Challenges Facing Real Estate Investors In Today’s Market

Just recently, real estate investors had a level playing field where they could do any type of deals with few or no restrictions. Things have changed with the real estate bubble forcing real estate investors to re-discover themselves to succeed.

Here are a few things that affect real estate investing business.

1) Taking over mortgage payments

This is one of the most favorable real estate investing business models with most investors. Deals with lease options, rent to own, owner financing, form a big part of most real estate investors income.

Lately more and more states are implementing tight rules that require that you disclose to the lender before taking over payments.

They also require you to disclose to the buyer. Some states do not allow you to do a lease option more than 180 days. This means you have to keep up with lots of paperwork.

2) No stated income loans
Gone are the days when self employed people could easily get loans. Previously you just needed to provide proof of assets like bank statements and you could get funded for a mortgage.

You can no longer do this, so if you are self employed you have to re-think how to acquire your properties.

3) Hard money credit based?
This comes as a surprise that some hard money lenders need you to fully disclose your income and lend based on your credit.

They have more relaxed rules, but you still have to shop for hard money lenders who lend based only on property.

4) Limit on number of properties you can finance
Today, if you have a credit score of 720 or more and your income is fully documented, you can only finance up to 10 properties.

You must also show cash reserves of at least 6 months your monthly payment for each property.

Of course if you are self employed you cannot document your income!

5) Seasoning rules
You cannot refinance a property to cash out until you keep it for 12 months even if you bought it with cash. In other words you cannot just move on to the next deal when you want!

If you buy rental properties, you have to take this into account.

If you are self employed, can you refinance if you cannot document your income?

6) No refinancing properties held in an LLC
You must hold a property in your personal name in order to refinance. If they are held in an LLC, you must transfer them to your personal name for 6 months before you can refinance.

So what do these new limitations mean? Is it the end of real estate investing as we knew it?

The answer is no. Real estate investors know how to re-discover themselves and are flexible enough to adapt to changing market forces.

By: kahethu

Tips to Sell Your House Quickly

Every individual looks for distinct ways to sell house quickly and fast. It probably may occur due to number of reasons like Relocation, Financial Difficulties, Negative Equity, Divorce or Separation, Repossessions. In such a situation one wishes the process of selling a house to be hassle free. Here are some of the tips that may help to achieve a quick house sale in Berkshire.

Once selling a house is decided, you must see what you want to include in its sale. Generally, the fittings and fixtures are included in basic price but movables can be negotiated. To sell property fast and to avoid clutter later, dispose of any items that you do not need any longer before you start with the sale process.

You have to give certain useful documents connected with your property to your agent like gas & electrical certificate checks, building regulations certificates, council tax, insurance bills, etc. Such documents are required to present to your potential buyers and if you have these at hand then it will allow for you to sell your house fast.

To calculate the correct value of your house, a survey is the most accurate means as it is carried out by a qualified individual namely a RICS survey. Speaking to some local estate agents can be a good idea to get an idea but do bear in mind that an agent will only ever be able to give their opinion and they do tend to inflate the price in order to generate business.

Selling the property through an estate agent involves many significant risks. In fact it could be expensive and time consuming as well. If you decide to involve an estate agent, they will ask you for information regarding the property before requesting for viewings should there be interest. Any potential buyer will want to see the house in a prestige and tidy condition to help them visualize a property that they could see themselves living in. If you decide to go with an agent then do bear this in mind and if you can get things tidied up and neat then this will help a great deal.

Many people do not realise just how long it can even take for a house to be sold. According to www.house.co.uk the average time for a property to sell is 207 days, that is over 6.5 months. Can you afford to wait that long? With the residential market at record lows, selling your house on the open market is more difficult than ever, and with lenders changing lending criteria many people are simply finding it difficult to get a mortgage which has resulted in many broken chains; Is this happening to you?

There are many things to consider when looking at selling your property. If you need to sell quickly then maybe an estate agent is not the best means. If you can afford to wait then great, you can give it a try however if you feel you do not want to risk the uncertainty of not selling and want a guaranteed solution then maybe a cash buyer would be a suitable solution for you. A cash buyer typically is able to raise cash finance quickly resulting in a quick sale of usually 28 days. They also agree to pay all your fees and are happy to complete within a time to suit you.

in reference to:

"Tips to Sell Your House Quickly Edit Article |"
- http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/tips-to-sell-your-house-quickly-4102925.html (view on Google Sidewiki)

Discovering Your Dream Apartment

Relocation is a difficult task for any individual. There are many plans and preparations that have to be made prior to settling in for the long run. One of the most difficult aspects of moving is finding the right apartment that best suits your needs, and also fulfills a couple of dreams at the same time. In this article, you will learn how to discover your dream apartment.

One of the first things that you must do when attempting to discover your dream apartment is to think about the specifications that you want and need out of a rental unit. You may require only a one bedroom, but you may want a two bedroom so that one may be dedicated to your studies. You may need a shower due to mobility issues, but you may want a shower that it includes a built in seat for comfort.

The next thing that you should do is determine how much money that you have available for the down payment. You should also inspect your finances to determine the most that you can spend on the endeavor each month. This will ensure that once you find that dream apartment, you are able to pay for it on a monthly basis.

When researching apartments, it is best to research only those that you can afford. Reaching out to something you cannot afford can be very tempting, but you should never indulge in this temptation. You should evaluate each apartment that you are interested in by appointment.

When you arrive at the apartment for the appointment to look over it, there are many things that you should observe. Is the neighborhood nice and clean? Will you have tenants living above, or below you? Are the walls soundproof? Is the yard maintained? Is the building maintained? Is there plenty of room? Are your potential neighbors friendly? All of this is very important when choosing a dream apartment.

When researching apartments, it is generally best to go with a real estate company. However, if this is not an alternative, you should meet with the landlord and make observations about them. Are they professional? Do they maintain a professional appearance? Are they friendly? Do they seem approachable?

This is important because this is the individual that you will be compensating. It is best to ensure that they are friendly and professional. If not, even the best apartment can turn out to be a nightmare!

Once you find an apartment that you feel is appropriate, you should discuss the rules and responsibilities that you will be expected to abide by. You should also ensure that you get a signed document stating the rules and responsibilities of the landlord as well. By doing this, you can determine if this is the right choice for you and your unique set of circumstances.

If you find that you have discovered your dream apartment and are ready to move in, make an appointment with the landlord or representing Real Estate Company. You should clarify any issues that you have prior to signing any documentation. Once you find that you are satisfied with the responses, you may proceed with the paperwork.

It is imperative that you carefully review any and all paperwork that you sign. If you do not agree with a clause within the rental and/or lease agreement, then you should not sign the document. You should request a modification to the document to suit your liking. Be sure to stand firm in this.

Discovering your dream apartment can be a daunting task. However, if you are equipped with the proper knowledge and do your homework, you are sure to find a perfect match for your needs and the things that you want out of an apartment...


by: BMA Editorial Team 3

in reference to:

"Discovering Your Dream Apartment"
- http://real-estate-management.bestmanagementarticles.com/a-42441-discovering-your-dream-apartment.aspx (view on Google Sidewiki)