! REAL ESTATE !'s topics - tribe.net

Subprime: Big talk, little help

2008-05-09T18:52:48Z

Lawmakers are talking the talk, but mortgage lenders are having a hard time walking the walk when it comes to helping at-risk borrowers.
By Jeanne Sahadi, CNNMoney.com senior writer
September 26 2007: 5:53 PM EDT

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The bullhorn message from the government to mortgage lenders has been: Bend. Do what you can to help struggling homeowners.

The message to troubled homeowners has been: Call your lender. You may be able to work something out.

Despite the persistent blare, there is not a whole lotta "loan modifying" going on yet.

A survey by Moody's found that most subprime-loan servicers this year had modified only about 1 percent of their adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) that had reset to higher rates by the end of July. Servicers, which may or may not be the original lender, collect mortgage payments and deal with defaults and foreclosures.

Read more . . . http://money.cnn.com/2007/09/26/real_estate/few_loan_modifications/index.htm?section=money_realestate

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 2 replies

Seeking suggestions and advice (I am new to this!)

2008-05-06T22:50:57Z

Hello, I received my RE agent license a few months ago and I have some questions about seeking employment. What sorts of things should I look for in a brokerage? I am familiar with desk fees and whatnot, but are there any other things that I should look out for? Also, any advice in general about getting into the business with the housing market the way it is would be most appreciated. Is it a good idea to start my RE career with the market the way it is? Thank you very much.

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 3 replies

The Mortgage Mess - The Rise

2008-04-22T19:48:48Z

Oh what a mess has been created in the real estate market. Foreclosures, short sales, job losses and no end in sight. What caused this situation?

The cause can be summed up in one word: GREED!

The residential real estate market was doing well. Prices were going up, interest rates were down, people were moving up and in many cases, keeping their old homes as investments. Homes were appreciating at a slightly above normal pace, but nothing out of the ordinary. So what happened?

1. Where there is money to be made, people will flock to the source. In this case, thousands of people became real estate agents and mortgage brokers. Some of these people had no idea what they were doing, and did not go to work for brokers who would properly train them.

2. Low Doc, no doc and stated income loan programs came into being. Oh, they have been around for many years, but normally required significant down payments. These loan programs allowed for nothing down. Anyone could get a zero down, stated income loan if their FICO scores were high enough. While many mortgage professionals understood the meaning of "stated incomes", others used it to mean that they could write in anything they wanted in order to get a loan approved.

3. Lenders representatives, including some of the big name banks, actually coached mortgage brokers on how to prepare the loan package in order to get the loans through. Some of the things that they were teaching were outright loan fraud.

4. Mortgage brokers not only received a commission for putting a loan together, but could also receive what was known as a "yield spread". What is a yield spread? Well, if you can get the borrower to accept a certain program that benefited the lender, an additional fee would be paid to broker! Often, these fees were as much as 3% of the loan amount, on top of the fees the broker was already collecting. What would trigger these fees? Loans with higher interest rates after the start rate. Adjustable loans instead of fixed loans. Prepayment penalties that would lock in a borrower so they could not refinance for a certain period of time without paying the penalty, even if the rates went down. Didn't these need to be disclosed to the borrower? Of course, but it was just another piece of paper in the midst of dozens, which in many cases were never explained or read.

5. Real Estate agents started doing loans as well as represent buyers and sellers. A real estate agent representing a seller of property could end up representing 5 transactions! Think about it. An agent represents the seller, and meets a buyer at an open house. He gets the buyer to make an offer, using the agent's services as a real estate agent and as a mortgage broker. He is going to represent the seller in the sale of his house, as well as when purchasing a new home and taking care of the financing on that one, too. A transaction like this could amount to $100,000 in commissions to the agent. Where are that agent's loyalties?

6. Prices were too high in California for investors, so mortgage people who could do loans in other states began forming investment groups. They would have meetings, present properties and actually take a bunch of people to places like Las Vegas, Arizona, New Mexico, Florida and North Carolina for the sole purpose of making offers on property in those states. How did they get the money for these purchases? Why, they would refinance their primary residence to make the purchases. Appreciation was now spreading across the country.

7. Finally, the crooked people learned that they could manipulate the paperwork to literally steal from the lenders and from uneducated or naive people. I have worked on cases where a broker literally stole almost $2 million from 22 homeowners, and ruined the credit of those he recruited under the guise of helping people get out of trouble. Another case that I worked on involved identity theft, where an individual ended up owning 5 houses which he did not know he owned. The list goes on.

Yes, there were legitimate reasons for much of the appreciation in the real estate market. Unfortunately, due to the fraudulent loans and easy credit (aka, subprime), part of the increase was an illusion. The "bubble" that everyone predicted for 6 years grew from these illusionary loans, and those loans have created the downfall that is now being experienced in the real estate market place.

There are other reasons for the depth of the downturn. Just as there was artificial appreciation, there is currently artificial depreciation. More on that, next time.

Ken Koenen, LLM
Attorney at Law
Law Offices of Ken Koenen
6200 Stoneridge Mall Rd., #300
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Office: 925-924-0100
Fax: 925-397-3044
Email: ken@lawken.com
Web Site: http://www.lawken.com/
Blog: http://lawkentoday.blogspot.com/

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

Reverse Mortgages

2008-03-28T06:27:13Z

Anything you read online when trying to find out more info on reverse mortgages only talks about the variety available to seniors.

There are other products available that are not limited to seniors. Granted, they're not conventional products, but they are available and I was wondering if anyone on tribe has any experience with them.

How do they work and what has your experience been?

I'm thinking about purchasing a house using one of these products and I want to find out everything I can about it first.

Thanks.

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 13 replies

Best Mortgage Rates

2008-03-21T01:06:03Z

Best Mortgage Rates Home Page
http://forbestadvice.com/Real-Estate/BestMortgageRate/index.html

Libor Rates
http://forbestadvice.com/Real-Estate/BestMortgageRate/LiborRates.html

Historical Libor Rates
http://forbestadvice.com/Real-Estate/BestMortgageRate/LiborRatesHistorical.html

etc...

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

Renovating

2008-02-17T22:12:17Z

I own a few houses and would like to find out the best order to renovate. I have strated already but would like to know where to put my priority next.
Any idea on how to tackle this?

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

Freddie Mac Joins Fannie Mae with New Fee

2007-12-18T17:02:28Z

Freddie Mac Joins Fannie Mae with New Fee

Today Freddie Mac announced on its web site a 0.25% fee on mortgages it acquires under contracts with settlement dates on or after March 9.

Last week, Fannie Mae added a 0.25% up-front charge on all new mortages it buys or guarnatees. For every $100,000 loaned, this adds an extra $250 in fees to consumers who had good credit and didn't cause the sub-prime problems.

More at
http://davidcheecpa.blogspot.com/2007/12/freddie-mac-joins-fannie-mae-with-new.html

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 1 reply

NY Probes Fannie and Freddie

2007-11-12T19:53:32Z

New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday that he has issued subpoenas to government-sponsored lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in his investigation into what he claims are conflicts of interest in the mortgage industry.

Cuomo said he wants to know about loans Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac purchased from banks, including Washington Mutual.

The subpoenas also seek to find out how the government-sponsored companies handle appraisals.

Read more . . . http://money.cnn.com/2007/11/07/real_estate/newyork_fannie_freddie.ap/index.htm?section=money_realestate

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

East Bay Homeowners: Check your property taxes

2007-10-30T20:36:00Z

IF YOU BOUGHT A HOME in the past few years, you might be eligible for a property tax reduction because your residence might not be worth as much as it was when you bought it.

Under Proposition 13, the property-tax-cutting initiative passed by California voters in 1978, property taxes are set at 1 percent of assessed value, and that assessed value can increase by no more than 2 percent a year. But when property values decline, homeowners might be eligible for a reduction.

Read more . . . http://www.contracostatimes.com/opinion/ci_7320238?nclick_check=1

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

Countrywide joins foe to help borrowers

2007-10-29T16:54:17Z

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- It's an unlikely pairing: the nation's biggest mortgage lender and one of its harshest critics. But with thousands of troubled borrowers facing foreclosure, the two adversaries put aside some of their differences and joined forces.

Countrywide Finance, announced it's partnering with the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA), a gadfly/community advocacy group that has been its arch enemy for years.

Read more . . .http://money.cnn.com/2007/10/24/real_estate/details_on_new_Countrywide_plan/index.htm?section=money_realestate

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

Auctions move home inventory

2007-10-25T16:37:05Z

There are multiple types of housing options with different rules; bidders are advised to know what they are getting into

BERKELEY - THE KENNEDY WILSON auction of San Pablo townhomes at the Doubletree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center Berkeley Marina started last weekend with a "practice auction" to get people familiar with the experience, the auctioneer said.
Everyone was encouraged to bid on the "practice" property. Or perhaps it was a way to get adrenaline and momentum up.

It may have worked. The first townhouse sold for $395,000, the highest price of the day, with two bidders jacking up the price an easy $50,000. The last lot sold with the weakest momentum for $293,000, the lowest amount of the day in front of the least number of bidders.

As auctions become a more frequent choice for builders to move slow inventory, consumers are being drawn to these events in hopes offinding a good deal even if one may not be there.

Read more . . . http://www.insidebayarea.com/business/ci_7276468

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

Subprime: 'HopeNow' may help only so much

2007-10-15T18:28:37Z

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Efforts to help subprime borrowers have been disjointed and inconsistent, and a new mortgage industry alliance formed this week is trying to remedy that. But some who counsel distressed homeowners say the alliance won't resolve key issues.

The alliance, called HopeNow, was announced by Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and counts as members some of the largest lenders and servicers that collect payments, a handful of housing counselor networks, and a group representing investors who hold mortgage debt.

It is intended to coordinate efforts between servicers and counselors to provide "workouts," which can include lowering the interest rate on a loan, spreading out past-due payments over the life of the loan or a short-term repayment plan.

Read more . . . http://money.cnn.com/2007/10/12/real_estate/mortgage_alliance/index.htm?section=money_realestate

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

September foreclosures fall

2007-10-11T17:23:58Z

Mortgage delinquencies slip 8% nationwide; Sun Belt, Rust Belt states continue to dominate top foreclosure rates, according to a monthly survey.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The number of foreclosures across the country dropped in September, falling 8 percent from a 32-month high in August, according to a regular monthly survey.

Delinquencies and defaults fell to 223,538 filings, according to the latest data from RealtyTrac, an online marketer of foreclosure properties.

RealtyTrac also reported that nationwide numbers were down in all foreclosure categories, which include default notices, auction sale notices and bank repossessions, with 39 states reporting decreased activity.

Read more . . . http://money.cnn.com/2007/10/11/real_estate/reclosures/index.htm

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

Governor to sign measures to protect homeowners, expand affordable options

2007-10-09T21:29:33Z

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Wednesday he will sign three bills to increase protections for Californians who own or plan to purchase homes and to expand affordable-housing opportunities.

The bills are:

* SB 223 by Sen. Mike Machado (D-Linden) will make it a crime for licensed appraisers to engage in any appraisal activity that is connected to the purchase, sale, transfer, financing or development of property if their compensation is impacted by the final price generated by the appraisal.

* SB 385, also by Machado, permits state agencies involved with residential mortgage lending and brokering to adopt emergency measures and new policies to ensure that mortgage lenders and brokers are subject to federal guidelines on non-traditional mortgages.

* AB 929 by Assembly member Sharon Runner (R-Lancaster) increases the amount of affordable housing in California by raising the total debt that the California Housing Finance Agency can carry by $2 billion. CalHFA issues bonds to finance housing for low and moderate-income families.

Read more . . .http://www.bizjournals.com/eastbay/stories/2007/10/01/daily27.html?f=et62&ana=e_du

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

How to Sell in a Down Market

2007-10-03T18:33:12Z

Builders and real-estate agents are turning to auctions to get rid of excess homes on the market, with mixed success. The Orlando Sentinel reports on an auction held at the DeBary Golf & Country Club that was called off because the builder, Lakeside Homes of DeBary, was losing too much money.

"The bidding was sluggish. One unit originally priced at $355,000 sold for $165,000. And so with just a few town homes gone, auctioneer Eddie Haynes called off the sale," the Sentinel reports.

Read more . . . http://www.realestatejournal.com/buysell/openhouse/20071003-kim.html?refresh=on

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 1 reply

Mortgage applications down 2.7% last week

2007-10-03T18:14:45Z

CHICAGO (MarketWatch) -- The volume of mortgage applications filed last week decreased by 2.7%, coinciding with a week-to-week drop in interest rates on fixed-rate loans, the Mortgage Bankers Association said Wednesday.

Also on a seasonally adjusted basis, volume was up 0.4% compared with the same week in 2006, according to the group's weekly survey for the week ended Sept. 28.

Applications filed for loans to refinance existing mortgages were down 3.8% last week compared with the previous week. Home purchase mortgage applications slipped a seasonally adjusted 1.8%.

Read more . . . http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/mortgage-applications-down-27-last/story.aspx?guid={60631C64-DF54-4603-B905-8E96394B990E}

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

U.S. Housing Chill Grows

2007-10-03T17:40:52Z

The housing market is going into a deeper chill, and consumers are starting to shiver.

Sales of existing homes in August fell sharply, and home inventories by one measure soared to an 18-year high, according to data released yesterday. One major home builder, D.R. Horton Inc., is auctioning homes this weekend with starting prices for some units at 50% off an earlier price.

The housing market is worrying consumers, raising fresh concerns about economic growth. Consumer confidence fell this month to its lowest level in almost two years, a new survey showed. Retailers such as Lowe's Cos. and Target Corp. said they're feeling the pain. Both reported softer-than-expected sales Monday

Read more . . . http://www.realestatejournal.com/buysell/markettrends/20070927-reddy.html?refresh=on

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 5 replies

Lennar and D.R. Horton Move To Staunch Housing Hemmorage

2007-10-02T17:25:07Z

Lennar Corporation, the second largest home builder in the U.S. announced on Tuesday that it was posting stunning losses for its third quarter of 2007 which ended on August 31.

According to Reuters, Wall Street analysts had been expecting losses but in the vicinity of 0.55 per share. Instead the returns came in at a loss of $513.9 million or $3.25 per share. One year ago the company had posted a profit of $1.30 per share.

The builder also announced that sales were off 44 percent and that it had cut 35 percent of its jobs over the last year and anticipated further costs would be necessary.

Read more . . . .http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/9262007_Homebuilders_Struggle.asp

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

Subprime layoffs head for record

2007-09-29T05:57:56Z

Worst may not be over yet for lending industry as job losses on way to breaking mark set in 2001.

If the banking industry, with its load of worries caused by the subprime meltdown, has another month like it did in August, it will be in record territory for job losses.

Last month, banks with ties to the subprime mortgage industry laid off more than 26,000 employees, the most of any month since global outplacement consultancy Challenger, Gray & Christmas began keeping such records in 1993.

Overall, that brought the total layoff damage to 107,758 in the financial industry this year. Another month that even remotely resembles recent trends will send the layoff total soaring past the 116,515 mark set during the recession of 2001.

Read more . . . http://money.cnn.com/2007/09/19/real_estate/subprime_layoffs/index.htm?section=money_realestate

My office is feeling the impact as more and more of our lenders go belly up. Sometimes they notify you, sometimes they are just gone. Anyone else having problems?

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 7 replies

Real estate blogger taps into bursting market bubble

2007-09-28T07:51:43Z

Three years ago, plenty of folks considered Patrick Killelea to be a loony tune raving about real estate Armageddon.

While most Americans - and especially people in the Bay Area - swore by the gospel that investing in real estate was a sure road to riches, Killelea, a disenchanted house hunter, peddled a heretical counterview: The housing market was a gigantic bubble ready to burst. Through his blog, Reality Parser (www.patrick.net), he expressed his view that home prices were grotesquely overinflated.

He practiced what he preached, refusing to buy a house. Instead he and his wife rent a Menlo Park bungalow for themselves and their two children. Today, the housing market has indeed slumped, giving his views some credence.

"Nobody calls me crazy now," Killelea said. "I haven't changed; it was just a matter of waiting for the fundamentals to catch up."

Read more . . . http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/09/25/BUKCS4NNB.DTL

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 5 replies

What Is Your Goal: Linger in Fear or Take Action?

2007-09-18T22:15:32Z

I thought this was an interesting article:

RISMEDIA, Sept. 19, 2007- There is simply no way to be thriving in real estate a year or more from now without going back to basics. Stop resisting that terminology by bringing up technology and all the other bells and whistles about the way we do business.

If you plan on being in the real estate business for the long haul, you have a decision to make. It’s pretty simple. Are you going to do whatever it takes to thrive, pulling out all the stops and feeling the fear (if you have some,) but acting anyway? Or, are you going to marginally respond to the challenges, investing more time in talking about what is not working rather than focusing on what clearly is generating results?

There are lots of folks leaving the business or staying on his/her company roster without producing a thing. They are there by virtue of maintaining a mailbox. That is hurting our national productivity numbers as it makes the productivity seem even more dismal. Either you are in this business or you are play acting.

http://rismedia.com/wp/2007-09-18/what-is-your-goal-linger-in-fear-or-take-action/#more-23760

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

sources for Reno

2007-07-29T05:02:06Z

I am looking for research sources for the Reno market. Can anyone provide some links, direction for the best
information?

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 1 reply

Edwards' plan to fight predatory lending

2007-07-18T18:33:19Z

* A national anti-predatory lending law to keep unscrupulous lenders from jumping from state to state
* A bankruptcy law that lets homeowners shed excessive mortgage debt and keep homes
* A "home rescue fund" to help homeowners who are only a few months behind in payments

In April, mortgage companies filed 1,716 foreclosures against homeowners, more than double the number filed in April a year earlier, according to the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, or ACORN. The group analyzed data from the Web site RealtyTrac Inc., which tracks foreclosures.

Countywide, banks and mortgage companies own more than 9,000 residential properties. So many homes are in foreclosure that the national media regularly refer to Northeast Ohio as the epicenter of the growing national problem.

Read more: http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1184749678177391.xml&coll=2

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

12 Real Estate Investing Success Killers and How To Avoid Them

2007-06-26T04:18:31Z

Check out http://wepay4houses.com/GetStartedNow.wma

This is a 45-minute long audio on what it takes to be successful in real estate investing. Excellent advice for you newbies out there!

Pay attention! There is much wisdom in these words.

To your success!

Kevin

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 2 replies

how do uknow if someone is sabotaging you?

2007-04-26T05:09:34Z

the broker knows what I'm showing and when. He has one agent who seems to know EXACTLYy what I'm doing and when.This one has taken my showings before I got a chance to bring my customers there.I think the broker told her.Maybe the broker wants me to leave the firm..?This happened 3 times already.what the **** is going on here?Please somebody help.....

BTW, when I bring in my own listings, they don't rent them.And they don't sabotage....yet.

how do I get my power back.. should I just quit and go to another broker?one who doesn't hate me?

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 12 replies

New Law in California

2007-04-22T20:56:36Z

Are any of you familiar with the new law in California that requires any licensee to carry a bond for any aquisitions of properties that are about to go into foreclosure where an investor is used in the acquisition and provides the seller a 2 year right of recission?

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 4 replies

McAllen, TX

2007-03-19T16:41:29Z

Anyone have an opinion on the McAllen, TX area (Mission, Edinburgh, McAllen)?? I was there a couple months ago and there seems to be a lot of activity. Prices are low and multi-units seem to cash flow (even with the high property tax)....

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

Question about Florida

2007-02-28T06:25:51Z

Can anyone answer a question for me about Florida law? I was wondering if Florida is a community property state, and if not, how a property would be handeled during a divorce.

Thanks for your help!

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 7 replies

looking for lenders

2007-01-24T23:21:06Z

I am looking for hard money lenders that will do 75% ARP in Texas.
Any referrals?

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

Re: For my first job better small or larger agency?

2007-01-15T03:15:27Z

I am interning at a second small agency since passing my school test. The first one, as some of you might remember, had major issues when I asked if they had MLS.The new place where I have been for a week now, has office morale problems. There is the broker, associate broker, and 3 agents. The field is slow now and the winter season isn't helping.So all the complaining, sarcasm,playing games on the computer and stupid jokes -I don't think this is good for me to be around.When I asked about whether the head broker was going to sign an employment contract with me, they made a big joke about it. I didn't think it was funny, as the new person. After I take my state exam, I was thinking of going to a much bigger firm in Manhattan, that has office policy, better training procedures, and where someone actually is interested in retaining me as an agent!Some NY brokers teaching the RE courses said NYC is "swim or sink" burn-out kind of atmosphere.There's Douglas Elliman in Queens here, outside of Manhattan.I just don't want to get stuck, after these people sing my application, in a firm that doesn't produce much;that has low morale.Then again, the bigshots may lure me away and burn me out.Any thoughts?Any opinions re Douglas Elliman?

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 10 replies

looking for accurate comps

2006-12-07T00:22:18Z

Is there a web site that gives accurate comps for properties? I'm having a hard time getting property values
Paul

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 5 replies

Question re agents & clients

2006-12-01T16:36:22Z

I am just getting started as a sales agent so please excuse any question that may seem "stupid". I know that the broker gets paid regardless which agent in the firm sells/rents. But what about the agent? If there are several agents in an office when the client walks in, who decides which agent shows the property and signs the listing agreement? Doesn't the listing agent get paid regardless who shows? I'm picturing the scenario of agents fighting like dogs over one bone.Does this ever happen at walk-ins and what can be done to prevent this? I realize I will be competing with agents in my firm.What's a fair way to do this, and is there one? I'm concerned about being the new person and having others take or try to take walk-ins from "under my nose".

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 3 replies

Re: Yes, about the slow RE market

2006-11-26T04:18:14Z

I am in one of New York City's boroughs and despite the slow market, more people than ever are renting apartments and looking for car garages.There is residential and commercial construction going on here in Queens.Long Island is ten minutes away.
I have to stay opitimistic because I am getting my agent license next month.But I also have open eyes and see what's going on here.

I get the feeling that a lot of people around me are stuck in their 9-5 jobs or just don't know that much about the NYC market other than what they read in the news or hear on TV.I am getting quite a few naysayers and invalidators who have opinions that they can't back up with any market data.Are people that uncomfortable with the words "real estate agent" in NY? Is it because they think we all make crazy money?Are they jealous?Or is it because we are independent contractors whose "bosses" don't stand over our shoulders and breathe down our necks like in the 9-5 thing; we write off our expenses and are in a different tax bracket;we may have a more flexible work schedule and flexibility in the performance of duties.I think everybody feels more comfortable when everyone else around them is in the 9-5 box.That way they don't have to face any of their own issues.They must think agents/brokers are all sharks.We seem to have a bad rep here. I thought I would get more emotional support from my fellow NYorkers and close NYC friends. It's just NOT happening. I think most of this discouragement is subjective but if anyone here used to live in NYC or has objective opinions about the market here, please ....speak.....! :) I swear NYorkers are a cynical gloomy bunch....

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 1 reply

Creative Financing Seminar

2006-11-06T14:48:04Z

In today's real estate market, which has slowed down a little, the emphasis (at least in California) has been to reduce prices and explore "short sales." Neither of these alternatives really help sellers, and rarely attract new buyers.

I offer a seminar on "Creative Financing" to help sellers and real estate agents representing sellers to get properties sold faster, and for more money. In some cases, investors can take advantage of this market by investing in property with no renters, and no negative cash flow, and sometimes with no money out of their pocket.

NO, THIS IS NOT A "GET RICH QUICK" PRESENTATION.

It is a realistic and common sense presentation that will really help sellers, real estate agents and investors.

The local association of Realtors and some title companies have sponsored this seminar, and I normally charge $40.00 for the live, 2.5 hour presentation. I have put the presentation onto a Video-CD, which sells for $20.00.

If you would like to order a copy, or need more information, please feel free to contact me by email at ken@lawken.com.

Ken Koenen
Attorney at Law
Real Estate Broker

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 2 replies

2006 Home Price Analysis Reports from NAR

2006-10-19T19:48:22Z

From the NAR website:

"...Get insight into the fundamentals and direction of housing markets in 119 of the nation's largest metropolitan regions. Each of the 11-page downloadable market reports evaluates a number of factors affecting home prices:

* The health of the local job market
* The prevalence of "nontraditional" home financing options
* Debt-to-income ratios
* Net migration patterns

These reports reflect data available through July 2006..."

HERE'S THE LINK:
http://www.realtor.org/Research.nsf/pages/MetroHomePriceAnalysisReports?OpenDocument

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

Attn: Real Estate Investors

2006-09-25T15:23:42Z

Camelot Investment Group, located in central Ohio, is currently looking for Real Estate Investors or people wanting to become Real Estate Investors to join our database as future buyers for our wholesale and cashflow opportunities. Please check out our website for more info.
www.2camelot.com
Thank you!

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 4 replies

another shameless plus

2006-09-19T05:43:34Z

i do commercial real estate consulting:

www.sadigurskyconsulting.com

i charge reasonable rates, am flexible, knowledgeable, yada yada. i conduct due diligence, negotiate deals, run models, create cash flows, do argus/excel in my day job and offer is on an hourly basis to those in need. check me out, pass it along... i can look over your numbers, help create budgets, abstract leases, build a cash flow model, analyze financial statements - try me, i can probably do it (and will be honest if i can't ;-) thanks.

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 1 reply

R/E TRADE PUBS - THOUGHTS?

2006-09-18T07:55:30Z

Hey All,

I'm new to this group, so hello! :-) Quick academic/work b/g on me: Berkeley U/G, Hastings Law; currently working in entertainment as Development Associate but learning that my entrepreneurial endeavors interest me far more than movie-making. On the path to my Broker's License...should have it by mid-November.

OK, now that you know a teensy bit about me, let's get down to topic. I always hear that by the time one reads about a trend in a mainstream news source, it's already too late to get on-board, and in order to stay ahead of the herd trade/biz journals and pubs are where it's at. Do any of you subscribe to trade pubs and if so, do you find this to be true? Do you get great forecasting-type info? Anything to be wary of? And if you do like the biz journals, what are some good ones? Bad ones?

They are so expensive that although I get solicited to pay for some journals/pubs, I'm usually end up balking at the price b/c I have no way of determining whether the info contained will actually be useful.

Thanx so much for time/thoughts. I look forward to this discussion!

-Madhvi

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 1 reply

noababoa - a new service for realtors, home owners and others

2006-09-14T19:02:33Z

I hope it is not considered spam to promote another tribe that is related to real estate and that focuses on needs for home owners and realtors.
http://tribes.tribe.net/noababoa

With this new tribe, I hope to get feedback for my web-site and my business idea.

I am launching a new web-based service (www.noababoa.com) that connects certified, insured handymen, contractors, painters, movers and other service providers to realtors, home owners, property managers and others seeking these services.

There are a couple of "these sites" around and your initial reaction might be: "So what, don't we already have Craigslist and Angie's list?"
The key difference in noababoa is that service providers are licensed and insured, providing greater protection to the consumer.
So-called "reviews" from homeowners on other sites can often be skewed or bogus. Ratings on noababoa are written from real customers after a job is done.
Also this service works as an auction, a little like ebay, except that in this case the best bid among contractors wins.

This type of service has been a success in countries like Germany, and I am sure it will be here. As I'm still working to get the service off the ground, I'd love to hear from everybody who is interested and invite all of you to use this free service.

Thanks,
Joerg

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 5 replies

lawsuit

2006-09-11T08:15:23Z

I am in the process of selling my home and have just accepted an offer. However, about four months ago I talked with a neighbor about the possibility of him purchasing this place ...no contract, just a discussion. I gave him well over a month to get together a formal offer and time table, but to no avail. So, I told him if he got it together that would be great, but that I was pursuing other options. I talked with a local agent about someone he thought might be interested in the property, which I discussed with the neighbor (turns out potential buyer wasn't interested). Later, I put up a FSBO sign for about a month, which he saw and we talked about. All the while he's telling me in very vague terms that he thinks still wants to buy it, but isn't too sure about how to work out the money stuff. I start to think he's not really interested and back off, not wanting to pressure the guy into doing something he really doesn't want to do.

The FSBO yielded lots of interest but no real offers, so I turned to an agent friend of mine and listed it, which, again I talked about with the neighbor, informing him that if he got it together my agent would be willing to do the paperwork at a substantial discount. So, less than a week after being on the MLS I had two offers, countered both and had one accepted over the weekend.

Now that neighbor calls me up all furious, demanding that I reimburse his two thousand dollars in legal fees he accumulated whilst trying to decide how to buy this place. I tell him I had no idea he was really that interested or that he spent that money. I suggest we sit down to talk it out. He threatens to sue me instead. He calls and harrasses me, telling me I'm an asshole, and this morning shows up at my door again asking for money. I tell him I really want to talk about it, but he walks away telling me he's going through with the lawsuit, that his lawyer says he has a strong case and to top it off, he flips me off.

So, am I crazy or does this guy have no case at all? I mean, we had no contract, the very loose agreement of perceived exclusivity expired months ago and I was extremely transparent about my intentions to pursue other offers. Should I bother getting a lawyer, or will a judge just laugh at him? Can he tie up this sale due to close late September?

thanks in advance, y'all

I'm hoping someone here might have some

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 6 replies

Credit Bureaus Announce a New Credit Scoring Standard.

2006-08-14T04:16:36Z

On March 14, 2006 the nation’s three main credit bureaus sent out a press release announcing that they have adopted a new credit scoring system. This new scoring system is not a whole lot different then the old FICO scoring system, but there are differences. The FICO scoring system had a different algorithm to compute the credit score for each bureau. The FICO scoring system also had a different range of scores for each bureau.

This was what the credit bureaus were looking to standardize with the new VantageScore system. The VantageScore uses the exact same algorithm to compute the score for all three credit bureaus. Also, the score scale is exactly the same for all three bureaus.

Here is a brief explanation of the VantageScore system. The VantageScore system will be on a scale ranging from 501-990 (the lower the score the higher the risk to potential lenders). The VantageScore also has adopted the classical academic scale to make it easier for consumers and lenders alike to understand where they rank with their score. This academic scale is grouped by the following:

A- 901-990
B- 801-900
C- 701-800
D- 601-700
E- 501-600

The VantageScore just like the FICO score will be based off the information that is reported on the credit report. It will reflect how often a consumer borrows money, how responsible borrowers are at paying back their debt on time, as well as other file content. Unfortunately the credit bureaus did not divulge how these factors would be weighted in the new VantageScore. The new VantageScore will also be more accurate when rating a consumer who has a limited credit history. This is one area in which the FICO scoring system was not very accurate.

The FICO scoring system will not be done away with; in fact it will still be used by many borrowers to evaluate those who are looking to get a line of credit. It will be up to the credit industry and the individual enders to decide which score they use. In fact the rate of adoption of this new score will be set primarily by lenders themselves.

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 14 replies

Mtg pros: Triple your apps - Mortgage Videos - see www.MoviesThatSell.com

2006-07-31T22:20:36Z

whassup all, i'm a busy broker in LA (that's los angeles, not louisiana) - check these out - http://www.MoviesThatSell.com ... i'd love to hear any feedback.

We just came out with a new show at /www.rogerv.com/home_buyer_process.htm

I made these for myself and figured after other brokers asking for the 20th time if they could share / buy / bribe them from me, we just started sharing them.

Msg me for details... back to work! pricing 'em up!
tx!
www.RogerV.com
www.MoviesThatSell.com
www.LenderMate.com

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

Fun and Games thread

2006-07-31T04:43:19Z

ok kids - i've noticed a scary trend in real estate. i'm sure our industry is not the only one plagued by this - but it's the one most pertinent to this tribe so here goes...

AMAZINGLY INTERESTING PHOTOS ON WEBSITES & BUSINESS CARDS!

here is a CHOICE example I came across today
queen of the crazy, colorless mullet
http://www.joysnyder.com/images/joysnyd.jpg

and of course, the scary Couldn't Get Out of the 80's" / Loni-Anderson-Wannabe / Am I Nekkid or Not? / GlamourShots pic:
http://www.joysnyder.com/images/joy_snyder.jpg

honey, i'm sure you're kickin' ass & takin' names in what you do. i'm sure you're a great gal with a wonderful personality and an incredible sense of humor. i honestly DO NOT mean to offend you or make this personal. you just crack my shit up & i wanted to give credit where credit is due.

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 5 replies

shameless plug!

2006-07-28T22:27:25Z

Hi all........
is it considered spam if we promote our listings here????

I have a cutsey place in Sonoma County wino country....

here's the link http://RussianRiverProperties.com

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 2 replies

Other Real Estate Discussion Forums to Check out

2006-07-28T16:13:12Z

Suite101 has an active one with much good data, especially for California
URL http://investment.suite101.com/discussion.cfm/34

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

Commercial Real Estate Sales and Leasing

2006-07-23T16:51:29Z

I will complete my salesperson's exam in a month and would like to know more about commercial sales and leasing.. Does anyone here have experience in this field?

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 8 replies

Rate vs. APR ... HUH ???

2006-06-22T19:57:48Z

Rate vs APR ... HUH ??? -June 22, 2006
Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is a tool that you can use as a starting point to compare loan programs. However, it's important to keep in mind that APR is not a perfect system, and not all lenders calculate APR in the same way. While the Federal Truth-in-Lending Act does require any mortgage broker or lender to disclose APR to the consumer, there is no rule written in stone for calculating this number that each and every lender agrees upon.

The point of calculating APR is to let the consumer know what the actual cost of their financing is in the form of a yearly rate. APR factors in certain closing costs and fees associated with the loan, and spreads this total over the life of the loan along with the actual note rate. The objective is to give the consumer a clearer picture of what their actual costs are, and this inhibits lenders from hiding fees or upfront costs behind low interest rates in their advertising.

Fees that are generally included in the APR calculation are points, pre-paid interest, loan processing fees, underwriting fees, document preparation fees, and private mortgage insurance. On occasion, lenders will include a loan application fee and/or credit life insurance. Fees that are normally not included in the APR calculation are fees from Title, Escrow, attorney, notary, document preparation, home inspection, recording, transfer taxes, credit report and appraisal.

Remember, all lenders do not perform the calculation the same way. Moreover, APR does not consider the possibility of making pre-payments, moving or refinancing. Unless the interest rate is tied to a fixed instrument, APR is even more confusing. Calculating APRs on adjustable rate and balloon mortgages is more complex because we really have no way of knowing what future rates will be.

If all lenders calculated APR the same way, we could make easy comparisons when deciding on what loan program to go with. Since they don't, you should know that APR is simply a starting point for comparison. They should rely on the skills of a well-versed loan professional to assist them in obtaining the loan that meets their specific needs. The more important things to consider are how long the loan is needed. What are the long-term goals of the borrower? If the homebuyer only expects to stay in the home for five years, there's not a lot of sense in looking exclusively at 30-Year Fixed rates because the APR seems more reasonable. If a young couple is buying a home, knowing they will refinance in eight years to pay for their son's college education, then once again, APR is not a realistic factor to take into consideration.

I am prepared to answer questions about APR once the lender provides the Truth-in-Lending Disclosure Statement (Reg Z), such as why the “amount financed” listed in Box C is not the same as the actual loan amount, and why the APR is higher than the interest rate on the loan in most cases. The consumer will get a clear definition about the fees associated with their loan in the good-faith estimate, but the Truth-in-Lending Disclosure is often an area that is confusing to the borrower.

I hope this helped!
***If you are still confused, give me a call to clarify!***

Stay tuned for more information coming your way!

:-) Peas out!
-Isidro
www.castillolends.com
(415) 668-1936

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

check this out...

2006-06-22T19:53:58Z

http://www.biznik.com/members/?name=Isidro_Alvarez

a cool website for networking...

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

what do you work for??

2006-06-21T23:33:25Z

what commission does everyone work for??

I believe that is a mistake to get listings at 4%
do you???

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

Signs of slowing market

2006-06-21T21:06:00Z

I am licenced with a large national co. Our market in the minneapolis area has been slow for a couple of years now. The company fired our manager Friday. He had worked with them since hi was in high school. More heads will roll.
I am glad I am self employed.

Joel

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 9 replies

Market soft - GET LISTINGS

2006-06-07T01:08:51Z

Here is an idea to ponder. In a slow market it may take four to five listings to get two sales. Once you have some inventory find out the people that need to sell and help them get it gone. They win you win.
Where to get some listings. Assuming you are a full service agent. Determine the listings in your area that have 60 + days on market and are listed with a minium service company. Go and preview the listings preferrably at a time the owners may be home.
There is a good chance the owners are getting frustrated and may be ready to hire a full service agent which could be you. Of course you cannot ask for the listing as it is listed bit you can make a good impression and you run a good chance to get an opportunity.
A newer agent in our company has recieved four listings this way.

Joel

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

Eminent Domain ~works sometimes~

2006-05-26T18:26:42Z

I wanted to share a story I heard about on the news this week. The city of Hercules CA
just took land back that Walmart had purchased!!
GOOD FOR THEM!!!

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 1 reply

No payments for up to 1 year?

2006-05-26T13:31:53Z

Attention Realtors:
Have you tried "seller paying buyers payments" as a incentive to get these buyers off the bench? If so how is it working?
I saw this idea in Fortune magazine.
Also if you have an idea to get the buyers going let us know.

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 2 replies

RE investment clubs

2006-05-23T14:28:12Z

Hi all,

I'm wondering if there are any RE investment clubs in the valley ~ specifically near NoHo. Would love to know about them if there are.

Thanks!

Revvell

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

Portland Real Estate

2006-05-23T13:05:58Z

Please visit and join my TRIBE site. It has great information about Real Estate in Portland Oregon. If you are ever intersted in buying a home or selling a home, or just want to learn more about this industry, this TRIBE site will give you great information for many of your questions.

http://tribes.tribe.net/portlandrealestate

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 1 reply

Realtors Info sharing

2006-05-23T13:03:10Z

Hello,

I would like to connect with realtors from different regions to share market info & Regional customs and practices. We can each benefit. Example do you tent to fax offers to selling agents or meet with seller in person. how is it working? I have been selling for 17+ years.
Any interest contact me - I want to meet you.

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 4 replies

Eminent domain threat to all real estate rights.

2006-05-01T23:12:18Z

Hello,

Just a quick note to remind everyone to stay on top of the issue of eminent domain.

This is the abuse of government power to sieze lands allegedly for the public good. It can and has been used to sieze land just because someone paid a bribe to a corrupt official.

A recent supreme court ruling has stirred things up greatly refusing to halt yet another highly abusive misuse of these laws.

Many states are holding hearing and considering legislature to help curb this abuse.

Anyone interested in real estate or who owns property, basicly everyone, should be highly concerned about this.

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 8 replies

come dance & help raise some $ for the leukemia society wednesday april 5th @ club shine

2006-04-04T21:14:11Z

come spend happy hour with us at shine and help raise some $ for the Leukemia Society.

For details check out the eVite:

this wehttp://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?event=UKNHIQGEYZXUIIWSLAJZ

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

New realtors

2006-03-14T07:22:21Z

I was considering making a move into the field as a realtor, but I'm worried about working on commision and ensuring that I can provide for my family. I know it would vary from person to person and from region to region, but can anyone give me any kind of idea what I might expect in the first year?

How well did you do in your first year?

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 2 replies

Home Buyer's Handbook -In English & Spanish --- Free!!!

2006-03-13T23:47:55Z

I would like to share with you my FREE Home Buyer's Handbook. This six page handbook is available in English and in Spanish and will help the seasoned as well as the first-time buyer. These tips will ease the mortgage process and help assure you a comfortable landing in your new home.

Topics Covered:
* Rate Shopping
* Nuances of the Contract
* Points vs. No Points
* Credit Scoring
* Pre-Payment Penalties
* Negative Amortization
* Junk Fees
* Glossary of Terms

Pass this information on to those whom you think might benefit from this handbook

Contact me at: isidro@castillolends.com for fastest results!

Gracais por su tiempo.

Espero que tengas un buen dia.
Isidro Alvarez
Mortgage Consultant / Owner
Castillo Financial ****Your dream. Our purpose.****
www.castillolends.com

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

Leukemia Fundraiser

2006-03-11T16:59:18Z

Hi there!

I am helping to raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Make Cures Happen campaign. I'm dedicated to helping stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives. My participation in the Sea Otter Classic (www.seaotterclassic.com) Mt. Bike Race is in honor of all individuals who are battling blood cancers. These people are the real heroes on our team, and we need your support to cross the ultimate finish line - a cure!

Please make a donation to support my participation in Make Cures Happen and help advance the Society's mission.

To donate, go to: http://www.active.com/donate/mchsvmb/isidro

I hope you'll visit my web site often. Be sure to check back frequently to see my progress. Thanks for your support!

Isidro Alvarez
Mortgage Consultant / Owner
Castillo Financial ---A fully bilingual mortgage company---

www.castillolends.com
Your dream. Our purpose.

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

Need Investor for several properties.. zero money out of pocket!!!

2006-03-08T18:08:46Z

This Week's Newest Hot List of FORECLOSURE and Equity Sharing Trust Opportunities!
NORTH CAROLINA
Delmone Rivers (BLOG name HLP_NC)
delmone_NC@homelossprevention.com

37-- Rogers St Charlotte NC 28208
$100K 3 Bed 1 Bath
Pay $10K to Move in (maybe less)

$900 per month (maybe less)
No Credit No Down No Closing costs
Cash pymt to Credit investor Beneficiary

61** block of McIntyre Ridge Charlotte NC 28216
$115K 3 Bed 1 Bath
Pay $12K to Move in (maybe less)
$1200 per month (maybe less)
No Credit No Down No Closing costs
Cash pymt to Credit investor Beneficiary

18** Folly Gate Charlotte NC 28262
$150K 4 Bed 2 Bath
Pay $15K to Move in (maybe less)
$1000 per month (maybe less)
No Credit No Down No Closing costs
Cash pymt to Credit investor Beneficiary

6** Gentle Breeze Charlotte NC 28273
$75K 3 Bed 1 Bath
Pay $8K to Move in (maybe less)
$675 per month (maybe less)
No Credit No Down No Closing costs
Call about out Investor Beneficiary
Equity Share Opportunity on this one

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

home inspector feedback sought

2006-03-07T20:38:54Z

I am a painting contractor, and man am I thinking of doing something else without employees and material. My hip wants off the ladder as well.

I'm thinking of getting an education as a home inspector, have read up on the MANY orgaizations to allign with and have an overview of what it takes. As realtors, what do you look for and how do you select an inspector?

Thanks

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 3 replies

location, location, location !

2006-03-03T03:54:22Z

http://www.bushflash.com/pl_lo.html

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 1 reply

Tips for A 7 Month Old Agent

2006-03-03T01:05:19Z

What tips to you have for gaining new business. I sold three houses in my first month, one listing that I lost this month and nothing sense. What can I do to make my business grow successfully and more steadily.

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 4 replies

What works and what doesn't?

2006-02-20T19:59:02Z

I was asked this question recently by someone new to the business regarding marketing for new business. Being that I work mostly from referrals, I figured someone here would probably know what is most effective these days as far as getting noticed in the real estate market.

thanks
-B

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

Hoping someone can provide an opinion: Residence Manager job position

2006-02-18T04:59:49Z

My boyfriend and I need to make a decision rather we are going to take the residence manager position or not.

He would be working a FT job off location and I would be the primary Manager in charge at the property 75% of the time

After my interview with a new staffing agency that looks like their going to turn out to be a good agency; I went to see the ‘space’ / Residence Manager Apt and see what the job would entail and the tiny living space. The agency is luring me in with opening contracts from $14 to $20 an hour and benefits that start the first day of my first contract.

The Residence Manager apt has new carpet, fresh paint, solid walls, comes with a mini refrigerator, microwave, closed in patio that we could decorate however we like, free parking no neighbors, part time hours most of the time and free rent plus a small salary of $300. I was told that they keep the outside looking bad so that no one gets the wise idea of breaking in. But they don’t allow pets… My boyfriend and I have an interview with the owner today at 11 and we plan to see if we can convince him to allow one old sleep & eat only cat.

My boyfriend got the apartment I set up for him and acted as his Personal Assistant for. He says the building and the area are really nice and the landlady is super sweet and really bent over backwards to get him approved. It’s 2 blocks from his work and worth every penny adding up to $950.

My apt is really nice but asthma and inner city life is Hell on my lungs and the management company is really strict; more so than any reasonable apt management company.

Resident Management Position: The Good

• Free Rent
• No Neighbors
• Private Patio
• Work at home (legitimate & own business) and go to school online
• Air Quality is better
• Save money
• Gain Property Management experience / entrance to gaining future Property Management Positions
• Easy mind work / just labor and a bit of puffing out your chest when occasionally needed
• Air conditioning
• Nice looking inside
• Owner & handy man seems very nice
• Told the place isn’t crime ridden
• We both can pay off our debts once & for all (big plus!)

Resident Management Position: The Bad

• Small
• No kitchen or bathroom inside the space
• Music late at night and probably bad music
• Located in industrial area – does this mean the dust and or oil from machinery will bother my health?
• Heater?
• Have to be home most nights
• Connected to my cell phone & can’t turn it off
• Hot & dry in the summer – Cold in the winter
• I have to buy a scooter and than a car once winter comes
• I would be home 75% of the time
• Shower only no bath
• Possibly can not bring my boyfriend’s cat to live with him.
• My boyfriend doesn’t get any ‘live alone ‘time – he would be going from one apt w/ roommates to anther (me)

My boyfriend’s apt: The Good

• 2 blocks from his work
• Takes Cats
• Nice landlady
• Nice building & good area
• Nice apt
• Better air quality
• On the bus line
• Closer to better paying jobs for me
• Good rent price for what the quality of the building / location
• The mountains are beautiful

My boyfriend’s apt: The Bad

• $950 with a deposit
• Pay utilities / phone in addition to phone / cable & DSL
• I pay half which mean I would be hesitant to work at home & go to school
• My boyfriend wouldn’t buy me a scooter - ok I know that’s selfish but it’s still on the Bad list
• Questionable that the landlady will want a bigger deposit – worse… if she wants to do a cc check – I have a bankruptcy
• We pay off our debts slowly over a few years instead of a year or two
• Will either one of us be bored? It’s the valley…
• Reminds me of where I grew up and that I don’t have a family
• It gets really cold in the winter
• It’s a long long bus ride or an hour train ride to DT Los Angeles
• I have to buy a car and or scooter…

My boyfriend and I are going to talk it over tonight and than meet with the Rehearsal Building owner tomorrow morning and make a final decision after the meeting."

Any opinions?

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 1 reply

seeking direct lenders

2006-02-16T08:00:25Z

I am searching for a dependable Direct Lender for projects ranging from $50k to $100million. Projects vary from real estate, international land deals, established businesses to company mergers and personal investments.
NO BROKERS PLEASE. I would truly like to work with a credible, trustworthy lender who wants to invest soundly and increase their wealth.
Thank you for your time, I know how important it is!

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

Florida Real Estate

2006-02-13T18:36:49Z

Hey guys I am a new realtor and i closed my first deal last month. I'm working on my second now which is good but I still feel sort of lost. I realize it will take time but man its getting tight.

i would like to become more involve on the commercial side but clueless. any suggestions on where to start (book, reference, etc.)?

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

Mobile Notart & loan signing agent here...

2006-02-09T00:37:29Z

Certified Loan Signing Agent
And Mobile Notary!

Marcy Seifert
831-359-5650
seiferts280@aol.com

Availability: 24/7, by appointment only. Short notice - welcomed!

Counties Served: Santa Cruz, other Counties by Request (fees will apply)

Fees: $125.00 for loan packet. ~Courtesy pick-ups and deliveries of loan documents in Santa Cruz County~

Bond: $15,000.00
E&O Insurance: $15,000.00

Commission number: 1623667
Expires: November 22, 2009

Available for home or office accommodation signings!

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

Commercial lease negotiations, help?

2006-01-22T06:52:48Z

I am currently seeking space for my new healing/dance center in New Hampshire. I am wondering if there is anyone with expertise or insight in the area of commercial lease negotiations. I am waiting to be assigned a mentor with the SCORE organization, but was hoping to get some help before then.

Feel free to write me privately, I would also be happy to post some of my questions here if there is anyone that might be able to help.

Thanks!

Lisa
NH

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

how do you get started?

2006-01-16T00:58:52Z

In real estate..

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 7 replies

Over-Competitive Residential Investment Market vs. Alternative Options

2006-01-03T02:20:32Z

If you are smart enough to know that the residential investment market is getting tougher and tougher to make money in, you are smart enough to know that you need to have other options.

Go to www.REInvestorsEdge.com for some interesting information on how you can consistently beat the competition as a real estate investor.

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

Leverage & Wealth / Mortgage websites (Crosspost)

2005-12-31T21:50:55Z

check out
www.RogerV.com/leverage.html

I'd love to hear people's thoughts.

Also, my site works well - www.RogerV.com - so upon multiple requests, I'm selling copies of it. One example is at www.SofiaSaves.com or www.SeanGreenLoans.com - they all tie into www.LenderMate.com.

It's still early stage pre-"big company"...let me know if you want a site that works.

www.RogerV.com
email me off-tribe for fastest response - roger at rogerv dotcom

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 2 replies

Divorce and real estate

2005-12-20T03:57:43Z

My ex and I own a home together. We've been split for 7 months, but nothing is legalized yet. He still helps me to pay half the mortgage. We refinanced the house for another year, but that will be over in June. The house will be put on the market then. Will divorce affect anything regarding the houise? If I file now, will it affect anything?

Thank you.

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 8 replies

New Technology.. Click to Talk

2005-12-20T00:18:28Z

Hello everyone..

Interesting new technology site for Real Estate.. They offer a service that connects website visitors directly to your cell phone and or send a lead from your website to your cell phone as a voice message.

What do you think?

http://www.realtyvoice.net

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 1 reply

HGTV

2005-12-19T01:33:19Z

OK,
Here it is.

The world debeut of my episode on HGTV.
Small Space, Big Style
Episode HSSBS-204

The 'Convertable Deuce'
my house on Vernon Ave in Venice will be featured in this episode as
'an upside-down renovation in LA.

...hey, you can lead 'em to water, but you can't make 'em edit with ya.
I'll be seeing it for the first time along with you....

Small Space, Big Style
Episode HSSBS-204

AIR TIMES:
â€¢
January 26, 2006 8:00 PM ET/PT
â€¢
January 27, 2006 12:00 AM ET/PT
â€¢
January 28, 2006 2:00 PM ET/PT

Dreams in Miniature
See small made spectacular!
These homes prove you can dream big in a miniature space.
Today's episode includes a tiny grotto cottage near Miami,
a lofty charm in San Francisco,
a stylist's live-in salon in New York and

an upside-down renovation in LA.

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 1 reply

apartments convert into condo?

2005-12-15T05:18:08Z

anyone has any insights on this?

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 2 replies

Make $7000 Over And Over - Proven Automated System

2005-11-29T22:11:37Z

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the Net.

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Make sure your speakers are on and click here to take
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Kevin

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

Becoming a Real Estate Agent....

2005-11-25T20:35:30Z

How subject is this career to market swings/crashes/interest rate hikes?

Are typically metropolitan areas more profitable?

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 6 replies

New agent seeks listing books, ideas

2005-11-25T20:27:39Z

I want to talk listings, how to learn, how to compete.

In our town one big chain office has 80 percent of all the listings and they do very, very little marketing (lots of national advertising doesn't help local sellers). Real estate moves slow and sellers are grossly underserved. yet everybody stampedes in to list there. How do I break the cycle as an agent in a new office who actually will market listings?

I am looking for tapes or books that will give me advice on becoming good at listings. I would like to see the listing presentation of others. Any ideas? (I dont want to pay $500 for some surefire packet, I'm looking for someone who has used tapes that worked)

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 6 replies

New member

2005-11-25T20:24:16Z

Hi all,
I look forward to the discussions on this tribe. I have a tribe called maryland real estate for anyone whos interested in the local real estate market in md or surrounding areas.

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 6 replies

For Sale By Owner

2005-11-25T20:21:03Z

I figure you have already discussed this, but allow me to jump in here and ask.

I want to sell my home on my own, without an agent.

Advice is welcome.

What paperwork will I need? Do I need an attorney?

Etc.

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 5 replies

MORTGAGE BROKERS & REAL ESTATE AGENTS NEEDED TO BUILD NATIONAL TEAM

2005-11-11T05:27:21Z

We are currently recruiting and training both real estate agents and mortgage brokers to build national teams of mortgage associates and real estate agents to become key parts of a national expansion that will lead to a revolution in and eventually to a complete domination of the real estate industry.

Our mortgage associates will sell loans in 48 states, and our real estate agents will complete real estate transactions in 26 states currently, and soon in all 50 states as we are currently growing and soon will be completing real estate transactions in all 50 states.

We offer unlimited territory, unlimited opportunity for advancement, complete mortgage lending training, real estate referrals, contract/commission starting at 30% and going up to 90%, commission splits between 10%- 60%, override commissions on your team’s production, company trips, performance awards, and the ability to make your dreams come true.

Please email our National Recruiter Mr. Jeff Snipes at jeffsnipes@wlgdirect.com or call him @ (941) 538-2738.

Thanks and we look forward to speaking with you soon.

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 0 replies

health insurance

2005-11-07T00:27:16Z

what do you use, experiences?

ah, being self employed presents flexibility and choices such as this one...

posted in ! REAL ESTATE ! - 2 replies