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The USA Housing market has never been a better time to invest

January 20th, 2010 HowToPurchaseHouse No comments

Sales of US homes rose for the third consecutive month in June 09, suggesting that Property investors are flocking back to pick fruitful deals as the US property clock has wound prices back to the same levels as in 2003, according to financial researchers Standard and Poor’s.

‘’The US Housing marketing is bottoming out and now really is the time to invest. We have come across some super bank owned properties, which yield as much as 25 % rental on a three bedroom house that can be picked up for under £25,000, in Detroit which include costs of property Aquistion, all legal costs, property refurbishment and placing of a tenant. Prices, are staring to rise due the massive amount of overseas investment. Last month over 2,800 properties sold in Detroit mainly to overseas investors “The June sales number appeared to confirm the stabilisation, down a mere 0.2% from a year earlier.’’

‘’Prices also showed signs of stabilising. The average price of existing home sales was 181,600 in June, 15% lower than a year ago but up from 174,700 in May.

Now that the meltdown has happened, the new emerging market is the United States,” Tom Shapiro, president of real estate investment firm GoldenTree InSite Partners, said at the Reuters Global Real Estate Summit in New York.

The company are looking to sink up to $1 billion in to property, and are ready to return to the US market and take advantage of the rock bottom prices.

Directors of the London based Mayfair Group said “ Areas like Detroit have fallen by as much as 60 % making Detroit a very popular place to invest with overseas investors. ‘ CNN recently voted Detroit as one of the top places to invest in the US, due to rock bottom prices and high rental yields. We recently sold one property to an investor which had sold in 2007 for $180,000. A typical investment package we would offer would be for a round £24,500, with a tenant in place paying from $800 – £900 pm or higher in some cases. This investment will pay for itself in 4 years, making this a great income or pension. A lot of our investors have previously held funds in high interest bank accounts. The bank interest has become so low they have come to us because of the high 25 % rental yields offering a huge return on investment.

Though with prices starting to rise and Obama keen to stop the Foreclosure market, these amazing bargains may not be around for much longer.

For further information contact us

email: info@mayfair-group.comweb:   www.mayfair-group.com

How To Start Flipping Houses

December 18th, 2009 HowToPurchaseHouse No comments

 

If your dream is to step into the real estate market and make money flipping houses, you either need extremely deep pockets or be prepared to work hard for many weeks to make it happen. In this ‘Before a Flip’ section, we’ve covered who, what, when, where and why of flipping, as well as market environment and financial considerations of flipping a property. If you’re looking to get started investing in real estate by fixing and flipping houses, you’ll want to know what type of property to buy.

1. Understand Your Market Getting started with house flipping is like stepping into a new career, not only are there new people to meet, but new policies and budgets to learn, Rehab funding costs more but you can purchase with no money down and also get the money to fix the house. Because this type of financing is more difficult to obtain, consider purchasing your own home or a second/vacation home to get started. Each real estate market has unique possibilities and limitations.

2. Get your credit in order. When you first start out in your real estate “flipping fixers” business, you’ll want to look for houses needing only cosmetic work. If your credit rating is strong, you may be able to persuade your bank to take a chance on your ability to make house flipping work. Once you’ve purchased the house that you have personally inspected and liked to flip, plan on the renovation works and estimate the repair cost. Keep balances low compared to the credit limit. You need a score over 680 to get the best financing–over 720 is even better.

3.Know When “Ugly” Means “Pass” The vast majority of houses that come on the market at a price that will allow you to make a profit by flipping have issues that have made them difficult to sell. Once you’ve observed an expert or secured a mentor to shepherd you along, watching a property flip from start to finish is the best form of experience-based education a person can engage in. if you’re getting itchy to start your own house flipping business, just calm down first and don’t rush things.

You can make a fortune fixing nasty houses. Learn your market. It may not be that easy at first but if you persevere and dedicate yourself to this endeavor, you will succeed. It’s best that you stay employed so you can easily avail of loans.

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How Much House Can You Afford

November 26th, 2009 HowToPurchaseHouse No comments

There are several ways to gauge how much you can afford to spend on a house. But, before you go house-hunting, get pre-qualified for a mortgage so you’ll know in what price range you can shop. It is not unusual for first-time buyers to be somewhat baffled about how to estimate what mortgage payment they will be able to handle each month, plus how much money they’ll need for a down payment and closing costs.
That’s why it is a good idea to get pre-qualified through a lender before you even start to look for a home. Pre-qualification lets a buyer know exactly how much a lender is willing to loan them. With pre-qualification in hand, the buyer can save a lot of time-and frustration.
Pre-qualification does not obligate buyers to take a loan from the lender, nor should it involve any fees (until later, when they actually apply for the loan).
At the same time, you must understand that pre-qualification is not pre-approval for a loan either which is a much more involved formalized process that results in an actual letter of credit from a lending institution for a specific loan. Depending on your unique circumstances, you may wish to consider pre-approval as an option, but it is not necessary-consult with your real estate professional to decide what’s right for you.
The less formal process of pre-qualifying on the other hand is a tremendous tool for buyers to have when making an offer. Usually, pre-qualified buyers have an edge when making a purchase offer because the seller knows that the buyer is pre-qualified, and that there is at least one lender ready to make it happen.
In addition, it allows you the flexibility to choose the mortgage that is best for you at the time of actual purchase-which is sometimes months down the road. That can be important given the volatility of interest rates.
When a lender pre-qualifies, they are more concerned about the buyer’s paying ability than the price of the property.
For this reason, lenders are interested in more than just a buyer’s income. They also want to know how much existing debt a buyer has, what their on-going financial obligations happen to be, and what the buyer’s monthly budget looks like.
Lenders use an established debt-to-income ratio, usually between .28 to 1 and .38 to 1, to calculate the amount of the loan they are willing to give to a buyer. For instance, a lender who uses a .3 to 1 debt-to-income ratio has determined that payments toward debt reduction-including existing debt plus new debt associated with buying a home-cannot be more than 30% of they buyer’s gross monthly income.
An important factor that may influence a lender to authorize a loan with a higher debt-to-income ratio – (where debt payments take a higher percentage of a buyer’s income) – is a larger down payment. Buyers who put a larger percentage of the purchase price down (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, etc.) are considered better “risks,” because the theory is that the more a person has actually invested in the purchase, the less likely they are to default on the loan.
Buyers usually discover that the pre-qualification process will produce a home purchase price that is roughly 2 1/2 to 3 times their gross annual income. The 2 1/2 -to-3 guideline is only a general rule of thumb, however, and it doesn’t take a buyer’s full financial situation into consideration. Since the lender’s calculations will also consider a buyer’s actual debts and ongoing expenses, the loan pre-qualification amount may be higher or lower.
Regardless of the price bracket a buyer targets, they should keep pre-qualification in mind.
How much should you budget to own your own home?
Aside from the down payment, the three largest expenditures involved with the purchase of a home are usually your monthly mortgage payment, insurance and taxes. Obviously, the amount of your mortgage payment depends upon your down payment, rate of interest and the price of the property.
Take, for example, a home that has a $200,000 mortgage. An 7% fixed mortgage for 30 years, will run approximately $1330 per month. What about taxes? The rate will often times vary from city-to-city, but generally you might expect your yearly tax bill to total around 1.25% of the purchase price.That means, for a home with a market value of $250,000, yearly taxes might run around $3125. A local real estate agent can help prospective homeowners refine these figures.
In addition, it is important to keep in mind that there are many additional expenses incurred with home ownership, some of the most obvious are utilities and trash collection. Smart homeowners should also budget for one other item, maintenance and upkeep of the home. If possible, a small amount should be set aside each month to pay for those “rainy day” repairs such as painting, plumbing (hot water heaters, garbage disposals), adding storm windows (to improve energy usage), insulation (in attics), etc.
But home ownership is not just a one way street-that is, aside from spending money on repairs and maintenance, homeowners can profit from their property. The most significant benefit is the tax deduction. It is no secret that among the last real income tax deductions available to consumers today are the interest paid on the home loan, and the property taxes. This can amount to thousands of dollars in deductions each year.
And, of course, the primary benefit of home ownership is appreciation-equity that builds every month. A home, aside from being a place that provides shelter, can be a profitable investment, and the rising value of the property oftentimes provides another “savings” account.
So, when it comes to buying a new home, remember one thing … the purchase of a property requires budgeting and planning.
How do you go about finding a mortgage?
The commotion of house hunting is finally over. You found just the right house, and your offer has been accepted. It was a great buy. Now, just one more hurdle-getting a loan-and you’re home free.
Often, buyers are so eager to get this “final detail” behind them, they rush through this portion of the transaction, and end up with less-than-ideal terms. Borrowers, however, have something lenders want-their business. This positions them to negotiate the best possible price (cost of loan), terms and service.
Let’s look at price, or the cost of the loan. The first thing to do is find out what the current rates are, information readily available on the internet, in your newspaper or from your real estate agent. When comparing rates, figure the annual percentage rate (APR), which includes interest, extra fees and costs amortized over the life of the loan. Also determine the number of points, if any, that the lender will charge to make the loan.
(A point is equal to one percent of the loan amount.)
Next, consider what loan options the lender offers. There are six or seven basic types of loans, which vary in their duration. Check how rates are calculated (fixed versus variable), and whether charges are fully amortized over the life of the loan, or whether you’ll have to pay points up front and/or balloon payments at the end.
Is there a prepayment penalty clause?
Which terms are best for you depends on such factors as what changes you expect in your income and what you predict will happen in loan rates in the years ahead.
For example, if you only plan to reside in the home for a year or two, starting with a lower Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) might be the best choice. If you have no plans to move, and feel that inflation will rise rapidly, a fixed rate would obviously be better.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, consider speed and service. Buyers shouldn’t have to wait days for approval and weeks for closing just because the lender is slow.
Remember, qualified buyers are great prospects for lenders – so give your business to the lender who demonstrates they not only want it, they deserve it.
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Sales Advice For House Owners In Kilkenny

November 22nd, 2009 HowToPurchaseHouse No comments

This advice applies to the Republic Of Ireland only.

Steps involved after you have agreed a price for your house with the Buyer, Appoint a Solicitor Once you have agreed a price, you should seriously consider appointing a legal representative as early as possible. Solicitors need your agreement to find and secure your property’s Title Deeds if they are held by a bank or building society. The earlier this is done, the less chance of any delay in issuing Contracts at a later stage. Take up Title Deeds After they have received your written authority, the Solicitor will take up your Title Deeds from your Bank or Building Society. This takes about 14 days and at this stage your Solicitor will pay a scheduling fee to your Bank or Building Society on behalf of you, the seller. Details Of Sale The details of sale should be written once the price and conditions have been agreed by you and the booking deposit has been paid by the buyer. The details of sale contain basically what has been agreed by the buyer and seller, that is: the price, conditions of sale contents, buyer’s name and address, name of buyer’s solicitors and estimated closing date. Contracts are Issued After receiving the details of sale, your Solicitor will write the contracts and send them, together together with a copy of your Title Deeds to the Solicitors representing the buyers. Contracts are Returned If the Buyer’s Solicitor is satisfied after reading the Contracts, they will then advise the buyer to sign them and will then return same with a contract deposit to your Solicitor. Signing of Contract Now it’s the sellers turn to sign the contract and become legally bound to the sale. You sign the Contracts. Contracts are usually signed (in duplicate) in your solicitor’s office. Exchange of Contracts After the seller signs the Contracts, his/her Solicitor returns one copy to the Vendor’s Solicitor, thus completing the full exchange of Contracts and creating a binding agreement between both parties subject to terms and conditions set out in the Contract. Requisitions. The Purchaser’s Solicitor raises requisitions (general questions on the Title) and drafts the Purchase Deed. Both of these documents are sent to your Solicitor. Replies to Requisitions Your Solicitor replies to the questions raised above and returns any documentation required together with written replies and approves the draft Purchase Deed. Redemption FiguresYour Solicitor obtains redemption figures being the amount required to redeem your existing loan calculated to the scheduled closing date (if any). Deeds are Signed and Keys Transferred The Transfer/Conveyance in the formal document which transfers your legal interest in your house to the Purchasers. It is signed by you together with other documentation in your Solicitor’s office. It is held on file until the closing date. You should also provide your Solicitor with a set of house keys and alarm code which will be handed over on completion of the sale Closing Date Your Solicitor agrees a closing date, on your instructions, with the Purchaser’s Solicitors. Vaction Date You should be ready to have your house fully emptied and left in a tidy fashion the day before or early on the completion date. You should also inform the Utility Companies (ESB, Bord Gais, Cablelink etc) of your scheduled move. Close of Sale The sale is completed by the Purchaser’s Solicitor attending at your Solicitor’s office and handing over the balance of the purchase monies in exchange for the Title Deeds Redemption of Mortgage Your Mortgage is paid off from the sale proceeds by your Solicitor Transfer of Funds from SaleYour Solicitor will account to you from the sale proceeds, if any, immediately following completion of sale and usually deducts the costs of sale from the balance.

This advice is provided  as a resource to home sellers. It is a general guide only and the advice of a solicitor is almost always required before selling your home.

How to Purchase a Home in Gilbert, Arizona: a Simple Explanation on Purchasing Through Loans

November 10th, 2009 HowToPurchaseHouse No comments

Who says living in the desert region is just too dry and hot? Whoever said that must have not experienced the good life brought about this region, particularly in Arizona. This state famous for the location of the Grand Canyon is not only a perfect spot for tourists to visit. It is in fact one of the growing states wherein you can find the best homes to live. You can establish your families in here; retire at your old age and even a perfect place to stay temporarily when you are having a vacation. If you love the hot climate, this is the perfect place to stay. Despite being dry and hot, this place has all the action needed for a person to have a life.Now if you want to settle in a place there are several things that you need to consider before making a purchase. Arizona is a big place and you might want to get to know the various cities in it. For one, Phoenix is the capital that has the most population and is the fifth largest city in United States. However, if you want to retire in here, you can go to a more laidback cities where you can find the best homes are and that is in Gilbert.Power Ranch is one of the the best communities that you should be looking for as the community offers you all types of homes that can satisfy your needs. As mentioned a while ago, several things needs to done before you purchase a house. The following are:1.    Look for a house online and see what you can like. Also, check the prices and see if it fits your budget.2.    You can have yourself pre-qualified so that you will know how much loan you can make to purchase the house.3.    Once you have fixed your mind on what property you want to buy, you can formally apply for a loan. This is the time wherein you have to be ready for various documents to be reviewed. Once approved you will have to select a loan program that you think you can afford. Once you have chosen, you can start the processing but it could take some time.4.    Once the load is approved, there are three documents you will be signing and that include the deed. You might have to settle some fees but once it is done then you can have the keys to your new Power Ranch or Gilbert Home.It might not be an easy process and it may take some time, as lending companies are very vigilant in reviewing your profile, as well as your finances. However, if you have great credit history and a stable job, then this should not be a problem. You can have your dream house in no time.If you have bought a home before, probably this process is not new to you. However, if this is your first time to purchase, this outline is just a summary on what is going to happen when you want to purchase a home, particularly in Arizona. Happy house hunting and good luck in purchasing your dream home.SummaryBuying a home in Arizona is a good thing to do because most of the real properties in this state are really affordable. In case you want to purchase one through loan, these four steps can give you a simple explanation on the step-by-step process of purchasing a house through loans.

Flipping Houses For Profit – a Great Way to Build Capital For Larger Investments

November 4th, 2009 HowToPurchaseHouse No comments

Flipping houses is a great way for beginning real estate investors to earn enough capital or garner enough collateral to make larger and potentially more profitable investments. Houses offer great opportunities for successful investments because they can be purchased without a lot of upfront capital and are relatively easy to obtain, they are in great demand in most real estate markets therefore they are easy to flip, and there is relatively little financial risk compared to larger, more involved real estate transactions. For these reasons many beginners in the investment field get their financial feet wet by buying and selling residential properties.
Thousands of residential properties changes owners every day; since these transactions are so common banks and other lending institutions offer certain financial short cuts in order to streamline the process. These shortcuts make purchasing a home much more affordable than other real estate properties. Since purchasing a home is more affordable (the average single family home costs two hundred thousand dollars) than other investments, an investor does not need a lot of upfront capital in order to complete the transaction. Most banks only require a ten percent down payment. This means that if a house costs one hundred thousand dollars, the purchaser only needs ten thousand dollars for the purchase. The remaining balance is fronted by the lending institution for a fee.
Many institutions will accept other assets in lieu of actual cash. For many investors this may be a better option. This means that instead of paying the initial down payment, the purchaser can declare a car, boat, or any other owned property that is valued at or above the initial down payment. Therefore, a home can be purchased without any cash on hand at all. There are even government programs that can help with the purchase of a home. While these are intended to benefit home buyers, real estate investors can also take advantage.
Flipping houses for profit is also a great way to generate capital for other investments because the demand for these properties is great in most real estate markets. When property sellers decide to sell their real estate assets the most important step is to locate and identify potential buyers. Since homes are in constant demand, there is a ready supply of buyers. Therefore, there is usually no need for a lengthy, costly, and time consuming process of searching for a buyer. Many times a house will sell itself. This means that simply placing the property on the market is usually enough to get the house sold.
Compared to other real estate investments which may run into the millions of dollars, residential investments is relatively low risk from a financial standpoint. If a house does not sell immediately, then the cost of maintaining ownership of that house is not overwhelming for most people; whereas the continued ownership of a larger commercial property might be too expensive to maintain. It is also less of risk because, as we have already discussed, the initial investment is comparatively small if not nonexistent.
Therefore, many beginning investors begin their career by flipping houses for profit. It is an easy and relatively low risk method of building capital and assets for larger and more profitable investments.