Steve & Scarlett Justice's Blog

I work with several different Banks in helping them market their foreclosed properties and people always ask me, “What bank is selling this property” I tell them and then ask them why they wanted to know.  Nine times out of ten they tell me they want to contact the bank so they can negotiate an offer. The banks selling the foreclosed properties don’t work that way.

FACT

Banks hire Realtors to list and sell their Foreclosed properties

The banks hire local realtors to manage the properties for them, list them for sale and sell the properties. The listing agent helps the bank will all sorts of things such as getting any remaining personal property removed, paying for and making sure that all the utilities are on, paying for and coordinating any repairs or maintenance the property may need, showing the property, writing up offers and selling the property for them.  The banks typically have several hundred thousand foreclosure properties through out the United States. Can you just image a bank President in Texas trying to manage any of those items from Texas for properties in all the different states? I would think he would have other more pressing matters than talking to contractors, gardeners and people wanting to see the house.  Can you imagine the questions? Is the house on 123 Main Street still available? Is it close to shopping? I’m sure the bank president in Texas would have no idea, nor should he. That is not his job. It is the job of the local Realtor to help buyers with local information and help them see the homes.

FACT

Foreclosures are such great deals the banks are grateful for any offer. NOT!

Banks know what the market is because the local realtor that has the property listed for sale tells them. The bank also has the home appraised before it is even put on the market. Typically the bank list the house about 10 to 20 percent under what market value is because they want the home sold as soon as possible. That does not mean that they are going to give it away and sell it for 50% less. I think sometimes buyers go to these weekend seminars and come away with some really interesting thoughts or they just think the banks are desperate. Every once in a while a buyer will get a screaming deal on a foreclosed home, but it will be a home that has been on the market a very long time or the area and or condition is not that good. Otherwise, it will not happen.   

FACT

All types of homes are foreclosed homes

I have seen some homes that you have to hold your nose when you go into them so as not to breathe as it smells so bad and I have seen homes that are just pristine. There are all types of homes that are foreclosed properties. Some don’t even need any repairs at all and others have the whole kitchen missing. It just depends.

FACT

You get title insurance and good title

The title and escrow process is pretty much the same as when you buy a regular home. You get clear title. I have never heard of anyone buying a foreclosed home having an issue with title.

FACT

You need an experienced Realtor to help you with a foreclosure purchase

Yes, foreclosure purchases have a few different nuances about them and you should have a Realtor that is experienced in foreclosure properties assist you as you should when you purchase any other home. Each bank is different, so each transaction may be a little different in what the Bank will and will not do or pay for. Look to your Realtor for advise on these issues.

Don’t be afraid. You can buy a foreclosed home today and close escrow in 30 days. Just remember, typically, the foreclosed home you buy is “As Is” and the seller will not fixed anything. They are still great deals!

As of October 2008 the lenders have changed the way they look at rental income if you are planning on renting out your current home and buying another home. The old rule of thumb where the lender gives you credit for 75% of rental income does not apply any longer.

FANNIE MAE rules as of August 1, 2008

It is much more difficult to qualify for the loan if you are keeping your current home and going to be renting it out and buying a new home. One of these three scenarios must apply:

1. Current home pending sale

• The lender will count both house payments, the old house and the new house in the qualifying ratios unless there is an executed purchase contract on the old house and all the lenders financing contingencies have been cleared
• Required cash reserves after closing; enough to make 6 months house payments on both properties, less if you can document 30% equity in the home you are selling

2. Existing home converts to a Second Home

• Count both house payments, old and new in qualifying ratios
• Require cash reserves of 6 months house payments on both properties, less if 30% equity in home converting to a second home

3. Existing home converts to a rental property

• Count both house payments, old and new in qualifying ratios. Rent may be used to offset payment ONLY if a new appraisal verifies 30% equity, home is leased, and security deposit is verified
• Cash reserves after closing, enough to make 6 months house payments on both properties

Bottom line-

Anytime you are thinking of retaining ownership in your current primary residence and need to close on a new primary residence, you must qualify with both payments and you have cash reserves of 6 months payments for both properties. The only time this does not apply is if you have 30% or more equity in the property you are retaining and a lease with a verified security deposit or the home is sold with a valid purchase contract and all financing contingencies have been removed.

Be sure and speak with your lender as soon as possible if you are thinking of retaining your current primary residence as a rental and purchasing a new primary residence. Your lender can advise you as to the best way to proceed.

Today I had the pleasure of meeting with my Allstate representative Aaron Clift about life and health insurance. Now, I know real estate frontwards and backwards but don’t ask me anything about life or health insurance. It is just not my thing. But Aaron knows all about insurance and he will patiently answer any of your questions. Yes, I know, sometimes it is difficult to ask those questions.  You think, wow, I have had this insurance for how long and I am not even sure what I have, let alone what it covers and doesn’t cover.

I gave a binder of paperwork to Aaron and asked his opinion of what coverage I had.  Aaron explained  it all to me, and made some suggestions.

He had his laptop and input my application for life insurance right then and there and I signed it just like I sign for Federal Express on one of those signature pads where you can’t really see your signature and we were good. I am still looking at the health insurance and reviewing his suggestions. But I am sure I will be changing over to his recommended health insurance as well in the next week or so. 

I am just a regular person that purchased a very small life insurance policy but he made me feel like I was important to him and his business. He even followed up with a thank you email and advised me as to what the next step would be.  We just don’t see this kind of customer service very often and it was very refreshing. So, if you need an insurance agent give Aaron Clift a call at 916-539-0964 or email at aaronclift@allstate.com. Tell him Scarlett sent you.