One of the most heartbreaking ways to lose your home is if you can’t make your mortgage payments or if you’ve fallen behind on them. For borrowers who are in a situation where their house is on the verge of foreclosure, there is still some hope. Introducing… Loan Modification.

In a nutshell, loan modifications can make your life stress free by ensuring you pay your current mortgage and save your home from foreclosure.

In this article, we will take a deeper look at what loan modification is all about.

Little More about Loan Modification

A loan modification occurs when the lender changes the loan terms. Loan Modification is an acceptable agreement between the lender and borrower. In it, the lender gets paid and the borrower keeps the house. The modification may be a decrease in the interest rate, extend of the payback period, or a new type of loan.

In most cases, loan modifications are only available in circumstances wherein the borrower is unable to make full payments and their credit is not sufficient to refinance the loan.

For such cases, the option of refinancing is the ideal solution.

Under What Circumstance Should A Borrower Choose The Loan Modification Route?

Loan Modification is a tool for people who are in a lot of trouble and have no other way to save their homes.  It is not for everyone, and it is important to speak with a professional to see if it is the best option for your particular situation.

A borrower who is experiencing a temporary setback is eligible to request help from the lender with their mortgage. In some instances, a lower payment could help the borrower get through the difficult patch and prevent foreclosure on their home.

Generally, loan modifications occur when one is unable to repay the original loan. The attorney or workout company will help you negotiate modification procedures.

How Do Loan Modifications Work?

Although loan modifications can be requested for any type of loan, the most typical loans for which they are requested are secured loans such as mortgages. In the event of possible foreclosure, the lender may be open to modifying the terms of the loan after he/she has concluded that a foreclosure would be a more expensive route than a loan modification which is beneficial to both parties in the long run.

Are You Qualified For A Loan Modification?

It’s not possible to get a loan modification for everyone who’s having a hard time paying their mortgage. To be eligible, homeowners must either be behind on their mortgage payments or be delinquent— they are paying now but there is a risk that they will delay.

Some of the eligibility criteria for a loan modification include job loss, spouse death, and permanent physical or mental issues/injuries that render you disabled and unable to repay the mortgage.

What Are The Benefits of modifying your Loan?

One of the main benefits of an extended term is that it directly affects your annual interest rate. Your 30-year mortgage can become a 40-year mortgage. In exchange for this, you will receive the following benefits:

• A reduced fee makes it possible to provide the borrower with some respite to make it through.

• The opportunity to keep the house as banks would choose to avoid going through the costly process of foreclosure whenever possible.

Loan modifications allow the homeowner to continue making payments.  While at the same time keeping the house is the most beneficial resolution for both concerned parties.

What Are Some of the Drawbacks Of Getting a Loan Modification?

A modification to an existing loan may be a costly but necessary lifeline. The following are the drawback of choosing this path:

• Your loan will most likely end up costing you more money in the long run. This indicates that the greater the number of years added, the more interest you will pay throughout the course of the loan.

• Loan modification is a time-consuming process. We need to get all the necessary documentation such as pay stubs, bank statements, and tax returns. Also, you have to fill out a spreadsheet that compares your income to your expenses. It is mandatory for loans to get modified. You will need to submit a hardship statement explaining why you need a loan modification.

• Depending on how serious your situation is, your loan modification will not approve. You need to provide evidence that you are capable of repaying the loan to win the lender’s trust. If you are actually unable to afford the home, the bank may decide to deny your request for loan modifications. Bank may leave you with the option to short-sell your house.

Loan Modification Programs for You.

• 1. Conventional loan modification (Flex Modification Program) – If you want conventional mortgages, you have the option to go through FMP. FMP will help you reduce monthly payments by 20%. Also, you can extend the term up to 40 years and lower the interest rate.
  
• FHA loan modification – FHA loans include various strategies for borrowers. It gives them the option to reduce payments with an interest-free loan for 30% of the borrower’s balance. The borrowers will only have to pay the remaining part of the loan. After that, he can pay an interest-free loan when the home is about to sell. In this Pandemic, the borrowers also have the option to get a lower rate and also a 25% cut on the monthly payments. FHA borrowers have the option to extend loan terms up to 40 years.
• VA Loan modification –Borrowers with VA Loan can add their missed payments back to their loan balance. Borrowers will work with lenders for a new manageable repayment schedule. They also have an option o extend their loan.
• USDA loan modification – Borrowers backed with USDA loans have the option of modifying the mortgage. It gives an option for you to extend the term for 4o years, lowered the interest rate, and get a “mortgage recovery advance”.    All these programs in the end increase the loan balance due and the total interest paid.  If you have a permanent loss of income your best bet might be selling and moving to a less expensive home or renting.

How to apply for Loan Modification?

1. Collect data about your financial position.

2. Make a plan for your case.

3. Contact your servicer

What Happens to Your Credit Score When You Get a Loan Modification?

If you are considering going for a loan modification, chances are your credit score has already slipped. The majority of the borrowers involved in the procedure are already past due on their payments.

While you’re going ahead with the loan modification process, the “paying by modified terms” remark is on your credit report.

While you’re paying your loan on time, there may be a chance to have a positive impact on your credit score. This positive impact in turn makes up for the previous negative impact.

If you are not sure about this, there is an option for refinancing the loan at a later date as well if necessary.

To know more about the options available to you, contact Elite Properties NYC, one of the companies that buy houses for cash in any condition.

Buying a house in foreclosure may save you a lot of money, but it’s not the only thing that these properties offer. Foreclosures can be an ideal option for investors who are looking to fix properties and sell them for better profits. Although, it’s vital to know that foreclosures come with drawbacks. If you’re considering buying a foreclosed property make sure to do thorough research. Scroll down to read our blog on ‘A Guide to Buying a House in Foreclosure.’

Types of Foreclosure Sale

There are five types of Foreclosure sales: 

1. Pre-Foreclosure

Property is in pre-foreclosure when the mortgage lender has notified the borrowers they are in default, but before the property is offered for sale at auction. If a homeowner can sell during this time, they may be able to avoid an actual foreclosure proceeding and its negative effect on their credit history and future prospects.

Pre-foreclosures are typically listed in county and city courthouse buildings. In addition, many online resources list properties that are in the pre-foreclosure phase.

2. Short Sales

A short sale happens when a lender agrees to accept less money for a property than what is still owed on its mortgage. Borrowers don’t necessarily have to be in default for a lender to agree to a short sale, but usually, the borrower does need to show some kind of financial hardship that would likely lead to default, like the loss of a job.

3. Sheriff’s Sale Auctions

A sheriff’s sale auction is held after the lender has given the borrower notice of default and a grace period to catch up on mortgage payments has passed. The purpose of the auction is to help lender recoup their losses quickly from a loan that is in default.

4. Bank-Owned Properties

If a property doesn’t sell at auction, it goes back to the bank and becomes an REO. Banks usually have a department that manages these properties. You can find these properties online on websites like Elite Properties.

5. Government-Owned Properties

If a home is purchased with a loan that is backed by the federal government, such as an FHA or VA loan, and then goes into foreclosure, the government will seize the property and hire a broker to sell it.

Buyers interested in purchasing a government-owned property must work with a registered broker. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has a list of registered brokers on its website.

Causes for a Foreclosure

There are multiple reasons why homeowners fall into foreclosure. One of the most common reasons for foreclosure is a job loss or unemployment. Other reasons why people fall behind on mortgage payments include debts, marital issues, or illnesses. Also, homeowners during a foreclosure may fall into a low-to-moderate-income category that may cause trouble within the job.

As everything has its pros and cons, buying a foreclosure home is not left behind. Below are some pros and cons to consider when it comes to buying a foreclosed property.

Pros of Buying A Foreclosure House

1. Low Prices

The most prominent pro of buying a foreclosure home is its price. As the homes are priced below their market value they can be an easy catch for investors or buyers. Furthermore, foreclosures can offer a ton of savings. Sourced from the balance, according to the real estate data aggregator ATTOM Data Solutions the worth of a foreclosed property over the past five years has ranged from $93,000 to $166,000. 

2. Quick Closing Process

Comparatively, the average foreclosure process typically closes in 30 days as it’s a quick process. Although, till October 2020 the process took an average amount of 54 days from start to finish.

3. Investment Opportunities

A foreclosed property is a way to earn a good profit. Rehabilitating a house by doing a few adjustments can help in establishing a lot of value and gaining immediate equity. If you’re an investor who wants to flip the property for bigger returns then buying a foreclosure house is an ideal investment choice. With the right upgrades and improvements, you can gain a lot of value for an average home.

Cons of Buying A Foreclosure House

1. Multiple Repairs

As a foreclosure property requires selling as-is, this often relates to the that the property will need serious improvements. These houses need a lot of upgrades as the previous owner fails to maintain the house due to pricey repairs. Hence, if you are someone moving into a foreclosure property you will probably need to spend a lot of money on basic fixture improvements.

2. You May Not Get To View Or Inspect The House Before Buying The House

Foreclosure houses are sold on an as-is basis hence, there is hardly any chance for buyers to view the property. Additionally, you may not even get the chance to professionally inspect the property before submitting your bid. As these are some important points they can be deal breakers for many potential buyers. Also, you don’t have any access to the property before buying it. This means you can’t enter the property, and only look at the exteriors which are the windows and walls.

3. Competitive Market

Buying a foreclosure property comes with vying, there are several people looking to buy a property for cheap. The inventory can go out quickly as soon as the property is listed. Also, due to the pandemic where everything is online and people willingly avoid human interaction, the inventory goes out faster. The mortgage relief efforts during 2020 limited the amount of foreclosed homes hitting the market which created more competition.

4. It May Require a Huge Amount Of Cash

Keeping rehab costs aside, a buyer may require some upfront cash while buying a foreclosure home at an auction. Usually, at such events, buyers may have to bid in cash. Although, if you’re not bidding at such events for a foreclosure property and have good credit you may still bag financing.  

Monetary assistance for homebuyers

USDA Loan Program – 

There are two programs that the United States Department of Agriculture offers in order to help those with low or very low income who live in rural areas. The first program is called the Section 502 Direct Loan Program and the second is known as the 504. Both programs work to help these individuals obtain safe and decent homes.

The Section 502 program helps low-income or very low-income citizens pay for loans used to buy a modest residence in a rural area.

The Section 504 Single Family Repair program offers loans to very low-income people in rural areas who cannot get bank financing. Elderly people may be eligible for outright grants.

Veterans Administration Loan Program

The federal Veterans Administration has a mortgage guarantee program that is open to current service members, veterans, and surviving spouses. According to Military.com, the loans can be used to buy repossessed properties, although a bit of advance preparation is needed.

This program provides benefits that include zero down-payment loans, reduced closing costs, and a waiver of the mortgage insurance requirement to those who qualify.

Purchasing a Foreclosed Home

If you’re looking to purchase a property from a bank, it’s important to remember that you’ll need to be firm when it comes to negotiating prices. It never hurts to start low, especially if the bank has had the property for an extended period of time. In general, it’s a good idea to make an initial offer that’s at least 20% lower than the market price. However, this number could be higher depending on the location of the property, as areas with a high number of foreclosures often result in more favorable prices for buyers.

If you’re able to pay for the property and any necessary renovations completely with cash, you’re lucky. That’s why some buyers choose to team up with investors who can help finance the purchase and renovation, and in return, take a share of any profits when the home is eventually sold.

Bottom Line

When you consider buying a house in foreclosure it can result in potential savings. Although, it surely comes with a bunch of risks to deal with. Furthermore, if you think the home selling process will take a toll on your head, you may sell your house for cash. You can get in touch with Elite Properties. We are a cash buying company helping people to buy or sell houses. We buy houses as-is and offer hard cash in return. Call us today at 718-977-5462 to know more.

COVID-19; A horrifying pandemic crisis that the world is facing right now. As the situation is affecting many sectors around the globe, real estate isn’t left behind. The raging effect of COVID-19 has created a major void in the market. This resulted in a huge downfall with respect to the world market and economy. Let us look deep into the Foreclosure And Short Sales Market.

Many services offered by the real estate market like walkthroughs, rentals, etc. had been hard hit by the virus. As these aren’t the only services that have suffered, other facilities like foreclosure and short sales have also been adversely affected. In this blog, we will tell you How COVID-19 has affected the Foreclosure and Short Sales Market.

The Imprint of Coronavirus on the Foreclosure and Short Sales Market

As everyone is witnessing the catastrophic situation of coronavirus, its effects are also visible with respect to the economy. The loss industries have been facing is immense and would take a while to make up for the loss. Although, the foreclosure market is going through an uptick. According to the research by FTSE (Financial Times Stock Exchange) and REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) says there’s an evident index downfall of approximately 7.7 percent (noted on March 9, 2020).

If this goes on for some time, it would be difficult for homeowners to keep up with the monthly mortgage payments. It will later result in increased foreclosure cases, although it is tough to predict the real estate market. As facts state, in some states, the mortgage payments are being held for some time until the pandemic contains.

Coronavirus has Pushed Mortgage Rates Lower

The coronavirus outbreak has made the Federal Reserve take two emergency rate cuts. This apparently brought the bond yields to almost zero. The usual 30-year-fixed-rate-mortgage has dropped to 3.29% (noted on 5 March). As stated in the records, previously the 30-year-fixed-rate-mortgage was lowest in the year 2012 amid the recession when it hit 3.31%. Additionally, the 15-year-fixed-rate-mortgage also fell by 16 basis points to 2.79% according to Freddie Mac.

The main cause of the mortgage rates slump is because of the treasury market which has sunken with a lot of margin in the past months. Furthermore, the uncertainty of mortgage rates shall remain in the ditch for a long period.

Corona on Short Sales

When businesses are close around the globe and many of them can’t go on their jobs. So, homeowners have no choice but to sell their houses for a living. Homeowners with no jobs have the only choice but to sell their houses for the bare minimum profits. This measure is to perform their regular routine and satiate their daily needs. A short sale can cost less than a foreclosure to the lender. This always proves to be the most viable way for lenders to minimize the loss and improve profits. Additionally, a short sale might not damage the credit score of a homeowner.

If you have a hefty amount of mortgage to repay then your only possible option is to fulfill the amount. You can do it by selling your house to a cash-buying company.  As there is a rapid increase in short sales it is evident that problems like unresponsive lenders, misplaced documents, erroneous or unrealistic home value assessments, and prolonging processes may make the whole process difficult. In such a chaotic situation, Elite Properties is one such company that will help you sell your home fast for cash on a fair market value. We also buy your house as-is. We won’t ask for any lengthy documentation process, which automatically cuts the hassles of a troublesome sale.

You can call us at 7189775462 or visit us at Elite Properties NY to learn more about the home selling process with us. Where everyone around the world is going through the pandemic crisis we’ll help you be at ease with the home selling or short sale process.

Homeownership is considered to be the priority goal when it comes to the vision slate of Americans. It has been contemplated as a sign of financial stability among the majority of American communities for ages.

This is why, the thought of losing a home can be draining, not just financially, but, emotionally as well. If you’re facing a daunting situation where you’re not able to pay the mortgage payment, or you’re already in arrears then, it’s time for you to take complete charge and identify reliable ways to get out of the labyrinth. Otherwise, it may lead to repossession of your home.

What Is Repossession?

Repossession is the stage just before foreclosure. Foreclosure occurs when you fail to pay three consecutive mortgage installments whereas, the process of repossession starts when you miss your first monthly installment. Your mortgage lender would ask you the reason but, allow you to pay the pending installment the next time. In real estate language, this stage is termed ‘arrears’.

However, if you still lose out on the due installment, you won’t be provided with a grace period. The lender will issue a warning letter against you declaring that you can be evicted from the house at any time and the lender would have the right to sell your house. To avoid such a scenario, you’ll have to repay the outstanding mortgage debts immediately.  If you cross this stage without taking suitable action, your house falls in the foreclosure category directly.

Here are the best ways to avoid repossession of your home…

Evaluate Your Budget

Understanding the bifurcation of expenditures and income holds extreme importance. Many families follow specific guidelines for their monthly expenses considering the single revenue source.

For example-

• Housing – 35% (rent, mortgage, taxes, repairs, insurance, and utilities)
• Transportation – 20% (gas, oil, repairs, insurance, parking, public transportation)
• Debt – 15% (credit card, personal loan, student loan, and other debt payments)
• Other Expenses – 20% (groceries, medical bills, prescriptions, clothing, and personal items)
• Savings and Investments – 10% (monthly contributions to retirement, investment portfolios, or savings account)

Rendered percentages above are subject to change or are tentative as the needs and family size vary from house to house.

Mortgage Payment Protection

If your emergency funds are not apt to fulfill the payment then, the next step you can take is checking whether you’re entitled to any benefits such as mortgage insurance. Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance (MPPI) is designed to cover mortgage payments in events such as mishaps, sicknesses, or redundancy. These are some of the whys and wherefores which eventually halt your income source.

Communicate With Mortgage Lenders

The moment you fail to repay your mortgage installment you ultimately fall into arrears. In such cases, the lender will contact you through legal and private mediums which are calls and letters. If you miss subsequent repayment demands, the lender can rightfully start property repossession proceedings against you. It is advisory to respond to the calls and repossession notices regularly to evade such circumstances.

As a precautionary measure, you can ask your lender to modify the term or negotiate the mortgage installments to make the repayment more affordable. Also, do not pay any extra fees or monthly charges if you have already made an agreement of repaying arrears.

Rent Your Home

If you have an alternative place to your home to stay, you could move out of your home and rent it to tenants. Consider having a conversation with your lender prior to migrating out of the house as they may charge a higher interest rate on the mortgage if you no longer reside there. Make sure the amount you charge as rent to the tenants, should cover the mortgage payment inclusive of the extra costs of being the landlord.

Renting your home or lodging a part of it would help in increasing your income which aids you in faster repayment of the mortgage.

Sell Your House

Selling a property in the market might not assure inevitability, but it might be the only way to stop repossession. If you are not able to keep up with the repayments or due to some financial crisis you should act quickly and sell your house.

There are several companies that make a proposal based on the current value of the property. Such companies have the cash and infrastructure organized to expedite a purchase. It gives you certainty concerning price and timescale, ultimately providing you with a higher value of the property. Companies like ‘Elite Properties buy houses within 3 days in all-cash offers.

‘Elite Properties’ is one of the companies that offer you, we buy houses for cash service in New York in your crucial time.

Final Word

Mentioned above are the tips to avoid repossession of your home that would surely help in your crucial times. Furthermore, you can contact reputed real estate companies in NY like ‘Elite Properties’ for smooth sailing of circumventing the repossession of your home.

Being one of the renowned facilitators of real-estate services in NYC, they assist their customers in every step. Therefore, keep patience, and connect with Elite Properties.

Property values have levitated and tumbled over the past decade, but one thing will always remain the same, the value of your home will be associated with the value of other homes in your market. Many homeowners know the amount they have invested in their property including monthly mortgage, but not everyone knows what the current value of their property holds. So, how does it matter? If you are intended to continue living in your current house for the foreseeable future and repaying your mortgage then why would you care about its current market value?

There are a whole lot of reasons to know your home’s current market value such as – Insurance purposes, financial future planning, property tax, relocation, downsizing, or trading up, the possibilities are so many.

Online Research

In recent years, a proliferation of online resources has emerged to provide you with an answer before you actually consult any person in the specialized field. There are many websites at your service which offer an online home value evaluation. Such platforms help in examining the data for an estimate.

You would be asked to enter information about the property. Such as detailed measurement of the carpet area, super built-up area (in square feet), date of construction – completion, and the number of rooms, etc. After you have entered all the information given above, the online estimator will evaluate the property’s market value.

Other public records like property transfers, deeds of ownership along with tax assessments could predict your home’s value based on recent sales and listing prices.

BPO or CMA

In real estate broker price opinion is often associated with short sales and foreclosure, but many homeowners and companies like relocation firms call for them. While collaborating with buyers and sellers for listing price or examination value before acquisitions, real estate agents do a comparative market analysis.

A BPO or CMA is another method of estimating your home’s worth. Such evaluation methods rely on the recent sale value of similar properties in the local area or vicinity.

FHFA Index Calculator

Homeowners that are wary of AVMs could opt for the FHFAs House Index Price calculator. The Federal Housing Finance Agency’s House Price Index (HPI) is a broad measure of the movement of single-family house prices. The HPI calculator gives you an idea of how much your house is worth, and how its value of it has changed over the past years. The calculator is designed to help you understand the estimated value of your house.

Hire A Professional Appraiser

An appraisal is mandatory for any lender prior to approving a mortgage and carrying out an estimate. Hiring an appraiser is essential for a proficient outlook.  He will assess the condition of your home and provide an expert opinion on its estimated market value.

Things an appraiser will consider before evaluating the property are-

• Verification of property’s existence, acknowledging the location and address in detail

• Examination of the outdoors

• A 360-degree evaluation of the exteriors of the home or the respective property

• Listing down pros like – lakes, shopping centers, parks, etc. will add up to the seen desirability of the home

• Verification of the area in square footage for accuracy in the database

• Evaluation of the prevailing room numbers

• Current conditions of the attic, basement, and garage including their measurements

• Checking for damages (if any) in the property

• Testing functionality and appearance of permanent features such as built-in appliances

• Testing workability of the HVAC systems

• Comparing recently sold homes in your area with your property to determine your home’s market value

Why It Is Important To Know Your Home’s Value?

If you are on the seller’s board then it is incredibly beneficial for knowing the property’s worth, as it helps to derive the estimate or listing price. Even if you are not planning to sell the house, it still stands useful for many reasons.

The benefits of finding a home’s value don’t end with a purchase or sale: Refinances, home equity lines of credit, insurance premiums, and annual property taxes are all based on home value

Determining a property’s worth would allow for evaluating affordability for things in the future.

How To Increase Your Home’s Value?

Little alterations make a big difference! There are many low-cost ways to add value to the home. Homeowners that can afford renovations can opt for it. Given below are some points you can consider to increase your property’s worth –

• Spacing up and removing excess or unwanted furniture

• Upgrading your kitchen, repairing breakages and polishing helps grab the attention of a buyer

• Beautify and keep the bathroom clean

• Painting dead walls and adding beautiful pieces that add to the beautification of the place

• Replacing upholstery, rugs, and carpets

• Hire a certified home inspector

Final Word

The tips for the assessment of your house’s worth given above would surely help you. Whether you want to sell it or just for an idea about the investment you have made to date in your property.

Furthermore, you can contact reputed real estate companies in NY like ‘Elite Properties’ to keep you safe from real estate crises and help in the smooth sailing of your plan of action for the coming times.

A steady job is the most important parameter to keep up with the mortgage loan. If your boss has fired you or you have left the job due to the frustrating work environment, and you don’t have any other source of income to pay the mortgage then, we have some tips that can help sail your ship smoothly.

Stay calm and read the mortgage loan payment tips to understand what practical options are available for paying the mortgage loan when you’ve lost your job.

Calculate Your Money and Start Saving

First things first, try avoiding the stress as much as you can. Keep a positive attitude that everything is going to be fine. Without a stable mental state, you won’t be able to cope with the situation. Once you settle down, calculate the total money you have. By ‘total money’ we mean your savings and emergency funds. Once you know the total amount, outline your basic monthly budget and utilize the rest of the money for the mortgage payment. In the meanwhile, start searching for a new job. You will surely get one.

If this option is not feasible, you can try the next one.

Sell the Unnecessary Items

There are many household items such as furniture or kitchen accessories and even clothes which we don’t use on a daily basis. You can collect such items and sell them right away. A garage sale might seem an insignificant thing to do in such a stressful situation but, it could help you arrange mortgage loan payments. If you are worried about the buyers then, you can try placing free ads over various portals and holding an online auction. Otherwise, you can opt for a traditional way of selling.

Rent a Room

To be honest, there are thousands of people in NY who are looking for a suitable place to live. So, if you have an ‘extra’ room in your home then, you can try renting it out. Let’s say your family is small and you have got enough space to accommodate more people. In such cases, you can permit people to stay in your guest room or the room which is spare. It will not only arrange mortgage payments but also, give you the satisfaction of helping a needy person.

Contact Your Lender

Most people make the mistake of hiding from their lenders when they know they are short of money. Therefore, we want to specially tell you that it’s not a wise thing to do. Maintaining transparency is the key to convincing the lender. Please, make sure you talk to your lender at the earliest. Understanding your situation, your lender might offer you another plan on a temporary basis. For instance, your lender can ask you to go for the forbearance unemployment agreement. It allows you to repay the pending payments after a certain time interval. For the time being, you can pay less money. This will save you from losing your house. Once you get a job, you can fill the gap by repaying the mortgage amount.

Sell the House Before it falls under Foreclosure

‘Foreclosure’ means your property can be taken legally by your lender if you fail to pay three consecutive mortgage payments. If the foreclosure occurs, you won’t have any choice but to lose your home forever. Thus, foreclosure is extremely risky. You should do whatever it takes to avoid foreclosure. If you’ve tried other authentic ways and still you aren’t able to find a staunch solution, selling your home in NY is the last resort. Selling your property before foreclosure or a short sale will at least ensure you get some money back. This money can be helpful during a crisis until you have a decent job in hand.

Contact ‘We Buy Houses for Cash’ Companies in NY

Selling your house in NYC as soon as possible could be a hard nut to crack. The easiest way to approach the situation is to find a ‘we buy houses for cash company in NY. Such real estate companies help you throughout the transition right from listing your house for sale to speaking to potential buyers about the important paperwork. You don’t need to go deep into the legalities once you hire an experienced real estate agent. Just make sure to get in touch with a trustworthy and reliable real estate firm in NY.

Fraudster Alert

While we are advising you to take assistance from a real estate company in NYC, you must take care of a few things. To be honest, there are many fraudsters who will promise to sell your house fast but, when the time comes they won’t fulfill their commitments. Such companies ask you to pay in advance and then, don’t answer your calls/emails. Beware of sugar talkers and research thoroughly about the company’s past projects and clients on the internet. You can also take guidance from your relatives and friends who have relevant knowledge or experience associated with the real estate sector.

Final Word

Try to get a new job and meanwhile follow these tips to deal with the mortgage payment failure issue. Remember that every dark cloud has a silver lining. If you need assistance, you can contact ‘Elite Properties’, one of the highly reputed real estate firms in New York. The real estate agents at Elite Properties are known for being transparent and faithful to their customers. Most importantly, don’t lose hope and stay positive. It can work wonders for you.

The prices of home are quite high in NY. Your colleagues are planning to buy a home. You also want to settle down and desire to have a home of your own.

Amidst all the things: You don’t know how you are going to afford a property in NY. You are clueless where to find a decent yet affordable home. Hold up! Buying a home in NY is undoubtedly better than renting. But, you need a proper plan before making a final decision. Let’s take a look at some crucial points to understand why buying a property in NY is a better move than renting.

Why renting a house in NY is not a good idea?

People who advocate renting a home is better must be either the ones who have given their homes on rent or lack knowledge of the real estate market in NY. We don’t say renting is a complete waste of money as it is cheaper than buying a home. But, if you look at the bigger picture – it is surely a bad idea. Reason? You are investing a lot of money which you won’t get back. Your hard-earned money is only going to fill your landlord’s pocket. In addition to this, your landlord will likely increase the rent every year. Therefore, renting a property in NY is not at all fruitful.

Key Benefits of Buying a Home

A sound real estate investment is all about taking calculated risks. So, here are the key benefits of buying a home in NY that you must take into consideration.

• A Step Closer to the American Dream of Homeownership

Even though you’re going to apply for a mortgage loan and will need to repay the loan amount a few years down the line, it’s still a wise decision. You will be a proud homeowner once you are free from the mortgage loan. Therefore, every mortgage payment will get you a step closer to achieving the American dream of homeownership.

• Relief in Tax

The tax benefit is possibly the most compelling reason for purchasing a property in NY. You will get benefited while filing for tax returns as you are paying a mortgage loan. Therefore, you need not worry about anything.

• Sense of Freedom

You don’t need to take any permission for keeping a pet of your choice or renovating your home. You can act as per your wish. You won’t get such kind of freedom in renting a home.

• Stable Standard of Living

Having a home of your own gives you an opportunity to lead a stable life. Children going to the same school and family spending years in the concordant neighborhood are definitely advantageous aspects of owning a home. On top of that, you know the nearby hospitals, banks, and safe routes for commutation as well.

• Financial Security

Having a house of your own that too, in a place like NY is seriously the greatest achievement and an opportunity to become financially secure. With time, the value of your home will increase. For instance, today you brought home for $500,000, and after a decade, its price might reach $900,000. So, if you think of selling your house after some time, you might get a good deal out of it.

Are You Ready to Buy a Home in NY?

Before you finally make up your mind, answer these questions honestly.

1. Do You Have Emergency Fund Ready?

You never know what may happen tomorrow. Health issues and accidents spare no one. Therefore, it’s imperative for you to have some money in the emergency fund ready. Before, you plan to buy a home, at least have a decent saving that could be utilized during an emergency.

2. Will you be Able to Pay the Mortgage?

Nowadays, the major reason that’s driving property to foreclosure is the failure of mortgage payments within the given time limit. So, if your monthly expenses are more and if you feel you might fall short of the money, then, it’s not the right time to invest in a real estate property. Take this step only when you are confident enough to manage everything.

3. Do You Want a Stable Life?

Majority of us dream of having a stable life. On the contrary, some people love adventures. Owning a home comes with certain responsibilities. Let’s say your job demands you to relocate every now and then. How would you take care of your home? Therefore, buy a home only when you are ready for a stable life.

4. Do You Know a Trustworthy Real Estate Agent?

Connecting to a trustworthy real estate agent can expound the entire procedure of buying a house. You don’t need to do manual research for finding a home. An experienced real estate agent in NYC can show you multiple numbers of properties in your desired location along with good amenities and chaste neighborhoods. Another significant benefit of hiring a real estate agent is you won’t need to indulge in the legalities and paperwork. They will do everything on your behalf. Just read the documents and ensure the clauses and terms are correct.

Final Word

Buying a home in NY is any day better than renting. At present, if you can’t afford to pay a mortgage loan, then the best piece of advice is to start saving and cut down on additional expenses. Furthermore, get in touch with a reputed real estate company in NY like ‘Elite Properties’ for dependable home buying tips.

The aggrandizement of services that aid homebuyers and sellers in completing their own real estate needs is relatively recent, and it may have left you pondering whether procuring a real estate agent is becoming a relic of a bygone era. Hiring real estate agent is a daunting task. Going solo when it comes down to real estate might save you a handful sum of money. And you can cut down the significant commissions you need to pay the agents.

Well, the question is:

Would you rather try flying solo or reach out for a helping hand? 

Hiring Real Estate Agent may save you a lot of money as well as time.

Buying or selling a property even in a buyer’s market is challenging and time-consuming. A significant proportion of people don’t trust or rely on real estate agents to meet their needs. However, these guys will be forever missing the luxuries of what a real estate agent can bring to their plates. Buying and selling properties indeed take time, and with the help of the right expert, one can surely save a lot of time and make things hassle-free for themself.

Here’s how hiring a real estate agent can assure you of achieving the ‘all-time American Dream’ of owning a property in your name…

1. Hiring an Expert

Rather than being entitled as an agent, they prefer being called experts. Real estate agents are the best when it comes to their line of business. You’ll experience the pinnacle of professional real estate services by hiring a property expert. Right from negotiations to the final settlement of the price, they’ll act as a loyal mediator between you and the seller omitting you from all the hectic formalities and paperwork.

Negotiation is a tricky business, and there’s an excellent chance that the other party can easily bamboozle one without an adequate record of experience in this line of business. A real estate expert has enough experience when it comes down to revealing all the ambushes and deceptions and taking countermeasures. So, whether you are selling a property or buying one, hiring a real estate expert will always give you the upper hand.

2. Are The Encyclopedias of Property Listings

Finding a house with your specific interests can be challenging. If you are a working person who rarely gets time to spare, this becomes even more challenging. Moreover, what if the house with your interests is on the other side of the state? This is where a real estate agent comes in handy! They have an enormous database of property listings that can match your interests. Tell them what kind of house, neighborhood, or even locality you need. They can present you with the shortlisted properties which resemble your attention. All you need to do is pick one.

Most real estate agents have a secure and robust network when it comes to property listings. They make use of these networks to keep in touch with all the property owners and sellers all over the state. A real estate agent can not only experience hassle-free services but also be given access to the network mentioned above of extensive property listings.

3. Saves Time and Money

Roaming around your locality or neighboring state in search of available properties can drastically eat your time and money. Well, we would say there’s no point in drifting along with the current without a destination or goal. With the aid of a property dealer, the path toward your target will be apparent, and you can set the course at full speed. Property dealings always include a lot of paperwork and legal procedures and don’t forget the expenses too. A real estate agent can volunteer for you to take all the trouble of hefty paperwork and costs providing you with the ownership of the property or house.

For example, selling a property that is listed under foreclosure or short sale is pretty challenging and hectic. Most of you might feel like you are going through the most terrible phase of your life. With the property listed under foreclosure or short sales even, interested buyers might back off thinking of all the legal troubles they might need to go through. By hiring an experienced real estate agent, selling your foreclosed or distressed properties will be quicker and more straightforward.

Still not convinced about hiring a real estate agent?

Let us brief you on a few more scenarios in the real estate business. When stepping into the real estate business, most of you might have come across the terms like foreclosure, short sales, distressed properties, estate sales, probate sales, and much more. Hiring a real estate agent will make it easy to acquire properties that are under these complex scenarios.

a. Real Estate Agent For Foreclosure

Foreclosure of property occurs when the borrower fails in paying the mortgage he/she is obliged to pay the property owner. Even though the number of foreclosed properties is gradually decreasing in number these days, they still do exist. As for a buyer looking for potential property, there’s a fair chance that a foreclosed property might exactly be the house in his/her dreams. However, the reality is pretty much harsh. Instead of a smiling face handing over the key to the property, you’ll be welcomed with a ton of paperwork and legal procedures which can even last up to a minimum of seven months. The same happens when you are trying to sell one too.

With a real estate expert who knows his way around the market and its characteristics, selling or buying a property in foreclosure doesn’t plot an issue. Since they are experts in their line of business, finding a buyer for your foreclosed home will be more comfortable. Their motto is to help you by leaving you out of all the troubles by providing a hassle-free business deal. You need to select the shortlisted buyers provided by the agent who is willing to give you a fair deal for the property.

b. Real Estate Agent For Short Sales

A short sale specialist or a lawyer? This might be the first question that comes to your head when planning to list your property for short sales. Opting for a short sale specialist rather than sticking to a lawyer can help you in many ways. Since lawyers only know about legal procedures that need to be presented in the court regarding the property they won’t do much help in advising what to do and what not to do when going for a short sale.

A short sale specialist has completed thousands of these cases. He is much more experienced when it comes to such scenarios. They can even find you a proper buyer for your property who can provide you with a fair and desired price. Don’t forget that the legal procedures will be taken over by the agent itself. It’ll indirectly imply they’ll be providing everything a lawyer can provide.

c. Real Estate Agent For Distressed Properties

Distressed properties have always been a headache for property dealers. These are the properties that are rarely maintained or nearly distressed but still pack a punch. Finding potential buyers for your distressed property can be challenging and daunting without a property expert. They are professionals in negotiating and convincing buyers to buy the property. The same goes when you are planning to buy a distressed property to save your wallet. Since every distressed property isn’t approachable even though they look promising from the outside. An expert beside you who knows what to look for in distressed property and understands its market value can land you a great deal without hurting your pocket.

The Bottom line

Investing in hiring a real estate agent will always be a boon when planning to buy or sell a property. They can lead and guide you in the right way to meet all your real estate needs.

Are you trying to sell or buy a property under short sale?

You probably must have heard the term “short sales” a lot in these past years. Short sales are something we hear more often when it comes down to the real estate area. Short Sale meaning isn’t something every commoner will understand. So, let us be more clear on the topic here. A short sale is when someone sells his house, with the awareness and approval of the mortgage lender for less than what he/she owes to the lender. If the lender accepts the terms, then you can proceed with selling the property.

For example, consider you’ve defaulted on the payments and your mortgage lender has filed a foreclosure in the bank against the property. Panicking won’t do anything when you are facing foreclosure. You can talk with the lender and put your property on short sale hoping for other buyers to buy the property. So, you owe your lender $500,000 but, the new interested buyer is only willing to pay $400,000 for the property. You might not be in a situation to pay off the difference amount too. So, convincing your lender to agree to a less amount than you owe is short sales.

Most lenders and banks agree to the terms as this is time-consuming and a lot of hassle. The final result is a win-win situation as the seller is no longer saddled with the debt and the buyer gets the property at a bargain price.

So, if you are selling or buying a property and are considering short sales in real estate, here are the top things you need to know before proceeding with short sales and fixing the deal…

Know the Difference Between Short Sales and Foreclosure

This is something most of you might get confused about. Short sales and foreclosure are entirely different scenarios. In a foreclosure, the role of the homeowner is slightly less than in short sales. People who try to avoid foreclosure by working out a deal with the lender or bank usually go for short sales. And there isn’t any tension about evicting the previous owners in short sales as in foreclosure. Well, things do get messy in foreclosure!

Unlike a foreclosure, short sales in real estate don’t impact your credit much. Still, it’ll damage your credit score but not for as long as the damage done by a foreclosure. You’ll even have the chance to apply for a home loan for two years while in short sales.

Takes A Lot of Time

A short sale doesn’t refer to the time involved as the whole term is somewhat misleading. A short sale can take up to five to nine months to close; sometimes even longer. If it’s the bank you are dealing with, don’t expect the bank to come to you and tell you how much it would accept for the property. So, what you must make sure of is that while negotiating with the interested buyer, you should get the price that has been approved by the lender or the bank for the property.

Finding a suitable buyer to buy a short-sale property or buy a short-sale house can be troublesome without the help of an experienced short-sale negotiator. So, the whole short sale process is time consuming and a bit nettling.

Make Sure You Are Eligible For Short Sales

Saving your property by avoiding foreclosure with short sales seems pretty alluring. But, have you cross-checked your eligibility for proceeding with the short sale services? You must meet all the criteria and might require written proof stating your eligibility from the bank or the mortgage lender. This itself will be time-consuming but have patience!

For being eligible for short sales, you must owe more money to the bank or the lender than the house’s total worth. If you are eligible for any loan modification, then you can rule out all the possibilities of a short sale approval. Written proof that states you can no longer afford the monthly payment and any proof of financial hardships, like being laid off or divorced or having excessive medical bills will make you eligible for proceeding with a short sale.

Make sure you pass all these eligibility criteria before even trying for short sales as this is full of hassle and time-consuming.

It’s Time You Consider a Helping Hand

Buying or selling the short-sale property will be a lot more troublesome if you are planning to go ahead alone. You’ll be facing a lot of pressure mentally and emotionally through the whole process. The first thing you need to do is find a trustworthy agent to sort out your problem. A real estate agent who’s experienced in every aspect of real estate can make a huge difference especially if you are selling short-sale property.

The short sale process involves a lot of legal procedures and paper works. It will leave you frustrated in no time. A Short Sale specialist who’s familiar with all these stages will help you push further without any difficulties. Well, the time flies, and you need to act more quickly in finding a buyer, or you can still face foreclosure.

Conclusion

Keeping your patience and confidence is the main key to every successful short sale. The right agent who knows his way around will be a boosting factor when going for short sales in real estate. Also, beware of the cunning smiling-faced agents who disguise and mislead you by offering a helping hand when you are vulnerable.