Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Commercial Real Estate / Strategic Default In Southwest Florida

With so many foreclosures and short sales in Southwest Florida Residential Real Estate, it should be a given that we will see that transition into commercial real estate in Fort Myers, Naples and Southwest Florida.  This should be a top alternative to help owners of bad assets / distressed commercial properties and those banks who are involved.  It is imperative to have real estate professionals get involved and set up these mutually beneficial scenarios. 



It is estimated there is approximately $1.4 trillion dollars of commercial loans set to come due by 2014.  That is a lot of money and these are the short term numbers.  So what are the options? 



·         Borrower and Bank agree to modify the loan in some fashion or delay the balloon.

·         Bank forecloses on the defaulted property.

·         Bank, borrower and Realtor work to get a buyer at fair market and short sale the commercial property



At MAXIM LLC – Commercial & Residential REALTORS – We are dedicated to perform mutually beneficial scenarios for both commercial lender and borrower.



Written By:  Steve R. Daria / Real Estate Broker / www.MaximRealtors.com

Monday, March 21, 2011

Property of the Month

3698 Cotton Green Path Drive

Beautiful and large 3 bedroom 2 bath home in a quiet section of Fiddler's Creek. Security and privacy contribute to the location of this home. Large pool with brick pavers into the pool area in the screened lanai overlooking the preserve and golf course.

Very natural setting with this dead end location on Cotton Green. Large tile throughout, solid surface counter tops, and stainless steel appliances are just some of the upgrades in this home.


Property has front brick paver porch area to enjoy its Florida outdoor settings.



For more information or showing instructions, please contact Steve Daria direct at (239) 425-5671 .

Friday, March 18, 2011

What Happens to the Deficient Amount in a Short Sale??

What Happens to the Deficient Amount in a Short Sale??



This is one of the top questions we receive from people who are looking at the option of a short sale.



Our goal is to get a short sale approval stating that the bank waives any deficiency rights.  


The literature we are looking for:



“This letter will confirm our acceptance of the short payoff on the above referenced property.”



“We agree to accept the proceeds as full and final satisfaction on the mortgage indebtedness”



“Approval to sell the property which will result in a short payoff of the mortgage of the mortgage… agreed settlement short of full payment and waive any deficiency rights.”


We are aggressively helping people to avoid foreclosure. Let me know if I can answer questions and be of service to you. At NO cost.

shortshortsale@gmail.com We are short sale servicing all of Lee, Collier and Charlotte Counties… That is Punta Gorda, North Fort Myers, Pine Island, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Lehigh Acres, Fort Myers Beach, Estero, Bonita Springs, Naples, Marco…

Steve R. Daria (239) 425-5671

Thursday, March 17, 2011

My Property Has 2 Mortgages, Can I still do a Short Sale??

This is a question and real short sale example we are currently working on in Fort Myers, Florida.

If there are 2 mortgages, will the second lien holder ruin or complicate the short sale??
The answer is YES, IF the short sale process if not done correctly... 

It is imperative when your agent submits your short sale package that it includes a complete and correct HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development Settlement Statement) showing a "payoff" to the second lien holder. 

The HUD is your settlement statement which shows ALL costs, prorations, credits between buyer and seller.  You actually reviewed one of these (below)and signed off on it when you initially made your purchase.

Now this form (usually drafted by a title company or attorney) acts as a net sheet to show what your lender will net after all costs in order to move forward with the short sale.
In this, needs to be a "payoff" to the second lien holder (which is paid by the first lien holder).  This payoff amount is usually a small percentage of the second lien say 3-5%.

EXAMPLE:

Here is an example of a current short sale file for a Fort Myers, Fl property:  (Names Changed/ Info not disclosed for privacy)

Billy owes a total of $350,000 ($280,000 first mortgage and $70,000 second mortgage).
The value for this short sale is $200,000 and we have a ready and willing buyer for this price. 



Most second lien holders are aware that if they do not accept a short sale they will get nothing if the property forecloses.  The old saying "something is better than nothing" rains true...  This Fort Myers property (like many others we have transacted in Lee and Collier County) is approved and should close shortly

Monday, March 14, 2011

Featured Rental of the Month

2745 First Street #801
Fort Myers Florida 33916



St. Tropez - Downtown Fort Myers High Rise!



Beautiful 3 bedroom 2 bathroom condo with a direct view of the river. Upgraded unit with granite and stainless steel appliances.  Tile throughout, carpet in bedrooms.  Tenants move out 3/15/2011.  AVAILABLE 4/1/11. Rent is $1200 per month.



If interested, please contact Jennifer Daria at (239) 464-7701 or dariajen@gmail.com

Short Sales + Tolerance + 2011

Short sales have been a grueling process in many cases in my experience… Some have been so timely and we actually closed in less than 10 days… Others have taken 3-4 months…


What does this year have for us in 2011 for short sales?

I spoke to a Bank of America negotiator the other day. She told me there were over 3,000 representatives attending a workshop for new trainees just for short sales.


We will see how it goes… I deal with some reps who are not very good and then others that know what to do. We will actually call the line multiple times to get someone that we feel confident will provide us decent results in a timely manner.


Seller:

The strategy for your agent representing you on the sale:

1. Ensure they have a full package.
2. Aggressively call to ensure they are moving along (We call every Monday and Thursday)
3. Seller - Be tolerant – Some may be quick, others may take some time – But, hey – You may have just avoided a foreclosure.


Buyer:
The strategy in buying a short sale:
1. Be sure the listing agent knows what they are doing with a short sale. If not valuable time could be wasted on a property that you may never purchase.
2. Be sure you have a good buyer’s agent interviewing the listing agents that have the properties to ensure they are experienced.
3. Be tolerant on getting a good deal - In our Southwest Florida market, if you make a short sale or foreclosure purchase, you are doing well. As there is A LOT of buying activity!


As always, we are short sale servicing all of Lee, Collier and Charlotte Counties… That is Punta Gorda, North Fort Myers, Pine Island, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Lehigh Acres, Fort Myers Beach, Estero, Bonita Springs, Naples, Marco…

Steve R. Daria
Broker/Owner
MAXIM LLC
(239) 425-5671

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Foreclosure Date Has Been Set… My Short Sale is RUINED!!

One of our Short Sale customers in Fort Myers, Florida came to us a little late. 10 months of nonpayment and the date was set…


Is it all over for this family?


With some effort and proactive action, we were able to delay foreclosure 60 days and are now set with a short sale approval. We should close in a few days.


This is why you need to take action right now. The short sale process will not cost you anything. However, if you elect to be delinquent and decide to exercise you option of a short sale too late, then it may cost you. Keep reading…


This family was delinquent for 10 months but were trying to do the right thing. Modify their loan with the bank and save their home. Unfortunately this lender, as per their discussion with us, gave them the run around leading them to believe they would have a modified loan that would be suitable to their financial position.


They were denied a modification.


They called me and provided me all the bank / attorney notices immediately upon request.

I instructed them to hire an attorney to see if they could delay the foreclosure in which we got 60 days which cost them a few hundred bucks… On top of it, the negotiator has assisted in providing direct communications with the foreclosure attorneys on the progression. He was a great negotiator to work with in ensuring we would not be bypassed to foreclosure.

This does not go as well with all banks. However, it is never too late. Make sure you are being proactive in speaking to an experienced short sale real estate agent even while you are trying to modify your loan as back up…



We are short sale servicing all of Lee, Collier and Charlotte Counties… That is Punta Gorda, North Fort Myers, Pine Island, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Lehigh Acres, Fort Myers Beach, Estero, Bonita Springs, Naples, Marco…

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Short Sales Are Terrible!! Or Are They??

Unfortunately, I have listened to both sellers and buyers of real estate in Southwest Florida with negative feedback concerning Short Sales.  

Some buyers state they have waited 6 months to find out that they never got their dream home.  Some sellers claim before hiring me on that they hired a "short sale negotiator" or just an inexperienced real estate agent and never sold the home and now the clock is truly ticking for those families (which we have saved from foreclosure).

There is a system that must be followed in order to successfully sell your home short of the amount owed even if you think it is too late...

Again -  Thank you for reading this information and I appreciate all of our support clients who have referred other friends and family who are in trouble.

Respectfully,  

Steve R. Daria

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Short Sale Highlights

Good morning!



As always, if you have questions regarding short sales, I can be contacted direct at (239) 425-5671 or at shortshortsale@gmail.com


We are aggressively and successfully performing short sales thus helping hundreds of people to avoid foreclosure in Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties. No worries if your property is not located in these areas. We are trained and certified short sale specialists with direct contact to other short sale specialists nationwide!!



With that said – Here are some short sale highlights!!



· A short sale can have a much less negative effect on your credit than a foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure

· A short sale acts as a traditional closing with specified close date once we get an approval

· In most cases a short sale approval will have the language for a waiver of deficiency.

· If you maintain your credit you may be able to purchase a home in 24 months or less.

· We have other affiliates who have sold homes to people who have short sold their home 90 days from the short sale date. They kept current on their payment all the way to close and bought 3 months later!!

· Banks are more willing to do a short sale than foreclose on you. The time is now when things are so lenient and the government encourages it.

· Banks are making the short sale process even easier!

· It is estimated that there will be another 3,000,000 short sales, deed in lieu of foreclosure and foreclosures combined nationwide before we see this slow down. Why foreclose when you do not have to?

· A short sale will cost you NOTHING! If anyone is charging you money to do a short sale, RUN!

· A short sale is a means to a quicker recovery for you and your family.

· This can be time to relieve a bad asset for you! IE – negative every month b/c the rental market is so low!

· The short sale process is fairly easy for you – There are certain documents that are required. Once we get them from you, it is all up to us!

· We do not guarantee a short sale but we have a strong closing percentage

· Short sales can be done with 2 mortgages on the property.

· A short sale will clean up all past liens – Back taxes, HOA fees, etc – All are paid by your lender at closing.

· We average 7 days on the market for short sales.

· You do not have to be delinquent on your mortgage to do a short sale. It is a personal decision.

· Depending on how the property is held, you may not be taxed on the deficient amount! Speak with your accountant.

· Timelines for short sale approval are becoming quicker and quicker.




I am sure I am forgetting some other things, but feel free to call me, write me or set a time to meet so we can discuss your options. shortshortsale@gmail.com

We are short sale servicing all of Lee, Collier and Charlotte Counties… That is Punta Gorda, North Fort Myers, Pine Island, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Lehigh Acres, Fort Myers Beach, Estero, Bonita Springs, Naples, Marco…
http://www.maximrealtors.com/

Steve R. Daria
Broker/Owner
MAXIM LLC
Commercial & Residential Realtors

Monday, March 7, 2011

Short Sale Disclosure - A Must...

When selling a short sale, it is imperative that your real estate broker / agent fully discloses to the buyer that the property is a short sale.


Most states will have a short sale addendum to be signed off on by both buyer and seller.

This language will cover the following:


1. Approval of the Lender: This ensures that any and all of the seller’s lien holders against the property approve the purchase price, terms of the contract, HUD-1 settlement statement, agreement of the payoff for settlement less of what is owed, etc.

2. Time Periods: All time periods are set forth when seller delivers to buyer the approval of the short sale.

3. Acknowledgement: Buyer agrees the Lender is not a party to the contract and therefore is not obligated to approve the contract. This also discloses that Seller and Broker cannot be held liable for any delays by the lender for approval.


Be sure to consult with a local real estate professional who has experience in dealing with short sales. There are many specifics that they should be aware of in order to assist in a successful transaction between buyer and seller.


My primary concentration is successfully performing short sales on a residential and commercial basis. If you or someone you know needs help or advise, call me for a no obligation meeting.

As always, we are short sale servicing all of Lee, Collier and Charlotte Counties… That is Punta Gorda, North Fort Myers, Pine Island, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Lehigh Acres, Fort Myers Beach, Estero, Bonita Springs, Naples, Marco… http://www.MaximRealtors.com/

Friday, March 4, 2011

Are Banks Logical with Short Sales & Loan Modifications??

Answer: NO


But I can give some banks credit that they are trying.


You think about the family that just needs a small reduction in their mortgage to help them save their home but are denied. Why? They have to fit in strict guidelines – Cannot make too less or too much money, show hardship, etc.


Why? It is estimated over 50% of people who are modified will end back up in foreclosure… So people must meet these strict guidelines.


Now short sales are no easy ride either. It is a process but many banks are streamlining the process. Thankfully.


There are some banks that will still take 120 days to close but hopefully the new treasury guidelines ensure a more efficient process for everyone (see our past blog with the entire 44 page doc on that).


My suggestion: If you are looking to save your home and need a modification, do not give up. Provide them everything they need and see what comes up. You do stand a chance.


If you are:

· Facing foreclosure
· Denied modification
· Modification presented still does not help
· Losing money because the rent does not cover the expenses
· Completely upside down and this is a bad asset


A Short Sale may be an option. We are dealing with most major banks, many small banks and even FDIC in short sale transactions in Lee, Collier and Charlotte Counties of Southwest Florida. Every day is a learning experience for me and my staff. However we do not give up and we are successfully saving people from foreclosure on their records.

I have many clients that will express their thoughts of our service. And we hope to do the same for you!! Please be aware of those charging upfront money.


As always, we are short sale servicing all of Lee, Collier and Charlotte Counties… That is Punta Gorda, North Fort Myers, Pine Island, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Lehigh Acres, Fort Myers Beach, Estero, Bonita Springs, Naples, Marco…

Steve R. Daria
MAXIM LLC, Commercial & Residential Realtors
(239) 425-5671

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

"Those Who Fail to Study History are Doomed to Repeat it"

I can say that I personally got caught up in making purchases and selling for a profit when real estate values were sky rocketing in South Florida. I also am stuck with some negative performing rental properties.


The 1920’s real estate boom and doom especially in South Florida can be compared to the 2000’s – Massive amounts of people waiting in lines, filling hotels, traveling major distances to the sunshine state in order to purchase preconstruction real estate betting on a profit. The 2000’s was a nationwide disaster, however, the state of Florida has been one of the fastest in growth, appreciating market and also the fastest falling.


So what happened in 2000?


There was a lot of access to money. Individuals were getting loans that they should not have traditionally been able to get. No documentation & 100% financing allowed the average pizza delivery guy to “state his income” and make a real estate purchase with no money.

The level of greed and quick money skyrocketed not just by the home buyer but also government and Wall street. Check out the “House of Cards” video by CNBC: http://www.cnbc.com/id/28892719/ Very, very interested…


So now what? It is a matter of learning and rebuilding. I speak to some people who initially contact us about short sales and I hear “get me out of this house, I will never purchase real estate again.” This is unfortunate and it was bad timing for many. However, there is time to start over and rebuild. Learning from the past and not dwelling on it will ensure a brighter future.


Consult your local real estate professional on rebuilding your future in real estate. It will and has proven to be an equity / asset builder over the long term. There are steps you can take if you are in a bad position with your current real estate portfolio such as a short sale. Being proactive now will help a quicker recovery for your future.


We are short sale servicing all of Lee, Collier and Charlotte Counties… That is Punta Gorda, North Fort Myers, Pine Island, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Lehigh Acres, Fort Myers Beach, Estero, Bonita Springs, Naples, Marco…

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

There is a lot of short sale inventory in Fort Myers... Will my house sell??

Yes, there is short sale inventory that sits on the market for long periods of time in Southwest Florida.  And in some cases, unfortunately turns into a foreclosure because they were not competitive and the property did not short sell.

It is imperative to have a team of professionals who know what they are doing in terms of how to handle a short sale correctly and know market conditions and trends in order to price correctly as well as act quickly if values continue to diminish.

Other tips for the seller include:  Treat your property as if it is a normal, traditional sale.  That means, keep the inside clean and tidy, maintain your lawn and shrubs and make sure you electricity is always ON.



There is a lot of inventory on the market that you will compete with, but will have an edge as long as you maintain your property.  Drive by your competition of short sales and foreclosures in your Southwest Florida market.  Or get your agent to show you the real estate in direct competition with you.  You will see houses with high grass, vandalism, missing AC units, busted water softners, a bunch of trash, etc...  When you walk into these properties they are hot and uncomfortable to be in - Some of which you have to literally have a flashlight to walk the property.



Even though it is a bad time for your situation, you must consider your purchaser in order to have an edge.  If you were making a purchase, wouldn't you want to walk into a well groomed, frigid, nice smelling home??
Not all buyers are "investors" trying to make a buck on your home.  Many are first time homebuyers. 
Bottom Line...  You will make it beneficial for everyone including yourself by maintaining your property. 


If you are considering a short sale, we are servicing Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs, Naples, Marco Island, Ft. Myers Beach, Sanibel - Anywhere in Southwest Florida.  Call Steve R. Daria direct at (239) 425-5671