For most people, the prospect of selling their home can be positively daunting. First of all, there are usually plenty of things to do just to get it ready for the market. Besides the traditional clean-up, paint-up, fix-up chores that invariably wind up costing more than you planned, there are always the overriding concerns about how much the market will bear and how much you will eventually wind up selling it for.

Will you get your asking price, or will you have to drop your price to make the deal? After all, your home is a major investment, no doubt a rather large one, so when it comes to selling it you want to get your highest possible return. Yet in spite of everyone’s desire to get the top dollar for their property, most people are extremely unsure as to how to go about getting it. However, some savvy sellers have long known a little financial technique that has helped them to get top dollar for their property. In fact, on some rare occasions, they have even sold their properties for more than they were worth using this powerful financing tool. Although that might be the exception rather than the rule, you can certainly use this technique to get the most money possible when selling your property.

Seller carry-back, or take-back financing, has proven to be a surefire technique for closing deals. Even though most people do not think about when it comes to selling a property, they really should consider using it. According to the Federal Reserve, there are currently over 100 Billion dollars of seller carry-back (seller take-back) loans in existence. By any standard, that is a lot of money. But most importantly, it is also a very clear indication that more people are starting to use seller take-back financing techniques because it offers many financial benefits to both sellers and buyers. Basically, seller take-back financing is a relatively simple concept. A seller-take back loan is created when a property is sold and the seller performs like a lender by assisting in financing all or part of the total transaction. In effect, the seller is actually lending the buyer a certain amount of money toward the purchase price, while a traditional mortgage company usually funds the balance of the purchase price. A seller take-back loan is secured with the property. The loan then becomes the primary mortgage and is fully secured by the property. In most seller take-back financing transactions, the buyer repays the seller with interest in accordance to mutually agreed terms over a period of time. Usually, the terms call for the buyer to send the payments, consisting of principal and interest, on a monthly basis. This is advantageous because it creates a steady monthly cash flow for the note holder. And if the note holder decides to cash out, he or she can always sell the note for a lump sum cash payment.

Regardless of market conditions, seller take-back financing makes sound financial sense; whereas, it provides both buyer and seller with flexible financing options, makes the property easier to sell at higher price and shortens the sales cycle. It also has the added advantage of being an excellent investment that generates a steady cash flow and high return. If you ever need immediate cash, you can always sell the note through our office. If you are planning to sell a property, then consider the many benefits of seller take-back financing.

_{»crosslinked«}

Are you interested in profiting from the growing number of mortgage borrowers who cannot pay their bills? If so, don’t only examine foreclosures, but short sales too. Short sale properties are ones that will enter into foreclosure soon. Before that happens, mortgage lenders agree to sell the property for less than the outstanding mortgage due. They do this to move the process along, get a percentage of their money right away, and avoid costly and lengthy foreclosure proceedings.

Short sales are a great way to buy a cheap first home or turn a profit with flipping, but are they right for everyone? Not always. Like any other money making opportunity, the buying and reselling of short sale properties does have its pros and cons. So, what are they?

The Pros

You should get a good value for your money. Since short sales involve selling a property for less than the outstanding amount due on the mortgage, there is the potential to get a good value for your money. In dire circumstances, the home’s appraised value is not considered, just the amount the lender will lose through foreclosure.

Can be less intimidating. If you want to buy an affordable property or a property to flip, your two cheapest options are foreclosures and short sales. Unfortunately, if you are new to the business, foreclosures can be intimidating. This is particularly true with foreclosure auctions. They are often jam packed full of professional investors and the auctions move at a fast pace. On the other hand, short sales involve dealing directly with a mortgage lender, real estate agent, or both.

You can turn a profit. The best chance of profiting from short sales is with flipping. You buy a property, make improvements, and resell for a profit. To make a profit, you need to spend a little as possible.

The Cons

You may not get the best price. As previously stated, short sales are a good value for the money. With that said, you may still pay a lot for a property. It is important to look at the big picture. Consider the home’s appraised value. Say it is $450,000 and the borrowers still owe $300,000, and you are able to acquire the property for $275,000. $275,000 is a lot of money to pay for a home, but remember its $450,000 value. Although you pay a lot, it is a great value for the money.

Short sales do take time. Mortgage lenders have the final say in short sale approval. Unfortunately, some drag their feet. This is common when a property has two mortgages and by two different lenders. Both must agree to a short sale. The longest decision will be from the second mortgage company, as they are shorted. Some short sale buyers have waited as long as six months to receive a response. If you cannot or do not want to wait that long, apply pressure after a few weeks or month. State you are interested in the property, but losing interest. Request a decision in two weeks or else withdraw your acquire offer.

The short sale deal can fall apart. As with other real estate sales, the deal can fall apart. This is why most lenders take their time accepting an offer. They review the home’s appraised value and estimate how much they can get from a lender owned home or a foreclosure auction. Borrowers also have up to the final closing stages to make good on their outstanding mortgage. So, if a lender receives a better offer or if the borrower comes into the money, the deal can fall apart at the last minute.

Do you want to profit from the real estate market? Now, it is a buyers market. Many borrowers are unable to afford their mortgages. This is often due to job loss, poor financial choices, and adjustable rate mortgages. Foreclosures are happening at a record rate. Unfortunately, foreclosure proceedings are not a walk in the park. They are lengthy and costly for mortgage lenders and embarrassing for mortgage borrowers. For that reason, many are now opting for short sales.

If you are new to buying real estate and want to profit from buying and reselling or buy a cheap first home, please continue reading on a for a helpful list of dos and don’ts for foreclosure short sales.

DO know what short sales are. You cannot profit from foreclosure short sales if you are unfamiliar with them. Short sales involve selling a property for less than the outstanding mortgage amount. For example, if a borrower owes $80,000 on the home, the lender may accept around $70,000 or less. In dire circumstances, the home’s original value may not even be considered. So, that $70,000 may buy you a $125,000 home.

DON’T just focus on foreclosures. First-time homebuyers and new investors make the mistake of focusing only on foreclosures. Yes, they are your best chance of getting a great deal. With that said, remember they are not a walk in the park. Foreclosure proceedings take months or even years. At foreclosure auctions, there is a lot of competition, which comes from experts in investing and real estate. Then, you may be left with home occupants who refuse to leave. Short sales eliminate this problem. Mortgage lenders and borrowers reach the decision together.

DO actively search for short sale properties. Unlike foreclosures, information on short sales will not just arrive at your doorstep. Short sale properties are sold either through lenders or professional real estate agents. It is easier to spot a lender sold foreclosure. Lenders are not real estate agents. They are either selling a short sale or a real estate owned (REO) property, either way you can get a good deal. real estate agents may not outright state they are selling a short sale property, but they tend to drop hints. Look for low priced properties or listing with the phrases “lender approval needed,” or “pre foreclosure.”

DON’T fall victim to short sales for underwater homes. As previously stated, short sales involve selling a home for less than the outstanding mortgage due. This should result in a good deal, but not always. Due to depreciating home values, many borrowers are finding themselves underwater. This means they owe more than the home is worth. A typical short sale aims for less than the mortgage. With underwater homes, the selling price may be more than the home’s fair market value.

DO the research first. As previously mentioned, short sales for underwater homes aren’t a steal. In fact, you can lose money. To prevent this from happening, do the research first. In fact, real estate buyers should always research. The home’s last appraised value is public record. Find it. Remember, you want a good deal so make sure you are paying less.

DON’T wait forever. Some lenders drag their feet with short sales. This is often when a third party investor, such as Wall Street, is involved. Some buyers are on record as saying it takes months on end to receive a response to a acquire offer. Don’t wait. This increases your competition, which may drive up the price.

DO push for an answer. So, you made a buy offer on a short sale property, but are still waiting for a lender response two months later. What should you do? Of course, you can give up, but push. Contact the lender directly or the real estate agent in charge of the sale. State you want the property, but are quickly losing interest. Plainly state you want an answer in two weeks or else you will withdraw your acquire offer and look elsewhere. This should do the trick. In fact, a response may come immediately.

In short, foreclosure short sales are good opportunity for first-time homeowners on a budget or first-time investors looking to turn a profit. Regardless of which type of buyer you are, do not discount short sales, but do the research first.

With the current state of the economy and the real estate market, many individuals are holding off on purchasing a home. On the other hand, you will see that professional investors are buying up properties as soon as they hit the real estate market. These properties are either foreclosures or short sales. Why do they do this? Because they are able to make a profit.

If you want to become a first-time investor, target short sales. Why?

1 – It Is a Great Starting Point

As previously stated, professional investors are buying foreclosed properties and often in large amounts. As a first-time investor, you may find foreclosure auctions to be intimidating. You are in a room with hundreds of foreclosed properties for sale, but also hundreds of experts in the field of investing and real estate. To get started, try foreclosure short sales. It is less intimating.

With foreclosure short sales, you deal directly with a real estate agent or the mortgage lender. Yes, others may be competing for the same home or property, but you will not have to meet with them face to face or go through a rigorous and fast-paced auction.

2 – You Get a Good Deal

Short sales are a foreclosure alterative. Foreclosures appear on credit ratings for at least 7 years and most borrowers later find themselves declaring bankruptcy. So, they suggest a short sale to the lender. The lender will usually agree to a short sale once the borrower has reached the point of no return. They cannot pay their mortgage and foreclosure will happen. For mortgage lenders, foreclosure proceedings are long, full of hassle, and costly. They want to avoid the process just as much as the borrowers.

As for how you get a good deal, a short sale involves selling a property for less than the outstanding mortgage due. For example, if a home is valued at $125,000, the outstanding mortgage is $100,000, you could expect to pay around $80,000 or less. Your goal is to pay as little as possible, but you still profit when the short sale price is significantly lower than the home’s appraised or fair market value.

3 – Bargaining Power

As previously stated, you want to pay as little as possible for a short sale property. This is how you make a profit. Many lenders want to unload the property as quickly as possible, even if it means losing money. Their view is “at lest we get some and the property is not our problem anymore.” On the other hand, you will find lenders and real estate agents who try to sell the home at fair market value. If you know the home is a short sale property or in pre foreclosure stages, bargain. You have nothing to lose and you may get a better deal.

4 – The Many Ways You Can Profit

As an investor, the goal is to make money. You invest money into a short sale property and use it to turn a profit. There are many ways do so. The easiest and quickest approach is to buy a short sale property, turn around and sell it. Your next option is to improve the home by making needed repairs or valuable upgrades. This should improve the home’s attractiveness to buyers, increase its value, and your profits. Your third option is to rent the property. Even single-family homes can be rented for a profit. Unless you have experienced in the rental industry or purchased a home for dirt cheap, this option is not recommended as it could take years before you see any money.

5 – The Profit You Do Make

As previously stated, investors have multiple ways in which they can profit from short sale properties. How much you make will depend on a number of factors. These include the home’s fair market value, the amount you paid, whether repairs were made, the resell price, or the rental rate. The good news is the different options give you complete control over home much money you make with short sales, how, and when.

If you own and rent just one piece of property you are consider a landlord. property owners have the potential to make money and a lot of it, especially when the right cards are played. Are you making money now from your rental properties? Would you like to make more? You can with foreclosure short sales.

Short sales are an alternative to foreclosure. The decision to offer the property in the form of a short sale is made by both the borrower and the lender. Everyone needs to be in agreement because less than the outstanding mortgage amount is sought. For example, if a borrower owes $20,000 on a $45,000 home, the property may be listed for sale at $15,000. Some lenders try to get as much of their money as possible, while others want to unload the property as quickly as possible. This means there is always the potential to make money.

So, why should you, as a landlord, closely examine foreclosure short sales?

1 – Wide Range of properties to Choose From

The poor economy has everyone in a pinch. With a high rate of unemployment and a troubling economy, many homeowners are unable to make their mortgage payments. Soon their debt is spinning out of control.

Right now, you may be running a profitable rental business, but not all landlords are. Due to non-paying tenants, empty units, and poor financial choices, some landlords are finding themselves in or nearing foreclosure.

This means you will find a wide range of properties for sale in the pre foreclosure stages, often available as short sale properties. All of these properties, including single-family homes, can be purchased, renovated, and rented.

2 – Get a Good Deal

As previously stated, short sales are alternatives to foreclosure. They involve selling a property for less than the outstanding mortgage amount due. Why do borrowers and lenders agree to short sales? Because it is much better than foreclosure. Borrowers do not suffer damaging consequences to their credit and most are able to avoid bankruptcy. Mortgage lenders get their money faster, even though they do accept a lower amount. They also avoid lengthy and costly foreclosure proceedings.

Since both mortgage lenders and borrowers are willing to accept less money for the home, there is the potential to get a good deal. By looking in the right places and bargaining with all lenders directly, you can get an amazing deal on any type of property.

foreclosure short sales often result in a good deal, but always proceed with caution. homes do depreciate in value in a poor market. Ensure the short sale price is significantly below the home’s appraised value.

3 – Easy to Turn a Profit

Most buyers of foreclosure short sale properties are first time homeowners or investors. These investors buy a home and resell it. You do have this option, but use your experience as a landlord to make a profit. Consider the long-term aspect. By finding a low-priced short sale property, you can turn a profit in no time at all. For example, if you are able to purchase a 2-family home for $20,000 and rent out those two rental units for $800 a month each, the rental units pay for themselves in just 13 months. After that, you profit.

4 – Easy Way to Expand Rental properties

If you are a successful landlord who is already making a profit or in good financial standing due to your rental properties, you may want more. Unfortunately, the poor real estate market makes that difficult. Many homeowners try to sell their home as soon as they notice a problem. They know that foreclosure may be months away. Unfortunately, most of these property owners have unrealistic expectations. They not only want to get out from their current mortgage, but make a profit. In most cases, that will not happen. You and all buyers know, the less you spend the more money you make.

For landlords, foreclosure short sales are an easy and affordable way to expand a rental property business.

5 – Bargaining Power

If you are like most Americans, you may need financing to purchase a short sale property. Since you are an established landlord, you are at an advantage. Not only should you have decent credit and adequate cash flow, but you have bargaining power. Not only approach lenders about buying a short sale property, but financing the mortgage directly through them! This is a win win situation. Sell yourself. You have experience buying properties, making repairs, finding quality tenants, and paying your bills on time. Remember, mortgage lenders want to avoid foreclosure proceedings at all costs. This leaves you with the power to bargain.