Short sales in real estate have become more common in the past few years as a result of the collapsing value of houses. It is an option for a homeowner facing foreclosure. In a short sale, the lender or mortgage holder will agree to accept less than the full amount due on the mortgage if the homeowner is able to sell the property at fair market value.
There are criteria that must be met for a short sale. The first is that the value of the home has dropped. A real estate agent can verify this through an analysis of comparable homes in the neighbourhood and their recent sales amounts. The mortgage must also be in default. Some lenders will consider a short sale if it appears that the property may go into default. This move could avoid the lengthy process of foreclosure. The homeowner must demonstrate that he/she has become insolvent; the prospect of continuing to pay the mortgage is unlikely, and there are no assets to cover the shortfall between the fair market price and the amount owing on the loan.
Although a short sale may seem to be a solution to many homeowners’ problems, a short sale is also a complex transaction. The first hurdle is to find a buyer for the home. If no offers are made, there is no short sale. The lender must approve the buyer, if one does make an offer. A real estate agent must be willing to handle the transaction for a reduced commission. The Internal Revenue Service may assess taxes on the difference between the amount owed and the amount received through a sale. This could be considered debt forgiveness, and is taxable in some circumstances. A short sale will also appear on the homeowner’s credit report, with adverse effects.
One of the advantages to the homeowner of a short sale is that he/she will find it easier to obtain financing on a future home; someone who has gone through foreclosure will find it more difficult to obtain financing for a number of years. A foreclosure stays on one’s credit report for ten years.
There are advantages for a mortgage holder to agree to a short sale. The process of foreclosure can be lengthy; a homeowner may remain in the home for a period up to a year without making any payments while the paperwork is completed. In a foreclosure, the bank then carries the property on its books, and must either sell it at auction hoping to recoup some of the outstanding loan, or find a private buyer for the property. Most banks are not in the business of actually buying and selling property. There are also liability issues on bank-owned homes and maintaining the properties in a safe and secure manner is costly.
When entering into financial agreements with long-lasting consequences, it is a good idea to get advice from a real estate lawyer and a tax accountant. The decision to short sell should be weighed against all other options. One of the benefits to the homeowner will be the knowledge that he/she did everything possible to make a clean break in an untenable situation, and can walk away with some dignity and relief at leaving a bad situation.
The home buying and selling process can be an intense and difficult task. With so much information available online, many people think they can take on the task on their own without using the services of a real estate agent. The real estate market can be complicated if one does not have the knowledge and experience. The benefits of using the services of a real estate agent can make the process much simpler and less stressful.
The following outlines the many benefits of hiring a real estate agent:
1. Knowlege and Know-How: Purchasing a home is more than just submitting an offer. A real estate agent will have such knowledge as the community, neighborhoods, schools, road system, hospitals, shopping and supermarket locations …etc. They can also help you find a home that you can afford as well as offer advice on mortgages. They are knowledgeable about all that is involved when buying a home, such as the documentation required and the steps involved with the purchase. A real estate agent takes you through the process and minimizes the stress.
2. Time-Saver: If you are selling a home, a real estate agent can take over the tasks such as arranging for a showing as well as actually showing the home. If you are buying a home, the agent will arrange for viewing homes that will suit your needs instead of spending time looking at homes that do not serve your purpose.
3. Buying and Selling Price Assistance: Agents will know if a home that is being sold is worth the money. They will look at such aspects as home demand and supply, current market conditions, the location, the type of house, and if the details of the house such as the number of bedrooms, are appropriate for the asking price. They can also negotiate the price which could save you thousands of dollars. Agents have access to such information as the value of other homes in the area, average sale prices, and the number of days the home has been on the market.
4. Essential Contacts: A real estate agent may be able to recommend such professionals as a home inspector, Mortgage Company, a good attorney – etc. They have great contacts with those in the home sales market. They know reputations and can provide a number of choices so one can choose wisely.
5. Manage Documentation: The amount of paperwork involved with selling and buying a home can seem complicated and overwhelming to the novice. The Purchase papers can often be more than 10 pages. There are other papers such as such as federal and state disclosure forms. A real estate agent has the knowledge about all documentation involved with the sale process so that everything will be written up properly and legally.
6. Support: Because of the complex nature of the real estate process, you never know what questions you will have, but one thing for sure is that you will have questions. A real estate agent will answer every question from start to closing.
Real estate agents play a crucial rule in the home sale/purchase process. By hiring a real estate agent, one will save time, money, and reduce a great deal of stress. For any home buy/selling venture, a qualified real estate agent is a must-have.
The real estate industry is composed of a number of different professionals that perform specific functions during the sale and purchase process of a property or building. One such professional is the Real Estate Broker.
During the process of the real estate sale, both the seller and purchaser must be on the same page. The function of a real estate broker is to bring the purchaser and the seller of the real estate together to ensure a smooth transaction. The broker will find property sellers and match them with potential buyers. Their duties can include promoting the real estate to attract buyers, and work to sell or buy it for the best possible terms and the best price that satisfies both the seller and buyer. When working with buyers, they help secure the best possible price for the property.
Real estate brokers are normally required to have a special broker license before they can work as a real estate broker. There a few states where an attorney can work as a real estate broker without having a license. To be a real estate broker that requires a license, one will have to take a broker’s exam. Once licensed, a real estate broker can start their own real estate broker firm or work in an already existing firm. As well, they can hire real estate agents to work for their company.
It is important to check your particular state or province to find out the criteria to become a real estate broker. Types of services brokers can offer include: arranging for a sale, arranging for a purchase, marketing property, performing a comparative market analysis on the value of a property compared to others in the area, preparing the appropriate documents for a sale, providing consultations services, arranging for an auction of a particular property, preparing leases and contracts, and exchanging properties.
When working in a real estate agency, the broker will provide complete real estate services. The broker will sign an agreement with the buyer or seller which will include the amount they will receive which is usually in the form of commission. The agreement is an explanation of how the broker will represent the client and what it entails. In residential real estate sales, the broker will be a legal representative of their client. There are some cases where the broker will be representing both the buyer and seller, however, this becoming less common as many states prohibit dual representation.
One of the most exciting times in many people’s lives is the purchase of a home. It is a major life investment that must be handled with great care. Because the sales process can be complicated, it is highly recommended that one has a professional representing them throughout the sales process. Real Estate Brokers make the process much easier and quicker and they can help make sure you get a fair price. They understand the real estate industry and have helpful insight into how to get the best property at the best price.
