Real Estate

Can a borrower sign an inspection waiver? How long does usually it take to send an inspector to a property?

You may have heard about the lawsuit where the National Association of Realtors was sued whereby the Plaintiffs alleged that NAR conspired to inflate commissions for Sellers, also alleging that Buyers would pay their own brokers, if not for NAR basically holding Sellers hostage to getting their properties listed on the MLS. As I read some of the commentary, it sounds as though the Plaintiffs allege price fixing, and lack of transparency in real estate transactions. WOW! Is all I can say to that. Being a Realtor for going on 32 years now, I would have to disagree with some of this. From the very first class, the trainers beat it into our heads that commissions are negotiable. That agency relationships must be disclosed to buyers and sellers. That dual agency must be approved by both the buyer and the seller and they must both understand what fiduciary duties they are giving up because of the dual agency arrangement. Disclose, Disclose, Disclose is what we heard. Now as the market has changed on a dime, we are seeing anything and everything but fixed prices. Commission rates are all over the place in our market, and that is because they are NEGOTIABLE. Of course there can always be some bad actors out there in the marketplace, but to try to change a business practice that helps buyers buy, and sellers sell, and allows them the right to negotiate their price, terms and commission rates with their brokers and each other, I believe would be so disruptive and counterproductive, that the parties will just find new ways to negotiate around it.

To pay today’s real estate commission, a seller factors that into his asking price, and so does the entire market place. If that changes and the buyer now has to pay his own broker, then the pricing of homes will need to decrease, and sellers will not be happy. Or, Buyers will need to offer a higher price and ask for Seller Concessions to help pay the buyer’s real estate commission, because Buyers will still be shopping with a limited amount of money to make their purchase, and will require down payment help, closing cost help, and now lets add on Buyer commission help? So all of you real estate agents out there, better start letting your voices be heard to your local, state and national associations about this issue. And BTW, all you mortgage brokers, you need to put in your commentary as well, because this can have a huge impact on getting your borrowers qualified, if they now have to start coming up with a Buyer’s side commission, along with all the other costs they pay on the ALTA. Personally, my hope is that this gets appealed and overturned, because we don’t need to turn an entire industry upside down to make improvements in transparency and fair dealing. We can do that by self regulating ourselves, as we have been doing for over 100 years. I would love to hear your thoughts on this lawsuit and where you think we might be headed because of it.

Mortgage Dove A Trusted American Mortgage Lender from refinance to buying a new house, we offer a wide range of mortgage options suitable to your needs, because building your future is not an easy task Fast closing with low rates and low fees.

https://mortgagedove.com/

mortgagedove.com

Mortgage Dove - A Trusted American Mortgage Lender

Mortgage Dove - A Trusted American Mortgage Lender from refinance to buying a new house, we offer a wide range of mortgage options suitable to your needs, because building your future is not an easy task.Fast closing with low rates … Continue reading

Should I get section 8 or market rent tenants for my investment properties? What are the pros and cons having tenants with section 8 vouchers or market rent tenants?

Which type of investment is best for cash flow. Single family home or multi family home. Or apartment buildings?

Rent-to-own with Home Partners of America enables rents to get a home with the option to purchase at a later date. The renter would be guaranteed the home they are renting until a loan officer work on their credit so the renter qualifies for a mortgage. The rent to own homebuyer would either need to rebuild their credit or income during they are renting. Home Partners of America (HPA) coordinates the rent-to-own homes. Here is a link to Rent-To-Own Homes

https://fhabadcreditlenders.com/rent-to-own-homes

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Rent-To-Own Homes With Home Partners of America

Rent-to-own homes with Home Partners of America helps renters move into a home today while getting ready to get qualified for a mortgage loan.

Hello…. I just spoke with the managing broker where I am licenses as a realtor…..they are giving me some pushback about being the Realtor AND the loan officer on the same transaction….stating that although its ALLOWED that our E&O may not cover us donig this transaction…..is anyone else having this issue with THEIR real estate broker?

Builder and Developers can get hard money loans. Land acquisition and construction loan. 25% down payment and up to 100% construction. No credit scores, no debt to income ratio, no income. No DSCR, NO RED TAPE. FAST CLOSINGS. For one to four units residential non-occupant projects.

How is the National Realtor Association ruling affect real estate agents making money especially buying agents. Thank you in advance.

I would like more specific insights on working with a real estate in my area which is the north side of Chicago. I am interested in selling my house and buying a home in the northwest suburbs with a larger lot and potential to add on. My brothers and I own a construction business and have a lot of experience with doing fix and flips, gut rehab, new construction homes for customers, developers, builders, and ourselves. We have used many real estate agents and sometimes I think they do a good job and is worth the money while other times I think they are completely worthless and I am wasting my 6%. I need a list of questions where I can vett out hard working experienced real estate agents to list my properties and to buy my house. What will the NAR ruling and new law affect using a real estate agent to buy or sell a home?

Can you please explain in detail what is the NAR Settlement for 2024? How will the NAR Settlement affect realtors? What is the ruling against the National Realtors Association? Who is going to benefit and receive money from the NAR settlement? Walk me Through August 17th, Buyers Now Pay Their Realtor’s Commissions. I started reading more into the August 17th 2024 date where suddenly homebuyers now pay the buyer real estate agent. Home sellers are only responsible to pay their seller real estate agent. As someone who plans to be both a seller and a buyer sometime in the near future, I am interested in both sides of this. This is really complicated and many real estate agents think they will be out of business. Maybe there are no real answers yet, but I want to hear other’s thoughts.

https://youtu.be/QKItI0C3K6M?si=X5fPAt7i4sEd783H

• This discussion was modified 5 months, 1 week ago by  Lilly.
• This discussion was modified 5 months, 1 week ago by  Gustan Cho.

Can individual home sellers list their properties or do you need to be a real estate agent?

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make, and it’s important to stay informed about recent changes in the real estate process that could impact your experience. Recently, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) reached a settlement introducing new guidelines to increase transparency for homebuyers. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know and how it might affect you.

What’s Changed?

One of the key changes is that homebuyers will now be required to sign a written Buyer Representation Agreement before touring homes with an agent. This agreement outlines the services your agent will provide, how they’ll be compensated, and the duration of the representation. The idea behind this change is to ensure that you and your agent clearly understand your working relationship from the outset.

Understanding the Buyer Representation Agreement

The Buyer Representation Agreement is essentially a contract between you and your agent. It specifies the terms of your partnership, including:

• Agent Responsibilities: Clearly defines what your agent will do for you during the representation period.
• Transparency of Services: Ensures you understand your agent’s role and the services they’ll provide.
• Compensation Details: Specifies how and what your agent will be paid.
• Expert Guidance: This guarantees that you have a professional on your side to help you navigate the complex homebuying process.

These changes are designed to protect you by ensuring that everything is clearly laid out before you start the homebuying process.

What About Seller-Paid Fees?

One important point to note is that while the ruling restricts the advertisement of the buyer’s agent fee on the MLS, it doesn’t prevent the seller from covering your agent’s fee. In many cases, your REALTOR® can still negotiate with the seller to have them pay your agent’s fee as part of the transaction. This can be a significant financial benefit, as it could reduce the amount you need to bring to closing. Your agent will advocate on your behalf to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal, which might include negotiating for the seller to cover some or all of your agent’s fee.

Why Work with a REALTOR®? Even with these new requirements, working with a REALTOR® can provide significant benefits during your homebuying journey:

1. Expertise: REALTORS® are trained professionals who understand the complexities of the real estate market. They can help you navigate contracts, negotiations, and other important aspects of buying a home.

2. Local Knowledge: A REALTOR® with experience in your area can provide valuable insights into neighborhoods, property values, and market trends that might not be obvious at first glance.

3. Support and Guidance: The homebuying process can be overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. A REALTOR® can guide you through each step, helping you make informed decisions along the way.

These recent changes are about ensuring you’re fully informed and protected throughout the homebuying process. The Buyer Representation Agreement is a tool to ensure transparency and clear communication between you and your agent, ultimately leading to a smoother and more confident homebuying experience.

If you have any questions about how these changes might impact you or if you want to discuss what to expect, feel free to reach out (949-414-9433) or visit my website (chadbushre.com/).

• This discussion was modified 5 months, 2 weeks ago by  Chad Bush.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/foreclosure-numbers-fall-july-starts-decrease-nationalmortgagenews/

linkedin.com

Foreclosure numbers fall in July as starts decrease

Foreclosure starts dropped for the first time in three months, although repossessions ticked up, as rising property values may be easing some difficulties facing struggling homeowners, according to a report from Attom. The number of overall foreclosure filings, consisting of … Continue reading

Deciding between investing in 22 single-family homes or a 22-unit apartment building as a rental property investment is a significant decision and depends on various factors. Here are some considerations to help you make an informed choice:

1. Location: Location is crucial in real estate. Consider the location of both options in terms of job growth, population trends, proximity to amenities, schools, and crime rates. A well-located property typically has better long-term potential for appreciation and lower vacancy rates.

2. Management: Managing multiple single-family homes can be more time-consuming and costly compared to managing a single apartment building. With an apartment building, you have economies of scale, and you may be able to hire professional property management services to handle day-to-day operations.

3. Cash Flow: Calculate the potential cash flow for each option. Apartment buildings often have a more stable cash flow because vacancies in one unit can be offset by income from others. Single-family homes may have more fluctuating cash flows due to individual vacancies.

4. Financing: Consider your financing options. Financing for single-family homes may be easier to obtain, but apartment buildings may offer better financing terms due to the potential for higher rental income.

5. Maintenance and Repairs: Factor in maintenance and repair costs. With multiple single-family homes, you’ll have more individual properties to maintain, which can be more expensive and time-consuming compared to a single apartment building.

6. Diversification: Diversification is a risk management strategy. Owning 22 single-family homes can spread risk, as issues with one property won’t necessarily affect the others. In contrast, an issue with a large apartment building can have a more significant impact.

7. Market Conditions: Consider the current and future market conditions in your area. The demand for single-family homes and apartment units can vary based on economic trends and local factors.

8. Exit Strategy: Think about your long-term goals and exit strategy. Are you planning to hold the properties for rental income indefinitely, or do you have a specific exit plan, such as selling after a certain period?

9. Financing and Capital: Assess your financial situation and access to capital. Apartment buildings often require a larger initial investment, both in terms of down payment and ongoing expenses.

10. Risk Tolerance: Evaluate your risk tolerance. Single-family homes may provide more diversification and lower risk, but apartment buildings can offer potentially higher returns.

Ultimately, the choice between investing in 22 single-family homes or a 22-unit apartment building depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and the local real estate market. It’s advisable to consult with real estate professionals, financial advisors, and conduct thorough market research before making your decision. Additionally, considering a mix of property types in your investment portfolio can provide diversification and reduce risk.

The homebuying process starts way before you actually start shopping for a house. It is best to prepare six to twelve months before you actually want to start looking for a house. Getting pre-approved can be a process depending on your credit. Get pre-approved first. Interview Real Estate Professionals. Consult with real estate agents and financial advisors who have expertise in your local market. They can provide insights into current conditions and help you make informed decisions. Consider broader economic conditions, such as job stability, inflation rates, and the overall health of the economy. Economic factors can influence property values and affordability. If you decide to move forward with a purchase, always get a thorough home inspection to identify any potential issues or needed repairs. This can impact the overall cost of homeownership.

In summary, the decision to buy a house depends on your individual circumstances and the conditions of the housing market in your area. It’s essential to thoroughly research and assess your financial readiness before making such a significant investment. Additionally, consider seeking advice from professionals who can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Like to congratulate Dino Hasapis for earning the best Chicago Real Estate Agent Award for Chicago Area. Dino Hasapis always goes above and beyond for all his clients. Dino Hasapis not only treats his clients like family but he follows up after each closing and makes sure his clients have no questions and is Johnny on the spot if his clients needs a referral on the area his clients moved to. Dino is trusted, loved, and respected by his clients, family and friends. All of Dino Hasapis clients become his lifelong friend and family. Very proud of you my man.

https://www.facebook.com/share/tBBjMumuX8QdXJKn/?mibextid=oEMz7o

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Dino Hasapis

I am both humbled and thrilled to announce that I've been recognized again by Chicago Association of Realtors as a top producer. I'm grateful for each and every person I have had the opportunity to...

Home staging is the process of preparing a home for sale by making it look as attractive and appealing as possible to potential buyers. The goal of home staging is to help buyers envision themselves living in the space and to highlight the home’s best features. Here are some key aspects of home staging:

1. Decluttering and depersonalizing: Removing excess furniture, personal items like family photos, and clutter to create a sense of openness and allow buyers to imagine their own belongings in the space.
2. Furniture arrangement: Rearranging and sometimes renting furniture to showcase the flow and function of each room optimally.
3. Deep cleaning: Ensuring the entire home is thoroughly cleaned, from windows to carpets, to create a fresh, move-in ready feeling.
4. Curb appeal: Enhancing the home’s exterior by power washing, landscaping, and making the entrance inviting.
5. Repairing and updating: Attending to minor repairs like patching holes and updating elements like light fixtures to give the home a well-maintained look.
6. Style and accents: Using stylish yet neutral decor pieces, fresh linens, pillows, and accents to give rooms an updated, model home appearance.
7. Staging vacant homes: For empty properties, staging companies bring in rental furniture and decor to make the space feel warm and livable.

Home staging aims to appeal to the highest number of potential buyers by making the home look its absolute best while remaining neutral enough for buyers to envision their own style. Studies show well-staged homes tend to sell faster and for higher prices.

Chic interiors and home staging are key elements in creating a stylish, inviting, and market-ready home. Whether you’re decorating for personal enjoyment or preparing to sell, understanding these concepts can make a significant difference.

Chic Interiors

Chic interiors are defined by their elegant, fashionable, and timeless qualities. Key elements include:

1. Neutral Color Palette: Soft tones like white, beige, gray, and black provide a sophisticated base. Accents in metallics, pastels, or bold colors can add personality.
2. Quality Over Quantity: Invest in high-quality furniture and decor pieces. Fewer, well-chosen items can make a bigger impact than cluttering the space with too many things.
3. Mix of Textures: Combine different materials like velvet, leather, wood, and metal to create depth and interest.
4. Minimalist Aesthetic: Keep spaces uncluttered and streamlined. Use sleek, modern furniture with clean lines.
5. Statement Pieces: Incorporate standout items like a designer chair, a piece of art, or a unique lighting fixture to add a focal point to the room.
6. Functional Design: Ensure that the design is not only beautiful but also practical. Furniture should be comfortable and arranged for ease of movement and conversation.

Home Staging

Home staging involves preparing a property for sale by making it appealing to the highest number of potential buyers. Key aspects include:

1. Decluttering and Depersonalizing: Remove personal items and excess furniture to make the space look larger and allow buyers to envision themselves living there.
2. Neutral Decor: Use neutral colors to appeal to a broad audience. This helps buyers focus on the home itself rather than the decor.
3. Furniture Arrangement: Arrange furniture to highlight the flow and function of each room. Create cozy conversation areas and ensure there’s enough space to move around.
4. Lighting: Use a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Ensure all lights are functioning and rooms are well-lit.
5. Curb Appeal: Enhance the exterior of the home with fresh landscaping, clean walkways, and a welcoming front entrance.
6. Clean and Fresh: A clean home is more appealing. Pay attention to details like fresh paint, clean windows, and pleasant scents.

Tips for Combining Chic Interiors and Home Staging:

1. Focus on Key Rooms: Prioritize staging the living room, kitchen, master bedroom, and bathrooms. These are the areas buyers focus on the most.
2. Highlight Features: Use decor to draw attention to the home’s best features, like a fireplace, large windows, or architectural details.
3. Use Chic Decor: Incorporate chic elements like stylish throw pillows, modern artwork, and elegant lighting fixtures to elevate the overall look.
4. Update Strategically: Small updates like new cabinet hardware, fresh paint, and updated light fixtures can make a big impact without a significant investment.

Resources and Inspiration:

1. Interior Design Magazines and Websites: Publications like Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, and Houzz offer inspiration and tips.
2. Professional Stagers: Consider hiring a professional home stager for expert advice and hands-on help.
3. DIY Resources: Books, online courses, and DIY blogs can provide step-by-step guides to achieving chic interiors and effective staging.

By combining the principles of chic interior design with strategic home staging, you can create a beautiful, inviting space that appeals to both you and potential buyers.

The recently announced proposed NAR settlement has generated a lot of discussion about the future of realtor commissions and how the real estate industry will be impacted.

One avenue that seems plausible is the a packaged service plan – designed for the DIY home seller that does not wish to engage a full service brokerage. In addition, some brokerages are offering ala carte services that can be selected from the menu that a home seller or buyer can select to ensure they are only paying for services perceived to have value.

I found an excellent article regarding Houzeo (link below) – a service for the DIY home seller. The Houzeo model offers various packages and costs based on the level of service. While Houzeo has been around for several years, some of the recent attention to realtor commissions have increased their visibility.

https://listwithclever.com/real-estate-blog/houzeo-review/#overall

Please check out this article and post your thoughts.

Every sign out there signals the housing market is in big trouble. The liberal media and the Democrats are in a state of denial and according to FED Chairman Jerome Powell, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, President Joe Biden, VP Kamala Harris, the liberal media from CNN, CNBC, and every major news networks are saying everything is fine and that Bidenomic is the savior of the forecasted recession and the U.S. economy had a soft landing and we are now in great shape. Who are they kidding. You do not have to be a genius to see that inflation is far worse than the numbers claim. People are not making it with what they are making. Inflation did not stabilize. That is a total crock of bullshit. Look at the prices at the grocery store. Have you seen goods and services doubling and tripling in price in such a short period of time? Most American’s wages have not gotten wage increases to match the rate of inflation. The Federal Reserve Board is headed by a total incompetent leader and the board are a mere of incompetent joke. The dollar is literally worthless and the global economic leaders have lost any and all respect for U.S. currency and I do not blame them. Anyone with a single digit IQ will tell you they will be crazy to invest in the U.S. treasuries the way they are printing the dollar like there is no tomorrow. The dollar is not backed by any hard assets such as Gold or Silver. The inflation rate is far from being stabilized. A Big Mac Value meal at McDonalds is $20.00. California, under the leadership of Gavin Newson is losing residents by the tens of thousands daily and the state is in chaos. Democrat states like California, New York, Illinois are passing laws of making illegal aliens able to own guns and become police officers. Mortgage rates, which seemed like there was a light at the end of the tunnel a few weeks ago when it dropped to the low 6.00% jumped backed up to over 7% due to FAKE economic and unemployment numbers and made up economic data which hands down is a big fat LIE. Corruption is rampant and never in history has the liberal left been as out of control as they are now. The left have no shame. They get caught cheating, lying, stealing, and can lie straight to the American people with a straight face. Home prices have doubled in the past couple of years in many areas of the country and many homeowners have done a cash-out refinance to tap into their artificial equity. The housing market crash forecast is not an IF but a DEFINITE COMING SOON to a neighborhood near you. In the past it was difficult to predict the housing market with complete certainty, as it is influenced by various economic factors that can shift over time. However, based on current data and expert analysis, the potential housing market forecast for the U.S. housing market in 2024 is definitely a given doom and gloom. Moderating home price appreciation: The deniers of the true economy seem to think that after years of rapid home price growth, housing prices will continue to increase, and most forecasts suggest a deceleration in 2024, with prices expected to rise at a more moderate pace of around 2-4% nationwide. However, the realists believe home prices will tank a solid 40% or more and the Dow Jones Industrial Average will fall below 20,000. Stabilizing mortgage rates: If inflation continues to cool, mortgage rates are projected to stabilize in the range of 6-7% by 2024, down from the peaks seen in late 2022. Improving housing inventory: As higher mortgage rates continue to cool demand, the inventory of homes for sale is expected to gradually increase, providing more options for buyers and a potential drop in home prices. More bankruptcies and foreclosures is expected as wll as divorce rates is suppose to skyrocket. Shift towards a balanced market: The deniers and globalists seem to believe the housing market is anticipated to transition from a strong seller’s market to a more balanced state, with less competition and fewer bidding wars which is a crock of shit. Realists believe the real estate market will tank worse than the 2008 financial crisis, more foreclosures, and bankruptcies than ever recorded in history. Affordability challenges: Despite moderating prices, affordability will likely remain a major concern for many buyers due to higher mortgage rates and lingering inflation and homelessness is suppose to skyrocket like never before in the history of the United States. Rental market strength: The rental market is expected to remain strong in 2024 but many rentals is forecasted to increase where many people will not be able to afford rent. Many people who could have afforded homes are not priced out of the housing market and stuck with renting because it is driven by demographic shifts and affordability constraints for homeownership. Regional variations: Housing market conditions will continue to vary across different regions and metropolitan areas, with some markets cooling faster than others. Economic factors: The overall performance of the housing market will depend on factors such as job growth, consumer confidence, and the broader economic conditions in 2024. The media is not reporting the truth about millions of people getting laid off, large number of small businesses shutting their doors, and people losing faith in the American economy. It’s important to note that these forecasts are based on current data and assumptions, and unforeseen economic or geopolitical events could alter the trajectory of the housing market. Additionally, local market conditions may differ from national trends. Wake up, America. We need a total overhaul of corrupt politicians, and a full correction of the housing market and get rid of lifelong career politicians. Fake NEWS needs to be banned and censorship needs to get outlawed. Who in the Hell is Bill Gates, Barack Obama, Anthony Fauci, Nancy Pelosi, Joe Biden, and thousands of liberals and Globalists to demand human depopulation with the coronavirus vaccine, chem trails, killing babies for adrenochrome, and human trafficking where they get to live long and euthanize Americans older than 70 years old. Americans need to voice these concerns and take our country back and eliminate the satanist, evil, mortals who do not belong in this world and need to be terminated as well as their bloodlines. Here is an informative video from Peter Schiff who called the 2008 financial crisis and was spot on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ7MWGJKUro

What are non-warrantable condominiums and what is the difference between warrantable and non-warrantable condos.

Can you please explain what condotel units are or condo hotel condominimiums. What is the difference between condotels and regular condominum units.

Is buying a house near an apartment complex a bad investment? Many homebuyers think buying a house will affect their resale value. Here is an article about buying a house near an apartment community.

https://gustancho.com/buying-house-near-apartment-community/

gustancho.com

Buying House Near Apartment Community or Commercial Areas

Buying house near apartment community or Backing Into businesses may be cheaper but expect to have a harder time selling it at lower value.