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foreclosureIt seems like I just can't get away from the F word.

It's in newspapers, on television, talked about in the line at Starbucks.

What can we do to stop the F word?

For those of you that may be getting scared at this point, I'm talking about Foreclosures!

Foreclosures are on the rise in many places all over the nation.  How can we reduce the numbers and prevent more in the future.

Just like everything else in Real Estate, Disclosure and Educating your clients can prevent many mishaps. 

As a Real Estate Professional, there are a few things that I recommend to my buyers to help make sure they have a great future.

  • Make sure the lender has included Principal and Interest in their estimated payment
  • Make sure my clients get an estimate on utility bills for the home that they would like to put an offer on
  • Make sure my clients get an estimated payment with the appropriate Property Tax Rate and Homeowners Insurance included

If you are considering buying a home, sit down and go through all of your finances to see what exactly you can handle. In the end, you are the only one who knows.

Don't start with price, start with what you need.  Generally, clients come in and say they want to look between a certain price point.  Try starting with square footage or number of bedrooms.  You might find something for less that will save you all the way around.  Bigger isn't always better.

Take into consideration that the market fluctuates.  If you get a job transfer next year, will you be set to move?

Take into consideration that the job market changes.  If you had to change jobs, would you be set until you find another one?

American DreamTake into consideration everything.  

Buy a home and Live the American Dream of homeownership! 

But most importantly, use you Realtor to guide you to make a great decision! 

We would all like to see one less F word.

 
This post has been included in Texas Real Estate News

12 Comments on Please...Stop the F Word!

MAY
18
2007
880,152 Points 210 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master
Great attention getter!  Anyway, I just got a call from a lead generating service for foreclosures....And .....they're all at market value here anyway.
9:32pm • #1
200,475 Points 57 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Same here.  Actually I find them overpriced many times.  Thanks Sally!  Just got back online.
9:33pm • #2
361,789 Points 18 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp
Stephanie - "F" abulous post - great title to draw us in to great article!  
9:34pm • #3
2 Featured Posts
Hi Stephanie - so true.  I am absolutely passionate about helping people make good financial decisions in purchasing a home.  I often tell people to reconsider whether they really want to be "maxed out" on their house.   I bet you meant to include the home insurance as a cost that you talk about.  Sometimes our fingers just don't keep pace with our thoughts.  I appreciate all your quality posts. 
9:35pm • #5
200,475 Points 57 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Thanks Lea and Oops. I meant to put that with property taxes!  Good job looking after your clients like that!
9:44pm • #6
Good post Stephanie...I too am finding foreclosures to already be at or higher than market value, which makes them a total lemon!
9:52pm • #7
4 Featured Posts

Very nice.  I hope that more agents will be concerned with how much house their client can afford from now on.  When the mortgage broker won't  - you should at least ask the question... "are you SURE you can afford this?"

:)

Eva

9:54pm • #8
200,475 Points 57 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Thanks Christopher, I'm finding that the banks are having to recover their costs more than ever right now. Which is then passed along to the consumer, of course. Sad.  I do my best to not let my clients get themselves in that position.

You are right Eva. Thanks!

9:57pm • #9
MAY
19
2007
167,951 Points 12 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Stephanie, I hate the "F" word.. Especially if it comes back... That is why on all my Good Faith I will place what the taxes will be next year.  In Florida taxes are on avg a little over 2% of the purchase price but won't take affect until the following tax year.  So if you close today you won't see this change until November. 

For example:

                 if someone bought a home 10 years ago and paid 100K taxes should be around $2,300

                 They  sell it for 500,000 today.  Taxes will remain 2,300 until November then go $11,000

It can be very scary

6:50am • #10
MAY
20
2007
228,051 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Even the 'drive-by media' has to admit that the majority of the loans made in the recent past are performing well.

 

11:03pm • #11
MAY
25
2007
513,653 Points 88 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Stephanie,

So glad you wrote this..I'm picking it for the localism WIR.

6:58pm • #12

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Stephanie Edwards-Musa, Realtor ® Spring/Woodlands, TX Real Estate

The Woodlands, TX

More about me…

Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors ®

Address: 9000 Forest Crossing Dr., The Woodlands, TX, 77381

Office Phone: (281) 367-3531

Cell Phone: (281) 635-9444

Email Me

Green Mountain Energy

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