Tag: Orlando Realty Consultants

Five Crucial Tips Before Buying a Home in a New Place

Posted on by Jenny Zamora

Purchasing a home in a new town, city or state is an extremely important yet nerve-racking decision, that requires thorough research and careful consideration.

Whether you’re moving for work, a change of scenery, or personal reasons, evaluating the following before making your final decision is essential.

Below we will discuss the five most important factors to consider prior to buying a home in a new place, ensuring a well-informed and successful home-buying experience.

  • Location and Accessibility: The location of your potential new home plays a pivotal role in your overall decision. Consider proximity to essential amenities such as schools, healthcare facilities, grocery stores, and recreational areas. Evaluate the town’s infrastructure, transportation systems, and commuting options to ensure easy access to your workplace or other frequented destinations. Additionally, assess the neighborhood’s safety, noise levels, and general ambiance to ensure it aligns with your lifestyle and preferences.

  • Real Estate Market and Property Values: Understanding the local real estate market and property values is crucial before investing in a new home. Research recent sales data and trends to gain insights into property appreciation rates and the housing market’s stability. Consult with your local real estate agent and experts to gather information on pricing, property taxes, and potential future developments that may impact property values. Conducting a thorough market analysis will help you make an informed decision regarding the long-term value of your investment.

  • Cost of Living and Affordability: Evaluate the cost of living in the new town and assess its affordability based on your income and financial goals. Research the average prices of essential goods and services, including utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Consider the impact of property taxes, insurance premiums, and homeowners association fees on your monthly budget. It is essential to strike a balance between your desired lifestyle and the financial responsibilities associated with homeownership to ensure a sustainable and comfortable living situation.

  • Lifestyle and Community: Before buying a home, take the time to understand the local community and the lifestyle it offers. Research social, cultural, and recreational opportunities that align with your interests and values. Attending local events, exploring neighborhood amenities, and interacting with residents to get a feel for the community’s atmosphere. Consider factors such as schools, parks, restaurants, churches, and entertainment options that contribute to a fulfilling and well-rounded life. A community that matches your preferences can enhance your overall quality of life.

  • Future Development and Growth: Assessing a new town’s future development plans and growth potential is essential for long-term investment considerations. Research any major infrastructure projects, zoning regulations, or economic initiatives that may affect the town’s future development. Evaluate the job market and business climate, as a growing economy can lead to increased property values and improved amenities. Understanding the town’s long-term vision will help you gauge its potential for appreciation and ensure your investment aligns with your plans.

Buying a home requires careful evaluation to make an informed decision. Considering the location and accessibility, real estate market and property values, cost of living and affordability, community, and lifestyle, as well as future development, can help you navigate the home-buying process more effectively.

Thorough research and due diligence will help you find a home that meets your needs, aligns with your goals, and provides a fulfilling life!

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How do Realtors Negotiate a Short Sale?

Posted on by Jenny Zamora

Whether you’re looking to buy a short-sale home or negotiate a short sale with your realtor, a few tips can help you make a successful short sale. First, it’s important to understand the requirements for a short sale. Different lenders have different requirements for the process. Some require a Broker Price Opinion (BPO) and may be more aggressive than others. Regardless of the lender you choose, there are ways to speed up the short sale process.

Process

The first step in the negotiation process for a short sale on a home is to submit an offer to the lender. This initial offer will serve as the basis for the rest of the process. However, the offer must be submitted correctly, or it will be rejected. To be successful, the lender must accept your offer. After all, the lender is taking a loss on the property, and they want to be sure that they are receiving a fair market offer. As such, your offer must be comprehensive, including the full package requested by the lender.

When you’re looking for a short-sale realtor, it’s important to look into their past experiences. Ask them about the types of short sales they’ve handled and their overall experience dealing with multiple lenders and lien holders. It’s also important to ask about their previous clients’ experiences with short sales.

Before you make an offer on a short-sale home, you need to be aware of all liens on the property. If the seller is asking for money under the table, you should walk away. Also, you must know the condition of the property before closing. Sellers are required to disclose any known defects in the home. If you’re not sure of the condition, you should complete a home inspection.

Dealing with a real estate agent

Working with an Orlando Real Estate Agent can be beneficial for a number of reasons. For one thing, an agent who specializes in short sales will be able to help you navigate the process of negotiating a short sale. Your agent will be able to review public records and look at comparable properties and give you advice on making an offer. Since your agreement with the home seller is not set in stone, it is crucial to hire an expert to inspect the property before finalizing the deal.

First, you must show that you can’t pay your mortgage. To do this, you must submit a short sale application, which will include financial and personal information about you. You will also need to provide a hardship reason, which the bank will use to determine if you qualify.

Working with a real estate agent during the short sale process is extremely necessary. The short sale process can take longer than you expect and may reveal more problems than you’re willing to fix. It is also possible for a home to suffer serious damage before the closing date, and you don’t want to lose your deposit if the property is not up to par. To avoid this situation, you should always include contingencies in your contract offer. Some of these contingencies include home inspections, loan approval, and hazard insurance. You can also include an interest rate cap so you won’t lose your deposit if rates go up.

Your real estate agent will send your offer to the lender for approval. The lender will want to see proof of your funds or preapproval. If you can’t provide this, the lender may reject your offer. However, some lenders may reserve the right to renegotiate the terms of the deal at the last minute.

Timeline of a short sale

A short sale is a sale of a home that is not in foreclosure. The process of a short sale can take months, but it can be done as quickly as two months. It is important to be patient and understand the timeline involved. A short sale is not an immediate sale, and the bank will want to review all documentation and forms before agreeing to a short sale.

In the meantime, you have to list your home with a licensed Real Estate agency. The listing process is similar to the normal re-sale process, and in the city, a property typically spends over 100 days on the market.

In order to negotiate a short sale, the homeowner will need to meet the lender’s requirements and work with a realtor. The lender will need to approve the short sale package before releasing the homeowner from the mortgage loan. The borrower will need to submit documentation and financial information to prove their current financial condition.

If you do decide to go ahead with a short sale, it is important to note that the process could take longer and be more stressful than a traditional sale.

Securing a mortgage after a short sale

If you’ve just completed a short sale, you may wonder if it’s possible to get another mortgage. Bankers generally don’t like to see a short sale on your credit because this shows you have left part of the debt outstanding.

A conventional mortgage might be an option with a substantial down payment amount and extenuating circumstances. In general, you need to put at least 20% down to be approved for a conventional loan. Freddie Mac, on the other hand, requires that you wait for four years after completing a short sale. However, if you’re able to come up with a valid reason, you may qualify for a mortgage sooner.

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What is happening with the Interest Rates in Florida?

Posted on by Jenny Zamora

If you are a Florida homeowner, you’re probably wondering what is happening with interest rates. This hike was the Federal Reserve’s latest attempt to combat skyrocketing inflation. But many are wondering how this move will impact the housing market. The truth is that moderately priced homes will probably not be affected as much as higher-priced homes. In the meantime, the rates will increase enough to make buying a home difficult, and even more difficult if the mortgage is more expensive than the current rate.

The average interest rate on a fixed 30-year mortgage in the U.S. reached 5.53% this week, more than double its level from a year ago. Demand for properties tends to soften as mortgage rates climb, eventually leading to a decline in home prices. If mortgage rates continue rising to 7%, home prices in some parts of the U.S. could fall as much as 40%. Sellers in Florida are already starting to lower their prices because of climbing mortgage rates, although it will take a few months. This summer might be the most opportune time for homebuyers.

The good news is that mortgage interest rates in Florida are still lower than the national average. Despite this lower interest rate, home prices, monthly ownership costs, and cost of living metrics in Florida are all comparable to those in other states. That doesn’t mean that buying a home in Florida is any cheaper than elsewhere, but it’s certainly cheaper than many other places. For sun lovers, buying a home in Florida is an excellent option.

Higher mortgage rates add thousands of extra dollars in payments to the homebuyer over the life of the loan. A $429,000 house the median price of a home, according to the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank, will cost roughly an additional $5,750 per year at today’s rates.

If you’re wondering what’s going on with the interest rates in Florida, you may be wondering how you can get the best deal. As long as you’re paying the right price for the home, interest rates will likely remain relatively steady in the short term. You can also take advantage by refinancing your current loan. But if you’re looking to buy a house in Florida, you’ll probably need to get the right type of mortgage for your needs.

If you’re looking for the best mortgage rate in Florida, be sure to shop around. While you can lock in your interest rate for 30 years, consider a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. It will provide you with fixed monthly payments for a much longer period of time.

While the interest rates in Florida are lower than the national average, home prices, monthly ownership costs, and other cost-of-living metrics are all at par with the national average. While buying a home in Florida may not be as cheap as buying a home in other states, it is a great option for sun worshippers. If you’re looking for a home in Florida, it’s definitely time to shop around.

In addition to the still lower interest rates, you can also take advantage of housing assistance programs in the Sunshine State. The Florida Housing Department offers various government-backed loan programs and a 0% interest rate loan for closing costs. This loan doesn’t have to be paid back until you sell the house. Aside from the down payment and closing cost assistance, you’ll also be gaining a stake in the state’s booming housing market.

Interest rates in Florida follow national trends. In May, 30-year fixed-rate loans averaged 4.25%. This rate fell to 4.25% in July, August, and September, indicating that the current market is experiencing a downward trend. However, many lenders still offer attractive rates, so it is worth researching your options. Here are the most recent mortgage rates in Florida and where you can find them. You may also be surprised to learn that these rates are still significantly lower than the national averages.

Fortunately, a recent Florida legislative change is helping judgment debtors. A recent change to state law has made interest rates in Florida more predictable. The statutory interest rate is no longer based on the interest rates in effect on the day the judgment was entered. The state legislature attempted to limit interest rates in Florida by setting a ceiling for judgment interest rates and providing a uniform number for some limited situations. These new laws may help judgment debtors in Florida, but only time will tell.

While credit is an important financial tool, it also requires discipline, responsibility, and the right approach to avoid damaging your credit and incurring fines. To get started with credit lines in Florida, contact your local bank.

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How To Extend Your COVID-19 Mortgage Forbearance

Posted on by Jenny Zamora

If you received a mortgage forbearance due to COVID-19, your payment suspension could be about to expire. If so, you must request an extension before the initial forbearance agreement expires. It’s important to know that a forbearance extension through CARES isn’t guaranteed. The CARES Act [aka] Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
was signed into law on March 27th of 2020. If you aren’t sure, contact an experienced Orlando Realtor to assist you.

The act granted homeowners who were financially affected by the coronavirus a 6-month temporary suspension with no penalties. That means the first forbearance agreements began to expire at the end of October 2020.

The CARE Act also allowed for a 180 forbearance extension… as long as the homeowner requests before the initial agreement expires.

MAIN POINTS

  • The CARES Act provides up to 360 days of mortgage payment forbearance for homeowners with a federally backed loan.
  • The initial forbearance can be for up to 6 months with one 6 month extension.
  • You must request the initial forbearance from your bank as well as the extension. Neither one is automatic.
  • To apply for an initial forbearance or an extension, contact your lender.
  • Typically, forbearance freezes delinquency, which also stops foreclosure.
  • Most lenders offer COVID-19 related forbearance. For private lenders rules and conditions vary.

What Loans Qualify for Forbearance Under the CARES Act?

The CARES Act forbearance applies to mortgages backed by the federal government:

  • Loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration
  • Loans insured under section 255 of the National Housing Act.
  • Loans insured under section 184 or 184A of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992.
  • Loans insured by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • Loans insured or made by the Department of Agriculture.
  • Loans insured by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporations (Freddie Mac) or (Fannie Mae)

Apply For Your Extension Through Your Lender

If your loan forbearance is about to expire and you still can’t make the payments, contact your lender immediately. Check your mortgage statement for the contact information of your mortgage servicer.

Your lender should notify you before the expiration of your current forbearance. Don’t take a chance! If you’re not sure when your current forbearance expires then call your servicer to tell them you need an extension. If you’re unsure or need some help, feel free to contact us at https://orlandorealtyconsultants.com/ for immediate assistance.

Before you contact the lender, visit their website for any mortgage relief options available.

The CARES Act only requires that you request an extension and by law… you shall receive one.

Get It In Writing!

Although the law doesn’t require your forbearance request to be written, it’s a good idea to ask your lender for documentation detailing the terms of your agreement.

Things to keep in mind:

  • To get the extension, you don’t need to submit additional documentation. Only your claim to have a coronavirus-related financial hardship will be required.
  • During the time of your forbearance, additional fees, penalties, or interest will be waved.
  • You have the option to shorten the forbearance and continue to make payments at any time. Let your lender know of the change.

If you still haven’t asked for your mortgage forbearance, don’t worry… you may still be able to as long as the emergency declaration is still in effect. You can check with your local Orlando real estate agent to get informed.

What About Private Lender Forbearance Agreements?

If you have a mortgage through a private lender you’ll have to contact them and see what they’re offering. Because your lender will have their own set of terms and conditions, you’ll need to pay close attention to the fine print. For example, some private lenders may want you to pay a balloon payment for missed payments and interest.

During Your Forbearance

During the time of your Forbearance, while preparing for life after your forbearance expires, there are a few things you should be doing…

  • Maintain copies of ALL written documents pertaining to your forbearance agreement.
  • Check your monthly mortgage statements carefully to make sure there are no mistakes.
  • Pause auto-payments for your mortgage during your forbearance.
  • Carefully monitor your credit report for any errors and make sure your lender is reporting your status correctly
  • Prior to your forbearance expiring, be sure to have a plan in place with your lender for you to repay what you owe.

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Florida Foreclosure Process

Posted on by Jenny Zamora

Going through a Florida foreclosure is not a pleasant experience. On top of that, you can get overwhelmed with dealing with the foreclosure process. There are legal timelines you must be aware of like court hearings and possibly eviction if you can’t stop the foreclosure.

These are the questions most commonly asked by homeowners struggling with foreclosure:

  • What’s the foreclosure process in Florida?
  • How much time does the FL foreclosure process take?
  • How long before they evict someone after a foreclosure?
  • Can I stop a Foreclosure in Florida?
  • Is FL a foreclosure redemption state?

Generally, a Florida foreclosure can be avoided if you know what you’re doing. In this post we’ll be discussing the foreclosure process in Florida and what you can do to stop foreclosure.

Foreclosure is a legal process where the mortgage lender of the home takes action to repossess the home or sell it at a public auction to the highest bidder. Once the foreclosure has been complete, the new owner or the bank has the right to evict anyone living there. 

Florida Judicial Foreclosure

That’s a fancy way of saying the courts decide the case. A Florida foreclosure must go through the courts and abide by timelines issued by the judge assigned to the case.

FL Lien Theory

In Florida, you own your property with a mortgage note. The deed is in your name and so is the debt attached to the home.

When the bank gave you a mortgage, they also filed a lien on the home. This is a recorded official document outlining the amount owed and your promise to pay them back. On the lien, the buyer is named as the owner of the deed and title to the property.

In some other states, the bank owns the home until the mortgage is paid in full.

Florida Foreclosure Law

If you find yourself struggling with foreclosure then knowledge is your best friend. Understanding the foreclosure laws in Florida will help you to make good decisions moving forward.

If you already have a foreclosure sale date you need to hire a foreclosure attorney to try and delay the proceedings.

Do you need help selling a foreclosure property in Florida?

The Phases of Florida Foreclosure

  • Pre-foreclosure
  • Foreclosure lawsuit
  • After the foreclosure sale

The thought of losing your home can be terrifying but it’s far worse if you don’t know how long it takes. Knowing how much time you have will help you when making a plan of action to stop the foreclosure.

Pre-Foreclosure: The amount of time from missing a mortgage payment until the bank files a lawsuit. Pre-foreclosure begins as soon as you miss your first mortgage payment. A Florida pre-foreclosure lasts anywhere from 3 to 6 months depending on the lender and the situation. You can extend or even stall pre-foreclosure by working with your lender on alternatives to foreclosure.

Pre-foreclosure is the perfect time to explore your options. If your home has no equity you may be a good candidate for a short sale. If you want to keep your home, you can ask about a loan modification. Another option if the home has equity is selling to a cash buyer.

What Happens When You Start Missing Payments?

Most lenders in Florida allow a 15-day grace period after missing a mortgage payment. Once the grace period is over, you will probably incur a late fee. At 30 days past due the bank may report you to the credit bureaus. After 30 days your lender will start reaching out more frequently. This is a good opportunity, to be honest with your lender and start a dialogue about your situation.

By the time you are 45 days late on your payment, you will be referred to the loss mitigation dept where a rep will be assigned to you.

Foreclosure Lawsuit

A foreclosure lawsuit in Florida begins with the bank filing a Summons, Complaint, and finally a Lis Pendens. A “Summons” is a legal notice of the foreclosure lawsuit and it orders you to appear before a judge at a certain time and day. You will also have 20 days to file your response.

The Complaint

The complaint puts in motion the legal and factual basis for the lawsuit. A foreclosure complaint describes the terms of the mortgage or promissory note, property being foreclosed on, the amount due, etc. Complaints will also specify the relief sought after by the lender.

The Lis Pendens

A “Lis Pendens” is a written notice that states the foreclosure lawsuit has been filed against your home. The purpose of this is to inform the public there is a lawsuit against the property. Banks are required to file and record the Lis Pendens with the local county in FL.

A Lis Pendens can be several pages long and must include: names of the parties involved, filing date of the lawsuit, property description, and relief being sought.

The Service of Summons and Complaint

Once the Lis Pendens has been filed, the bank must “serve” you with the complaint, summons, and Lis Pendens regarding the foreclosure lawsuit. This is usually done by mail or by a process server.

Responding to the Summons

Once you’ve received the summons and complaint, you have 20 days to file a response. You must file a response before the 20 days run out. If not, the judge may decide to fast-track the foreclosure sale date.  For example: “I’m currently working with my lender to do a short sale on my home, please allow me some time to do this so I can avoid foreclosure”

Once you’ve filed your answer, the judge may just put it to the bottom of his stack or set a date for a “Preliminary Hearing”.

The Preliminary Hearing

If by this time you still haven’t found an alternative to foreclosure, the process continues with a preliminary hearing. In the preliminary hearing, you tell the court what your plan is to avoid the foreclosure and the judge decides what happens next. If the judge sees that you’re being proactive by pursuing an alternative to foreclosure with the bank, you may be granted more time.

If you haven’t taken any action to correct the situation then the judge will probably set a foreclosure sale date.

Summary Judgment Hearing

In this hearing, the lender will present their case to the judge to rule in their favor. This is based on only the non-disputed facts so if something is wrong, this is the time to speak up. You have the chance to offer up any proof of why the foreclosure shouldn’t move forward.

Your lender might include the financial damages including mortgage balance and interest as part of a summary judgment motion.

Foreclosure Sale Date

The county court may set a foreclosure sale date after the entry of the summary judgment. At that time, it will be sold to the highest bidder or required by the bank to list as an REO property. Whoever the new owner is at this point will have the option to evict anyone living in the home.

Alternatives to Florida Foreclosure

If you want to sell the property to avoid foreclosure and walk away then doing a short sale may be the way to go. A short sale is when the bank allows you to sell the home for what it’s worth and not what it owes. So if you owe more than the home is worth, requesting a short sale is a great option.

Applying for a Short Sale

If you decide on a short sale, you’ll need to submit a complete short sale package. The short sale package generally consists of your financial information like pay stubs and bank statements, proof of hardship, letter explaining your situation. The lender will usually request 30 days for a short sale review.

Hiring Short Sale Realtor

If you wish to pursue a short sale on your property then you need a short sale agent. This is a real estate agent that specializes in short sales. A short sale is a much more complex process than a normal listing which is why most agents shy away from short sales. An experienced short-sale agent can step into your shoes and deal with the lender on your behalf.

Hiring the wrong Realtor can mean the difference between selling your house and being foreclosed on.

A short sale agent can also help you with:

  • Advising you on most current loss mitigation programs available
  • Completing and submitting the short sale package properly
  • Provide you with updates on your short sale review
  • Keep you up-to-date on court hearings and timelines

Loan Modification

A loan modification is when your lender adjusts the terms of your mortgage by reducing the payment making it more affordable to you. If you want to stay in your home and can afford a slightly lower payment, then this may be a good 1st option.

Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure

The transferring of ownership back to the bank instead of a foreclosure.

Filing For Bankruptcy

Courts issue an “automatic stay” on creditors (consult with your local bankruptcy attorney)

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