7 Real Estate Tips for First-Time Investors

As a seasoned real estate agent and investor, I understand the excitement and apprehension that come with being a new investor in the real estate market. Navigating the world of real estate can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance and a strategic approach, it can also be an immensely rewarding endeavor.

Finding a good investment property requires careful consideration, thorough research, and a clear understanding of your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Allow me to offer some valuable advice to help you get started in the right direction. I will help you make an informed decision and identify a good investment opportunity, something that aligns with your objectives.

1– First and foremost, it is crucial to define your investment strategy and objectives. Are you looking for a long-term rental property that generates passive income, a fix-and-flip opportunity for short-term gains, or perhaps a property that offers potential for appreciation over time?

Understanding your investment goals will serve as a guiding light throughout the process and help you filter through the multitude of options available in the market.

2– Next, location is paramount in real estate. Look for properties in areas that demonstrate strong economic growth, low crime rates, and proximity to amenities such as schools, parks, public transportation, shopping centers, and hospitals.

Consider the neighborhood’s potential for future development, as gentrification can significantly impact property values. Collaborating with a knowledgeable local real estate agent can provide invaluable insights into the most promising neighborhoods and emerging market trends.

3– Conduct thorough research on the property’s history and market value. Examine recent sales data of comparable properties (comps) to gain a realistic understanding of the property’s current market value. An experienced real estate agent can assist you in evaluating comps and determining whether the property is priced appropriately.

Additionally, research any potential zoning changes, planned infrastructure developments, or other factors that could influence the property’s value over time.

4– As an investor, it is essential to assess the property’s condition and potential for improvement. While a fixer-upper may offer a lower purchase price, it could entail additional renovation costs that may exceed your budget or expected return.

On the other hand, a well-maintained property with modern amenities might command a higher purchase price but require less immediate investment. Take into consideration your skills, resources, and willingness to take on renovation projects when evaluating properties.

5– Furthermore, don’t overlook the financial aspects of your investment. Secure pre-approval for a mortgage to establish your budget and demonstrate to sellers that you are a serious buyer. Calculate your potential return on investment (ROI) by factoring in not only the purchase price but also ongoing expenses like property taxes, insurance, maintenance costs, and property management fees if applicable.

The goal is to ensure the property’s revenue potential aligns with your financial expectations and long-term objectives.

Investing in real estate naturally involves some degree of risk, so it’s vital to have a contingency plan. Consider potential worst-case scenarios and how this might impact your finances. Diversifying your investment portfolio can also help mitigate risk; avoid putting all your resources into a single property. Instead, spread your investments across multiple properties or investment types to create a balanced and resilient portfolio.

6– In addition to conducting your own research, surround yourself with a team of professionals who can offer expert advice. An experienced real estate agent can be your most valuable asset, guiding you through the entire process, negotiating on your behalf, and leveraging their network to find hidden gems.

7– Finally, exercise patience and discipline throughout your search. The real estate market can be volatile, and it’s easy to succumb to the pressure of making a quick decision. Remember that finding the right investment property may take time, but it’s well worth the effort when you discover a gem that aligns perfectly with your goals.

In conclusion, as you venture into the world of real estate investment, keep in mind that knowledge, research, and prudent decision-making are the cornerstones of success. Define your investment strategy clearly, focus on location and property condition, and thoroughly assess the financial aspects before making any commitments.

With the guidance of a seasoned real estate agent and a well-rounded team of professionals, you’ll be better equipped to find that perfect investment property that will pave the way to a successful and rewarding investment journey.

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A wave of Short Sales could be headed for Orlando due to COVID-19

While stay-at-home orders are keeping people at home, many Floridians could be falling behind on mortgage and rent payments due to loss of employment and an economy on a downward spiral.

The real estate data-service provider, Attom Data Solutions, reported that 10 of Florida’s 67 counties are in the top 50 most vulnerable counties in the U.S. to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of these counties are in either North or Central Florida, including Osceola, Hernando, Flagler, Clay, Lake. Surprisingly, Broward county was the most vulnerable of the South Florida counties.

The only state that ranked higher than Florida in this study was New Jersey with 14 counties in the top 50 most at risk in the nation. Also ranked near the top were New York, Connecticut, and California. Real estate markets in the Midwest and West are considered to be less likely to see big numbers of people losing their homes because of the virus outbreak.

483 counties throughout the US were studied to determine what percentage of homes we can expect that will be receiving foreclosure notices by the end of 2020 and what percentage of the local wages are needed to pay for homeownership. The study used data from the last quarter of 2019 to calculate the averages.

Central Florida has one of the lowest median incomes in the U.S. The local economy is largely dependent on tourism and convention revenue which could mean big trouble for homeowners. Many landlords are suffering right now… especially if they depend on rental incomes to pay the mortgages.


Central Floridian homeowners could be facing rough waters ahead

Realtors in Orlando are also starting to feel the pain. Activity has slowed for both buyers and sellers with only people who have no choice but to buy or sell eager to close. Home sales in Orlando are reaching the levels that we saw back in 2008 after the market crash. Orlando Realtors are losing almost $700,000 in daily commissions from the pandemic.

Right now it’s too early to say how this will all play out because we don’t know how effective the Federal stimulus will be in helping people through this financial rough patch. Banks are granting temporary mortgage forbearance to many homeowners and businesses will hopefully get enough help to pay employees through the crisis.

I believe lenders will have to step up and provide some major help to prevent foreclosures in Orlando and other Florida cities. In my opinion, it’s the only way to avoid large numbers of foreclosures and short sales in Orlando.

Potential for Mass Short Sales in Orlando

Like I said before, it’s too early to tell what will happen to Orlando real estate market as a result of coronavirus. However, I do think that if people don’t get back to work in the next couple of months, short sale Realtors in Orlando will be extremely busy by the end of 2020 and well into 2021.

Even lenders aren’t sure how everything will end up playing out because they don’t know how much time it will take for Floridians to get back to work. Short sales and loan modifications are used as an alternative to avoid foreclosure. The problem with loan modifications is that the homeowner will still be on the hook for the entire amount of the loan but with lower payments.

I’ve been a short sale Realtor in Orlando since 2004 and 9 out of 10 times when I present my clients with the terms of both a short sale and a loan modification, they choose short sale.

Doing a short sale, however, will allow the homeowner to sell the home for less than what’s owed on the mortgage. By doing this, the lender gets at least most of their money back and avoids a lengthy and expensive foreclosure process. The homeowner also benefits from a short because they can avoid having a foreclosure on their record and won’t be responsible for the difference between what they owed and what the home sold for.

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Orlando Short Sale Process: Get Rid of Mortgage Issues for Good

The Orlando Short Sale Process for Sellers Step by Step

I’ve been an Orlando short sale realtor since 2004 and although there have been changes in rules and regulations, etc., the short sale process for sellers has pretty much remained the same. Going through the short sale process can be intimidating, to say the least. However, by getting a handle on it from the start you’ll have a big advantage.

Why Consider A Short Sale?

A short sale is when a homeowner sells their property for an amount that is less than what they owe on their mortgage. A short sale is often the last resort for people who have exhausted all other options to save their homes and avoid foreclosure.

If you want to keep your home try a loan modification first. Speak with your lender about your situation. You may qualify for a loan modification and avoid having to sell it at all. A loan modification is exactly what it sounds like… it’s when a lender adjusts the terms of your mortgage making the payments more affordable so that you can keep your home.

The Home Affordable Modification Program aka [HAMP] is a program by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and is a good place to start. Homeowners who qualify for HAMP are put on a 3 month trial period. Those who it through will be approved at the new payment avoiding foreclosure.

If a loan modification is just not an option pursuing a short sale would be the next step. When you speak to your lender about doing a short sale, do it sooner than later and don’t wait until you’ve already missed several mortgage payments. A short sale means that you are attempting to sell your home for less than what you owe on your mortgage which means your lender needs to sign off on it.

What’s A Short Sale Package?

Lenders have a set of rules or qualifications that need to be met before getting approved for a short sale. Although they may vary a bit, all lenders pretty much have the same requirements for their short sale packet.

The lender will require the homeowner to submit any documentation which proves they are going through a financial hardship and truly cannot continue to make the mortgage payments. These documents will include bank statements, pay stubs, financial statements, asset disclosures, and of course a hardship letter. A hardship letter is a letter written by the homeowner explaining in detail why they can no longer continue making their mortgage payment.

Hiring a Short Sale Agent

Speak with an Orlando short sale expert. A short sale can only be completed by a real estate agent so make sure you hire an agent with a lot of experience in the short sale arena to represent you. The best way to find a short sale agent in your area is to do a Google search using terms like “Orlando short sale expert” or “short sale realtor” and interview at least three of the agents that appear on the first page.

Once you’ve chosen the agent that will represent you, they will then put the short sale package together for the bank as well as determine a listing price that the lender agrees with.

Listing your property as a short sale is a next step in the process. The lender requires the home to be listed on the MLS at fair market value.

Once there’s an interested buyer, the offer should be submitted to the lender. Once the lender has reviewed the offer, there will almost certainly be some further negotiating between your short sale agent and the potential buyer before a price is agreed upon by all parties.

 

Short Sales are anything but Short

It’s important to be aware that short sales are anything but short. It can take several months for a short sale to be approved by the lender.

Make sure your agent finds out from the lender if there are any “cash for keys” incentives available to you. This is when the lender gives the seller money back at the closing to help with relocation costs. If you were able to qualify for HAFA for instance, you will receive $3,000 upon closing the deal.

If all goes well and the lender approves the buyer, the deal closes and all is good with the world. You move out [hopefully with a few thousand in your pocket] and the buyer moves in.

 

When can I Buy another Home?

The next question you have is probably… “how long before I can buy another home?”…

There is no black and white answer to this question. A short sale will surely affect your credit but not nearly as bad as a foreclosure will. Also, the IRS may treat the forgiven debt as taxable income. This means you may end up owing some money to Uncle Sam.

There’s no denying that short sales are a great option for a homeowner facing foreclosure. Firstly, It helps the seller avoid foreclosure and eliminate their debt. Also, the seller can stay in the home without making payments while the process is happening.

We’ve tracked some of our clients after a completed short sale. Homeowners can usually get a conventional loan after four years. Again, this is still much better than having a foreclosure on your record. A foreclosure can prevent you from getting another mortgage for up to seven years.

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Orlando Short Sales: Ask The Expert

Orlando Short Sale Expert Q & A

In this post, we address the most common questions among consumers about short sales and how they differ from traditional sales. In the hot seat, today will be our very own Orlando short sale expert Jenny Zamora. She’s been successfully doing short sales since 2004 way before most people even knew what a short sale was.

Question: What’s the difference between a short sale and a traditional sale in a real estate transaction?

Jenny Zamora: In a short sale scenario, the home is sold for less than what’s owed on the mortgage. Short sales usually take much longer to complete because they need to be approved by the lender/mortgage holder. Sometimes there is more than one mortgage on the home which can sometimes complicate things if both lenders don’t agree.

Once the lender [s] have agreed to the short sale amount then it becomes a normal transaction with a contract signed by both the seller and buyer.

Question: How is a foreclosure different from a short sale?

Jenny Zamora: A foreclosure is when the lender files a lawsuit against the homeowner because they’ve failed to make several mortgage payments and haven’t pursued any other options such as a short sale, loan modification, or paying off the loan. As a result, the property is either sold at a public auction or taken back by the bank if the reserve hasn’t been met.

With a short sale, the homeowner is usually between 60 to 180 days behind on their mortgage payments because of some kind of personal or financial hardship. The property also must be worth less than what’s owed on the note for the short sale to be approved. Although a seller can’t profit from a short sale, many lenders often provide the sellers with relocation costs [usually around $3000] so they have money to help them move into another home.

A short sale however isn’t nearly as bad nor does it stay on your credit report as long as a foreclosure will.

Question: How long does it take to complete a short sale in today’s market?

Jenny Zamora: Short sales used to take 3 to 4 months and even longer to complete even if you followed up with the banks several times per week. As a result, many buyers were getting frustrated and walking away. This happened mostly because lenders just weren’t equipped to handle that many short sales at once and they had no systems in place to help streamline the process. These days, lenders have systems in place and more staff to help move the short sale processing along much faster resulting in much faster responses, typically within 2 to 3 weeks.

Question: Do you have any advice for someone wanting to purchase a short sale?

Jenny Zamora: 1st and foremost to make sure they’re dealing with a short sale specialist. If the agent isn’t familiar with short sales and how they work you could end up being disappointed and not getting your offer approved. Even though I’ve been doing short sales in Orlando since 2004, I’m constantly keeping up to date on the latest information when it comes to short sales, bank procedures, and guidelines.

An experienced short-sale Realtor knows how important it is to stay up to date. Just like there are specialists in the medical field, the same holds in Orlando real estate. We specialize in foreclosure prevention and short sales which is why our company is so proactive in staying educated and informed.

Question: What are the things that can most likely go wrong with a short sale transaction?

Jenny Zamora: Some things can happen with a short sale that is sometimes beyond our control. The most important thing to realize is that it’s ultimately up to the lender to approve or deny a short sale offer. This is another reason to work with a short sales specialist. If the bank comes back with a value that’s way too high, we have to do everything we can to dispute their valuation. Sometimes that means providing contractor’s estimates for repairs as well as a CMA on the home.

A traditional listing agent may not even be aware that you can dispute the bank’s valuation of a property and just let the deal fall apart.

Do you need a Realtor to short sale?

Question: Do you need a Realtor to short sell a home or buy a short sale?

Jenny Zamora: Yes and Yes… and I can’t stress enough to hire a Realtor with a lot of experience in short sales. On the seller’s side, the home needs to be listed by an agent as a requirement by the lender. You also want a strong negotiator in your corner.

As a buyer, it isn’t required to hire your own buyer’s agent. However, if you don’t then you’ll end up using the listing agent as your agent… I strongly recommend you hire your agent that way you have someone looking out solely for your best interests, especially when it comes to negotiating.

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New Orlando Short Sale Hits The Market

1309 FALLING STAR LN, ORLANDO, FL 32828

New Orlando Short Sale just hit the market! Come one, come all… Are you looking for the perfect community to call home? Or, maybe you’re looking for your next investment property. Either way, stop what you’re doing and come see this stunning 3 bed, 2 and a half bath townhome located in the much sought after, gated Avalon Lakes Community!

This 1,700 square ft home is in pristine condition both inside and out. Boasting an open floor plan, there’s plenty of living space both inside and out perfect for entertaining or just relaxing…  this beauty is move-in ready!

Other features worth mentioning…

*Beautiful new tile and carpet floors!

*Screened-in patio

Community features

*Clubhouse

*Swimming pools

*Fitness center

*Tennis courts

*Volleyball

*Playground

*A-rated schools nearby

*Minutes away from Avalon Park, UCF, highways 408, 417, 528.

One thing’s for sure, this Orlando Short Sale Home won’t be on the market for long. Call or text 407-902-7750 to schedule your appointment TODAY!

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