About Dan Krell

October 20, 2008November 23, 2021

People need a place to live: Rental properties are surging

by Dan Krell
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People need a place to live. This is the mantra of many savvy real estate investors who are looking for fantastic buys on homes to use as rental properties. Real estate investors know that rental properties are looking better because markets are cyclical. Investors following the real estate market know that many people wanting to purchase a home prefer to rent during uncertain financial times.

The “MRIS Trends in Housing; Mid-Year 2008” (Metro Regional Information Systems Inc, MRIS.com) appears to confirm what real estate investors know. The report states that potential home buyers prefer to rent while timing “their entry into the market.” Interestingly, vacancies for traditional apartment complexes rose to 3.6% (from 2.9%) in the last year, indicating that renters are choosing to rent single family homes and condos rather than a traditional apartment. The report points to home sellers converting their “homes for sale” to “homes for rent” for the increase in apartment vacancies.

The MRIS report also states that rents increased 3.1% in the last year. Unlike the rental market of several years ago, where renters were negotiating leases way below list price, real estate investors are expecting to rent housing at a premium.

How much should you pay for a rental property? Savvy real estate investors typically do not want to pay any more than 70% of retail value for their rental properties; however many set their price tolerance lower. Consulting with a Realtor can assist your analysis in how much to offer for any home.

Let’s face it, if you intend to buy at bargain prices, you will probably be purchasing the home “as-is.” Seasoned investors will account for the cost repairs to bring the home up to code in their purchase price. Consulting with a licensed contractor can assist you in determining what repairs and updates are necessary.

Buying a home at the right price is only part of the equation. When considering a rental property, investors look for a home in a prime location. For example, having a rental near a metro stop can sometimes rent faster and for more money than an equivalent rental in a secluded neighborhood.

Some investors might say that the goal of buying a rental property is to have the home “pay for itself.” This means that the rent you collect should cover the home’s mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance and other expenses. Consulting with a Realtor and a rental management company can assist your neighborhood rent analysis.

Make no mistake, real estate investing is risky. Success as a real estate investor is not assured. From dealing with bad tenants to carrying a vacant rental property, every investor has a horror story.

Whether you are a seasoned or novice investor, you should always do your home work and consult professionals (such as your attorney, accountant, Realtor, financial advisor) to assist you in deciding if buying a rental property is right for you. Additionally your professional network can assist in determining your risk level as well as assisting you in creating your real estate investment plan. If you decide to become a real estate investor, maintaining communication with your professional network can help you anticipate and possibly overcome any bumps in the road toward your goals.

This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. This article was originally published in the Montgomery County Sentinel the week of October 6, 2008. Copyright © 2008 Dan Krell.

October 20, 2008November 23, 2021

How do you know if you are ready to buy a home?

by Dan Krell
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Did you know that we are in the midst of the best home buyers market in since the 1970’s? Real estate guru and national speaker, Bernice Ross (Realestatecoach.com), thinks so and that’s why she proclaimed 2008 as the “best buyer’s market in thirty five years!”

Ms. Ross asserts that the combination of low interest rates and high inventory makes this real estate market prime for home buyers. She supports her claim by explaining that interest rates have not been this low since the seller’s market of several years ago (when inventory was very low) ; and previously in the 1970’s. Additionally, mortgage interest rates during the previous major home buyer markets were much higher (18 to 20% in the early 1980’s and about 11% early 1990’s).

Certainly, it may seem to be a time filled with home buyer opportunity: Housing inventory is at a level unseen for years, giving home buyers many homes to choose from as well as negotiating leverage in neighborhoods filled with homes for sale. Additionally, interest rates are relatively low making homes more affordable. Furthermore, home buyer tax incentives (including the recent tax credit of up to $7,500) as well as rising area rents may make home buying a viable alternative.

Would economic turmoil put a damper on the excitement that would otherwise be generated by “the best home buyer’s market in thirty five years?” Some financial commentators say “yes.” For example, Luke Mullins states that you should not buy a home unless you have a compelling reason to do so (USNews.com, August 14, 2008). Steve Kerch of The Wall street Journal’s Market Watch (MarketWatch.com, September 24, 2008) reported that the best indicator of economic confidence is the purchase of a home.

The truth is that “the right time to buy a home” depends on the home buyer. Relying on broad sweeping statements (positive or negative) about the real estate market may not be helpful. Many personal and regional factors need to be considered and assessed. Before you decide to buy a home, you might want to examine such issues as (but not limited to) your personal and financial goals, your current financial condition, and your career outlook.

The question, “How do I know if I am ready to buy a home?” is answered by HUD’s (HUD.gov) “100 questions and answers about buying a new home.” If you can answer yes to the following questions, HUD believes you may be ready to buy home: Do you have a steady source of income? Have you been employed on a regular basis for the last 2-3 years? Is your current income reliable? Do you have a good record of paying bills? Do you have few outstanding long-term debts, like car payments? Do you have money saved for a down payment? Do you have the ability to pay a mortgage every month, plus additional costs? Other experts add these questions as well: how long do you intend to stay in the area, do you have emergency funds available, are you ready for the responsibility of homeownership, and do you live within your means?

In addition to consulting with your personal financial adviser and accountant, HUD recommends you attend home buyer counseling to help you determine if you are ready to buy a home.

October 6, 2008November 23, 2021

Be Prepared to Repair Home Before You Purchase It!

by Dan Krell
Google+

The FHA mortgage has recently changed to accommodate the changing marketplace. Due to its broad availability and higher loan limits, the FHA mortgage is more prevalent now than it has been in the recent past. So, if you are a home buyer, it’s a good chance that you may be applying for a FHA mortgage to purchase your home.

You can expect the FHA underwriting to be flexible yet careful and thorough. You know that FHA underwrites your credit as a buyer, but did you know that FHA underwrites the property condition as well?

FHA underwriters and appraisers are required to assess a home for security, safety, and soundness. To protect your interests as a home buyer (security), as well as the interests of the FHA and lender, the home you are buying must meet minimum health and safety standards, as well as being structurally sound. Any deficiencies identified by the FHA appraiser will be required to be repaired prior to your closing (HUD.gov).

Having a home inspection may allow you to identify easily seen deficiencies within the home. If there are any safety or structural issues, you can be fairly certain that the FHA appraiser will see these as well and require these items to be repaired. However, since your home inspector is not an appraiser nor is the appraisal a home inspection (and having different purposes), there may be disparity between the two.

Items that are often identified by the FHA appraiser as needing repairs include (but not limited to): defective (peeling or chipping) paint surfaces in homes built before 1978; broken windows; roof having less than two years of useful life remaining; drainage problems; lack of handrails on stairwells of three or more steps; pest infestation; damaged and/or non-functioning electric, plumbing, or HVAC systems; foundation and structural defects; underground fuel (i.e., oil) tanks; and any other health or safety issue (fhainfo.com).

The FHA addendum (GCAAR form 1330 in this area) explains who is to make the required repairs: the buyer typically gives the seller notice what repairs are to be made. However, if the seller refuses to make the repairs the buyer has the option to make the repairs themselves. If both the buyer and seller refuse to make the repairs, the contract becomes void.

Many times, the buyer and seller negotiate as to how the repairs are to be made prior to closing. However, if you are purchasing a bank owned home, the bank usually prohibits the buyer from making any alterations to the home prior to settlement- including repairs.

If the home is in poor condition, however, the FHA appraiser will likely reject the home for FHA 203b financing. Don’t worry, though, you can apply for the FHA’s renovation mortgage (FHA 203k). Additionally, you can apply for a FHA 203k if the home you are purchasing is conveyed “as-is” (such as a bank owned home or short sale) and repairs are required. Be careful though, not all FHA lenders offer the 203k loan; you can find a FHA 203k lender at HUD.gov.
The FHA mortgage is an excellent way to finance your home purchase. However be prepared because property condition can sometimes turn a seemingly good deal into a no-deal.

October 2, 2008September 27, 2018

Buyer beware when purchasing distressed property

Buying a bank owned home might be a great way to get a great deal on your first home or the home of your dreams. However, you will find that buying a distressed home from a corporate owner is slightly different than purchasing a non-distressed home from an owner-occupant.

When you are purchasing a bank owned home, the bank requires you to sign addenda that favor the bank in many ways. Foreclosed homes that are sold by banks are exempt from many disclosures, including the Maryland Residential Property Disclosure And Disclaimer Statement (which discloses the home condition as well as any latent defects). Additionally, banks selling foreclosures (and their real estate agents) will sometimes want to take control of the entire transaction by coercing you to use their vendors, including their title company.

First and foremost, the bank is selling the foreclosure in as-is condition. This means that “what you see is what you get.” Often, what you don’t see is what you get as well. The bank addenda will warn of possible mold and other hazards that may be in the home. Even the best of homes can develop issues due to having utilities disconnected as well as being vacant for many months. A thorough home inspection, that may include testing for environmental hazards, is highly recommended to determine the condition of the home.

Another consideration in purchasing a foreclosure is that the bank will only offer you a Special (or limited) Warranty Deed. In a typical residential transaction, the seller will provide to you a warranty deed that guarantees that the seller has the ability to sell the home, and all debts held against the home are paid. However, buying a foreclosure is a bit different in that the bank will only provide a deed that covers the period the bank has had ownership of the home. Owner’s coverage title insurance will usually protect you from title defects not corrected by the bank; however, as policies vary, you should read the fine print.

Lastly, your deposit will become non-refundable after a short period of time. The bank will give you a short period for due diligence (obtain financing, conduct home inspection, etc); be prepared to act quickly!

So, is it a good idea to purchase a foreclosed home? Buying a foreclosure could be a real coup for you- but you must do your due diligence. Before you write an offer on a foreclosure, line up your vendors (such as home inspector, title attorney, contractors) so you can act quickly by having your team determine the home’s condition and legal status.

Unfortunately, the proliferation of distressed properties has some real estate professionals believe that consumer protection laws do not apply (such as RESPA and Maryland’s Wet Settlement Act). Make sure you are well represented! As a home buyer, you have the legal right to choose your vendors (including home inspector, title attorney, lender, etc.).

If you are planning to purchase a bank owned home, it is highly recommended that you review these special addenda carefully as well as consulting an attorney if you do not understand what these addenda require of you. Remember, “caveat emptor” applies when buying a bank owned home.

Original published at https://dankrell.com/blog/2008/10/02/buyer-beware-purchasing-a-bank-owned-home/

By Dan Krell

September 19, 2008November 23, 2021

FHA 203k; renovation loans are still available

by Dan Krell
Google+

Are you considering purchasing a distressed property, such as a foreclosed home or a short sale, and need to make repairs on the home prior to moving in? Or maybe you have decided to stay in your present home for a few more years, but want to make updates or possibly expand the present space. The question you may have is, “how can I get a loan for these types of repairs and renovations?”

Even during the ongoing credit crunch, there are still renovation loans. One of the most popular renovation loans today is the FHA 203(k). Much like the FHA loan everyone is familiar with (FHA 203b), the FHA 203(k) loan can be used to purchase a home too! The difference is that the FHA 203 (k) provides funding for necessary repairs, updates and/or renovations on your new home; and it is all in one loan. Additionally, home owners needing funds to renovate, update, or expand their current homes can refinance with the FHA 203(k), as long as they have owned it for at least six months.

The FHA 203(k) was first introduced in 1978 through a change in the National Housing Act, section 203(k), which endorses the maintenance of the Nation’s housing. The FHA 203k is HUD’s primary device to meet their goal of “community and neighborhood revitalization” while expanding homeownership opportunities (HUD.gov). Additionally, HUD promotes the use of the FHA 203k to lenders and community organizations as a way to meet the goals of the Community Reinvestment Act.

Of course not all homes are eligible. Some of the eligibility requirements include that your home must be one to four units, the home must be at least one year old and meet neighborhood zoning requirements. FHA allows for major rehabilitation on homes that have been razed provided that the foundation still exists.

Improvements that are eligible for the FHA 203(k) include (but are not limited to) additions, unit conversions, and cosmetic repairs. However, luxury items and items that are not permanently part of the home (such as hot tubs) are not eligible. With the FHA 203(k), the home owner can add or expand a room, add a deck, convert a 1 unit home to a multi-unit home (up to four units), or convert a multi-unit home to a one unit home, and make cosmetic repairs (including giving your kitchen and bathrooms a facelift).

Do you want to make your home more energy efficient? Making your home “green” can save you lots of money down the road; however the transformation can cost quite a bit of money. The good news is that the FHA 203(k) loan allows for many “green” upgrades! Some items that may be eligible include replacing your HVAC and/or windows, waterproofing your basement, and installing solar panels.

The process of obtaining the FHA 203(k) is a little different than a standard mortgage, as additional underwriting requirements include architectural plans and repair estimates (materials and labor) from licensed contractors. The funds for the repairs/renovations are released in draws to ensure the work is completed as intended as well as meeting all zoning, health and building codes.

For more information about the FHA 203(k) mortgage, or to find a FHA 203(k) lender, you can visit the HUD website (HUD.gov).