Should my agent be doing this?

Whether selling or buying cheap homes is a main concern for you or not, you are inevitably going to have to deal with a real estate agent to help you either buy or sell the home. Therefore, you may as well make certain that you find a good real estate agent to help you in your buying or selling endeavor.

You should never find yourself in a position where you have to constantly ask yourself or other people, “Should my agent be doing this?!” What follows is a list of some of the things that your agent ought to be doing and some of the things that he or she should absolutely not be doing under any circumstances.

What your Agent Should Do:

1. Your Agent should possess good Credibility

What is good credibility in a real estate agent? Essentially, having a good amount of credibility entails that the agent ought to have at least some years of experience when it comes to working in the neighborhood in which you live or are looking to move to. The agent ought to have a wealth of experience in all sorts of markets; this really speaks to his or her credibility. In addition, you can also look into the professional background of the agent you are considering in order to determine for yourself if he or she really has a good amount of credibility.

2. Your Agent should have relevant Letters after his Name

To make sure that your real estate agent is certified and trustworthy (or at least to minimize the risk of him not being either), your agent ought to have specific letters after his name. The possibilities are the following: SRES, CLHMS, ABR, CRS and GRI. An SRES indicates a senior real estate specialist, who will have investigated the requirements of working with both elderly and retired clients. A CLHMS is a certified luxury home marketing specialist, which is actually a member of an elite bunch that focuses on the upper tier of the real estate market. An ABR, on the other hand, is an accredited buyer representative, who is familiar with the sophisticated methods of both negotiating and representing for all of their customers/clients. A CRS is a certified residential specialist, which is the most superior designation for any realtor. Just around five percent of all realtors have earned their way to this special type of designation. Finally, a GRI is a graduate from the Realtor’s Institute, and this kind of realtor will only have taken a few courses in advanced training for various types of real estate matters.

3. Your Agent should communicate well

Your agent should communicate well with you if you are to have a good, working relationship with him or her. Good communication from your realtor should include simple services, such as returning your e-mail quickly and returning your phone calls in an efficient manner, too. If your realtor cannot be bothered to return either promptly, then that realtor will likely neglect other, equally important things down the road. If your agent has an assistant, then that can go a long way toward helping with good communication.

4. Your Agent should show you many listings of homes in your price range

It's your realtor's job to show you home listings to find the perfect home for you. Real estate agents can use their own systems, or place their real estate listings on sites such as RealtyStore.com.

What Your Agent Should NOT Be Doing:

1. Your Agent should not have a Lack of Education

While no state in the U.S. actually obligates a realtor to have a college degree, it is still important that your realtor undergoes continuing education. You see, if your realtor is a fellow who barely has the minimum education required to be a realtor, then he is either just brand-new to the game, or he is not dedicated to keeping his knowledge current with respect to the real estate market. Either way you cut it, a realtor who does not have enough education is one who will not be able to serve your buying or selling needs effectively.

2. Your Agent should not ignore your Needs

Simply put, your agent must not ignore your very real real-estate needs. For one, you have a specific budget that you have to follow when searching for properties; some properties are just going to be outside your budget. Technically speaking, a realtor's interest lies in getting you to buy the most expensive type of property out there since his or her commission will be based upon just how much you end up spending. However, if your realtor keeps showing you homes that are consistently outside of your budget, then that is ignoring your needs, which should not happen.

3. Your Agent should not work part-time

There are actually part-time and full-time real estate agents, but the level of quality with each kind is like night and day. You see, a part-time realtor will simply not give you the concentration and the dedication that you deserve for when you want to buy or sell a home. If a realtor works full-time, you can easily tell that he or she is dedicated to the profession because it is the main source of income for him or her.

Instead of asking yourself if your agent should be doing this, just refer to the above list for the definitive answers to that questions. Whether you are buying cheap homes or not, a good real estate agent will not neglect you or your needs.

You can find a reliable, trustworthy real estate agent on the RealtyStore.com real estate agents network.

Buyers Find Rent to Own Homes in San Diego an Appealing Option

Places like RealtyStore.com are showing that there is a good inventory of rent to own homes in San Diego. Not only are homes readily available for buyers, but buyers are finding this area an appealing place to relocate for many reasons. While some may think that it’s the nice beaches and mild weather that is so attractive, the reason this area is so appealing goes far beyond the wonderful climate found in the city.

Smart Buyers Focus on the Economy

Currently, the economy is extremely important to those interest in a rent to own apartment, home or homes for sale. With much of the country in economic chaos, finding an area with a growing economy is difficult. However, San Diego does offer buys an economy that is growing, despite hard times throughout the country. Job opportunities are available and the job market is only expected to grow. This is important to many considering rent to own homes in San Diego, especially with much of the country experiencing high unemployment rates.

Low Real Estate Prices

San Diego is attractive to smart buyers due to the lower real estate prices that are now available in the area. At one point in time, prices soared. However, prices have been beginning to get lower over the past few years, offering home buyers and renters better deals in the area. These lower prices and a surplus of homes offer buyers a nice buyer’s market. The market also has options available in various price ranges, making it easy for every individual to find the options they are looking for in the city.

Of course, these are only a couple of the reasons buyers are finding rent-to-own homes in San Diego an appealing option. A good standard of living, great educational system and wonderful climate also attract home buyers and renters.

3 Facts that Make Rent to Own Homes in Reno NV a Unique Opportunity

When looking for homes rent to own, one area to consider looking is in Reno, Nevada. Reno is a special city that has a rich history and much to over those who decide to live in the area. For those that are unfamiliar with what makes this city unique, here are three interesting facts that make living in Reno a unique opportunity.

Many Educational Options for Students

First, Reno offers many educational options for students, which is a fact that many parents can appreciate. With excellent public schools, several private schools and a host of charter schools available, parents can make the educational decision that works best for their children. For families, all the educational options definitely make rent to own homes in Reno NV an excellent opportunity for their children.

Short Commute Times

Another interesting fact about Reno is that the average commute time is only 22 minutes. This is shorter than the national average commute time. Shorter commutes offer the unique opportunity for workers to enjoy more time with friends and family members, since they don’t spend as much time commuting back and forth to work. In a time when gas prices are very high, shorter commutes also save money.

Excellent Culture and Recreation Opportunities

Last, Reno also offers excellent culture and recreation opportunities. When it comes to culture, residents can enjoy the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, the Nevada Museum of Art, the Pioneer Center for Performing Arts and more. Various recreation activities are available to those that choose rent to own homes in Reno NV as well. Just a few activities include snowboarding, skiing, windsurfing, biking and snowmobiling. All the unique culture and recreation opportunities make the area a unique option for those interested in relocating.

Pros and Cons of Houses for Rent in Cleveland TN

If you’re considering houses for rent by owner, Cleveland, Tennessee has become a popular place for homebuyers. Of course, before deciding to go with houses for rent in Cleveland TN, it’s always a good idea to carefully consider the area and all the pros and cons it has to offer. Here is a look at a few of the pros and cons to consider if you plan to rent a home in Cleveland.

The Pros

One of the main pros to choosing houses for rent in Cleveland TN is that the city is continuing to grow in a time when many cities are losing ground. The population is growing and industry is going strong within the city, making it an excellent area for relocation. Another pro is the potential for finding jobs, since the unemployment rate is lower than many areas across the country. Low cost of living and reasonable rental rates also benefit those who want to buy or rent in the area, as do low property taxes.

The Cons

Of course, Cleveland also has a few cons to consider as well. One of the main cons to choosing houses for rent in Cleveland TN is the crime rate. Certain types are crime are higher than the national average, although it’s important to note that crimes like murder and auto theft are lower than in many other cities. Although the area offers schools that provide reasonable classroom sizes, less money is spent per student than the national average, which is something parents must consider before moving to the area.

Buyers Flock to Lease Purchase Homes in GA

The state of Georgia already has a population of over 9.8 million, so it’s interesting to note that buyers are flocking to the lease purchase homes in GA. Many properties can be found on the real estate marketing in Georgia and while foreclosures, HUD homes and other options can be found, rent to own homes have become quite popular. In many cases, the strict lending requirements across the country have spurred many homebuyers to go with the rent to own options.

Another reason that buyers are flocking to lease purchase homes in GA is the reasonable prices available in the state. Most of the rent to own homes sell for between $60,000 to $180,000, which is quite reasonable. In some cases, it’s possible to find even cheaper options available in the state. Home values and prices have fallen significantly, making it a good time for homebuyers to purchase in the area.

The recent decline in unemployment also has been drawing homebuyers looking for "lease purchase" homes in GA. In October, the state saw a sizeable increase in jobs and the increase from September 2012 to October 2012 was one of the biggest increases in jobs ever seen within the state. With more new jobs being added, it promises a more secure future for those looking for good jobs and a stable economy.

Of course, you can’t overlook the climate and topography of the state of Georgia either. The state offers mountains, coastal plains and more, providing a diverse topography that is attractive to buyers. The humid subtropical climate is also attractive to homebuyers that prefer warm temperatures and mild winters. These offer just a couple more reasons that buyers are so attracted to lease purchase homes in GA.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Help HUD Homes Owners Impacted By Hurricane Sandy

Hurricane Sandy cut a large swath out of the East Coast as it hit the nation on October 29, 2012, and it left a lot of people scrambling to either find new homes or making repairs to those that made it through the storm.

The federal government is doing everything it can to help people through this tough time. Part of that assistance comes from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These two government backed lenders have put a moratorium on foreclosures and in some cases allowed borrowers to reduce or forego their mortgage payments for as long as 90 days.

Families that were forced to leave their homes due to the threatening storm are relieved to hear this news as they set about rebuilding. Whether that relief comes in the form of temporarily relaxed mortgage terms, or it is about helping them buy HUD homes for sale, the government is taking charge of encouraging lenders to help them out.

RealtyStore.com has a Guide to HUD Homes that will help potential home buyers in the process of purchasing HUD homes. Of course, there is always the opportunity to locate the perfect HUD home by visiting this site because HUD already has an inventory of homes that are vacant and those that have been returned to them through foreclosure.

Whether you are looking for a HUD home to buy, or trying to hold onto the one you already have, working with the folks at Housing and Urban Development can help you realize your dreams.

HUD Homes Are Becoming A Good Bargain For Homebuyers And Investors

Have you considered HUD homes?

The department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) are currently working to avoid deepening the still ongoing nationwide foreclosure crisis and to assist the recovery of the US housing sector. The two federal agencies have begun a new initiative as part of a government program known as DASP (Distressed Asset Stabilization Program), which is intended to make it easier for investors to purchase pools of mortgages which are currently in default and are headed into the foreclosure process as well as individual properties which are at risk of foreclosure.

The program is targeted towards stabilizing neighborhoods in areas which have been hit especially hard by the foreclosure crisis by offering HUD homes for sale at accessible prices before they even reach publically available foreclosure listings. Prospective homebuyers and real estate investors alike who are interested in purchasing homes in the Chicago, IL, Newark, NJ, Tampa, FL and Phoenix, AZ areas will find literally thousands of distressed mortgage loans for sale – but for those interested in buying a home as a new residence, there are other places to search as well.

Websites like RealtyStore.com offer homebuyers as well as investors a convenient online source for finding HUD homes and an extensive database of foreclosure listings nationwide. While major real estate markets like the Chicago, New York City (including Newark), Phoenix and Tampa metropolitan areas will be convenient for many prospective homebuyers, Realty Store’s foreclosure listings and selection of HUD homes provide many other options in every part of the country.

Whether you’re interested in purchasing distressed assets like mortgage loans in default or buying a new home to move into yourself, there are many opportunities which have been created by the slump in the housing market. Investors may want to look at the possibility of generating a recurring income by becoming the servicer of distressed mortgages while at the same time helping to stabilize neighborhoods and communities battered by the foreclosure crisis. Homebuyers, of course, can purchase a home at near-record low prices, even as the housing market begins to pick up steam. In short, there have been few better times in recent memory to purchase a home, whether as a residence or as an investment and the best way to begin your search is to look at foreclosure listings and HUD homes covered by the federal Distressed Asset Stabilization Program.

Why Rent To Own Is So Popular in Housing Today

Many people have a dream of owning their own home. For those with less than perfect credit, trying to see that dream through to fruition may be more like a nightmare. One way in which they are able to realize the dream are lease options or rent-to-own homes. To the long term renter, the lease option is much like going through the process of closing. Personal financial problems such as poor or no credit, a history of a foreclosure, the loss or displacement from a job can make it very difficult to get their home loan approved.

Bloomberg reports from recent months show that more than sixty percent of the current housing market in the United States is owned by major banks or mortgage subsidiaries. Add to that the loss of home values which is currently estimated to be about 30 percent plus, and it will explain the vast array of lease applications that companies are receiving. According to John Hogue, who is a consultant for Rest Easy Home Solutions, “The housing market is going through a sharp decline and the data that we have witnessed in news reports backs up the theory of more people turning to renting instead of buying." The problem is that many of them are not in a position to pay a down payment or to achieve financing currently.

When the rent-to-own option or the lease option enters the picture there are far better chances that these people will be able to attain a home to buy since part of their payment goes toward future ownership of the home. With part of each monthly payment set aside toward the down payment on the home, even those with income problems or a history of credit issues have the chance to achieve the home ownership dream.

How to Avoid a Rent to Own Scam

Beware of a rent to own scam. Such scams are growing in popularity and they are designed to steal your money.

The concept of rent to own is a great idea, especially if you're trying to be a homeowner again after foreclosure. You would move into a home for an agreed upon monthly rental amount for a specific lease period. At the end of the lease, you have the option of buying the home with the monthly rent being considered a down payment. While many rent to own ventures are legitimate, there are some that can be deemed outright scams. In order to avoid being taken over by such a rent to own scam, it is well advised to be on the lookout for these scams.

The way a rent to own scam works is that the “landlord” will research listings for foreclosed homes that have been vacated for many months or even years. Since the home has not sold for a long time, they assume (often rightly) that it won’t be sold be many more months. Such homes become neglected and nearly forgotten. The rent to own scam players will literally break into the home, change the locks, and then place an advertisement online for renting to own the property. Anyone that takes advantage of the “offer” moves into a home and pays rent to someone that does not own it. In time, the renter is discovered and evicted. Obviously, the rent to own agreement is not honored.

To avoid falling into such a trap, it is best to look for a few common red flags identifying a rent to own scam.

Many of these advertisements are merely cut and pastes of other ads. Run a search of the advertising copy online to see if duplicate content turns up. If it does then you may have a scam on your hands.

Very cheap rental rates are not always a good deal. Frequently, they are signs of a possible rent to own scam. Be wary of rental prices that just seem unrealistically low.

Does the ad list a landline number? Commonly, the phone number listed in the ad is a cell phone. Worse yet, the cell phone might be a “pay as you go phone” that was is being operated under an assumed name. Unless you can confirm a landline number, you have to take the ad somewhat suspiciously. In some instances, communications is solely through email which is among the reddest of rent to own scam red flags imaginable.

If you are shown the home and it looks as if the locks on the doors have been tampered with or the condition of the home looks if it has not been lived in or abandoned, it may be a foreclosure and not a home that someone is currently living in. Once again, a rent to own scam often involves foreclosed property.

There are even advance payment rent to own scam ventures that are launched. Such scams revolve around asking for a down payment to be wired as a deposit on first month’s rent. Such wire requests are made by people that are out of the country and have never even set foot in the home. Worse yet, the would be renter has never seen the home. He or she is only going on photos provided to them via the internet. Really, paying anyone in this manner and under such dubious circumstances truly is asking for being scammed.

Performing a little due diligence is highly advised as well. If you are given the name of the rental service, you should look it up on the Better Business Bureau’s website. This way, you can determine if any complaints have been registered about the company in the past. Checking with the National Association of Realtors is a wise strategy since it is an excellent resource to determine background info on reputable companies while also being able to avoid a rent to own scam.

If you really want to avoid a rent to own scam, you should search for rent to own homes on RealtyStore.com. This site is one of the top rent to own directories and its listings are legitimate. Anyone even remotely considering renting to own should visit the site prior to making any decisions on a lease option agreement.

How Short Sales Can Be Risky

The number of houses available as a short sale has increased in the last few years in the United States of America. As is obvious, this means that there are a lot of potential homebuyers who are choosing to go for homes available on short sale as well. The big question then is if all the people who are choosing to go for short sales are making a good choice.

From certain viewpoints short sales are actually risky for the potential home buyer.

1. Short sale deals can take a considerable amount of time to finalize because banks need to approve offers. The time that a lender can take to close a short sale deal can be anything between three months to seven months. This delay can result in the potential home buyer losing out on other options.

2. With short sale deals, many lenders require the potential buyers to pay for appraisals and invest in repairs before the deal is finalized. This can result in this money being lost.

While the above mentioned and many other flaws of short sale deals exist, the fact is that the amount of money that an individual can save by choosing short sale offers or even bank foreclosures compared to regular MLS homes is well worth these minor inconveniences.

HUD Secretary at Versailles court (in Florida)

“Risk? What’s Risk?” This response from David Siegel after receiving the strategy board game Risk, could be applied to a wider area of his life. Mr. Siegel is owner of Westgate Resorts, a vacation timeshare company. His company made him very rich and he wanted to display that opulence in a new home in Orlando, Florida.

It was to be modeled after the palace of King Louis XIV-Versailles. It was to be 90,000 square feet, cost $100 million, and become the largest home in America. Obviously, no one would term this affordable housing.

Prior to the 2007-8 housing crisis and recession Siegel and his company were flying high; selling timeshares to a wide variety of people, often getting them to overextend themselves to pay for it.

Expecting his good fortune to continue, Siegel overleveraged himself in the construction of Orlando Versailles. Now he joins the ranks of so many Americans, trying to save his dream from foreclosure.

Add into this ironic mix Shaun Donovan, Secretary of HUD. He and several of his HUD homes staffers attended the premiere of “Queen of Versailles” a documentary of the travails of building the edifice. Mr. Donovan then spoke to the audience, reminding them that it was a representation of what has been happening across the country, the only difference was scale. Affordable housing and home ownership continue to be the American dream, and HUD homes continues to work to provide it.

Data Interpretation Makes the Difference

Surveys can be deceiving. How the reader interprets the survey makes all the difference in the world. Recently the Sun Sentinel ranked 20 real estate markets as the 10 best and 10 worst places to purchase. This brings up the question of whether a survey should dictate the decision to purchase. Ten cities received the worst ranking from real estate agents in the 2012 ActiveRain Survey.

The survey may be deceiving if you’re living in one of the cities ranked worst and this survey may just aid those new homebuyers looking for a bargain. The survey doesn't account for foreclosure listings that provide cheap homes for shoppers. Nor does it account for improvement in the market and the potential for a turn around.

Two of the qualifications for making the worst list include high unemployment and difficulty getting financing. For those looking for a home in the area who have a secure job and good credit, the low ranking could spell a bonus allowing these purchasers to secure a home at an even lower price.

When purchasers could easily access mortgage money, the price of homes skyrocketed. That’s because everyone could qualify as a homebuyer. Now, particularly in the worst ranked cities, mortgage money is hard to acquire. Every prospective homeowner with good credit and stable income should now yell “Halleluiah.” In addition, the cities are ripe with foreclosure listings, also lowering the price of homes. These cities and others across America, now hold great potential easy access to a home at bargain basement prices and cheap homes is what everyone wants.

College Towns offer Attractive Real Estate Investments

Cheap homes in attractive areas have never been more prominent. Why not choose an area where long-term benefits or possibly retirement is an option? Statistics show that more and more baby boomers are looking to college towns, and foreclosure listings, as a permanent residence.

Looking for investments for future security is another reason to search foreclosure listings that can be rented out to college students or keeping and fixing up for like minded retirees. If renting is not your style, you can also find cheap homes to flip for a great profit. Old buildings and bare land are other ways to begin with your college town investment.

Before embarking on your search for cheap homes, check out the area first. Secondly, do your homework on the stability of the university and make sure they will be around for awhile. Small towns or prominent colleges with regular high enrollments are the best atmosphere for people looking for quality housing.

Discuss your options with a qualified real estate agent in the area after putting your finances in order. A sizable down payment and good credit will give you the opportunity to bargain. A seasoned realtor may also know of cheap homes or foreclosure listings about to hit the market, saving you both lots of time and effort.

College towns offer less fluctuation in housing. There will always be students looking for off-campus living, members of faculty and other college related residents that are interested in attractive, nearby housing. You may even have a child of your own that needs a place to live when going off to college. Making your investment move at this time can give you time to consider which investment direction to take once your child has moved on.