Selling or buying a home in uncertain times can be stressful. As an SFR® Realtor® who lost their home in the Great Recession, I know what the process is like on a very personal level. This is why, I earned my SFR, so I could help take the stress out of the distressed property process.
It appears as if the real estate market is in the news every day. With prices, inventory and interest rates in a constant state of flux, it takes both experience and knowledge to get things done right.
As a Realtor® who has earned their SFR® certification, I have the necessary tools to maneuver through the short sale and foreclosure processes. I have undergone comprehensive training to be the resource you are looking for. Plus I have years of experience selling and buying distressed homes.
If you are searching for a local specialist who has the training, knowledge and real world experience in short-sale & foreclosure properties, then look no further. I am here to help.
No sweet talk
No pressure
No games
With unexpected opportunities everywhere, now is the time to sell or buy.
A short sale is a property that is upside down, or another words, the homeowner owes more than the home is worth. Typically, the seller is experiencing a financial hardship of so kind and needs to sell their home as quickly as possible.
For a home seller, this type of sale can be very stressful. However, if they hired the right Realtor, much of the confusion and aggravation with the process will be eliminated almost right away. More good news is they will be allowed to stay in their home throughout the sales process and while a seller typically pays all real estate agent commissions & other closing costs, in a short sale the seller pays nothing.
For home buyers, a short sale can be a very affordable home buying option. However, since the bank determines the final sales price, the buying process is typically much longer and more complicated. It takes a buyer with strong resolve to purchase one of these homes but more often than not, their patience will be rewarded.
If you are finding yourself in a situation where your financial circumstances are becoming overwhelming and you don’t know where to begin, first take a deep breath and relax. This is a a very solvable issue but it takes a calm spirit to take the next steps. Your ability to make your home mortgage payments or you are no longer able to make the mortgage payments at all, you will be presented with a series of difficult options that will have an impact on your personal and financial life for years to come.
With unexpected opportunities everywhere, now is the time to sell. Sellers who think they are out of options can benefit from this dynamic real estate market. As a Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource (SFR®), I have the advanced knowledge and education in distressed property transactions. By evaluating an individual’s situation, I can recommend finance, tax, and legal specialists, suggest foreclosure avoidance assistance, alert homeowners of rescue scams, and explain the differences between a short sale and a foreclosure.
The home builder pays for my services, without increasing the sales price. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain! Allow me to share my experience and knowledge with you throughout the new homebuying process.
Most new homebuyers in the market today are looking for a production home. Also known as a tract home or spec home, production home builders are the homes most buyers think about when looking for a new home. These are the home builders who build neighborhoods of typically 100-200 homes in a short period of time. They own the land they are building typically 4-8 models at a time.
Depending on the builder, a home can have all or most of their options included with only minor changes allowed, like flooring. Other production builders specialize in giving you more control with a “semi-custom” feel, allowing to have more say in how the home is built. Either way, the earlier you are in the building process, the more choices you will have.
Custom homes are homes built on an individual plot of land (either owned by you or the home builder) for which a unique set of plans will be used. Semi-Custom homes are similar, but the builder already has a floorplan (or a few to choose from) and you may have the option of what finishes are in the home’s interior.
This type of building is typically more costly, time-consuming, and difficult. Not only do you need a reliable Realtor® to walk you through the process but the builder you choose will make a huge difference in the quality of your home build and its cost. This type of home building is not for everyone however, if you have the money saved up and an idea that just needs to be built, this could be your best option.
Most new homes, either production or (semi)custom, are more energy efficient than ever before. Knowing what improvements a home has and their true long-term value, can help save you thousands of dollars in potential energy costs now and in the future. By working with me as a designated NAR Green Realtor®, I will be able to provide you with access to real information on energy and home performance technology.
Benefits of a resource efficient home
How smart home technologies work
Which builders are the Greenest
Many of today’s new home homebuyers are demanding a home that offers at least some of the benefits of resource efficiency. Let me show you the benefits of each builder.
No Representation: The builder’s agent at NO time works for you
Most New Home Contracts: Say the builder is NOT liable for what their agents say
Quick Turn Times: Most builders want the contact signed in 24 hours or less
Self-Review: You must agree to a contract 100-200+ pages
No Advocate: If something goes wrong (& it happens), no one is looking out for you
Inspecting Construction: Requires a skilled set of eyes and advisors
Typically, a home’s layout and location, along with the price, are the biggest considerations when choosing a new home. However, in the High Desert, there are more new home builders than almost anywhere else in Southern California. With a lot of different builders to choose from, having an expert Realtor® in your corner matters more than ever before.
I am here to provide you with a customized approach to finding and building your new dream home. Whether you are buying a production or custom home, I will help guide you through the process, one step at a time. As your trusted Realtor®, with years of experience in buying and selling new homes, I will offer you the opportunity to complete a real estate transaction with the patience and professionalism you deserve & expect.
Once you have gone into a new home community they will no longer allow you to have your own representation. Even though using a Realtor® like myself, adds no additional cost to the sales price. The builder would prefer you to represent yourself.
Having a home loan in place that allows you to know how much home you qualify for, prior to visiting a new home community, is key to the homebuying process. If you are already approved for a home loan, you likely have all we need to start visiting new sites. Simply click here to schedule your no obligation 15 minute consultation to see if we are the right fit for each other.
However, if you have not yet been approved, it is imperative that you being the process of selecting the best financing for your situation. Once we know what type of loan is best, you can then know what kind of Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) that is needed for the job.
An FHA loan is a government-backed mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration. FHA home loans require lower minimum credit scores and down payments than many conventional loans. This makes FHA loan especially popular with homebuyers with limited funds for a down payment.
Limited Down Payment of 3.5% Required
No Prepayment Penalty
Non-Owner Cosigners Allowed
Flexible Credit Standards
FHA home loans typically have slightly higher interest rates than conventional mortgages and require Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) determined by the borrowers credit score and amount of money used in the down payment. FHA loans also allow for higher debt-to-income ratios and as mentioned above they have flexible credit guidelines. Qualifying for a FHA loan is not overly difficult however, it takes a certain skill set from a team of real estate professionals to assist anyone who is pushing their limits or has credit challenges.
FHA Eligibility Requirements
An Explanation of Mortgage Insurance
Debt To Income Requirements
Loan Limits Set for the County
Use the VA Benefits You Earned! For those who qualify, the VA loan program can be the best loan option. Backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA loans are designed to help active-duty military personnel, veterans and some others become homeowners at an affordable cost. VA homes loans have a more lenient credit guideline compared to traditional loans making it easier to qualify for a mortgage. This is a great loan option, especially for first-time homebuyers.
Limited Down Payment of 3.5% Required
No Prepayment Penalty
Non-Owner Cosigners Allowed
Flexible Credit Standards
VA home loans typically have lower interest rates than conventional mortgages, allow for higher debt-to-income ratios and as mentioned above they have flexible credit guidelines. Plus, VA loans do not require monthly private mortgage insurance. Qualifying for a VA loan is easier than you may think, however, it takes a certain skill set from a team of real estate professionals to assist anyone who isn’t at the tip of the spear.
VA Eligibility Requirements
Disability Waivers
Local BAH Rates Requirements
Debt To Income Requirements
Conventional mortgages (typically the interest rates you hear about on TV/radio) are the most common type of home loan financing. These types of home loans do not have any kind of government backing, like an FHA loan or VA loan, so they typically have more stringent credit requirements and financial standards.
Homebuyers with excellent credit and solid assets can often tap into the best interest rates and terms of a conventional loan. I suggest looking very closely at this loan when putting down a minimum of 20% of the purchase price. Anything less down, should require your careful consideration.
If you’re age 62 or older, you can receive money from your mortgage company by borrowing against the value of your home (your equity) through a reverse mortgage. Most reverse mortgages are insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), as part of its Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program.
Reverse mortgage home loans typically have no payment and depending on your situation could provide you with a monthly income. This loan can also be used to purchase both new and existing homes. All that is required is a larger down payment (typically 50%) and enough provable income to pay your on going expenses like utilities, taxes and insurance (some exceptions may apply). Qualifying for a Reverse Mortgage loan is not difficult however, it is a bit more complicated than a typical home loan. This type of loan requires a certain skill set from a team of real estate professionals who are VERY familiar with the process from start to finish.
A reverse mortgage can be a great loan for the right borrower so, it’s important to talk with a team of professionals to see if it’s the right loan for you. Both your Realtor® and Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) need to be on the same page and completely understand this type of loan to make your buying process a smooth and successful one.
By the way, I’m also a designated SRES®, Seniors Real Estate Specialist® who understands the needs of seniors and their needs at all stages of life.
Credit Score Not Required
Limited to NO Income Required
No Monthly Payment s
No Prepayment Penalty
Reverse Mortgage Eligibility Works
How to Decide if a Reverse Mortgage is Right for You
Buy A Home Using a Reverse Mortgage
Debt To Income Requirements
Using an energy efficient mortgage means living comfortable with more predictable energy costs. When buying a home, you can increase your comfort and savings by using an Energy Improvement Mortgage (EIM). Sometimes also referred to as an EEM, it is easy to use, federally recognized, and can be applied to most home mortgages, including FHA, VA and Conventional financing. EIMs provide the borrower with special benefits when purchasing a home that is energy efficient or can be made efficient through the installation of energy-saving improvements.
Homeowners with lower utility bills have more money in their pocket each month. Plus they potentially can reap a greater tax deduction for their old energy costs. (Talk with a tax professional for more details.)
When you do not have the cash on hand or would rather not spend it, an EIM/EEM mortgage can pay for energy-efficient improvements easily. Your Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) can adjust your maximum loan amount to cover many GREEN improvement costs. Monthly mortgage payments will increase slightly however, you will actually save money because your energy bills will be lower!
An energy-efficient mortgage can be a great loan for the right homebuyer so, it’s important to talk with a team of professionals to see if it’s the right loan for you. Both your Realtor® and Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) need to be on the same page and completely understand this type of loan to make your buying process a smooth and successful one.
By the way I’m also a designated NAR Green Realtor®, who understands the needs of energy efficient minded consumers looking to live a greener lifestyle.
Qualify for a larger loan amount with flexible debit-to-income requirements
Works for both NEW and RESALE homes
Available in FHA, VA, and Conventual loan options
No Private Mortgage Insurance
Increase the potential resale value of your home.
How it all works and what to ask your lender
How to obtain a home energy assessment from a Qualified Energy Assessor
How Energy-efficient homes can cost less to own than non-efficient homes
Having a home to sell when buying a new home can be complicated. If you don’t have the right Realtor® in your corner, you could end up without a place to live. It is imperative to know what’s happening in the current real estate market. Depending on the market conditions a builder may wait for you to sell your home or want your home sold before you start the process of buying their home. Knowing what to expect and having solutions ready will make a huge impact on your home buying experience.
With years of experience selling homes of every type, I have created a plan which will allow you to sell your home (GREEN or Traditional) quickly and at the best possible market price. To begin the process, I like having my home sellers start with a no obligation, automated market analysis. Just click here to get your instant automated report, using the same comparable homes, I will be considering, when doing your more Personal Equity Analysis Report.
The next step is what I like to call a Personal Equity Analysis Report (PEAR) and it is an amazing tool! I will personally tour your surrounding neighborhood and do a thorough walk of your home. I will be looking to find as much hidden value, inside and out, as possible which will include full consideration of your home’s current condition.
Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
A True Price Range Determined by Condition, Location & Access.
A Cash Offer Price if Requested
Seeing your home and its condition is only part of the process. It is essential that we have all of the information at our fingertips to know what we think your bottom line will be. After all, knowing how much equity you have, what the current market conditions are, and constant communication is key to determining a viable sales price.
Confirm Legal Ownership
Examine any Liens on the Property
Look for Judgements or Filed lis pendens
Current Property Tax Records
Look for any Tax Delinquencies
Look for any Pre-Foreclosure Filings
Determine Restriction(s) from Deed, HOA or Other
Understands the benefits of a GREEN home lifestyle
Will be patient and understanding throughout the process
Sees the hidden value often missed in buying/selling a home
Is aware of the local GREEN housing options & amenities available
Will provide useful resources and information throughout the entire process
Once your PEAR is completed and your are satisfied with the results, it is just a matter of preparing your home for sale, getting the marketing ready and authorizing a little paperwork. Although the process sounds (and is) complicated, a true professional Realtor® with their MRP certification will be able to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed and mission critical decision.
I know that whether you are buying or selling a home, time is not on your side with a PCS. The sooner we connect, the sooner you can get this part of the transfer started. When you are ready to schedule your no-obligation in-person Personal Equity Analysis Report (PEAR) click HERE to get started
There doesn't seem to be an automatic way to determine the price of your home. Can we create a personalized report just for you?
Please allow up to 48hrs for us to research and deliver your personal comprehensive analysis. If you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to give us a call or drop us a note.
If you’re in the market for a new home, check out these 11 tips on how to find the best possible real estate deals in your area.
If you’re seriously considering upsizing, it’s important that you’re well informed as to what the process involves. In this guide we dive into a few important things to consider before deciding to upsize into a new home.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
Client Name
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
Client Name
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
Client Name
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Bobby and Valicia Tate
Client Name
As your NAR Green Realtor®, I am here to help by tailoring everything to your needs. Do not be afraid to ask as many questions as you like when we talk. It is important that you are comfortable with me representing you in the process of buying and/or selling your home.
Schedule a one-on-one, no commitment, 15 min call/zoom meeting with one of our local real estate experts.
Create a custom tailored, step by step plan that focuses on YOUR needs and wants.
Decide if you want to hire us or do it on your own. Either way, you’ll have the winning plan.
Ready to get started ?
