Archive for Real Estate
Nov
04
Phoenix Real Estate, How Far Have Prices Fallen
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Gary Kiernan asked:
Some months ago, I wrote of two homes that had come onto the market due to the owner’s need to re-locate (Phoenix Real Estate, No More Mr. Nice Guy) I will briefly re-cap the stories.
Couple “A” bought a phoenix home in March 2006 for $335,000, with a substantial down payment of $185,000; or more than 50% of sales price. Couple “B” bought a more grand home, also in Phoenix, in December 2005 for the sum of $530,000, with a 10% down-payment of $53,000.
This summer, both couples were in the position of having to sell, due to the fact that their employer was re-locating them. Here is how they fared.
Couple “A” sold their home for $230,000, which basically represented a loss of one third (33%) of the initial sales price. Because of their relatively low mortgage, as a result of their large down payment, they were able to actually walk away with some cash, even though their loss was substantial. If you estimate closing costs, including commission, at around 8%, they probably walked away with around $61,000.
Couple “B” sold their home for $363,000, again representing approximately a one third loss on the initial sales price. (Incidentally, that sales price of $363,000, is almost identical to the $365,000 this home had previously sold for in April, 2004. Demonstrating quite neatly, both the dramatic rise and precipitous fall of home prices in the Phoenix Metropolitan area in the last four years.) Unfortunately, in order to close this deal, by paying off the loan plus the closing costs, they also had to write a check of approximately $156,000 to cover the shortfall. Remember, this is over and above their initial $53,000 down payment.
As you can see, home ownership in Phoenix was a very expensive and unpleasant experience for both these families. In fairness, I think it is very unreasonable to expect to live in a home for 3 years, in a normal market, and do anything more than break-even. However, these losses were spectacular.
Now contrast these stories with those of the many people who bought homes, with no money down, using adjustable loans that they knew full well they would not be able to afford. Many of those folks have just walked away from their homes. I would argue that they were never really “owners” in the first place, as they really had no financial stake in their “homes”. The very people who fueled the fires of greed that were instrumental in the rise and collapse of the real estate market get to walk away scot-free. Those who had invested their own money get burned. This is what happens when government interferes with the free market. They are also the people who are going to “fix” this problem. Don’t you feel safe? One of their proposals, again completely contrary to free-market principles, is to delay foreclosures in order to keep prices up. Since when were high home prices a good idea? What happens when this temporary support measure expires? Do you think prices will then go up, or down?
As the late lamented Ronald Reagan said “The nine most scary words in the English language- I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.”
May God help us all!
Buying A Home?
Some months ago, I wrote of two homes that had come onto the market due to the owner’s need to re-locate (Phoenix Real Estate, No More Mr. Nice Guy) I will briefly re-cap the stories.
Couple “A” bought a phoenix home in March 2006 for $335,000, with a substantial down payment of $185,000; or more than 50% of sales price. Couple “B” bought a more grand home, also in Phoenix, in December 2005 for the sum of $530,000, with a 10% down-payment of $53,000.
This summer, both couples were in the position of having to sell, due to the fact that their employer was re-locating them. Here is how they fared.
Couple “A” sold their home for $230,000, which basically represented a loss of one third (33%) of the initial sales price. Because of their relatively low mortgage, as a result of their large down payment, they were able to actually walk away with some cash, even though their loss was substantial. If you estimate closing costs, including commission, at around 8%, they probably walked away with around $61,000.
Couple “B” sold their home for $363,000, again representing approximately a one third loss on the initial sales price. (Incidentally, that sales price of $363,000, is almost identical to the $365,000 this home had previously sold for in April, 2004. Demonstrating quite neatly, both the dramatic rise and precipitous fall of home prices in the Phoenix Metropolitan area in the last four years.) Unfortunately, in order to close this deal, by paying off the loan plus the closing costs, they also had to write a check of approximately $156,000 to cover the shortfall. Remember, this is over and above their initial $53,000 down payment.
As you can see, home ownership in Phoenix was a very expensive and unpleasant experience for both these families. In fairness, I think it is very unreasonable to expect to live in a home for 3 years, in a normal market, and do anything more than break-even. However, these losses were spectacular.
Now contrast these stories with those of the many people who bought homes, with no money down, using adjustable loans that they knew full well they would not be able to afford. Many of those folks have just walked away from their homes. I would argue that they were never really “owners” in the first place, as they really had no financial stake in their “homes”. The very people who fueled the fires of greed that were instrumental in the rise and collapse of the real estate market get to walk away scot-free. Those who had invested their own money get burned. This is what happens when government interferes with the free market. They are also the people who are going to “fix” this problem. Don’t you feel safe? One of their proposals, again completely contrary to free-market principles, is to delay foreclosures in order to keep prices up. Since when were high home prices a good idea? What happens when this temporary support measure expires? Do you think prices will then go up, or down?
As the late lamented Ronald Reagan said “The nine most scary words in the English language- I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.”
May God help us all!
Buying A Home?
Nov
03
Real Estate Investment – One Simple Formula
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Steven Gillman asked:
I saw the ads in our small-town newspaper for years before I realized exactly what was going on. They were always the same: A house for sale with 5% down and payments of 1% of the purchase price. It might be a three bedroom home for $90,000, for example, with $4,500 down and $900 per month payments.
A friend started doing the same thing and explained the process to me. It was a way to get a great return on capital. It was the opposite of buying with no money down. You bought for cash.
A Real Estate Investment Formula
It is simple, really. When you buy for cash, you often get a much better price. A house that needs a little work might be worth $75,000, for example. By offering $65,000 cash, you negotiate your way to a $68,000 purchase price. If not, you walk away – there are always others.
Then you put few thousand into high-return repairs and improvements. Paint, carpet, and maybe asphalt for the dirt driveway. For our example, we’ll say you put $5,000 into it.
Now it’s worth $85,000 perhaps, but you target those who can’t get financing easily, and you finance it yourself. By making it easy for the buyer, you can get $90,000 for the home – and do it without a realtor’s commission. Whatever the sales price, you let the buyer put 5% down, and make monthly payments of 1% of the purchase price. Of course, you get higher than market interest too.
The buyer is thrilled that they can buy instead of renting, and you get a capital gain of perhaps $14,000 after expenses, plus good interest. Your total rate of return is somewhere over 25%!
The first to do this cosistently in our town were a father and son. They were both lawyers, and saved money by doing their own foreclosures when necessary. After forclosing, they just raised the price and sold it all over again, of course. By the way, if you can get an average return of 18% on your money, you’ll turn $75,000 into more than one million dollars in about fifteen years.
Buying A Home?
I saw the ads in our small-town newspaper for years before I realized exactly what was going on. They were always the same: A house for sale with 5% down and payments of 1% of the purchase price. It might be a three bedroom home for $90,000, for example, with $4,500 down and $900 per month payments.
A friend started doing the same thing and explained the process to me. It was a way to get a great return on capital. It was the opposite of buying with no money down. You bought for cash.
A Real Estate Investment Formula
It is simple, really. When you buy for cash, you often get a much better price. A house that needs a little work might be worth $75,000, for example. By offering $65,000 cash, you negotiate your way to a $68,000 purchase price. If not, you walk away – there are always others.
Then you put few thousand into high-return repairs and improvements. Paint, carpet, and maybe asphalt for the dirt driveway. For our example, we’ll say you put $5,000 into it.
Now it’s worth $85,000 perhaps, but you target those who can’t get financing easily, and you finance it yourself. By making it easy for the buyer, you can get $90,000 for the home – and do it without a realtor’s commission. Whatever the sales price, you let the buyer put 5% down, and make monthly payments of 1% of the purchase price. Of course, you get higher than market interest too.
The buyer is thrilled that they can buy instead of renting, and you get a capital gain of perhaps $14,000 after expenses, plus good interest. Your total rate of return is somewhere over 25%!
The first to do this cosistently in our town were a father and son. They were both lawyers, and saved money by doing their own foreclosures when necessary. After forclosing, they just raised the price and sold it all over again, of course. By the way, if you can get an average return of 18% on your money, you’ll turn $75,000 into more than one million dollars in about fifteen years.
Buying A Home?
Nov
03
Phoenix Real Estate Predictions for 2008
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Gary Kiernan asked:
Well, here we are again! Another year older and deeper in debt (thank you Roger Miller.) Before I put quill to parchment I went back and read what I had predicted for 2007(see link at end of article).
I think I was right to predict a gloomy market and the market has indeed seen a reduction in sales volumes and sales prices. In fact, with only minor editing, I could easily re-print last year’s predictions without worry.
Unfortunately for some, prices still have around 5%-10% more downward potential before the market stabilizes, which I predict may occur by late ’08, early ’09. I say “unfortunately for some” because lower prices are good news for first time buyers, and for those folks looking to trade up to a larger home.
It is also the reason I am at a loss to understand why the government, in a bi-partisan effort, is attempting to bail out some of those who took out adjustable loans that they could not afford, and that they now claim not to have “understood”. I fail to see how manipulating the free market, in an attempt to keep prices up, is a good thing. Luckily, our inept government has structured the bail-out so poorly, that I doubt it will reach many of its intended targets. However, it will provide the politicos with “window dressing” in an election year to create the illusion that they cared.
So, back on topic, in 2008, inventory, which remains at a historically high level, will diminish for the following reason. Clearly, about half the current listings are not truly for sale. Many are overpriced and what I call “opportunistic listings”– I.E. the owner will sell only if someone pays their inflated price. Not gonna happen. As those listings expire, and more experienced agents decline to re-list them, and novice agents go back to their original jobs, we will begin to see a return to some sort of equilibrium.
Another factor in depressing re-sale prices is the relentless onslaught of new construction. Even though housing starts have slowed, there remains an unbelievable amount of new homes being built. That is a builder’s right in a free market, but it will have an effect, All of which is good news for buyers, who remain nervous, but will start to re-emerge in 2008.
Sellers are not in such a happy position but, realistically only those who purchased since 2005 are in any sort of hurt. Even in “normal’ markets, it is very difficult to turn a profit on a house in only 2-3 years, partly because of closing costs. If you are just slightly upside-down in your home, my advice is to hold on and ride it out. Eventually, it will come back. The effect of running away and possible foreclosure or bankruptcy could decimate your credit rating for many years to come, so do not take those steps lightly.
Finally, whilst the housing market can be stressful at times, remember without the health and happiness of you and your loved ones, you really have nothing. What I had predicted for 2007.
Scottsdale Real Estate Market
Well, here we are again! Another year older and deeper in debt (thank you Roger Miller.) Before I put quill to parchment I went back and read what I had predicted for 2007(see link at end of article).
I think I was right to predict a gloomy market and the market has indeed seen a reduction in sales volumes and sales prices. In fact, with only minor editing, I could easily re-print last year’s predictions without worry.
Unfortunately for some, prices still have around 5%-10% more downward potential before the market stabilizes, which I predict may occur by late ’08, early ’09. I say “unfortunately for some” because lower prices are good news for first time buyers, and for those folks looking to trade up to a larger home.
It is also the reason I am at a loss to understand why the government, in a bi-partisan effort, is attempting to bail out some of those who took out adjustable loans that they could not afford, and that they now claim not to have “understood”. I fail to see how manipulating the free market, in an attempt to keep prices up, is a good thing. Luckily, our inept government has structured the bail-out so poorly, that I doubt it will reach many of its intended targets. However, it will provide the politicos with “window dressing” in an election year to create the illusion that they cared.
So, back on topic, in 2008, inventory, which remains at a historically high level, will diminish for the following reason. Clearly, about half the current listings are not truly for sale. Many are overpriced and what I call “opportunistic listings”– I.E. the owner will sell only if someone pays their inflated price. Not gonna happen. As those listings expire, and more experienced agents decline to re-list them, and novice agents go back to their original jobs, we will begin to see a return to some sort of equilibrium.
Another factor in depressing re-sale prices is the relentless onslaught of new construction. Even though housing starts have slowed, there remains an unbelievable amount of new homes being built. That is a builder’s right in a free market, but it will have an effect, All of which is good news for buyers, who remain nervous, but will start to re-emerge in 2008.
Sellers are not in such a happy position but, realistically only those who purchased since 2005 are in any sort of hurt. Even in “normal’ markets, it is very difficult to turn a profit on a house in only 2-3 years, partly because of closing costs. If you are just slightly upside-down in your home, my advice is to hold on and ride it out. Eventually, it will come back. The effect of running away and possible foreclosure or bankruptcy could decimate your credit rating for many years to come, so do not take those steps lightly.
Finally, whilst the housing market can be stressful at times, remember without the health and happiness of you and your loved ones, you really have nothing. What I had predicted for 2007.
Scottsdale Real Estate Market
Nov
02
Do First Time Home Buyers Need Realtors?
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John H asked:
First time homebuyers are in the exciting position of both choosing a home and making one the biggest investments in life. But are realtors necessary? I hear this question a lot from first time homebuyers. They wonder why they can’t just peruse open houses and visit new developments where realtors are just sitting there waiting. Well, that opens the first can of worms for first time homebuyers. Realtors usually work as either buyer’s agents or seller’s agents. That friendly realtor at the open house only represents the interests of her clients (the sellers.) That’s why I tell any first time homebuyer to team up with a professional realtor who knows the things that you don’t.
Tap Into Their Knowledge
Anybody can buy a house. But all the unknowns typically overwhelm a first time homebuyer. The great thing about working with a realtor is that you get an “instant guru” for all you questions from finding good schools, to how much less a seller might take, to “what is PMI again”? You will find that the mountains of paperwork go more smoothly if a realtor guides you through the purchase agreement. The legalities of buying a home are enormous, but competent realtors make sure you don’t skip the inspection, or spend all your time driving around an area that’s out of your price range.
But what about price range? One of the biggest concerns that new buyers have about hiring realtors is paying the commission. After all, is it really worth it to pay realtors when you could have that money available for your new home? Weigh this decision carefully. Don’t nickel and dime yourself out of competent advice. Especially if you have never navigated the paperwork and legalities of a real estate transaction, one of your smartest moves can be to include a realtor on your house hunting team.
Use the Services that Realtors Offers
Once you decide to work with a realtor, let them really work for you. Realtors can eliminate many homes based your requirements, so that you spend less time looking at inappropriate ones. List your desired amenities and priorities so that your realtor really knows what to look for. Good realtors listen. You shouldn’t have to tell him 4 times that a second bathroom is a must.
The best realtors will honor your time schedule and when you are available to look at sites. Realtors can also give valuable information about movers, local amenities and things to do, even local doctors if you’re new to town. Remember, in addition to having professional knowledge of the real estate game, your realtor is an area local. Ask lots of questions, and expect lots of information in return.
Where to Find Competent Realtors
Realtors are everywhere. Ask for referrals from people you trust. Interview potential realtors before making up your mind. Ask about their background, client load, experience and availability. Then grab you digital a camera and a notepad, call your chosen realtor, and have fun buying your fist home.
first time home buyer
First time homebuyers are in the exciting position of both choosing a home and making one the biggest investments in life. But are realtors necessary? I hear this question a lot from first time homebuyers. They wonder why they can’t just peruse open houses and visit new developments where realtors are just sitting there waiting. Well, that opens the first can of worms for first time homebuyers. Realtors usually work as either buyer’s agents or seller’s agents. That friendly realtor at the open house only represents the interests of her clients (the sellers.) That’s why I tell any first time homebuyer to team up with a professional realtor who knows the things that you don’t.
Tap Into Their Knowledge
Anybody can buy a house. But all the unknowns typically overwhelm a first time homebuyer. The great thing about working with a realtor is that you get an “instant guru” for all you questions from finding good schools, to how much less a seller might take, to “what is PMI again”? You will find that the mountains of paperwork go more smoothly if a realtor guides you through the purchase agreement. The legalities of buying a home are enormous, but competent realtors make sure you don’t skip the inspection, or spend all your time driving around an area that’s out of your price range.
But what about price range? One of the biggest concerns that new buyers have about hiring realtors is paying the commission. After all, is it really worth it to pay realtors when you could have that money available for your new home? Weigh this decision carefully. Don’t nickel and dime yourself out of competent advice. Especially if you have never navigated the paperwork and legalities of a real estate transaction, one of your smartest moves can be to include a realtor on your house hunting team.
Use the Services that Realtors Offers
Once you decide to work with a realtor, let them really work for you. Realtors can eliminate many homes based your requirements, so that you spend less time looking at inappropriate ones. List your desired amenities and priorities so that your realtor really knows what to look for. Good realtors listen. You shouldn’t have to tell him 4 times that a second bathroom is a must.
The best realtors will honor your time schedule and when you are available to look at sites. Realtors can also give valuable information about movers, local amenities and things to do, even local doctors if you’re new to town. Remember, in addition to having professional knowledge of the real estate game, your realtor is an area local. Ask lots of questions, and expect lots of information in return.
Where to Find Competent Realtors
Realtors are everywhere. Ask for referrals from people you trust. Interview potential realtors before making up your mind. Ask about their background, client load, experience and availability. Then grab you digital a camera and a notepad, call your chosen realtor, and have fun buying your fist home.
first time home buyer
Nov
02
Financial Help to Stop Foreclosure
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Mel Goodwin asked:
When a person falls upon financial hard times often through no fault of their own and they are behind on mortgage payments, they may need some financial help to stop foreclosure on their property. Nobody wants the sheriff to deliver a foreclosure notice so there are some things you can do that will help stop the foreclosure.
Often, you can avoid foreclosure through hard work and not by sitting back and giving up. Here are some steps that could help you get financial help to stop foreclosure.
Never ignore letters or phone calls regarding your delinquent mortgage payments. Contact the lender and explain your situation, as they may be able to work with you and know that you are really trying to make things right so offer you financial help to stop foreclosure. You may not qualify for aid if you abandon your property so remain in your house.
When you work with the lender and your financial problems are temporary, the lender might be able to help with financial help to stop foreclosure. Often this is a one time loan, bringing your mortgage payments up to date.
Often a person can either extend the loan or refinance to stop foreclosure when mortgage payments are too high. The upside is that the monthly mortgage payments are smaller but the lender interest rates are higher. This could allow you to catch up on missed mortgage payments. Always be honest and upfront with the lender and they will work with you.
After examining your financial position and the reason for your nonpayment, the lender could reduce the monthly payment or suspend payments temporarily.
Nobody wants to lose his or her home or have a lender foreclose on their property. Be honest with your lender and by working with them and examining the options available as it is possible to get the financial help to stop foreclosure.
Get Advise from a Scottsdale Realtor
When a person falls upon financial hard times often through no fault of their own and they are behind on mortgage payments, they may need some financial help to stop foreclosure on their property. Nobody wants the sheriff to deliver a foreclosure notice so there are some things you can do that will help stop the foreclosure.
Often, you can avoid foreclosure through hard work and not by sitting back and giving up. Here are some steps that could help you get financial help to stop foreclosure.
Never ignore letters or phone calls regarding your delinquent mortgage payments. Contact the lender and explain your situation, as they may be able to work with you and know that you are really trying to make things right so offer you financial help to stop foreclosure. You may not qualify for aid if you abandon your property so remain in your house.
When you work with the lender and your financial problems are temporary, the lender might be able to help with financial help to stop foreclosure. Often this is a one time loan, bringing your mortgage payments up to date.
Often a person can either extend the loan or refinance to stop foreclosure when mortgage payments are too high. The upside is that the monthly mortgage payments are smaller but the lender interest rates are higher. This could allow you to catch up on missed mortgage payments. Always be honest and upfront with the lender and they will work with you.
After examining your financial position and the reason for your nonpayment, the lender could reduce the monthly payment or suspend payments temporarily.
Nobody wants to lose his or her home or have a lender foreclose on their property. Be honest with your lender and by working with them and examining the options available as it is possible to get the financial help to stop foreclosure.
Get Advise from a Scottsdale Realtor
