got approval on another short sale in San Jose with Chase. They are getting to be one of my favorites!

This was not straight forward. Client lost his job and was not able to make payments. He tried a loan mod but did not qualify due to having too much in retirement account. Client is close to retiring.

Put condo on market and got 13 offers. The San Jose inventory for small affordable condos is quite low. Accepted an offer 30% over asking price, cash, with no appraisal contingency. Asking price was market value at the time of the listing. Last 2 sales in the complex were within 5K of listing price.

6 weeks later get approval from Chase but buyer, who was an investor, dropped out.

I start to worry because none of the other 12 offers were over 10% over list price and I am afraid Chase (or actually Freddie) will want more since first offer was so high.

Submit a back up offer for 10% over list price, cash with no contingencies. 4 weeks later get approval.

Everyone is happy!!!

So fortunately the first offer which was so high did not taint the the process, and since there was no foreclosure date set there was not a danger of losing the condo to a foreclosure. But this is a risk in short sales in the Silicon Valley. The inventory is low. There are many investors and first time buyers in the market competing with each other. Sometimes people make ridiculous offers which they later regret.

How do you know what is the best offer? Is it the highest, is it the owner who wants this home more than anything, is it the person who puts the most money in escrow, has the least contingencies?

This is a complicated question that deserves its own blog. But my best advice to sellers of short sales is start by picking an experienced agent who knows how to analyze offers from a short sale perspective. This is not the same as a traditonal sale perspective. And understand that sometimes things go south, so be prepared for some bumps in the road to finally get to the magic words:

Congratulations: You are off the hook!

If you have any questions about short sales in San Mateo or Santa Clara County please feel free to contact me.

Marcy Moyer

Keller Williams Realty

www.marcymoyer.com

marcy@marcymoyer.com

650-619-9285

D.R.E. 01191194

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Foundation Repairs - Finish The Job!

Home Inspection

Foundation Repairs - Finish The Job

 

45.jpgAs a Professional Home Inspector serving North Texas, I see foundation repairs on many homes I inspect. Some say that in North Texas, it is not a matter of if but when a home's foundation will need repair. Foundation repairs are very common in our area and good home inspectors know the signs of previous foundation repairs and those homes in need of foundation repair.

 

Foundation repairs should not be taken lightly but don't have to be a "deal killer" of a reason to run away from a home. In my opinion, foundation repairs should be followed by repairing of the cracked interior and exterior walls that lead to the foundation repairs in the first place. All to often as aTexas Home Inspector, I see foundations which have been repaired but the cracks in interior and exterior walls and other signs of foundation trouble have not been repaired.

 

If the evidence that lead to foundation repairs has not been repaired, a home inspector has no way of knowing of the foundation repairs are in fact performing as intended. Cracks in brick masonry and interior drywall cracks that remain after foundation repairs still appear as defects and possible foundation issues.

 

46.jpgWhen foundation repairs have been made and, the signs that lead to the foundation repairs have been fixed, the home inspector is looking to identify any new evidence of movement or settlement. Providing a home inspector with any information about previous foundation repairs is important. Knowing when the foundation repairs where completed and knowing when the wall cracks where repaired goes a long way towards a better home inspection report.

 

In my inspection reports, I report foundation repairs in several ways. For example:

  

1. There is evidence of previous foundation repairs. There are cracks in the interior and exterior walls which prevent the inspector from identifying if the foundation repairs are performing as intended. Interior and exterior wall cracks should be repaired and monitored over time for evidence of new or additional movement.

  

2. There is evidence of previous foundation repairs. The interior and exterior wall cracks have been repaired and there is no new or additional evidence of movement or settlement. The inspector recommends that the interior and exterior walls be monitored over time for evidence of new or additional movement or settlement.

 

I think that most would agree that option two is a better option. It identifies that foundation repairs were made and that the evidence that lead to the repairs has been repaired. 

 

In addition to the reporting items above, I also recommend in my home inspection reports that the buyer obtain as much information as possible about the extent of the foundation repairs and any information about a transferable warranty if any.

 

A transferable warranty on foundation repairs is important. It gives the prospective buyer comfort to know that if the foundation moves or settles, they are there to take care of the problem.

 

So what items should be repaired to "finish the job" you ask? Some of these include:

 

1. Cracks in exterior wall cladding

2. Cracks in interior wall and ceiling finishes

3. Separated frieze boards at exterior trim

4. Cracks and deflections in poured concrete

5. Gaps in attic framing members

6. Cracked/broken floor tiles

7. Gaps in other floor coverings

8. Wrinkled corner drywall tape

9. Doors that rub or stick

10. Windows that are difficult to open

 

47.jpgIn summary, when your home has foundation repairs, "finish the job" by repairing the wall cracks, concrete cracks and other evidence that lead to the repairs. And, use a foundation repair specialist who provides a transferable warranty. Providing documentation of the foundation repairs to your inspector and agent is also a good idea.

 

Foundation repairs don't have to kill a sale and shouldn't, if the job is well done, documented and "finished".

 

Selman Home Inspection

"Accurate Investment Protection You Can Trust" 

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I just heard an incredible story that I don't know is true or not but, the point the story makes is going to be a key to any aspiring REO agents success and that is what I want to talk about.

So, Lisa the REO Listing Agent calls me wanting to know if I had ever heard of Rodger the REO Expert. I told Lisa yes, I had heard of Rodger. She stops me mid sentence and ask me if I think he is any good. I wasn't sure exactly what she was referring to so I asked her, good at what? Lisa tells me that Rodger is selling a program where he can get you into REO Bank of North America and he only charges $20,000.00.

After I picked up my chin from the floor I started laughing, it's only $20,000.00, I would charge more than that....I thought to myself. She asked me why I was laughing and I asked her, if Rodger guaranteed she would make her money back. She said on yeah, he told me he could get me in to REO Bank of North America in a couple of months when I join him and a representative of REO Bank at the conference in Dallas later in July. So, I asked her, did he give you that guarantee in writing? She said no however, he was sending over documents via email. I told her to call me when she got the documents.

So, a couple days go by, I heard nothing back from Lisa so, I called her. She got the documents, she was all excited, she was finally going to be in at REO Bank of North America in just a couple of months. So, I asked her, did he give you a guarantee. She said yeah, it's right here in these documents so, I asked he if she wouldn't mind letting me look them over for her, what could it hurt, having an extra pair of eyes, right? A few minutes later, I have the agreement .....and.....well, I didn't see any guarantee.

I called her up and I was like, Lisa, Lisa, Lisa, can you tell me where the guarantee is. She says, yeah, look at page 3, first paragraph......

I read it over and I didn't see any guarantee but I did see, a statement on their commitment to doing all they can to help her get introduced to a Bank of America employee.

I explained to her, what my thoughts on the agreement were and I told her, Lisa...one part of this you are not catching is something the Bank refers to as "Business Need". The bank, regardless of how experienced, nice, bubbly, and charming you are has to have a business need in your area before they are just going to add you to their ranks. Without that, regardless of how much you pay for access, you won't get in. Well, she just didn't want to hear that. Rodger the REO Expert had this big, nice agreement, had a nice car, was at all the conventions speaking, he had to have the inside scoop. In fact, Rodger even gave her references of others he had helped, 2 in fact. So, against my advice, off to the races she went. Paid the $20,000...all up front and now we are about 8 months down the road and she still isn't a REO Listing Agent...with anyone, Rodger is telling her that he is going to shop her out to a couple other banks.

Needless to say, she is beyond pissed off, that $20,000 she paid was her 401k she cashed out and here we are in the midst of tax season and she doesn't have the money to pay the penalty. She can't do much about Rodger, the agreement she signed was very clear and specific, all he was doing was selling access to one person....one bank and if that didn't work out...for whatever the reason, he would shop her around to others.

I guess she got what she paid for.

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wisconsin-county-map-278x300.gif?width=278

The Wisconsin housing statistics are now in for March of 2012. Here is an excerpt from what the Wisconsin Realtors Association (WRA) had to say:

We certainly had a mild winter, and that may account for some of the strength in home sales last month, but it’s important to note that we’ve seen very strong growth in home sales over the last nine months,” said Rob Keefe, Chairman of the WRA board of directors.

These are the strongest signals we have seen in some time going into the spring selling season,” said Keefe, who noted that the combination of low rates and modest improvements in the job market should support continued growth in sales.

The WRA says an improving state jobs market is helping home sales. Since December, the state has added nearly 18,000 nonfarm private jobs even as government employment fell by 3,400 based on seasonally adjusted estimates.

Below are the number of Home Sales and Median House Prices for the state of Wisconsin, Rock County, and Dane County. These stats include Janesville and Madison. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions pertaining to these figures. As you can see, home sales have been increasing substantially this year. The median sale price in Dane County has fallen approximately $16,000 year over year. In Rock County Wisconsin, the median sale price has also fallen. $14,625, year over year.

If you would like some insight into how much your home is currently worth, I would be happy to provide you with a free comparative market analysis. This is a report that gives a close estimate to what your home might sell for in your current local Wisconsin real estate market. Has your home value fallen below what you currently owe? A short sale may be right for your situation. Visit the following page on Wisconsin Short Sales.

Housing Statistics for the State of Wisconsin:

March 2012

Home Sales: 4,816

Median Home Price: $123,500

March 2011

Home Sales: 3,834

Median Home Price: $123,000

Housing Statistics for Dane County, WI:

March 2012

Home Sales: 457

Median Home Price: $187,000

March 2011

Home Sales: 354

Median Home Price: $203,250

Housing Statistics for Rock County, WI:

March 2012
Home Sales: 153
Median Home Price: $86,000

March 2011
Home Sales: 126
Median Home Price: $100,625

This information is courtesy of the WRA, Wisconsin Realtors Association. Please follow this link for further details: WRA Housing Statistics

View my report from last month. Wisconsin February Housing Statistics

Original Post - WI March 2012 Housing Stats  

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AMRE (Asset Management Real Estate)?

I called AMRE today regarding their Business Model: BPO's, REO's etc.

The Receptionist answered, I asked to speak with someone regarding Broker Registration and more information about their company.  She replied, "She can take a message, and a Gentleman will call me back." I asked "What is the Gentleman's name?" She says its "Blah, Blah(Whatever)."

I asked does your company provide BPO's REO's to Real Estate Agents, She replied " We are expanding our Broker Network."

 

They are located in Denver Colorado, so I asked a more specific question "In Denver Colorado do you currently have Listing Assignments, or BPO Assignements for Real Estate Agents?" She Replied "I Think so, sorry I can't answer these question I'm only helping out with answering phones." (It's not her fault, the person in charge is responsible)

 

I end the conversation, "If there were an Agent(s) with certain Questions regarding their BPO, or REO Assigment who will assist these Agents?"

 

The Answer is "UMMM? I'm just answering phones."

 

If you have any Experience with this company please post.

Thank you.

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Putting Aside Your Emotions When Selling a Home

Because of the large investment needed to purchase a home, sellers often find themselves in a difficult situation.  This inanimate object that they have owned for years and used to develop many memories will suddenly belong to someone else.  This can be a difficult time emotionally for many people.  Here are some ways in which the seller can set aside emotions when selling a home.

Selling Your HomeValues vs. Sentiment

Everyone that tries to sell a home has the same goal in mind; to get the most that the market will bear.  However, this is a difference between asking someone to pay a fair price for a feature of the home as opposed to asking someone to pay a premium for something that is only valuable to you.  The unique door handles, exquisite bathroom fixtures or one-of-a-kind chandelier may hold great meaning for you, but they may simply be accessories to someone else.

Vacate the Home during Showings

When your real estate agent notifies you that they will be showing the home to a proposed buyer, it is best to leave the home for a little while.  Someone that has never seen your home will have a much different opinion on things like the condition of the carpet, placement of furniture and the colors of the home.  Rather than risk hurt feelings or irritation from a buyer nit-picking over small details it is best if you are not there when the buyers arrive.

Give the Real Estate Agent Room and Freedom to Work

The job of your real estate agent can be summed it in one sentence.  They are on a mission to find the one person/family that is serious about purchasing your home.  While your home may be viewed by multiple parties, it only takes one to offer a contract and close the deal.  Give the Realtor® some flexibility in handling offers and let them come to you with news, instead of going to them after every showing and phone call.

Consider the Transaction as Strictly Business

Once a seller has realized that selling their home is merely a financial transaction in the eyes of the buyer the whole process will move along much smoother.  Sellers should not react to comments about the decor or the curb appeal as a personal affront.  The buyer is simply trying to find a way to get the price lower.  This points to a good sign.  If the buyer is trying to negotiate then it means they are interested in buying the home.  The next step is coming to a mutually agreeable price.  Once again, sellers should not take a counter offer as an insult.  Instead, consider the price based on advice from the real estate agent.  Holding out for a higher offer is not always the best tactic.

For many people there is no way to get around the fact that their home has been a cherished possession for a considerable time.  However, detaching one’s self away from the physical building emotionally will help make the transition easier to handle.

Original Post - Ways to Put Aside Your Emotions When Selling a Home

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I am helping out on a short sale in Redwood City where Chase is servicing the first and second loan. What this means is that the owner has first and second mortgages that were originally gotten from Chase. These loans were then sold to investors and Chase maintained the servicing. This means that ultimately Chase no longer makes the decision about whether or not to approve a short sale. The problem is there is also a third lender, and the third lender wants a lot of money to approve the short sale. The buyer agreed to pay the third what he wants, but the investor for Chase's first loan said no way. I guess from that investor's perspective if they foreclose they do not have to pay off the second or third and they get to keep all the money. Maybe they will make more if they foreclose. 

But maybe they won't. And in any case foreclosures are complicated and costly, and we have a ready willing and able buyer. Chase seems to have tried to convince the investor to take the offer. The Short Sale Department at Chase has even told us to submit another offer in an attempt to change the investor's mind.

I do not know if the new offer will make any difference, but I am immensely impressed with Chase's efforts on our behalf. I obviously am not privy to all of the number crunching as to who gets what if there is a short sale vs a foreclosure, but I do know at least Chase is really trying to help the borrower avoid foreclosure. That makes me feel pretty warm and fuzzy about them today.

If you have any questions about short sales in San Mateo or Santa Clara County please feel free to contact me.

Marcy Moyer

Keller Williams Realty

www.marcymoyer.com

marcy@marcymoyer.com

650-619-9285

D.R.E. 01191194

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It is no secret that the market in Silicon Valley is crazy. The inventory has never been lower so the competition for homes is  fierce. For example, Taylor Morrison is opening up a new town home development in Sunnyvale in May and they already have 300 people on the waiting list. Homes in Palo Alto are sometimes getting over 10 offers. 

If you are a seller you may be trying to acomplish a short sale, and life becomes complicated with all of the details of supplying documents, giving the bank what they want, when they want it, and living by their timelines.

Maybe you are trying to buy an reo and you have to sign documents that make you do everything short of giving up your first born.

So the big question is "Do you want to buy a sell a house right now?" If then answer is yes then you need to listen to the person saying "because I said so." Whether that person is the listing agent for a home you want to buy, the bank who needs to approve your short sale, or the bank who owns the foreclosed property you want.

Follow directions, exactly. If the directions say fill out the disclosure package completely, fill it out. If Bank of America says they want the first 5 numbers of your social if you are trying to buy a short sale then give it.

This is not an environment for everyone, and it will not last forever, nothing does. But if you want to buy right now it is best not to have issues with authority, just do what is asked of you. This is not to say that you should go into this blindly or give up your inspection rights, but it does mean you need to follow directions and do what is asked of you.

If you are selling short, do what the bank wants. You have the right to accept or reject their their conditions but you do not get to tell them what they need to do.

If you are selling in a hot market and it is a sale with equity, don't be a bully. Give clear directions and be grateful for the people who want to buy your home.

If you have any questions about buying or selling a home in Silicon Valley please feel free to contact me.

Marcy Moyer

Keller Williams Realty

www.marcymoyer.com

marcy@marcymoyer.com

650-619-9285

D.R.E. 01191194

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VRM Successful Bid

Today HousingWire broke the story on Vendor Resource Management's successful bid on the Veteran Affair's (VA) mortgage servicing contract. NAWRB is a recognized affiliate and membership partner of VRM. Both organizations will hold training at the upcoming REO Expo: NAWRB's Get Ready, Set, Certify! and a separate VRM U training session.

http://www.nawrb.com/blog_home.asp?Display=84

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Does BOA offer Cash 4 Keys?

I’ve had limited interaction with Bank of America. And what I have had has never been favorable.

I am aware of how Fannie handles posting of the KYO form and cash for keys documents.

I have a friend renting a local home, a letter came in the mail today stating that foreclosure proceedings have begun and will expect occupant to vacant the home prior to HUD taking the house over. (60 to 90 days)

Then the letter states that if HUD does not take it over there will be other options.

My question is will this tenant experience a knock on the door by an agent requesting cash for keys agreement?

Or if HUD does take the house over, will HUD offer a cash for keys?

Or will there be a cash for keys of any kind offered?

I thank you in advance.

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Tips for Home Sellers to Minimize Their Risk in Lease-to-Own Transactions

The economic downturn in the housing market over the past 5 years has driven up the number of sellers willing to consider leasing out their homes with an option to sell.  This can be a wise move in the right situation but sellers need to make sure they take steps to minimize their risk in these transactions.

Rent to OwnDemand an Option Fee Up Front

For the duration of the lease the seller of the home cannot market the home to would-be buyers.  This time period could be as short as one year or as long as three years depending on the renter’s financial condition.  Sellers should demand an option fee up front.  This fee can be applied to the purchase if the renter indeed manages to arrange financing at the end of the lease.  However, if the renter decides to pursue another home, they forfeit the fee.  This fee is usually in the range of 3% to 5% of the agreed purchase price in order to ensure the buyer is committed to the purchase.

Protect Against Appreciation

Once again, going back to the fact that the seller is not able to market the home while it is under a lease contract, it is possible the home could appreciate greatly in value.  It is wise for most sellers to add at least 5% to the current market price of the home when writing out the lease-to-own contract to help the seller reduce their possible loss.  At the same time, the buyer is getting a price on the home, in writing, for a future date.  This is a big plus for the buyer since they now know the price cannot rise.

Work Out a Contract for Maintenance and Repairs

In order to give the buyers the sense of actually owning the home, sellers can ask buyers to sign a contract that spells out responsibilities for maintenance and repairs.  Obviously, most renters will not be inclined to pay for major repairs such as a roof replacement or installing a new heating and air conditioning system.  But the seller may want to enforce a policy that lawn maintenance, modest repairs for plumbing and electrical needs, and other such items are the responsibility of the buyer.  This can help the buyer budget for future repairs and also help them decide if they are financially ready to purchase a home.

Carrying Additional Insurance

While the buyer/renter is in the home as a tenant sellers will require proof of renters insurance.  However, it is a good idea to carry an additional policy on their home beyond their current needs.  Catastrophic events such as tornadoes, fires and floods happen when we least expect them.  Nothing makes a tragedy worse than realizing there was not sufficient insurance coverage to handle the damage.

Many hopeful borrowers are in need of something beyond a traditional mortgage.  The lease-to-own model is a good way for sellers and buyers to reach their intended goals.  However, sellers need to be especially careful in these deals to make sure their interests are protected beyond merely the sale of the home.

Original Post - Rent-to-Own Minimizing Risks

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Has any one had any experience with the follwoing companies- there ae some that are legit but so many that are not, take your money and you never hear form them again:

 

REO Industry Directory  they charge $295 and promise a free renewal if you get no work

REO Lister- charge $595

Prime Agents by zip code $159

www.youragents kust.com  $250  per year

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I just closed a Wells Fargo Short Sale that is not typical. It was a nice 3 bedroom townhome in North San Jose, close to Santa Clara. The owners were divorcing and neither could afford to buy the other one out or afford the property alone. This constitutes a hardship in most lender's minds. I have closed other Wells Fargo short sales with similar circumstances. The current owners had been able to pay the mortgage but they will not be able to in the near future because of an impending change of circumstance. These owners were current on their payments, and were hoping to sell short and then finalize their divorce.

So last fall I put the town home on the market, got a good offer, and submitted it to Wells Fargo. It was promptly denied. I was told that while this was not Wells Fargo policy, the particular investor on the loan (the person on entity who purchased the loan from Wells Fargo, and hired Wells to keep servicing the loan) had a policy of not allowing short sales unless the borrower was behind in their payments.

So, my clients stopped making payments for a few months and we put the home back on the market. We got another offer for the same price and 2 months later got an approval and closed escrow in 30 days. 

So here is what happened to the investor: They lost 5 months of payments of about $4000 a month, so $20,000 of missed payments for the same price of the home. Call me crazy, but that make no sense to me. Let me re-iterate:

THIS IS NOT THE GENERAL POLICY OF WELLS FARGO SHORT SALES.

So, if someone owed me money and I had the chance of recovering 70% of it, or 70% minus $20,000 I would go for the straight 70%. But maybe I am greedier than that investor.

If you have any questions about short sales in Santa Clara or San Mateo Counties please feel free to contact me.

Marcy Moyer

Keller Williams Realty

www.marcymoyer.com

marcy@marcymoyer.com

650-619-9285

D.R.E.  01191194

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