Hire a real estate agent

Why should you hire a real estate agent? Home buying and selling without an agent is not for everyone.

A somewhat prophetic Howard Schneider proclaimed in a 1995 article “For Better or for Worse” (published in Mortgage Banking; 56(1), 110) that a combination of technology and industry consolidation would drastically change the real estate landscape by the end of the 1990’s.

Schneider discussed technology changing the relationship between Realtors® and consumers such that through the development of technology, home sellers and buyers would be able to interact without the use of a real estate agent. He quoted John Moore, then president and CEO of Genesis Relocation Services, “If you can get the word out about your property efficiently to the mass market, you can avoid paying the full brokerage commission…” and “…within five years, most homes will be able to see listings around the country on interactive T.V.”

What Schneider described actually happened, and is now called “the internet.” The growth of the internet during the first decade of the 21st century allowed home buyers and sellers to interact with each other like no other time. The technology was a boon for those who decided to go it alone, and not hire a real estate agent.

Of course the internet was only a piece to the larger puzzle of the early 2000’s. It seems that for a very brief time, just placing a sign in the yard was enough to spread the word of your home sale. Deciding price, financing, and closing all seemed to be a “no-brainer.” But five years after the housing boom, it’s evident that not everyone can sell real estate “by owner.” Many moved back to hire a real estate agent.

One of the top reasons for selling or buying a home without a real estate agent is the perception of saving money. People who decide to sell without an agent don’t see the value of hiring an agent; while some buyers who decide to buy without an agent believe they can reduce their sale price by the commission amount.

Although hiring an agent may not be a god fit for some, many value what an agent can bring to the transaction. Real estate agents are housing-market experts; besides knowing neighborhood trends, they can provide detailed market analyses to assist in formulating a listing or sale price for home sellers or buyers. Agents facilitate offers, transactions, and negotiation. They are up to date on legislation affecting home buyers and sellers; agents know the seller’s/buyer’s obligations, including compulsory disclosures and forms. And of course, there is the time aspect (how much is your time worth?).

Reasons to hire a real estate agent

Talented real estate agents are sales and marketing specialists. These agents know how to interpret home sale data to determine a price, and the best times to list/buy your home. Additionally, they know how to prepare and present your home to prospective home buyers and promote it to grab home buyers’ attention.

Getting back to Schneider’s article, he concluded that regardless of technological advances and the inclination toward mergers to an increasingly centralized industry with few big players. It’s ultimately about nearby professionals who have the knowledge of the local market. It’s basically who can personally assist you through your transaction. Personal attention cannot be under-emphasized, especially when the transaction is demanding or emotionally charged.

Are you better off without a real estate agent? You might think that technology has made it easier for you to go it alone; but, if you want a relatively smooth transaction with little drama – hire a professional.

Original located at https://dankrell.com/blog/2013/01/24/thinking-of-buying-or-selling-a-home-without-an-agent-hire-a-professsional/

by Dan Krell
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This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws. Copyright © 2013 Dan Krell.

May 18, 2010October 5, 2019

Home buyer incentives in post tax credit era

Did you miss the first time home buyer tax credit?

by Dan Krell © 2010

So, you want to buy a home but you’re disappointed that you missed out on the first time home buyer tax credit. Don’t worry, what I’m about to tell you about available down payment and closing cost assistance programs may be enlightening. In some cases, the total down payment and/or closing cost assistance you obtain from all sources may exceed the $8,000 offered as the first time home buyer tax credit.

Although some of these programs sound too good to be true, they’re not meant to be kept secret. In fact, they are meant to assist as many first time home buyers as possible. Sources that offer first time home buyer assistance programs include mortgage lenders, local home ownership programs; and governmental sources.

Did you know that some mortgage lenders are offering first time home buyer assistance programs? Of course, lenders want your business; but as an incentive, they are offering first time home buyer downpayment and closing cost programs. One such program is extended through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (fhlbatl.com). Local affiliated lenders offer FHLB’s first time home buyer program by providing matching funds up to $7,500 for down-payment and closing-cost assistance to low- and moderate-income homebuyers. FHLB should be contacted for availability, guidelines, as well as local affiliates participating in their program.

Locally, the Housing Opportunities Commission (hocmc.org) administers Montgomery County’s home ownership program. Besides making available special rates for an FHA mortgage, the HOC offers the “5 for 5” program; which extends down payment and closing cost assistance as a ten year second mortgage. The program provides the home buyer up to 5% of the purchase price (up to $10,000) at a 5% interest rate.

Maryland’s home buyer program, the Maryland Mortgage Program (mmprogram.net), is administered through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. The MMP is actually comprised of three programs. Besides making available the widely used CDA mortgage program, which offers low interest rate mortgages, the MMP also provides a down payment and closing cost program as well as partner matching contribution programs.

In addition to the Downpayment and Settlement Expense Loan Program (DSELP), which is a 0% interest loan up to $3,500, the MMP also includes partner match programs (The “Builder/developer Incentive,” the “House Keys 4 Employees” and the “Community Partner Incentive Program ”) that will match contributions up to $5,000. The matching contribution is a deferred loan to be repaid at 0% interest and is provided in addition to any DSELP funds.

Although the home buyer tax credit is now history, other opportunities exist for down payment and closing cost assistance. In addition to the programs mentioned above, you should remember to have your real estate agent negotiate a seller closing cost contribution ; most mortgages allow for up to a 3% seller contribution. However, you should check with your lender to see if such a contribution is allowed or if there are other limitations.

As you would imagine, taking part in lender and governmental programs require you to meet specific guidelines that typically include (but not limited to) the use of participating lenders, attending home ownership counseling, and meeting income requirements. For more information about these programs and qualifying requirements, you should contact their corresponding offices as program funding can be limited as well as subject to change without notice.

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 May 17, 2010. Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws. Copyright © 2010 Dan Krell.

March 3, 2009October 5, 2019

Programs to Help Home Buyers

Tempted by terrific deals but frustrated by lack of financing, many home buyers are holding back from jumping into the real estate market. However, home buyers who qualify for a mortgage find themselves held back because they do not have the funds for their down payment or closing costs. If you are considering a home purchase this spring but find that financing and personal funds are limited, a few options you may want to consider include the FHA mortgage, the Maryland Mortgage Program, and the American Dream Downpayment Initiative.

While conventional financing has been reduced by increasingly restrictive underwriting guidelines, the FHA mortgage has re-emerged and re-established itself as the mortgage of choice for many home buyers (HUD.gov). The FHA mortgage’s low down payment, flexible underwriting, and provisions for gift funds make it clear why it is a poplar way to finance home purchases:

First, even though the down payment requirement for the FHA mortgage increased to 3.5% last fall, it is still lower than most conventional mortgages. Compared to a 5% or 10% down payment conventional mortgage, a home buyer needs thousands less to purchase a home.

Second, if you experienced past credit problems you may find it increasingly difficult to qualify for a mortgage. However, FHA’s flexible underwriting allows home buyers to have had past credit issues with documented mitigating circumstances and sufficient re-established credit.

Lastly, if you are short on funds, the FHA mortgage will not only allow the seller to contribute up to 6% of the sales price towards your closing costs, a family member may gift you the amount you need for your down payment as well! Of course, the source of funds needs to be carefully documented, but the combination of seller assistance and family gift could allow you to purchase a home with very little money down.

Another home buyer program is the Maryland Mortgage Program (mmprogram.org), offered through the State of Maryland’s Community Development Administration. The Maryland Mortgage Program includes several programs, when combined, can also allow you to purchase a home with little money down. First, the program offers mortgages through Community Development Administration (CDA) financing, which feature fixed, low interest rates. Second, the program offers the House Keys 4 Employees program, which matches contributions from participating employers (up to $5,000). And third, the program offers grant assistance through CDA for down payment and closing costs (either 2% or 3% repayable grant).

A final home buyer resource is the American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) offered through the Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs. The program is a government subsidized down payment and closing cost program for first time homebuyers. Since funding is limited throughout the country, Montgomery County has specific eligibility guidelines.
Since each program may have specific eligibility requirements and funding limitations, you should check with the each program provider to see if you qualify; and although FHA guidelines are well established, you should check with your FHA lender for specific credit and underwriting requirements as you may find that many FHA lenders impose additional credit requirements and other limitations on top of the flexible FHA underwriting guidelines. Finally, because interest rates and fees vary from lender to lender, HUD recommends that you compare rates and lender fees.

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 February 23, 2009. Copyright © 2009 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.