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By Virginia

Investor Properties – What are you looking for?

You’re invited to a free real estate investment seminar that my Windermere office is hosting on Thursday, November 8 at the Mt Baker Community Club from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

What investment properties are you looking for – and what can you actually find? Our market has been tumultuous the last 4 or 5 years – with prices falling month after month, year after year, then increasing in some areas, then falling again as delayed foreclosures finally moved through the system and came on the market.

As different neighborhoods have re-stabilized at different rates, prices have made amazing jumps. Where $70,000 might have bought you a fixer somewhere in the outskirts of Seattle a year ago, now it might take $140,000, and be in a different part of town.

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Condominiums are still the cheapest, but often times the riskiest, since you need to know exactly what’s going on in the building as a whole (both structurally and financially) to make an informed decision about what to pay.

The least expensive properties are still the bank-owned (also known as REO’s), followed by short sales. But the occasional non-distressed property can also present you with a wonderful value opportunity – in better condition, with the utilities on, and a quick decision-making process. These can be rental properties quickly, without the big headache often accompanying short sales or dreadful-condition REO’s, and may have much less deferred maintenance. Their low prices are due to their proximity to distressed properties, rather than the condition they’re in.

Contact me for more information about specific properties, or about estimating rental incomes. And I hope to see you November 8 at the Mount Baker Community Club! Come share wine and appetizers with us, and have a chance to review some of the basics regarding real estate investments. This isn’t a sales pitch, just generally good information from a property manager, a lender or two, info on self-directed IRA’s, an accountant, etc. as well as an opportunity to ask questions. See you there!

By Virginia

True Confessions of a Real Estate Investor

Actually, the investors are my clients – but I wanted to share some of this year’s stories.


Who’s buying: People who already have homes, and have more than one reason to buy (it’s not just a place to park their money).

What’s the price: Prices so far this year have ranged from $67,000 to $150,000.

What are the terms: All of the purchases have been made with cash.

Contingencies: Inspections, Condo resale certificates and reserves studies, neighborhood reviews, Form 17 seller disclosures…these things are more important than ever when it looks like you’re getting a bargain. Knowing the property very very well is your best defense.

Where are the places located: Seattle outskirts

Why so cheap? They’re short sales – or bank owned – or in proximity to short sales and bank-owned properties, and the seller is ready to let it go.

What are the frustrations? Short sales take TIME! Even with all the Federal efforts to encourage banks to speed the process up, it still can easily take 2 to 6 months to close on a purchase. Bank-owned properties where the underlying loan is owned by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae now usually reserve the first two weeks on the market for OWNER OCCUPANT BUYERS only. By the time you, as an investor, can make an offer the property is usually sold. And banks are now trying to set up listings for auction-style bidding…it’s the same old multiple offer situation, only at cheaper prices with homes that often are not in very good condition.

Bankruptcy hang ups? Sometimes the sellers have tried to do a short-sale, with no success, and as the home starts to go to foreclosure the seller files bankruptcy. Sounds simple…but it creates an additional payee! You, as a buyer, will likely have to pay $20,000 or more to the bankruptcy trustee, in addition to the purchase price. And this is not financeable as part of a purchase loan; it has to be cash.

Firms that specialize: There are now several local real estate firms that specialize in bankruptcy/short sales. Contact me for more information!

By Virginia

Owning Rental Property

 

With home prices AND interest rates relatively low, a great many people are thinking about becoming landlords. Some of my clients have contemplated purchasing a new home and renting out their current home, rather than selling it in a down market. Others find that they can actually purchase a property for under $250,000! Or under $150,000!…or even, under $75,000! like the charming fixer a client recently bought in Boulevard Park.

Shelley Rossi, who writes for the Windermere blog, has some great advice in her post on The Risks, Rewards, and Benefits of Owning Rental Property.

Investor Properties – What are you looking for?
True Confessions of a Real Estate Investor
Owning Rental Property