Virginia Buyer Agent Agreement

In the past, if you were to approach a real estate agent for buying cheap homes in the state of Virginia and did not specifically ask for a buyer agreement then the real estate was assumed to be representing the seller’s side. This, on many occasions, resulted in buyers being under the impression that the realtor that they were dealing with was their representative and would get them cheap homes. However, from the beginning of next month, such wrong impressions will cease to exist as a new law will come into effect in the state of Virginia.

According to the law, buyers in the region will have to sign buyer agent agreements with their real estate agents if they have chosen to take their help for buying cheap homes in Virginia. Furthermore, the terms of the buyer agent agreement can also be negotiated by the two parties involved on a situation by situation basis.

Practically speaking, what this means is that when you approach a real estate agency for buying cheap homes, you will be explained in detail the concept of a buyer agent agreement and given the option of signing one. While the buyer agent agreement will take away a lot of ambiguity that has been ever present in the relationships between buyers and real estate agents, there are certain other situations which are not so simple.

Fortunately, there are ways to counter complicated situations as well such as a non agency agreement (limits the agent to only ministerial acts), a dual agency agreement (for situations where the agent represents buyer and seller) and a designated agency agreement (two agents from the same agency being designated to buyer and seller).

Top Signs of a Good Real Estate Agent

Are you ready to purchase a new home? Without an agent, the home buying process can become frustrating and confusing. Of course, to reap the benefits of having a good real estate agent, you first have to find one. With so many agents vying for your business, figuring out which one will be the best fit for your needs can be difficult.

If you’re ready to start looking for a great agent, it’s important to learn the top signs of a good real estate agent. However, you also need to know the signs of a bad agent so you can avoid making the wrong choice. Take a closer look at the signs of a good and bad agent so you can find the best agent to make your dream of home ownership a reality.

As you begin your search, knowing what to look for definitely helps. One sign of a good agent happens to be a good educational background. While it’s not essential for an agent to have a college degree, it can definitely be helpful. Experience is another sign of a great agent. A good real estate agent is going to have experience helping others with the home buying process.

Good references and reliability are both signs you’ve found a quality realtor. Call those references and find out their opinions. Ensure that the agent is prompt and reliable when you need help. Other top signs of a great agent include local knowledge and being accommodating to your wants and needs.

Although you need to look for signs of a good real estate agent, you also need to know the signs of a bad agent before you choose one to help you with the home buying process. If the agent won’t listen to you, it’s an immediate deal breaker. Inexperience is also a problem that should make you wary. An agent who makes you feel pressured is also someone you’ll want to avoid.

If you notice the agent seems to behind the times in their techniques, this is also a bad sign. If the agent hasn’t been successful often in the past, this is another sign you should keep looking. Also, look out for anyone that seems to be manipulative or unethical.

By learning the signs of both good and bad real estate agents, you can more easily make an informed decision. Don’t start the home buying process with the wrong agent by your side. The right agent can help you through the process so you end up with a home you love at a great price. However, the wrong agent will only lead to disaster, so make sure you have the information to make a decision that will pay off in the end.

Homebuyers Wonder Why Foreclosure Listings Seem to Be Disappearing

Homebuyers today are trending towards nontraditional home purchases like for sale by owner homes, short sales, rent to own options and bank foreclosure properties. However, many buyers have started wondering why no foreclosure listings seem to be in sight recently. For some, it seems that these listings are disappearing into thin air, making many buyers wonder if foreclosures are dwindling down right now.

A careful look at foreclosure rates shows that there is currently no end in sight to the current foreclosure crisis going on around the country. So, if bank foreclosure properties continue to abound, where have all the foreclosure listings gone? Buyers searching for listings on the web and in newspapers are coming up dry and wondering what to do.

Several factors contribute to the disappearing foreclosure listings. However, they are still accessible to homebuyers if they know where to look. For buyers despairing over the seeming disappearance of bank foreclosure properties, RealtyStore.com can help. This website offers a one-stop site for foreclosure listings and so much more. Instead of searching other places for listings in vain, homebuyers can easily search through the large database of listings by state, county and city, with the option to use the website’s advanced search option.

Not only does RealtyStore.com provide buyers with an excellent resource for finding bank foreclosure properties, but their database offers many other nontraditional property listings as well. If buyers don’t find the perfect foreclosure property, short sales, for sale by owner and even rent to own listings are also available.

Homebuyers Finding a Short Sale in NJ Very Attractive

Although the nation offers many opportunities to purchase a short sale NJ is especially attractive to homebuyers interested in short sales right now. First, a short sale comes with a variety of benefits that can be enjoyed anywhere. When purchasing a short sale, homebuyers can enjoy prices that are significantly lower than the home’s actual value. Short sales also offer the benefit of being less competitive than foreclosures and sellers are more likely to be very cooperative when it comes to these kinds of deals. However, when it comes to a short sale NJ itself has some specific benefits making the area very eye-catching for homeowners who want to go this buying route.

Many homebuyers like the idea of living in New Jersey because of the wonderful beaches available that allow people to enjoy swimming in the waves, tanning during the summer, riding belly boards and surfboards, boating and other water activities.

Even during the winter, the shores of New Jersey are beautiful, which attracts many people to the area. Its proximity to New York City is also attractive for buyers that want to work in New York without having to live in the expensive New York area.

Of course, when buying a short sale NJ can offer homebuyers a better economy than other areas of the country. In New Jersey, the per capita income is substantially higher than most areas of the country, making it an excellent choice. Although unemployment has been quite high in the past, those numbers are beginning to fall, showing that the state is beginning to recover. The recovery and addition of more jobs to the area makes a short sale in NJ an excellent choice.

Buying Houses Online-A Whole New Cost-Effective Way to Invest

The world has become a much smaller place since the internet came into its own. We're using the internet and websites to buy and sell nationally, as well as globally. That holds true for real estate as well as for other products.

While it isn't, perhaps as common to buy a house online, it is happening more and more often. People are relocating a great deal due to the downturn in our economy. Quite often they do not have the wherewithal to visit or view the house or property ahead of time. If money is tight and you have to select between taking a nicer house, and flying across the country to view it in advance, I personally choose the former.  I've purchased a home online without seeing it personally several times-- with some great results--and of course some which were not so great. Here is what I have learned from my foray into online home purchases.

Can You Legitimately Buy a House Online-Sight Unseen?

The answer to that question is a resounding "Yes!" You absolutely can find a great home, second home, or investment property online. Do you have to be more careful? Certainly so, otherwise you'll end up with something that may not be all that the owner or advertiser says that it is. I personally have purchased houses in Arizona, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, and am currently reviewing places in Georgia. I've done this about 8 times all told. One was disastrous. I’ll admit that most of that was my fault.  I didn’t pay attention and I didn’t have someone look at the house for me. It cost me in both time and in dollars, but it taught me a very valuable lesson.

You can get some great deals on houses in areas in which you would like to have a second home or a permanent home. It takes a lot of mouse clicks to find what you're looking for.  The first two houses I found were ones I was considering renting. When moving from the very furthest Northeaster corner of the United States to the Midwest, I didn't have a lot of time and money was a bit tight. Finding prospective rental properties was simply maddening in the amount of time that it took to research each one. As I was researching I came across a new item to me. For Sale by Owner houses were popping up in my search. I had no idea what this was and it made me quite curious. It honestly never dawned on me until this search that home owners were so rushed to sell their houses that they were willing to carry the mortgage themselves in order to sell the property.

I had no way to go and actually see the house, so I relied on some friends from online who lived in the area to preview it for me. We ran into a few hitches along the way, but with western Union to transfer the funding and a title company to help to transfer it, the private loan became a reality and the house was recorded duly in the courthouse in our name.  These homes and this type of loan are becoming more and more common and are in fact a legal way to purchase a house. The home, the taxes and all of the other aspects of the house are in your own name. The deed and the purchase are recorded, so if you’re not sure this is a legal method of home purchase, let me assure you, it is.

Bear in mind that not every FSBO home is an owner will carry home. There are those who simply want to sell the house for cash, but in many cases, on For Sale by Owner homes or properties, the seller is willing to carry the mortgage, at least for some period of time while you get established in the area. This is an idea way to go for those who are not certain about the house or property and will not be visiting it in advance.  Homes which are for sale by the owner will normally offer you a better deal financially than those which are offered through a realtor, although of course that isn't always the case.  Finding houses for sale by the owner isn't always an easy task. You will spend hours on the MLS or on virtual venues such as Craig's List in order to find the kind of properties that you are interested in and waste a lot of time unless you learn to use a service.

How Do You Find the Homes in Which You Are Interested?

Buying  FSBO homes is easier however when you’re not spending hours or even days finding the ones that you are, or may , be interested in viewing or purchasing.  That time is better spent working with people to view the houses, or finalizing the deal to actually purchase the house.  Along the way, since that first home purchase online, I’ve learned a few lessons and have a few tips to pass along to would-be internet home buyers who may not be able to see the house on their own until they take possession.

Top Tip for Online Home Buyers:  

• Make sure that SOMEONE - even if it isn't you - gets current photos or actually visits the house for you.
• Take the home inspection when it is offered. It’s just good sense when you aren't going to view the house in person.
• If you can afford it, join a site to find the houses you’re going to want to purchase to save time and effort. This is the best piece of advice that I can give to anyone. The time factor that is spent in researching these houses is astronomical. If you can get all of that research in one place, do it, even if you pay a little for it. 

There are wide arrays of sites online that will help you to find the FSBO homes that you’re interested in. While it’s not the hard and fast favorite, the one that I found most unique and full featured was RealtyStore.com. Realty Store is what most people use when seeking a foreclosure, but I found it was actually more helpful in finding an FSBO than most sites which were actually fully dedicated to FSBO.
While it may cost a few pennies a day, one stop shopping, to me, will always be the way to go. That first house took several weeks to research and to get back responses from the people involved because the email was not updated.  A realty company was handling it, even though it was an OWC or "owner will carry" house.  They got a huge bite of the cost of the house and as such, my price, of course, went up to compensate the seller for that.

In cases of FSBO houses, sites like RealtyStore.com take out the middle man and put you directly in touch with the buyer. They also take a far lower fee. In addition, you have far better ways to research the materials than I originally had. My first method of buying a house online consisted of finding the MLS for the given state. I then perused it to find out what was for sale. I then reviewed any which said FSBO might be possible. Then it took several more days to research the house and the area, as well as to ensure that the property was clear and able to be purchased.

I found that I could look up the state, then view the cities and areas, as well as to search it by other criteria that I was interested in.

RealtyStore.com View of FSBO State Table

It was remarkably easy to find houses that I was interested in and the company offers services such as home inspection companies, as well as people who will go out and take photos or video of the home and property for you to review in a close up and personal way.

Clicking on the state name takes you to this information.

The search was a vast amount more rapidly done. The screen captures will show you why that was the case. Rather than having to review each home and then find and dig up the statistics about it online in other places, I love to use sites such as the one at RealtyStore.com offer you that information all in one place.  You will navigate fairly easily (well, that is true on most sites, but if the navigation is circuitous, find another site.) from national, to state, to local areas and be able to search by those for FSBO homes.

Local areas, searchable by several criteria.

The figure that you see below shows you the many different ways that you can search on sites such as these. Today, it isn't at all uncommon to buy your house online, to pay your down-payment through Paypal or a bank wire transfer. Before you put the money down, do your homework. Get in touch with the people from whom you will buy the house, get that home inspection and most importantly, get someone to visit the house for you, which is one of the services that RealtyStore.com actually offers you.

There is a cost for membership to the site, but there is also a trial membership for most sites of this type. Take advantage of that trial to ascertain if it’s the kind of site that will help you in the long range. I’m guessing if you’re serious about buying a house online, it will benefit you greatly. Normally the cost is about 30 to 50 cents a day. When I’m considering spending thousands and putting down a down payment on a place I've never seen, I think getting good information is imperative. Getting it all in one place saves you time and money—and quite often, using a service helps to prevent nasty surprises.

3 Reasons to Consider Rent to Own Homes in San Diego

Although many people look at San Diego as an excellent tourist destination, the city also has much to offer residents that choose a rent to own apartment or home in the area. Although the weather, beaches and tourist attractions are definitely excellent drawing points, those aren’t the only reasons to consider rent to own homes in San Diego. If you’re deciding where to relocate, here are a few reasons to decide on San Diego as your new home.

Reason #1 – Enjoy a Solid Economy

One reason to consider rent to own homes in San Diego is to enjoy a solid economy. Finding a city with a solid economy has become difficult within the past few years, as the entire nation has suffered from the economic downturn. However, with an economy that has turned from a military base into an economy solidly based by high tech companies involved in worldwide trade, this city’s economy is performing better than most around the country. A solid economy means jobs, a better standard of living and more.

Reason #2 – Low Levels of Crime

Another reason to consider relocating to this area is the low levels of crime reported in San Diego. The city is one of the safest found in California, which is impressive, since it’s the second largest city in the state. Crime levels continue to fall, offering families a safe place to live.

Reason #3 – Real Estate Prices are Dropping

Real estate prices are also dropping, which is another great reason to consider rent to own houses in San Diego, CA. Prices have gone down significantly, making it an excellent time to buy or rent within the city.

Homebuyers Seek Rent to Own Homes in Reno NV for These Top Reasons

When many people think of Reno, Nevada, casinos are often the first thing that comes to mind. However, this city is attractive to more than just gamblers today. In fact, many homebuyers are searching for rent to own homes in Reno NV. Why are so many buyers seeking homes rent to own in the area? Here are some of the top reasons that homes in this city are a hot commodity.

Reason #1 – Enjoyable Weather

Many people consider the weather of a location before deciding to relocate. Since this is the case, it’s easy to see why people are so thrilled with the climate in Reno. The climate is moderate all year long. Although it offers distinct seasons, few extreme temperatures are seen, which is attractive to many people who prefer to avoid extreme cold and extreme heat. The sun shines on most days and the humidity is low.

Reason #2 – Great Benefits for Businesses

Another reason that homebuyers seek rent to own homes in Reno NV is because the area is such a great place for businesses. The city charges no corporate tax, making it attractive to businesses. No personal income tax is charged either, which makes it popular among consumers. Many businesses have relocated to the area to enjoy the benefits available to businesses. Although Reno still has higher than average unemployment rates, the business breaks and benefits do make the area attractive to businesses, which attracts consumers as well.

Reason #3 – Low Cost of Living

Of course, the low cost of living is attractive to most homebuyers, making rent to own homes in Reno NV a popular choice. The cost of living is lower than the national average, which is beneficial to families that are looking for ways to save money.