Subject: Buying a new home in 2020/2021?

Hello NAME,

Across the country we are seeing a slight shift in the market. Many market segments are moving from a sellers’ market to a more neutral market, making it easier for buyers to have quality options to purchase.

If you or a loved one are planning on purchasing a home in the not so distant future here are some great tips to help you prepare:

Getting your finances in order should be a priority, and a strong letter of pre-approval from a lender is a powerful negotiating tool.

Here are 11 tips to help you prepare:

1. See a lender. Let them pre- approve you and run your credit report to ensure there are no items of bad credit that need to be removed. (Reply to this email or give me a call for quality recommendations.)
2. Discuss with your lender the source of your down payment. If you are pulling from an investment account, check the timeline to liquidate. If you are receiving gift funds, you will need a gift letter.
3. Set your budget now and start spending less. Start living as if you already have your new mortgage so that you can save some extra dollars for the down payment. By the time you purchase, you will be used to the new payment.
4. Ask your lender or realtor to calculate the “real cost of homeownership.” In other words, after you write off your interest deduction, what is your true net out of pocket amount after the tax savings?
5. If you are changing jobs talk to your lender about how this will impact your qualification.
6. Don’t buy stuff. If you have your credit run and then secure new consumer loans, it will impact your FICO score and potentially your qualification limit. Don’t do anything without checking with your lender first.
7. Check interest rates… But also make sure you have a reputable lender.  Some lenders may have a slightly higher rate, but they are very experienced and able to handle tougher deals. Banks may be slightly less expensive, but they may take a long time for approval and may be picky, which is especially difficult for those who own their own business or have complicated investments.
8. Take well-meaning friends and family advice with a grain of salt. Aunt Bessie, who hasn’t purchased or sold a home for 40 years, is not likely to be your best advisor. Instead, talk to a qualified real estate professional who will educate you on the market and connect you to a qualified lender if you need a reference.
9. Start your search well in advance. Contact an agent early in the process as they will likely have quiet sale properties in their pipeline that you won’t find online. This will allow you to beat the crowd to some of the best properties in town.
10. Don’t get overly emotional about the negotiations. In other words, remember that if you chose it and love it, you may have to pay more to get it.  When ready to submit a bid ask yourself, “What is the most I am willing to pay to be certain another buyer doesn’t take my home away?”
11. Review all inspection reports and property disclosures with your qualified real estate professional. They will help you interpret it and will help you create a request for repairs if you are not purchasing as is.

A little planning can help you have a stress-free purchase and maximize your buying power.

For your free and confidential home buyer consultation, contact me at the number on the bottom of this email. Please feel free to check out the free educational resources I will mail to you immediately upon request.

Warmly,
XXXXXXXX

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Subject: Water Damage: Your Home’s Biggest Enemy?

Dear NAME,

Water damage to a home can be one of the costliest of all repairs. It can cause mold, rot, and substantial damage to your foundation.

If you see signs of water damage, no matter how small it appears, consult a local contractor or other professional to determine what needs to be done to repair the damage and stop it from reoccurring.

Buyers are reluctant to buy homes with water damage, soil erosion, or foundation issues, so it’s best to be proactive to keep your home in shape now in order to avoid costly repairs and loss of property value.

If you need a referral for reliable local vendors, please feel free to replay to this email and I will be happy to help you!

Warmly,
XXXXXXXX

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Subject: Are you dreaming of the perfect home?

If a new home is on your wish list, then you most likely have a vision of what would be your dream home.

Unless you are designing and building that home, it is almost impossible to find a perfect match and you may be wondering how to begin.

You can of course start your search online, however it is often confusing and time consuming and may be more frustrating than fruitful.

Whether you’re moving up or downsizing, or even have a family member who wants to buy their first home, there are free educational resources that I have available to send to you. These resources contain worksheets and simple tools to help customize your personal home search criteria in a few short minutes. Next, I can set up my customized home search system that will deliver the appropriate matches to you as they hit the market.

This will make it easy for you to view what matches are available and educate yourself on market prices and neighborhoods. Even if your move plans are not definite, or are in the distant future, doing the pre-work will ensure you will eventually be happy in your new home.

To request one of these educational resources for planning your next move, or to request a home search consult, simply reply to this email.

Happy Hunting!

Warmly,
XXXXXXXX

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Subject: Would you like to buy an investment property?

Owning real estate is one of the single best ways to build wealth in America, with a slight cool down in the red hot sellers market, now may be a good time to check out what opportunities are available and affordable in your area.

Buying a rental is easier than you think and depending on the property may provide a positive cash flow and a great chance for long term appreciation.

As a free service for my valuable clients I offer a free of charge in depth investment consult, in this consult we can determine your investment goals and priorities to determine if buying a rental is something you would like to do now, or you can use the information to set goals and a game plan to purchase in the future.

No cost, no pressure, just great information!

Simply email me back if you would like to book your complimentary session now.

Warmly,
XXXXXXXX

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Subject: let me check my calendar

Have you ever said yes when pressured to join a committee or take on some other new responsibility you didn’t want to do, but just didn’t know how to gracefully say no?

To avoid overcommitting practice this script:

“That’s a great opportunity, thank you so much for thinking of me. However, I must check my calendar and I will get back to you in 24 hours.”

This give you a chance to take a step back and consult your calendar and your family before determining if you have the time or desire to take on this new commitment.

Your time is your most precious asset!

Warmly,
XXXXXXXX

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Subject: The Pro’s and Con’s of Purchasing New Construction

Dear NAME,

If moving up or downsizing with distinction is in your future, you may be starting your search by checking out the model homes in new developments where you might want to live.

Who hasn’t walked into a fully staged, brand new model home and been wowed by the thought, “I can just move right in?”

Keep in mind that most models have had tens of thousands spent in upgrades and clever staging. Window coverings, landscaping, patios, and in some cases even fencing may not be included in the standard models.

There could even be special assessments in newer areas for sewers, schools, and other amenities that will be an additional expense for years to come.

Builders may or may not be willing to accept a contingent offer on your home selling, making it difficult or stressful to time your move. In addition, the construction zone around you could be noisy and disruptive for many months to come.

If, however, the lure of brand-new appeals to you, keep in mind as you consider your options that even in a new home purchase it is still important to have your own representation. Most builders will cooperate with licensed real estate agents in the area.  

Before you begin your home search it’s wise to weigh your options. To make this process easier for you I have some valuable educational resources that I would be happy to send to you. Plus, I offer a free “Plan My Next Move” consultation.

To ask a question, request a resource, or book your “Plan My Next Move” consult, simply respond to this email. No cost, no obligation…. just valuable information! 

Warmly,
XXXXXXXX

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Subject: Help, I Need A Decorator!

Have you ever felt overwhelmed with the project of redecorating an entire house, or even just a single room?  You might actually find you spend less and are happier with the outcome if you hire a decorator to assist you.

Keep in mind that a pushy decorator can over influence your choices so that the space they decorate might end up in their taste and not yours.  Another negative might be that they press you to upgrade your budget and overspend on pricey pieces, pieces that you may end up feeling pressured to keep for decades rather than because you truly love them, due to the original cost.

To avoid regrets when selecting a decorator to collaborate with, do some pre work to develop your vision. Magazines are a great way to find inspiration for your dream home folder will help to give the decorator a sense of your style.

Ask friends for recommendations and set a meeting to meet the designer you choose to review your ideas. The best decorators will be attentive to your tastes, but will not be afraid to offer suggestions and honesty if your ideas are a little off base.

You will want to check their reviews, see pictures of their work, and ask for a clear and simple agreement of how you will work together.

It’s not uncommon for a good decorator to charge $150.00 an hour for their time to meet with you and then hunt and gather for the project.  Some earn their money by buying at wholesale prices and selling it to you at retail and some may do both.

Ask questions, get it in writing, hold them accountable, and track all they do to insure they don’t get carried away and stay on budget.

One more key point to keep in mind, custom orders usually cannot be returned but for other items inquire about their policy for returns, just in case something shows up that you just can’t live with.

Warmly,
XXXXXXXXXX

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Subject: Resolving Distressed Property Issues

How do you ever find solid, practical information that will help you when dealing with stressful property issues? You start by reading this article.

A Review of Your Options:

Should you be behind in your mortgage payments, you are certainly not alone. Essentially, none of us are ever fully protected from the possibility of financial duress. Indeed, medical bills, under employment or‎ loss of a job(s), divorce and death are among the many causes of mortgage default. In fact, according to CoreLogic, approximately 10% of all home sales in 2015 were due to a so-called “distressed” property sale.

It is often not the property that is distressed, but rather the mortgage. Accordingly, should you be confronted with the prospect of losing your property due to your present ability to keep current with your mortgage payments, we respectfully suggest that you be aware of the options that you have and subsequently decide the best course of action.

Distressed Property Scams:

Look out for anyone claiming or wanting the following:

• Anyone who instructs you to make mortgage payments directly to them.
• Anyone who asks for a fee up front.  Government agencies do not charge for counsel or advice.
• Anyone who claims but cannot prove they are associated with a government program.
• Anyone who tells you to stop making mortgage payments if you are able to.
• Anyone who asks you to sign over a deed to them, without having an attorney first review it.

Your first step is to become as informed as possible and then reach out to the appropriate parties, including your lender, government agencies, attorney, and real estate professional, rather than succumbing to the influence of anyone without first developing a fundamental understanding of the pre-foreclosure and foreclosure process, including what is involved in preventing a foreclosure when possible.

Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure:

This is a deed instrument in which the borrower conveys all rights and interests in their property to the lender in order to satisfy a loan that is in default and to avoid a foreclosure. Lenders are willing to do this when they believe that the cost of re-possessing the property ‎is greater and more inconvenient than simply taking over the property in a far less public and eventful way. There is much more to this, such as circumstances surrounding loan to value ratio, present market, and salability of the property, along with other considerations that are all factored in.

Short Sale:

A short sale is a sale of a property in which the funds from the sale are less (fall short) than the balance ‎owed on a loan secured by the sale of the property.

• Lenders usually ask for a hardship letter to be included as part of the short sale packet that is presented to the lender.
• Ask an accountant what the tax implications are regarding a short sale.

Foreclosure:

There are three stages of a foreclosure. First is the pre-auction period. This is where the lender has declared you in default and this becomes ‎publicly posted and listed. During this period, many unscrupulous parties will reach out to homeowners offering to negotiate with your bank, or claiming they can stop the foreclosure by helping you file for bankruptcy.  These individuals, some of whom are scam artists will attempt to get financial information over the phone, charge you a fee, and even ask you to sign your title over to them.

The second phase of a foreclosure is the public auction. Even when a property sells, there is often a period of time where the homeowner can get their property back by making payments in full for mortgage and all debts.

The third phase is where lenders, if they are not satisfied with the outcome of the auction sale, take on the marketing and sale of the property they now own themselves.

The more that you understand the impact of a foreclosure or bankruptcy on the lender, the more confident and aggressive you should be about your many options (including all those we did not even cover).

If you have any questions about the information in this report, please see my contact information on the front of this newsletter.  I’ve dedicated my business to helping people just like you.

For any Real Estate Advice that pertains to financial, legal, or tax related information please contact the professionals in those fields. The practice of Real Estate representation can vary by state. Ask your Real Estate Representative for agency information pertaining to your state and company

Warmly,

XXXXXXX

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Subject: Is it time to buy the vacation home you’ve always dreamed of?

Haven’t we all vacationed in a beautiful location and thought about how wonderful it could be to own our own piece of paradise?

Before you make a decision to purchase a vacation home, there are some very practical things to consider:

How many times have you visited the area? 

If you think you love it there, it might be wise to dedicate many vacations to the area you may purchase in, potentially even over a number of years.  When you purchase a vacation home you may feel the pressure to take most of your vacations there because of the expense of owning the property. For vacation homes located in seasonal destinations or smaller towns, will you get bored? And will you get tired of the holiday traffic and influx of vacationers? Will you be ok with spending a lot of time in one spot?

Have you gone at different seasons throughout the year?

Every destination has its prime times of the year, but how do you feel about it in the off seasons?  You may want to consider a trip for each season of the year to explore the activities and the weather before jumping into a purchase. You might discover that what’s amazing in the summer is isolating and lonely in the winter.

What would be the time and travel costs to get there?

Many vacation home owners choose to buy something that is less than 200 miles away, allowing them to drive rather than fly to reduce travel expense.  If you must fly to your dream destination, do your research ahead of time to determine your annual travel expense.

How will weather conditions impact maintenance?

When you are purchasing in a climate that has very definite seasons, and if this is something you are not used to, you will want to talk with local people to find out what utilities and overall seasonal maintenance factor will be. 

Would you consider renting it out for a portion of the year to cover expenses?

For some people, turning their vacation home into a rental when they are not using it is a no brainer. For others it’s a difficult decision.  Vacation rentals are a booming business, and many travelers prefer a home instead of a hotel stay.

Keep in mind you will need to be realistic about the number of days it may rent, the fact that the prime times you want to be there could also be your biggest money earning times, when renters want to be there too.

With all the negatives that could go along with renting out your vacation home, the positives can be enough revenue generated to cover expenses or even to fast track paying off the mortgage. Online rental sites can make it relatively easy to post your property and even supply for you the agreements and often insurance for your protection. You, however, will need to set the guidelines for fees you charge, who you will rent to, and the days of availability.

How much down payment will you need to purchase?

Lenders often have different underwriting guidelines for second homes, and may require that you put more money down.  If you plan to rent the property out for a portion of the year, most lenders in resort markets will be familiar with this and yet will most likely be conservative on the potential rental amount they might estimate is possible.

Bottom line….owning a vacation home can be a dream of a lifetime, and can create a legacy property for many generations of your family to come.  With all the factors to consider, it makes sense to find a local real estate agent who is an expert in the area and can give you a good education and broad perspective to market opportunities and information critical to making a wise purchase.

For a connection to a top quality agent in the area you are interested in, contact me at the number on this newsletter. Also, as a member of the Elite Agents Online Referral Network I can help you find a quality agent anywhere in North America who specializes in vacation home ownership….no cost for the service and absolutely no obligation, just free information!

Warmly,
XXXXXXXX

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Subject: Is It Time To Enlarge Your Life Style By Moving To Smaller Residence In An Exciting Location?

For today’s Baby Boomer homeowners, quality of life, cultural experiences, and even a room with a view are often must haves on their list of needs and wants in their next home.

If you are considering a move and downsizing appeals to you, there are many things to consider as this move may constitute a major change in your lifestyle.

Downsizing today is hardly what it was in years past.

There are so many urban chic destinations, or maybe relaxing rural options that might appeal to you. And if you like variety, you might even be considering two smaller and less expensive homes in separate cities or states, two places with completely different climates and recreational activities.

As you map out your potential plans to downsize, you will likely have many questions and many emotional decisions to make. Some advanced research and time spent in your potential new location(s) can be a great way to try it out. It’s also necessary to examine all of the financial ramifications of this type of move.

Here are some important questions to ask:

• Are you looking to reduce your monthly obligations and maintenance?
• Will you have capital gains ramifications?
• How will the move impact your property taxes?
• What repairs, staging, and moving costs will you face on your current home?
• To have the best negotiating power is it best to sell first and then buy?

For a completely free and efficient downsize consultation, reply to this email. Our meeting could be the first step to your new future!

Warmly,

XXXXXXXXX

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