Short Sale: Pitfalls and Solutions

December 8, 2009

Short Sale: Pitfalls & Solutions

Pitfall: Your Property is Priced Incorrectly

Solution: Agent Providing Understanding and Transparency.

Pitfall: Your Short Sale Proposal is Incomplete. A most frequent reason for rejection of short sale proposal. Many do not understand the process for short sales and what the lender seeks.

Solution: Understand All Aspects of the Process

Choose the right agent to represent you.

Pitfall: There has been Inadequate Follow-up and Communication

Improper communication with all parties can delay the process, which might result in running out of time and a foreclosure.

Solution: Select an Experienced Agent.

The right agent knows exactly how to follow up to ensure that your lender’s issues are addressed in a timely manner, and will make certain you do not have unnecessary delays.

Pitfall: There Isn’t Enough Time

Understanding foreclosure laws is vital. In addition, the agent has to know how to communicate with your lender. Certain information can be provided to lenders to postpone your foreclosure for weeks or months in order to negotiate a sale.

Solution: Provide Accurate and Useful Information

Make sure you provide your agent accurate information as to exactly how many payments you have missed and any correspondence you have received from your lender. This will allow your agent to understand your situation and work to improve it.

Pitfall: Your Deal is Not Submitted Properly

If you do not follow the directions you receive for submission, then you are expecting an over-worked, under-staffed department to go out of their way to handle your file. There is very little likelihood of this situation working out in your favor.

Solution: Follow Instructions Closely

If you are instructed to fax your file, fax it and send a backup copy in the mail. If you are instructed to mail two copies, mail two copies. When you reach the point of having a contract, all your information, and a completed proposal, you do not want your deal to fall apart because no one sees it.

Pitfall: The Buyer’s Offer is Too Low

Many agents will encourage you to submit any offer that comes in. The reality is that a short sale is not the same as a fire sale. In order to have a legitimate chance of getting your deal approved, you must have an offer that is more attractive to the lender than a foreclosure.

Solution: Proper Negotiation

The right agent will work with you to properly negotiate any offer that you receive to get ‘highest and best’ from each potential buyer. This ensures you are presenting the best possible solution to your lender.

Pitfall: The Buyer’s Contract is Not Strong Enough

Especially in our current economic climate, willingness to make an offer on a property does not mean that a buyer is truly qualified to purchase. The reality is that buyers need to be preapproved for financing, closing funds must be verified, and their ability to buy needs to be confirmed.

Solution: An Agent Familiar with Qualifying Buyers

Your agent should be familiar with what must be verified in order to qualify a buyer to submit an offer on your property. Otherwise, these offers may have little chance of closing. Don’t risk this process with an uneducated agent who does not appreciate this aspect of short sales.

In conclusion, While these pitfalls may seem troublesome, the right agent can help you navigate your way to a successful closing. Don’t endanger your financial future and the potential sale of your home with an agent who does not fully understand the process. CDPE-designated agents have completed extensive training in the short sale process, and in assisting struggling homeowners who need real solutions. They understand what you are going through, and are here to serve and help save your family’s interests.

Source: http://www.cdpe.com/

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~Kirill Gorbounov, MBA, REALTOR®, CDPE, SRES, GREEN, e-PRO.

cell: (571) 276-0986; mailto: KirillRealtor@Yahoo.com

~Elena Gorbounova, LL.M., REALTOR®, Associate BROKER, GRI, ABR, ASP.

cell: (703) 625-7888; mailto: ElenaDeibes@aol.com

http://www.YourSkylineConnection.com/ -Content is King … Learning Center

http://tiny.cc/YSC – PowerPoint on Northern Virginia Market / Economy

RE/MAX Allegiance; 6226 Old Dominion Dr., Mclean, VA 22101

Office: 703-237-9500; E-Fax: 1866-821-0782

——————————-

MBA – Masters in Business Administration

CDPE – Certified Distressed Property Expert (short sales)

SRES – Senior Real Estate Specialist

GREEN – Green Real Estate Principles

e-PRO – Certified Internet/Tech.

ABR – Accredited Buyer Representative

ASP – Accredited Staging Professional ™

GRI – Graduate Realtor Institute

LLM – Legal Law in Masters

Selling & buying in Northern Virginia: Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, Annandale, Springfield, Burke, McLean, Skyline Square, Skyline House, Skyline Plaza.


Short Sale Myths in Northern Virginia

December 8, 2009

Short Sale Myths

Myth #1 – The Bank Would Rather Foreclose Than Bother With A Short Sale

A Big Misconception! The process is costly and they would rather avoid it, which is why banks, investors, and even the federal government have all publicly stated that if a person is qualified for a short sale, the deal needs to be considered.

Qualifications for a short sale:

  1. Financial Hardship – There is a situation causing you to have trouble affording your mortgage.
  2. Monthly Income Shortfall – “You have more month than money.” A lender will want to see that you cannot afford, or soon will not be able to afford your mortgage.
  3. Insolvency – The lender will want to see that you do not have significant liquid assets that would allow you to pay down your mortgage.

Today, more banks are aggressively pursuing short sales and working with agents who understand how to process them. Freddie Mac recently hosted a national training Webinar for real estate agents where they expressly stated the organizational goal of “eliminating distressed assets through modification or short sale.”

Myth #2 – You Must Be Behind On Your Mortgage To Negotiate A Short Sale

While this may have previously been the case, today lenders are looking for verifiable hardship, monthly cash flow shortfall, or pending shortfall and insolvency.

If you meet these three requirements and believe that you soon may be unable to afford your mortgage, act immediately. Any delay could limit your options. Do not wait until the countdown clock to foreclosure has started and you have even less time left.

Myth #3 – There Is Not Enough Time To Negotiate A Short Sale Before My Foreclosure

Foreclosure is a process, and there is time to make decisions that may result in better outcomes … the process can be stalled.

Myth #4 – Listing My Home As A Short Sale Is An Embarrassment

More than one out of eight homeowners in the U.S. is in the same situation. You are to be congratulated for admitting you need help, taking action, and finding a professional who can work with you toward a solution.

Recent estimates show that 40-60% of U.S. sales will be short sales or foreclosures – You are not alone.

Myth #5 – Short Sales Are Impossible And Never Get Approved

They are more difficult, but there is nothing impossible about them!

Myth #7 – Buyers Are Not Interested In Short Sale Properties

Many agents are getting calls from buyers who say they only want to look at foreclosure and short sales. Some see the words synonymous with “good deals.” Many of these buyers are international investors.

In conclusion, Agents with the CDPE Designation have been trained in all aspects of the short sale process, and know how to deal with the parties involved in foreclosures. Finding a CDPE can explain what options you have, and get you on the path to recovery.

Source: http://www.cdpe.com/

——————————
~Kirill Gorbounov, MBA, REALTOR®, CDPE, SRES, GREEN, e-PRO.
cell: (571) 276-0986; mailto: KirillRealtor@Yahoo.com
~Elena Gorbounova, LL.M., REALTOR®, Associate BROKER, GRI, ABR, ASP.
cell: (703) 625-7888; mailto: ElenaDeibes@aol.com
http://www.YourSkylineConnection.com/ -Content is King … Learning Center
http://tiny.cc/YSC – PowerPoint on Northern Virginia Market / Economy
RE/MAX Allegiance; 6226 Old Dominion Dr., Mclean, VA 22101
Office: 703-237-9500; E-Fax: 1866-821-0782
——————————-
MBA – Masters in Business Administration
CDPE – Certified Distressed Property Expert (short sales)
SRES – Senior Real Estate Specialist
GREEN – Green Real Estate Principles
e-PRO – Certified Internet/Tech.
ABR – Accredited Buyer Representative
ASP – Accredited Staging Professional ™
GRI – Graduate Realtor Institute
LLM – Legal Law in Masters

Selling & buying in Northern Virginia: Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, Annandale, Springfield, Burke, McLean, Skyline Square, Skyline House, Skyline Plaza.


Short Sales

December 1, 2009

Congratulations … U.S. Treasury Department understood that Short Sales were very hard to close and so made a step in the right direction: 1) major step: A lender is required to give a “yes or no answer” to offers within 10 days!!! There are other provisions as well: a moving allowance, incentives for sellers and lenders, commission rules, and a stipulation that releases sellers from debt liabilities.

Here’s an initial article:  Reuters news story.

——————————
~Kirill Gorbounov, MBA, REALTOR®, CDPE, SRES, GREEN, e-PRO.
cell: (571) 276-0986; mailto: KirillRealtor@Yahoo.com
~Elena Gorbounova, LL.M., REALTOR®, Associate BROKER, GRI, ABR, ASP.
cell: (703) 625-7888; mailto: ElenaDeibes@aol.com
http://www.YourSkylineConnection.com/ -Content is King … Learning Center
http://tiny.cc/YSC – PowerPoint on Northern Virginia Market / Economy
RE/MAX Allegiance; 6226 Old Dominion Dr., Mclean, VA 22101
Office: 703-237-9500; E-Fax: 1866-821-0782
——————————-
MBA – Masters in Business Administration
CDPE – Certified Distressed Property Expert (short sales)
SRES – Senior Real Estate Specialist
GREEN – Green Real Estate Principles
e-PRO – Certified Internet/Tech.
ABR – Accredited Buyer Representative
ASP – Accredited Staging Professional ™
GRI – Graduate Realtor Institute
LLM – Legal Law in Masters

Selling & buying in Northern Virginia: Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, Annandale, Springfield, Burke, McLean.


Duties of a Standard Agent (Client vs Customer)

November 5, 2009

Statutory Duties to Client (written agreement):

1) perform to contract – do what the agreement specifies.
2) promote client’s interest – acceptable terms, timely, disclosure of material information, financial accountability.
3) maintain confidential information.
4) ordinary care (industry standards).
5) obey all laws & regulations

Statutory Duties to Customer:
1) honesty
2) can’t give false information intentionally.
3) disclose agency relationship and known material adverse facts about the physical condition of the property.

 

P.S. I am a Certified Distressed Property Expert and have extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales. If someone you know is having problems making their mortgage payments, tell them to contact me right away.
——————————
~Kirill Gorbounov, MBA, REALTOR®, CDPE, SRES, GREEN, e-PRO.
cell: (571) 276-0986; mailto: KirillRealtor@Yahoo.com
~Elena Gorbounova, LL.M., REALTOR®, Associate BROKER, GRI, ABR, ASP.
cell: (703) 625-7888; mailto: ElenaDeibes@aol.com
http://www.YourSkylineConnection.com – BLOG/TRENDS/STATS/Research on Metro DC Region (Knowledge is Power)
RE/MAX Allegiance; 6226 Old Dominion Dr., Mclean, VA 22101
Office: 703-237-9500; E-Fax: 1866-821-0782
——————————-
MBA – Masters in Business Administration
CDPE – Certified Distressed Property Expert (short sales)
SRES – Senior Real Estate Specialist
GREEN – Green Real Estate Principles
e-PRO – Certified Internet/Tech.
ABR – Accredited Buyer Representative
ASP – Accredited Staging Professional ™
GRI – Graduate Realtor Institute
LLM – Legal Law in Masters



A recent search on Google returned 98 million results for “RE/MAX,” 43 million for “Century 21,” 8 million for “Coldwell Banker” and 5 million for “Keller Williams.”

November 4, 2009

A recent search on Google returned 98 million results for “RE/MAX,” 43 million for “Century 21,” 8 million for “Coldwell Banker” and 5 million for “Keller Williams.”


Is Everybody equal? Why use RE/MAX Allegiance in Northern Virginia!

September 9, 2009

There is an industry popular magazine called “REALTOR” and looking at the top 100 companies one sees the following:

1.  Long and Foster averaged 5.192 transactions per associate.

RE/MAX Allegiance averaged 11.939 per associate.

2.  Long and Foster’s sales volume per associate was $1,847,200.

RE/MAX Allegiance associates average sales volume was $3,948,900.

These ARE the REAL number that can be seen in the REALTOR magazine. So, are we all equal? Are we all the same? Do extra classes, degrees, designations make a difference?

~Kirill Gorbounov, MBA, REALTOR®, CDPE, SRES, GREEN, e-PRO.
cell: (571) 276-0986; mailto: KirillRealtor@Yahoo.com
~Elena Gorbounova, LL.M., REALTOR®, Associate BROKER, GRI, ABR, ASP.
cell: (703) 625-7888; mailto: ElenaDeibes@aol.com
http://www.YourSkylineConnection.com – BLOG/TRENDS/STATS/Research on Metro DC Region (Knowledge is Power)
RE/MAX Allegiance; 6226 Old Dominion Dr., Mclean, VA 22101
Office: 703-237-9500; E-Fax: 1866-821-0782
——————————-
MBA – Masters in Business Administration
CDPE – Certified Distressed Property Expert (short sales)
SRES – Senior Real Estate Specialist
GREEN – Green Real Estate Principles
e-PRO – Certified Internet/Tech.
ABR – Accredited Buyer Representative
ASP – Accredited Staging Professional ™
GRI – Graduate Realtor Institute
LLM – Legal Law in Masters


Arlington – top 10 best places to find a job in US.

September 3, 2009

Saw a great blog on http://bengelblog.com/ and wanted to give kudos to it:

No U.S. cities have been untouched by the economic downturn, but some job markets have been better able to weather the storm. U.S. News & World Report examined a variety of data to identify cities where it’s easier to find a job than in many other places. The underlying strengths of the top cities vary considerably. Some of the stronger cities are state capitals and have lots of government jobs. Others have abundant natural resources, stable housing markets, growing health care sectors, or are in close proximity to military bases.

But overall, what separates these communities from those that have been hit harder is a steady economy that protected them from steep unemployment.

Here, in alphabetical order, are the 10 cities that offer the most opportunities for job seekers:
1. Anchorage
2. Arlington, Va.
3. Columbus, Ohio
4. Honolulu
5. Houston
6. Oklahoma City
7. Salt Lake City
8. Shreveport, La.
9. Tallahassee, Fla.
10. Wichita, Kan.

Source: U.S. News & World Report

~Kirill Gorbounov, MBA, REALTOR®, CDPE, SRES, GREEN, e-PRO.
cell: (571) 276-0986; mailto: KirillRealtor@Yahoo.com
~Elena Gorbounova, LL.M., REALTOR®, Associate BROKER, GRI, ABR, ASP.
cell: (703) 625-7888; mailto: ElenaDeibes@aol.com
http://www.YourSkylineConnection.com – BLOG/TRENDS/STATS/Research on Metro DC Region (Knowledge is Power)
RE/MAX Allegiance; 6226 Old Dominion Dr., Mclean, VA 22101
Office: 703-237-9500; E-Fax: 1866-821-0782
——————————-
MBA – Masters in Business Administration
CDPE – Certified Distressed Property Expert (short sales)
SRES – Senior Real Estate Specialist
GREEN – Green Real Estate Principles
e-PRO – Certified Internet/Tech.
ABR – Accredited Buyer Representative
ASP – Accredited Staging Professional ™
GRI – Graduate Realtor Institute
LLM – Legal Law in Masters


We are Rich!!!

August 15, 2009

… At least some of our neighbors. CNBC ranked the states with the most millionaires by comparing to all households in the state and all three of our jurisdictions were in the top 10.

10. Washington, D.C.

5. Virginia

2. Maryland

definition of a millionaire for the purposes of the study:  households with $1 million or more in investable or liquid assets (excluding sponsored retirement plans and real estate). This year’s list shows that 5,139,385 American households — 4.46 percent of the total — were defined as millionaires.

~Kirill Gorbounov, MBA, REALTOR®, CDPE, SRES, GREEN, e-PRO.
cell: (571) 276-0986; mailto: KirillRealtor@Yahoo.com
~Elena Gorbounova, LL.M., REALTOR®, Associate BROKER, GRI, ABR, ASP.
cell: (703) 625-7888; mailto: ElenaDeibes@aol.com
http://www.YourSkylineConnection.com – BLOG/TRENDS/STATS/Research on Metro DC Region (Knowledge is Power)
RE/MAX Allegiance; 6226 Old Dominion Dr., Mclean, VA 22101
Office: 703-237-9500; E-Fax: 1866-821-0782
——————————-
MBA – Masters in Business Administration
CDPE – Certified Distressed Property Expert (short sales)
SRES – Senior Real Estate Specialist
GREEN – Green Real Estate Principles
e-PRO – Certified Internet/Tech.
ABR – Accredited Buyer Representative
ASP – Accredited Staging Professional ™
GRI – Graduate Realtor Institute
LLM – Legal Law in Masters


Home Sales are up

August 11, 2009

From the Washington Business Journal:

The number of homes sold in Northern Virginia was up 10.55 percent in July over the same month last year, with units spending less time on the market.

A total of 2,053 homes worth $946.04 million were sold in Northern Virginia, according to Rockville-based market research firm Metropolitan Regional Information Systems Inc.

Homes spent an average of 62 days on the market — far less than the 91-day average in July 2008. Median prices rose slightly to $410,000 from $399,00 in 2008.

District homes spent 88 days on the market, far longer than Northern Virginia units. Though 28 percent more homes were sold in D.C. in July, compare to the sane month last year. The median price of $386,000 for the 648 units was an 8.57 percent dip from 2008.

In Maryland, Prince George’s County saw a sharp rise in the number of units sold – 720 homes compared to 409 units a year earlier, but despite the spike in sales, homes spent an average of 138 days on the market compared to 127 days a year ago. Median home prices were down 24 percent from $283,000 in July 2008.

Montgomery County home sales were up 30 percent from 2008 with 1,130 units sold in July. Though median sales prices were down to $375,000 from $408,000 a year ago, there was little change in the average days on the market. The average time was 93 days.

~Kirill Gorbounov, MBA, REALTOR®, CDPE, SRES, GREEN, e-PRO.
cell: (571) 276-0986; mailto: KirillRealtor@Yahoo.com
~Elena Gorbounova, LL.M., REALTOR®, Associate BROKER, GRI, ABR, ASP.
cell: (703) 625-7888; mailto: ElenaDeibes@aol.com
http://www.YourSkylineConnection.com – BLOG/TRENDS/STATS/Research on Metro DC Region (Knowledge is Power)
RE/MAX Allegiance; 6226 Old Dominion Dr., Mclean, VA 22101
Office: 703-237-9500; E-Fax: 1866-821-0782
——————————-
MBA – Masters in Business Administration
CDPE – Certified Distressed Property Expert (short sales)
SRES – Senior Real Estate Specialist
GREEN – Green Real Estate Principles
e-PRO – Certified Internet/Tech.
ABR – Accredited Buyer Representative
ASP – Accredited Staging Professional ™
GRI – Graduate Realtor Institute
LLM – Legal Law in Masters


Pending Home Sales Increase

June 4, 2009

The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in April, rose 6.7 percent to 90.3 from a reading of 84.6 in March, and is 3.2 percent above April 2008 when it was 87.5.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said buyers are responding to very favorable market conditions. “Housing affordability conditions have been at historic highs, but now the $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit is beginning to impact the market,” he said. “Since first-time buyers must finalize their purchase by November 30 to get the credit, we expect greater activity in the months ahead, and that should spark more sales by repeat buyers.”

Geographical Breakdown

* Northeast: The Pending Home Sales Index shot up 32.6 percent to 78.9 in April and is 0.8 percent above a year ago.
* Midwest: The index rose 9.8 percent to 90.4 and is 11.1 percent above April 2008.
* South: The index slipped 0.2 percent to 93.0 in April but is 3.5 percent higher than a year ago.
* West: The index rose 1.8 percent to 94.8 but is 2.9 percent below April 2008.

NAR President Charles McMillan said there are numerous buyer assistance programs around the country. “Some states are offering bridge loans that allow first-time buyers to use the tax credit for downpayment and closing costs, but there are many other local government and nonprofit programs available to buyers, depending on location,” he said.

“Just last week, HUD announced that qualifying buyers can use the tax credit for closing costs on FHA loans, to buy down the interest rate or make a larger down payment. Buyers who are wondering about their options should contact a REALTOR, who can advise consumers on the housing assistance programs and resources available in a given area.”

Affordable Housing
NAR’s Housing Affordability Index is in record territory. The affordability index rose to 174.8 in April from an upwardly revised 171.9 in March, which makes it the second-highest monthly reading on record after peaking at 176.9 in January of this year. The HAI is a broad measure of housing affordability using consistent values and assumptions over time, which examines the relationship between home prices, mortgage interest rates and family income.

A median-income family, earning $60,900, could afford a home costing $296,800 in April with a 20 percent down payment, assuming 25 percent of gross income is devoted to mortgage principal and interest. Affordability conditions for first-time buyers with the same income and small down payments are roughly 80 percent of that amount. The affordable price was well above the median existing single-family home price in April, which was $169,800.

Pending Vs. Existing Sales
Yun cautions that the reporting sample for pending home sales is smaller than that of existing-home sales, so it is subject to greater variability. “In addition, the relationship between contracts on pending home sales and closings on existing-home sales is taking longer than in the past for several reasons,” he said. “Mortgage processing time has increased, it is taking many months to close on those homes requiring short sales with lender approval, and some sales are falling through at the last moment.”

The total number of existing-home sales is expected to improve but with dramatic local market variation in the timing of recovery. “The market has already bottomed in some areas, but this is an unusual housing cycle with some areas improving rapidly while others languish or decline,” Yun said.

Existing-home sales for May will be released June 23. The next Pending Home Sales Index will be on July 1.

Primary Source: Posted: http://bengelblog.com/; June 2, 2009 byCharlie Bengel, Jr.
2ary Source: NAR (06/02/09)

~Kirill Gorbounov, MBA, REALTOR®, CDPE, SRES, GREEN, e-PRO.
cell: (571) 276-0986; mailto: KirillRealtor@Yahoo.com
~Elena Gorbounova, LL.M., REALTOR®, Associate BROKER, GRI, ABR, ASP.
cell: (703) 625-7888; mailto: ElenaDeibes@aol.com
http://www.YourSkylineConnection.com – BLOG/TRENDS/STATS/Research on Metro DC Region (Knowledge is Power)
RE/MAX Allegiance; 6226 Old Dominion Dr., Mclean, VA 22101
Office: 703-237-9500; E-Fax: 1866-821-0782
——————————-
MBA – Masters in Business Administration
CDPE – Certified Distressed Property Expert (short sales)
SRES – Senior Real Estate Specialist
GREEN – Green Real Estate Principles
e-PRO – Certified Internet/Tech.
ABR – Accredited Buyer Representative
ASP – Accredited Staging Professional ™
GRI – Graduate Realtor Institute
LLM – Legal Law in Masters