Being happy when purchasing a new house is one thing but the mere thought of moving the contents from your old house to that dream house of yours can be quite frustrating. Furthermore, in this dog eat dog world, customers are susceptible to scams. So before we become “lunch”, it’s wise if we are aware of common scams that even national moving companies might unleash upon us, customers.

The most common scam is when the company gives a rough estimation and then ships your items to the designated location only to add on extra charges on the way. Then, the moving company will hold back your items and only return it to you once you agree to pay the price they insist upon. This is similar to keeping “hostages” in view of kidnapping.

There are also moving companies who lure you to them by enticing you with a very low price only to jack up the price at they very last minute which is most probably during when the items are on delivery. There are some moving companies who give quotation based on the weight of items first. However when the items are on the moving truck, the moving company changes the quotation to the space occupied by the items. This is of course more expensive as the charges are based on cubic metres. So the important reminder here is that there is no such thing as free lunch in this world.

The worst scam of all is when the moving company demands for payment when the items are being delivered. Once the customer pays up, the moving company disappears with the customer’s items. If lady luck smiles upon the deceived, the customer might find the items abandoned somewhere or else the items could be sold off in the black market.

To avoid such scams, here are some hints. Reliable national moving companies provide on site estimates which is then confirmed in an agreement between the two parties involved. Customers should also check the existence of the moving company by checking the address. It is also advisable to get quotations from three or more moving companies similar to getting second opinions from different doctors. A tell tale sign of a fraudulent moving company is through the moving company’s complaint history.

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Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/common-moving-company-problems-we-should-avoid-1735623.html

None-the-less, there were some areas of Austin that experienced positive home price growth between 2007 and 2009.  Since average home sale prices began to decline during 2008 and throughout 2009, we decided to compare average sold prices during 2009 to 2007 to get a better idea of the losses and gains. While some areas would be expected to stay strong such as zip code 78746 in the coveted Eanes Independent School District (Eanes ISD) where all the public schools are rated exemplary by the Texas Education Agency, average sale prices gained a small 1.57%. Other highly desirable areas lost ground such as zip code 78703 (West of downtown and west of Mopac but east of the river) where prices dropped 7.58%. Some areas that experienced the highest price declines are on the outskirts of west and northwest Austin. For example, zip code 78733 just north of Bee Caves Road and just east of the City of Bee Cave (located in Eanes ISD) lost over 23%. The 78734 zip code in the Lakeway area lost just under 20% while northwest Austin’s zip code 78726 lost just under 19%.
 
Other areas of strength were zip codes 78750 in northwest Austin around the popular Westwood High area where some students have the opportunity to attend all exemplary rated schools from elementary to high school. Zip code areas 78704 and 78745 just south of downtown pulled out slight gains of .01% and 1.94% respectively. The central zip codes around downtown Austin experienced price reductions of 4-8%. Downtown zip code 78701 shows a 37.82% increase, but there were only a handful of homes sold in this zip code so the numbers do not have as much credit.
 
For buyers there are different angles to consider when deciding where to purchase their next home. On one hand buyers may find the best values where prices have dropped the most. On the other hand, buyers might consider purchasing a home where prices have been the most stable over the last few years. Either way, Austin continues to buck the national trends with continued growth and relative employment stability, which suggests long term demand for Austin homes. According to Texas’ State Demographer, Austin Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) population will grow 33.9% between the years 2010-2020 from 1.7M to 2.92M. By the year 2040 the Austin MSA is projected to have a population of just less than 4M. That is over twice the size of the current Austin MSA! If the projections hold true, Austin homeowners should enjoy continued market stability and growth for years to come.

This article was provided by Brian Talley of Regent Property Group LLC, providing information about Austin home price trends to those people searching Austin neighborhoods for purchasing or selling a home in the Austin area with help from a top Austin REALTOR®.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/austin-home-price-trends-comparing-2009-to-2007-1734401.html

Foreclosures are not for the faint hearted. Aside from the often tedious process of buying one, the surprises in store is enough to scare first-time homebuyers away. But these don’t mean that they are not valuable properties. Yet while Fort Lauderdale foreclosures are not any different, the one thing you must learn in order to successfully buy yourself an affordable home is approaching the homeowners. Here are some tips to get your started. 

In pre-foreclosures 

Like other foreclosure market, there are Fort Lauderdale foreclosures that haven’t actually entered the official foreclosure list yet. Pre-foreclosures are available through the homeowners themselves; and this is where the problem begins. 

In order to get a potential bargain out of Fort Lauderdale foreclosures in this stage, you have to ready yourself for meeting the owners. You must be fortified emotionally and mentally when approaching these people as the entire process of losing their home is devastating for them. What you can do, though, is to go through your agent. Sending a letter for starters will be tremendously helpful in establishing communication. And once you are ready to meet in person, prepare the outline of your deal beforehand. These people are only interested in serious buyers, so make sure that you fit that category. 

Before auctions 

Foreclosures are also available through auctions. These events, however, can be postponed depending on the owners. Before the property officially enters the auction block, the owners are given a specific amount of time which they can use to come up with the money to pay off the outstanding balance and other fees. This is your chance to work out a last-minute deal with the homeowner of property you are most interested in buying. If you are intent in buying the property, you have to realize that time is of the essence since properties are only given a few weeks before they are sold through auctions. 

For REO homes 

When Fort Lauderdale foreclosures enter the bank’s inventory, there no longer a reason to contact the homeowner. Instead, focus your efforts in buying the property from the bank. You have to know, though, that it will be harder for you to get more discount from the banks since, by this time, they’ve likely lost more money from the property. Although you can still try to pull that price down a little bit, don’t be too pushy or even try to sneak in a lowball offer. A little discount is better than no discount at all. 

Mark Michael Ferrer 
Fort Lauderdale Foreclosures

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/fort-lauderdale-foreclosures-how-to-properly-approach-homeowners-1730569.html

Do you have a real estate blog? But have no idea on what to write on your post? Actually there are so many topics and contents that can be written and posted in your real estate blog. For your blog to be visible on the top of the major search engine pages, it must be provided with fresh and informative contents. Major search engines like Google and Yahoo give a lot of points in websites and blogs that always updated with fresh and informative content. If you have that content in you real estate blog together with proper optimization, then you can count on it! That in a few months time your blog will be included on the top of the SERPs.

What to write in your real estate blog?

A real estate market conditions is a good thing to start in your blog post. Using the MLS or free access to local real estate statistics, you can use that in creating interesting and informative contents. You can give monthly, quarterly and annual real estate market conditions in your local area. Through this, you can answer questions that most of the home buyers, sellers and other real estate people are asking. Write something about the market conditions, the average and median home sales, average and median home price, price per square foot, number of homes sold etc, and back it up with graphs for them to see the figures.

Next, you can also write about the local events in your area. You must be aware about the local activities in your area and write a post about that topic like, will the city sponsor a parade and fireworks?, Is a big craft fair coming up soon? Is a neighborhood holding a 30-family yard sale next weekend? And don’t forget the community events that are widely publicized by the Chamber of Commerce.

Lastly, post something that gives advice and tips related to real estate, home rehabilitation tips, home repairs, staging and others for the sellers. For the home buyers you must write about how to get the best home deals, key points in looking for a perfect home to buy and more. A majority of agents don’t have that much time to update and write a blog in their real estate blog. I know that they are so busy in making transactions and time is really an issue to them. My advice is that when the time that you are on the roll in writing, then go ahead and write as many topics as you can, and its up to you on how to do your schedule that your post will be appeared in your blog. At least two post a week will do for your real estate blog.

**Attention Readers**
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According to data by expert economists, America is in a recession. In economic terms, a recession happens when the gross domestic product (GDP) shrinks for at least two consecutive quarters.

By definition, U.S. economy has been in a recession since December 2007. So, what does that mean for VA loans? Is the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program resilient in an economic slump? And, like conventional loans, are there fewer VA loans now or more? Because the Program is resilient, there are more VA loans being made now.

In fact, there are several factors that have helped keep VA loans strong even in this recession: recent improvements in veterans’ benefits, the VA outreach program, and the abilities of private mortgage lenders to implement the VA benefits in a down economy.

Since the Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2008 was passed into law in October 2008, the guidelines under which VA-eligible borrowers can obtain a home refinance loan are more attractive than ever. First, the maximum guaranty for cash-out refinance loans has been made the same as that for purchase loans. Qualified veterans can now refinance up to 100% of appraised property value. And, the ceiling has been raised for VA’s refinance loan up to $729,750; provided that the loan does not exceed the maximum county limits established. Also, the VA’s authority to guaranty ARMs and Hybrid ARMs has been extended to September 30, 2012.

To protect the Federal Government’s guaranty, the VA has counselors to help veterans keep their homes even in the toughest economic situations. The VA’s outreach program focuses on two groups: those who use the VA loan guaranty program and those who don’t. The purpose of this outreach is to keep veterans in their homes. VA counselors can assist people with VA-guarantied loans to avoid foreclosure. And, they can advise VA-eligible borrowers with other types of loans about the benefits of refinancing to safer and more affordable loan terms associated with VA loans.

Are the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program’s improved benefits and counseling enough to stand up to a recession? A VA home loan is originated and funded by a VA-approved private lender. It’s up to the lender to establish its requirements for making a loan. Lenders must comply with VA income and credit standards when considering a VA home loan application; however, lenders may establish more conservative lending policies. That said, a VA home loan is still one of the only options left for zero-down, 100% refinancing.

Because VA loans are backed by the Federal Government, a VA-approved lender can make VA home loans to VA-eligible borrowers even in the worst of times. VA loan limit guidelines help VA-approved lending institutions determine how much a qualifying veteran can borrow.

In a recession, the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program can be resistant to many factors that drag the economy down. So, those VA-eligible borrowers (who may be in financial trouble due to their current high-rate mortgages) may qualify for VA refinance loans with safer more affordable VA terms.

It’s no doubt that there is a decline in conventional home loans. But, because of their recession-resistant traits, VA home loans may be on the rise. The VA Home Loan Guaranty Program can make it very possible for VA-eligible borrowers to emerge from even the worst economic stench smelling like a rose.

Eric Kandell has helped thousands of U.S. Veterans get approved for California VA loans and Texas VA Loans. Hopefully the article above provides you some insights that help you take advantage of the Veteran Benefits you are entitled to because of your service in the United States Military.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/recession-and-the-va-loan-1717672.html

San Antonio’s pro-business climate, low taxes, and incredibly qualified work force are just a few of the reasons why this eclectic, dynamic city remains one of the country’s most successful examples of growth, both in the business and real estate sectors.

The unique history of San Antonio blends beautifully with the modern vibe of this progressive city, and the real estate successfully reflects this marriage between old and new. From historic, grand homes to some of the hottest high rise condo developments, San Antonio real estate bucks the rules and still manages to come out ahead.

Although San Antonio, as a city, boasts a myriad of highly successful neighborhoods and communities, there are a few that simply stand out from the crowd. The following neighborhoods are a classic example of why San Antonio is, and always will be, a lesson in fine, Southern living.

• Alamo Heights – Alamo Heights is a fine example of suburban life with the advantage of a progressive business district. The location of Alamo Heights is quite ideal for professionals who work in the city as it is located right between Olmos Park and Terrell Hills. Alamo Heights is actually an incorporated city within San Antonio; therefore, this growing section of San Antonio boasts its own mayor, police force and fire department, among other things.

San Antonio real estate in this location is varied and attractive, and can be found with Mediterranean and Spanish architectural influences. It is not uncommon for the modest homes of Alamo Heights to be located on quiet, tree-lined streets, among beautifully restored historic homes. There are also several neighborhoods in Alamo Heights that boast grand homes on sprawling estates. Custom development, as a result, is still a common site throughout Alamo Heights.

• Stone Oak – Stone Oak is one of San Antonio’s most successful master-planned communities. Its convenient location, just outside Loop 1604, makes it ideal for professionals; in fact some of the wealthiest families in San Antonio live in Stone Oak. Stone Oak is also surrounded by the other beautiful communities of Olmos Park, Terrell Hills and Alamo Heights. In addition to the wealth found in Stone Oak, this thriving community is also revered for its excellent school s system, thereby making Stone Oak a popular choice for affluence families in San Antonio. In addition to its exceptional San Antonio real estate – massive homes and beautifully landscaped lots are a common site in this community – Stone Oak is also home to many high-end retailers.
• The Dominion – The Dominion is perhaps one of San Antonio’s most famous master-planned communities. From celebrities and athletes to political heavyweights, the Dominion is the place to be for those individuals searching for the best real estate San Antonio has to offer. The Dominion, which includes 600 private homes comfortably situated in the picturesque Texas Hill Country, is surrounded by other affluent San Antonio communities, including Fair Oaks Ranch and Scenic Oaks. The Dominion was established in the early 1980s and is now considered to be one of San Antonio’s most upscale neighborhoods. San Antonio real estate in the Dominion can exceed $3 million for an estate home.

Our expertise in Austin real estate and South Austin real estate are demonstrated through our in-depth market analysis and competitive industry knowledge that finds the best property for you.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/san-antonios-most-affluent-neighborhoods-1710897.html

The FHA home loan is a good option for home buyers who cannot afford big down payment. Millions of home buyers have benefited from the FHA mortgage loan program since it was introduced by the Federal Housing Authority in 1934. The program is viable for home buyers who do not have a big down payment as the requirements for down payments are lower than with usual mortgages. Qualifying for a mortgage loan that is ensured by the FHA is commonly easier than a non-FHA home loan.

For example, if your low credit score does not allow you to get a mortgage through a lender in a standard procedure, this is not the case if you get an FHA home loan through that same lender. You may also get approved with lower down payment, which is good for first-time home buyers who do not have big down payment. Just like the usual mortgage process you have to apply for FHA home loan with the assistance of a regular lender in order to qualify. So here are the general criteria for FHA home loans…

• Two years of continual employment. If at all possible, it should be with the same employer.

• You need to have a steady income for the last two years. It would be even better if your income has increased over the last two years.

• Maintain on time payments to creditors. Avoid having multiple late payments in the last two years because this will appear on your credit report. This may limit your eligibility to get an FHA loan.

• Your credit score should not be lower than 620.

• You must not have bankruptcy history for the last two years. In case you have a history of bankruptcy, you can still apply for an FHA loan as long as your bankruptcy is older than two years old and your credit has not been tarnished by negative marks after your bankruptcy was cleared.

• You should not have foreclosed property for the last three years when applying for an FHA loan. In case you have lost a property due to foreclosure, it should have maintained a positive credit since that time.

• The amount of your loan will be based on your income and your new mortgage payment should be about 30% of the household gross income.

• You will have to provide a down payment of 3.5% or higher, in most cases.

These are some of the most fundamental guidelines for qualifying for a FHA loan. If you think you have these requirements, then you can qualify for an FHA mortgage loan.

Applying for an FHA loan through a lender is the only way you can find out if you are qualified or not. Do not be intimidated by the mortgage application process because this is the first step that you must take to qualify for an FHA mortgage loan or any other type of mortgage. In the case you do not get qualified for this type of loan, at least you know which part of your financial record you need to work on.

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There is a way for you to stop foreclosure and keep your home.  Many people in foreclosure think the only options they have are refinance, short sales, giving it back to the bank, or walking away from your home. 

There is another option, a loan modification.  A loan modification allows you to stay in your home. 

Basically a loan modification is a change to the existing loan so you can afford to make the payments going forward.  You can talk to the lender about lowering the interest, which lowers the payment, making it easier for you to make the payments going forward.

Homeowners  can contact the bank on their own.  The big challenge in doing it yourself is that only 7% of homeowners who try are successful at getting a modification.  Why?  The homeowners are not specialists, they don’t know exactly what the bank is looking for or what the bank is willing to negotiate.

Today there are many people coming out of the woodwork claiming they do loan modifications.  Be wary of these people.  Before you decide to hire someone to do the modification  for you, make sure you check them out. 

Here are some questions to ask:

1.       How long have you been in business?

You want to make sure they have been in the business of loan modifications for a while.  There are many former mortgage brokers who are now doing loan modifications.  Just because they were a good mortgage broker does not mean they have the knowledge and experience necessary to complete a loan modification.  You want to work with a company that was doing loan modifications before the recent economic crisis.

2.       How many modifications have you completed?

This comes back to their experience.  If they only do a couple of modifications a month, they are not very experienced in the process.  You want to work with someone who does a large volume of modifications because they are working with the lenders on a daily basis and know exactly how to get it completed and put you in the best situation possible.

3.       Do you have proof of other modifications you have completed?

If they are not able to show you proof of completed modifications, they are probably not reputable.  A company that has been doing modifications will be willing to show you proof of their success.

4.       Who is doing the negotiation?

You don’t want an hourly employee doing the negotiations for you.  You want someone who is an experienced negotiator and knows exactly how to work with the lender to put you in the best situation possible. 

5.       Do they have a written refund policy?

Many people will tell you they have a return policy.  Make sure you get this in writing.  It should be part of the service agreement.  That way if they are not able to get your loan modified, you can get your money back if they do not do their job.

1. What is the fee?

Just because someone offers you a low fee does not mean they are the best person for the job.  You have to remember that this is your home.  A low fee should not be the only reason you decide to hire someone to save your home.  You need to make your decision based on the other questions provided here, in addition to the fee.  If you can’t pay the full fee, you can ask for a payment plan.  Reputable firms want to help you save your home and will work with you on a payment plan.

1. Are you a member of the Better Business Bureau?

Reputable firms are listed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).  You can check them out on the BBB.  Also ask about for testimonials from clients and other reputable sources.

You have to remember that this is your home.  If you can keep your home, why wouldn’t you?  Your house is likely your most valuable asset so don’t put that in jeopardy by trying to save yourself a few bucks or negotiating with the bank on your own.

Do your homework.  Research the company before you hire them by asking the questions listed here.  Work with the company that you feel you can trust and provides a comfort level for you.  You should feel like they care about you.

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Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/no-foreclosure-for-you-1702689.html