by CRESTICO | Feb 10, 2009 | CRESTICO
You’ve started the process. You made the decision to purchase a home, perhaps even your first one! Now that you have found the one you want, what’s next? Your agent will help you, read more for some tips and insight as to how the process works. First, you need to make an Offer. What that is, is basically an expression of your desire to purchase the property and at what price you are willing to do so. Your offer will be the first step in the negotiation process. Just like any other offer you make, it would be highly helpful to take the other party (in this case, the seller) and his/her expectations into consideration when making your offer. The seller has set an asking price for the property, but remember this is not set in stone! Often, you as a buyer, can save lots of money just by starting with the right offer price.
Often, when writing an offer, there will be lots of contingencies involved. Contingencies are basically built-in protections to make sure that your risks are being limited and you are being afforded the most protection possible. Your offer will include information such as: the price you are willing to pay as well as other details that are involved in the negotiation process such as down payment and financing information, inspection information and timetables on the method and manner that you will be receiving legal and physical ownership of the property. Other information included will be whether personal property is included in the purchase, terms of cancellation, any repairs you want performed, which professional services will be used, and how to settle disputes should they occur. Here, we will focus on the topic of Contingencies to give you a better idea of what they are and how they work.
Although in most transactions there may be slight challenges, most will go quite smoothly. However, we want you to be prepared and anticipate potential problems so that if something does go wrong, you will be in a position to cancel the contract without incurring any penalties. These protections are called "contingencies" and should be included when you offer to buy a home.
Often, a buyer will not be making a full cash offer on a property, that is, offering one lump sum as payment in full. As a result, that buyer will seek and need financing to complete the purchase. Obtaining suitable financing can be made a contingency as well. Buyers often do this to protect themselves, should they be unable to secure financing. Another contingency that buyers should consider is that the property should appraise for at least what the buyer agreed to pay for it. Inspections will be performed and reports will be provided before such contingencies are lifted.
Sometimes, a buyer will agree to purchase a home while in the process of selling the home he/she is currently living in. Often, even though an offer has been accepted on the buyer’s current home, the buyer and his/her potential buyer may still be involved in escrow, making that transaction a “pending” sale that has not “closed” yet. As such, a buyer would want to make that closing a “contingency” on the offer he/she is making; so that should something go wrong and that sale not close, the buyer would not be forced into a situation where he/she would be responsible for two mortgage payments each month.
Ultimately, contingencies protect buyers just in case they find themselves in positions where they become unable to perform or choose not to perform on a promise to buy a home. Without contingencies, a buyer may find himself/herself forfeiting his/her earnest money deposit.
by CRESTICO | Jan 31, 2009 | CRESTICO
You’ve been hearing a lot lately about foreclosures, REOs and short sales. There are conflicting reports about whether or not they can be good investments. At Crestico Realty, we pride ourselves on giving you the most up-to-date information on making the best Real Estate decisions for yourself and your family’s future. Buying a foreclosed home may not be for everybody, but keep reading and find out if it’s right for you.
Sometimes, foreclosed homes can be good investments, because often, they sell for less than market value. For a first-time homebuyer, the process may seem more complex and time-consuming but that’s why we, at Crestico Realty, are here to help! A foreclosure is a property that is being “foreclosed” upon by a bank or some other lending institution. It is a legal process through which the homeowner's rights are terminated, generally as a result of his/her failure to pay the mortgage.
One thing that is important when considering the purchase of a foreclosure, is where and how the home is being sold. Often, real estate auctions are where foreclosures are sold because the lender is generally trying to sell the property as soon as possible. At auctions, buyers are generally expected to pay for the house at the end of the auction, which means the financing must already be in place. At Crestico, we work with a preferred lender to make sure that if you want to purchase your home from an auction, we have your financing ready to go.
However, in today’s market, auctions are not the only way to purchase foreclosures. Many REO (real estate owned) companies purchase these foreclosures and list them for sale, essentially performing the function of a “homeowner” who does not live in the house. When making an offer on such a home, it is still a great idea to have your financing in place, so that your offer (which will most likely NOT be the only one) will be easier to accept.
Buyers often ask, regarding foreclosures, “Will I be able to gain equity in an REO?” The answer to this question is generally dependent on (1) the current value and (2) the sales price of the property. If a buyer purchases a property for less than it is worth, there is automatic equity. With foreclosures, and an experienced Crestico agent, you can have the peace of mind that we will find you the right foreclosure to purchase.
If you are interesting in purchasing a foreclosed property, your Crestico agent will work to find you the best home! Your Crestico agent has access to many services that track foreclosures in and neighborhood you are looking to move to, in California. We stay on top of your search. With foreclosures, you have to move quickly because the lucrative investments get snatched up quickly. Call today and speak with one of our REO Buyer Specialists!
by CRESTICO | Jan 31, 2009 | CRESTICO
Real Estate Career?
TREAT YOURSELF to the best new year’s resolution ever by moving your practice to a young energetic brokerage where you are still your own boss but get all the benefits of being associated with a nationally recognized brand! Crestico Realty is looking for licensed Real Estate Agents like you to come down and interview!
Crestico Realty is a boutique Real Estate firm that focuses on handling all forms of real estate transactions. We offer *NO DESK FEES* and have great relationships with our business partners who work with us on a day to day business. If you are an independent visionary and get excited by the limitless possibilities of today’s market, then give us a call. At Crestico, we treat our agents like family, offering unprecedented support, generous commissions, the best training and mentorship for new agents, additional incentives & bonuses, and further opportunities to grow and expand your career.
We are looking for agents who are more than just agents – we want real estate specialists, who love their work and see income potential in every conversation they have!
Please send your resume, along with cover letter to careers@crestico.com.
For more information please visit www.crestico.com or call (818) 784-2929
by CRESTICO | Jan 21, 2009 | CRESTICO
You’ve been hearing a lot lately about foreclosures, REOs and short sales. There are conflicting reports about whether or not they can be good investments. At Crestico Realty, we pride ourselves on giving you the most up-to-date information on making the best Real Estate decisions for yourself and your family’s future. Buying a foreclosed home may not be for everybody, but keep reading and find out if it’s right for you.
Sometimes, foreclosed homes can be good investments, because often, they sell for less than market value. For a first-time homebuyer, the process may seem more complex and time-consuming but that’s why we, at Crestico Realty, are here to help! A foreclosure is a property that is being “foreclosed” upon by a bank or some other lending institution. It is a legal process through which the homeowner’s rights are terminated, generally as a result of his/her failure to pay the mortgage.
One thing that is important when considering the purchase of a foreclosure, is where and how the home is being sold. Often, real estate auctions are where foreclosures are sold because the lender is generally trying to sell the property as soon as possible. At auctions, buyers are generally expected to pay for the house at the end of the auction, which means the financing must already be in place. At Crestico, we work with a preferred lender to make sure that if you want to purchase your home from an auction, we have your financing ready to go.
However, in today’s market, auctions are not the only way to purchase foreclosures. Many REO (real estate owned) companies purchase these foreclosures and list them for sale, essentially performing the function of a “homeowner” who does not live in the house. When making an offer on such a home, it is still a great idea to have your financing in place, so that your offer (which will most likely NOT be the only one) will be easier to accept.
Buyers often ask, regarding foreclosures, “Will I be able to gain equity in an REO?” The answer to this question is generally dependent on (1) the current value and (2) the sales price of the property. If a buyer purchases a property for less than it is worth, there is automatic equity. With foreclosures, and an experienced Crestico agent, you can have the peace of mind that we will find you the right foreclosure to purchase.
If you are interested in purchasing a foreclosed property, your Crestico agent will work to find you the best home! Your Crestico agent has access to many services that track foreclosures in and neighborhood you are looking to move to, in California. We stay on top of your search. With foreclosures, you have to move quickly because the lucrative investments get snatched up quickly.
For more information please visit www.crestico.com or call (818) 784-2929
