Duties of the REO Agents and Why Do Banks Need Them?

Listing a property for sale and searching and selecting the qualified buyers for this property are the responsibilities of a real estate agent or broker but the responsibilities of REO agents are more from those of the brokers. The real estate agents sometimes jump to sell the REO properties also because these properties are profit earning opportunities for the agents. The agents must not start trying their luck in REO properties before they actually know the duties of a REO agent and the difference between them and the REO agents. The agents must not be only skilled in selling but they must also have the good knowledge of the real estate market of local area.

Duties of the agents

The real estate owned properties cannot give any profit to the agents before they actually do not know what they must do to sell these properties. The major duties of an agent willing to sell the real estate owned properties are listed below.

The agent is responsible to schedule the trash outs and clean the foreclosed property.

If there are any utilities during the listing then the agent has to pay for the utilities.

The agent is also responsible for the tasks like lawn maintenance and snow removal.

The agent is also responsible to negotiate the contract between the buyers and the sellers. This negotiation includes the sale terms and the dates of payment and agreement signing.

Why the lender or banks need agents?

The agents must understand what the lenders or the banks need from them. The valuable knowledge of the agents will not only help to sell the properties quickly and minimize the losses of the bank but will also reduce the dependence of the lender or the bank on other parties such as appraisers and house management companies.

What the banks will do in absence of the knowledgeable agents?

If the banks do not get an agent who know the responsibilities and whose knowledge is good enough to sell the property, the banks will hire the appraisers to know the value of the home that they want to put on sale. The banks will also need the services of a house management company to maintain the house while it is listed for sale in the market.

So to save the expenses in hiring the appraisers and house management companies, the banks or lenders need the services of good REO agents.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by Nitesh Pandey

What Is Spuds?

Spuds is what REALTORS call the Seller Property Disclosure Statement (SPDS). It is a multi-page document that sellers typically provide with information about the house and all its major systems (e.g. air conditioning, plumbing, roof, etc.).

In Arizona, sellers are required to disclose any material fact they are aware of regarding the property. The SPDS is a form created by the Arizona Association of REALTORS (AAR) to standardize the way sellers disclose material facts about the property.

The standard AAR Residential Purchase Contract has a provision requiring sellers to provide SPDS to buyers within 5 days of contract acceptance. Buyers have until the end of the inspection period or 5 days from receipt of the SPDS (whichever is later) to provide notice of any disapproved items disclosed in the SPDS.

Contrary to what many people think, the SPDS is not required by law. It is only a provision in the standard AAR Residential Purchase Contract. The law requires sellers to disclose material information. Sellers can do it in any other document they choose.

The other common myth about the SPDS is that once the seller provides it, he has no further obligation to disclose new material facts. That could not be farther from the truth. Seller’s obligation to disclose remains during the whole escrow period. If seller becomes aware of a material fact that was not originally disclosed, he has an obligation to disclose and give the buyer 5 days to review and provide notice of disapproved items. This is typically done through issuance of a revised SPDS.

Many sellers will not accept contracts that require them to provide a SPDS and they will ask buyers to remove the provision from the contract. Banks selling foreclosures will typically ask buyers to waive SPDS based on the claim that the bank has limited knowledge about the property. One important thing to remember is that even when SPDS is waived, the seller still has the obligation to disclose all material facts.

Your REALTOR should review the SPDS, its importance, and implications when sellers ask buyers to waive SPDS. Buyers should understand all the ramifications and make an informed decision whether they are willing to waive SPDS or not.

And before I close this article I would like to leave you with a thought. If you are a seller, I would strongly encourage you to prepare a SPDS when you put the property on the market. You can even make the document available for prospective buyers. It will show them that you are on top of your obligations and that if they decide to submit an offer you will not cause any delays to the process. Very few sellers do that and it usually has such a positive impact on potential buyers. If you do that when you list the property, once you accept an offer all you have to do is re-read the document and make sure that it is still valid and up-to-date. Ask your REALTOR to help you fill the SPDS as soon as possible.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by Jose Dias

What is Empty Property Insurance?

Any property can become empty at any time under many different circumstances. When a property is unoccupied a standard house insurance policy will only usually provide cover for up to 30 days. This is when one must obtain an empty property insurance policy to keep their asset properly insured against risks such as fire, storm damage, theft etc.

There could be any number of reasons why a property may become vacant. The property could be a recent purchase by a landlord and is undergoing renovation prior to either letting it or selling it on. The property owner may have moved on and their current property has become empty until a new purchaser is found. The property owner could be erecting a new extension and has decided to move out of their property whilst the works are being carried out. What ever the reason it is still crucial to ensure that the empty property is sufficiently insured. If there is a mortgage outstanding on the building then the lender will insist on some form of insurance cover on the premises.

There are specialist insurance companies and brokers in the UK that specifically cater for the needs of a property owner with an empty building. Insurers and brokers that offer unoccupied property insurance quotes will normally have extensive knowledge on this subject and can help with risk management advice. Under an empty property insurance contract, the terms and conditions will differ from those of a standard home insurance policy. Get your advisor to go through with these in detail. There could be conditions on locks, how the water is left and how often the premises need to be visited etc. These conditions will vary from insurer to insurer.

Normally a property may be empty for 3 to 6 month but in certain scenarios it could be vacant for a year or even longer. If the property owner is certain that the property is not going to be empty for longer than 3 or 6 months then some insurers will offer a short term policy. A short term unoccupied property insurance policy can also be purchased online from some insurance companies. The property may be empty but as a property owner you still have duty and care to treat the premises as if there is no insurance cover in place.

A few basic rules in taking care to minimise the risks to your empty property include making sure all accessible windows and external doors are fitted with good locks, turning off the water supply and draining the system, installing an alarm system if budget allows it. Also visiting the property periodically to clear any post and to keep the lawn mowed. Give the property a look that says it not unoccupied. Install timer switches for the lights to turn on and off at random times.

Some insurers will also convert the empty property insurance policy to a landlords let property policy if you decide to rent the premises during the term of your policy. Or it could be converted to a standard home insurance policy if you move in yourself. Insuring a property that is vacant is essential and expert advice is crucial to ensure that the level of cover you obtain meets your exact needs.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by Mark D’Monte

Real Estate Agent in Viman Nagar Pune

We are a full-service real estate company offering the most comprehensive real estate services available in the market, and we go the extra mile to assist our clients on a daily basis. We work tirelessly on your behalf to make your next buying or selling experience a pleasant and successful one.

Our services include working with both buyers and sellers in a wide array of markets including residential, commercial, land, and other related property types.

Our company is dedicated to serving your every real estate needs. We are committed to providing a superior level of service in order to ensure a smooth and beneficial outcome to each and every transaction.

Buying

Selling

Renting

Financing

Investing

Our team maintain exceptional knowledge of the local markets, outstanding negotiating skills, and the experience necessary to give you the service you deserve. Professionalism, dedication, and knowledge make us the perfect choice when selecting a realtor.

We provide outstanding exposure to your property through both traditional means of advertising while maintaining a comprehensive approach using today’s modern techniques including web advertising.

We will work with you to find your ideal home by using a wide array of resources and we will make sure all your buying needs are met.

we will utilise our outstanding negotiating skills in order for you to receive the best possible price for your new property. We look forward to serving all your buying needs.

Buying or selling your home will be an enjoyable and rewarding experience when you work with Kargil Properties and their innovative and effective methods for generating successful results quickly and efficiently.

A Commitment to Excellence

Our Firm’s philosophy is simple – we understand and care about people who ask for our real estate service. We make a commitment to your entire family. We find homes for families – homes and neighbourhoods that meet our clients‘ dreams and desires. We sell homes for families at the highest fair market value possible. That’s the reason our clients return again and again.

If you would like to consider us to fulfil your real estate needs, please fill out the following form below. This will help us to understand your specific real estate needs.

Office Address:

Kargil Properties

Lane Number 5, New Airport Rd,

Viman Darshan, Pune,

Maharashtra 411014

Open 7 days a week from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Owner And Director Of Kargil Properties:Mr. Sanat Thakur is an Ex- Army person, Motivational Speaker, NLP certified Trainer& Life coach, Successful Entrepreneur.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by Megha Kadam

Cook Island Real Estate Is Extremely Limited

The maximum period for which the lease agreements can be made in real estate is 60 year term period. Shorter leases for the real estate for sale are also available. Cook Islands are part of the pacific rim of islands and the major industry is tourism. The only people that are allowed to purchase real estate for sale are available to:

* Natives of

* Those that have a permanent residency immigration status

* Those that are buying an existing business in or those that are planning to set up a business in Cook Islands.

Rarotonga is the biggest island and also the most developed of the real estate. Many investors are interested in buying properties here and the asking price for the villas can range from NZ$ 450,000. for sale properties is available at the beachfront and near the beaches. It also has an international airport which makes the access very simple. There are daily flights from Australia and New Zealand and from other parts of the world as well.

Holiday apartments for foreigners are also currently available for foreign ownership and can range from NZ$200,000 to NZ$400,000 depending on the locations in Rarotonga. Many of these properties also allow the owner 20-40 days free usage of the property. Rental yields can be extremely high and can start around 20-30% per year. If the owner wants more free stay, then the rental yields will come down. These holiday apartments are maintained by a third company and the owner can receive up to 50% of the gross rental incomes.

Along with holiday homes and villas, restaurants and shops are also desired and these can be obtained for a 60 year lease period also. Sometimes the existing leaseholder on the land can also sell their existing business to another company or person.

The average land values are in the range of NZ$150,000 for a 50 year lease term period for an about 0.25 acres. The land leases need to be paid upfront for the entire lease term period. Since tourism, copra and citrus fruit exports are the major earners, the Cook’s island economy is not vastly affected. It also has limited infrastructure and is periodically hit by natural disasters as well.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by Taylor White

How To Use Incentives To Sell Your Home In A Tough Market

Here are some ways in which you can sweeten the pot and beat your competition to a sale

Out here in the field we are seeing home prices dropping as sellers respond to housing market pressures. Some sellers are still expecting premium sales prices for their homes, but the transitioning real estate market is resisting high prices and causing sellers to re-evaluate their expectations.

It’s a whole new ball game and, if you want to play, you need to know the new rules. Getting an agent to stick your home on the local MLS system and waiting for the offers to come in won’t cut it anymore. Today, traditional sales methods are not enough to sell your home in a reasonable time for a decent price. Home buyers have too many choices and home options to choose from. They are driving the market and your home is only one of many that they are evaluating.

The obvious response to the market, which has been adopted by many sellers, but at a price, is to reduce the price of your home below other comparable houses in your neighborhood. Although many sellers have built in some wiggle room between their asking price and their bottom line, buyers are asking for reductions that will significantly erode the seller’s profit, sometimes to zero. Those who have a need to move quickly, for employment for example, will even take a loss in order to remove the burden of two mortgages or ending up renting. This situation, by the way, offers real estate investors an opportunity to pick up some good bargains.

Even in today’s market, you don’t have to drop the price of your home to the point of taking a loss. There are other ways in which you can add value to your home, even if it is only perceived value, that will enable you to make a good profit and still sell in a reasonably short time. The use of sales incentives can be a very smart and cost-effective way to add value to your home without sacrificing much of your asking price, if any. Here are some things that can sweeten the pot and make your home a more attractive choice to potential buyers:

1. Offer a 3% commission to the buyer’s agent. Some agents will not show your home for less than that and they will most likely pick your home apart in front of the buyer if they do show it.

2. If you’re in a homeowner’s association, pay the new buyer’s fees for the first year or more.

3. Buy a home warranty, which protects all the appliances in the house including the air conditioning and heating systems. The cost is usually less than $450 for one year.

4. You can pay all or part of the buyer’s closing costs, which can be deducted at closing from your sales proceeds, so you have no out of pocket expense.

5. Pay the buyer’s property taxes for a year or some period. You may already have paid a portion or all of it anyway. Again, no out of pocket expense.

6. If you have oil heat or propane, give the buyer a full tank of fuel.

7. Offer free grass cutting or landscaping for a period of time.

8. Provide all new carpeting or kitchen appliances or leave furnishings that the buyer may want.

9. Offer to pay the buyer’s property insurance for a year or more.

10. Buy down the buyer’s mortgage points by a point or two. This adds significant value to the buyer in terms of dollars saved and it will cost you little.

If you think about it, you can probably come up with more. I have suggested and used these and other methods for distinguishing my clients‘ homes in this tough seller’s market. In addition, if you spruce up your home with new paint, especially the front door and kitchen, landscape your yard, clean thoroughly throughout, and stage your home to put it in it’s best light, your home will outshine the others in your neighborhood.

One final suggestion – hire a competent real estate agent. An agent will ensure that you don’t leave money on the table and help you with all the ways in which your home can be the best buy on the block. I can always justify my commissions because I get the home seller more money than he could on his own. A top-performing pro will make you money and not cost you. Just ask the many ‚for sale by owners‘ who ended up hiring an agent after an unsuccessful attempt to sell on their own or the ones that ended up getting much less than their asking price. But if you are determined to go it alone, the above tips should help.

Till Next Time,

Bernie Rosellen, Real Estate Auctioneer

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by Bernie Rosellen

7 Steps to Create Wealth From Your Income

Creating wealth in our world can be summarized this way „the road to wealth is daring, challenging and risky and it is bravest at heart among us that can take it.“ To be wealthy is a choice and we are the ones that determine the direction of our life either to abject poverty or to lasting affluence.

As an income earner though the income might be very meager, but it is better than nothing. We therefore must see that minute income as a seed, hence we ought to be determined to create our wealth from it.

Steps to create wealth from your income

(1) Starting thinking in the direction of creating wealth. When your mind is set on wealth creation, it is possible to lead your life towards that direction, because our mind definitely direct the cause of our life, therefore focusing on wealth creation is the number step toward achieving this goal of living in wealth.

(2) Start thinking on how to get more money.

(3) Free your mind from thought that dwell on how to spend your meager income.

(4) Meditate on what to invest in; when you think about investment, your mind begins to work on different investment schemes and plans.

(5) Put your plans on paper; take out time out of your busy schedule, plan your life but most importantly plan your investment.

(6) Schedule your plan; your investment plans would definitely need you to cut down on your expenses, be ready to take up such inconveniences in the present, so as to have a wonderful future.

(7) Take action now; schedule your plan and implement your schedule. Living in affluence is everybody’s dream but would you be willing to do what is required? Take action now. home-business-daily-income.blogspot.com/

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by Walden Carson

3 Ways to Value Your Home

One of the worst mistakes sellers make is pricing their homes too high. Buyers are generally well educated and will not entertain an overpriced listing. After the property sits stagnant on the market, the seller will slowly wake up to reality and lower the asking price to a more realistic figure. The downside of this scenario is that, in the meantime, one has lost valuable marketing time.

The longer a listing sits on the market, the less attention it gets. The lesson here is – price your home accurately from the start! To help you determine that value, you can use one of three commonly used valuation methods: a Comparative Market Analysis or „CMA,“ a Broker Price Opinion or „BPO,“ also called a Broker Opinion of Value, and a Formal Appraisal, performed by a licensed and certified real estate appraiser.

Before we get into the details of each one of the valuation methods, let’s talk a little more about the different types of values.

Market Value

The Uniform Standard of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) defines market value as the most probable price that a property should sell for in a competitive and open market. This assumes all conditions for a fair sale are present and that the buyer and seller are of sound mind.

As-Is Value

Generally, the as-is value is defined as the value of the subject property as it presently exists without repairs or improvements. The as-is value should reflect the subject property’s current condition.

As-Repaired Value

Usually, the as-repaired value is defined as the value the subject property would sell for if the subject property is in move-in, ready condition, but not overly improved for the neighborhood.

Quick-Sale-Value

The quick-sale value is defined as the value the subject property would sell for under liquidation, or forced-sale type terms. The quick-sale value commonly assumes limited exposure to the open market, and restrictive conditions of sale.

1. Comparative Market Analysis CMA

A CMA is a comparison of the prices of similar houses in the same general geographical area, typically, a one mile radius. Usually, MLS data and tax records are used to conduct the research. It includes: 1) closed sales – properties that have sold and closed within the last 6 months, 2) active listings – properties currently for sale, 3) pending sales – listings that are under contract but have not yet closed, and, 4) expired listings – properties that did not sell during the marketing period. After thoroughly analyzing this information, a probable sale price is suggested.

Because the price derived from a CMA is somewhat subjective, the outcome generally results in a price range rather than a definite number. Most agents will conduct a CMA without physically visiting the property. In general, a CMA prepared by an experienced agent with good knowledge of the local market is right in line with your home’s appraised market value. A CMA can therefore be a very useful tool. Most agents offer this service free of charge as a promotional means to earn you business.

2. Broker Price Opinion BPO (also Broker Opinion of Value)

A Broker Price Opinion is when a real estate agent or broker will do a valuation on a property similar to an appraisal. There are two types of BPOs: an exterior or drive-by, and an interior or full BPO. For our purposes, I will focus on the interior or full BPO, since this is most comprehensive and most valuable to a seller.

The Broker Price Opinion has been a popular tool used by lenders and mortgage companies to value properties in situations where they believe the expense of an appraisal is not necessary. A BPO goes into much greater detail than a CMA; the specific purpose of the BPO as set forth by the client will dictate much of what the agent focuses on. In addition to the work performed in a CMA, the agent will generally conduct a full inspection of the property and make a list of defects and recommend any necessary repairs. A detailed commentary of any material matters will be included.

Photos of the interior and exterior are taken and included in the report. Three recently sold comparables and three active listings are used to determine the value of the subject property, adjustments are made if necessary. The cost of a full interior BPO ranges from $85.00 to $165.00, depending on the detail wanted by the client. Commonly, listings agents will charge for this service but in some cases, might credit the fee back to the client at a successful close of escrow.

3. Formal Appraisal

A formal appraisal is by far the most detailed valuation tool used to determine the value of a property. Appraisals are most often reported on a standardized form, and only licensed and certified real estate appraisers can perform an appraisal. Licensed appraisers are trained to be able to appraise real property in a variety of ways;

The sales Comparison Approach (same as a CMA or PBO) is by far the most common, where comparable properties are used to determine the subject’s value.

The Income Approach: this method is most commonly used to value income producing properties such as offices and apartment buildings. In some cases, depending on the client’s requirements and/or the specific type of property, appraisers may use a combination of both the sales comparison approach and income approach to determine value.

The Replacement Approach: this method is most commonly used on new-built homes, where there are no established comparables, on homes built with unique materials of which no comparables exist, or, in case of, let’s say, a fire, where there is nothing left to compare.

The cost of a formal residential appraisal usually ranges from $300.00 to $450.00.

4. Conclusion

The reason to hire a professional to value your property is to obtain accuracy. It is strongly advised to start out with a realistic price tag, and in order to do so, a seller needs to obtain an accurate estimate of what the subject property is worth. This will set the tone for a smooth and productive marketing and sales process.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by Dimitri Larno

Selling Your House Fast to Cash Property Buyers

Are you looking for the ways to sell house fast? Going by traditional method of approaching a real estate agent and listing your property in the market may take several months to sell your property. Moreover, it also means additional costs. If you are looking for guaranteed sale of your house, there are number of companies who act as the cash house buyers and offer guaranteed home purchase schemes.

How Do these Cash House Buyers Work?

These cash house buyer companies buy houses and properties by making private deals. The biggest advantage of selling house to these companies is they pay cash quickly. Though several companies buy your property without inspecting it, a few other companies may pick and choose the houses they will buy. Most of the times, the cash house buyers offer a quick purchase to the house seller and they offer to complete the buying process in a week or so. In addition, some property buyers may offer sell and rent back scheme. In this scheme, the company purchases the house and allows the home owner to continue living in it as a tenant.

Main Advantages of Using Cash Property Buyers

Selling home in the open market can take longer which can be problem to many people who have immediate cash requirement. The most important advantage of selling home to a cash house buyer company is the speed. These companies apply a sympathetic approach to your requirement and push the house sale really quickly. The purchase is made on cash payment basis and there is no chain.

Several house buyer companies also offer good incentive as part of the cash house purchase deal. For instance, they may offer free legal fees involved in the process. In addition, the home sellers can also save more money as they do not have to pay for a Home Information pack. As this will be a private sale, they need not market their property in the open market. Sometimes, home sellers may opt to live back in their homes even after the sale as these companies may allow them to stay there for a period as the tenants.

Calling cash house buyers can be a good option if you want to sell house fast. There are no hassles involved in selling your house using cash house buyers.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by Damien Wilson

Buying Real Estate In Nicaragua

The first step to shopping for real estate in Nicaragua is to forget everything you know about the process back home… no matter where home may be.

Let me make one thing clear from the start. There are incredible bargains to be had buying property in Nicaragua. In fact, there is no other market in the Americas where insisting upon a 40% return on investment or better is reasonable. However, there are few similarities between the rules and regulations governing the real estate industries in North America or Europe, and Nicaragua. It’s because of this lack of similarities that foreign investors often get into trouble. There is a preconceived notion on the part of foreigners that the Nicaragua real estate industry is as carefully regulated as it is elsewhere, and it is this incorrect assumption that sets foreign investors up to be cheated. The only universal real estate investing rule that applies as equally in Nicaragua as it does anyway else is Caveat emptor, buyer beware.

Real Estate Brokers

Basically there’s no such thing in Nicaragua as a real estate brokerage that a Canadian, American or European would assume the term represents. There are real estate brokerage offices. Some even have familiar franchise names, but that’s where the similarity ends.

There is no mandated, formal training of real estate sales people, nor are there specific licensing requirements. Anyone can become a „realtor“ by paying for a merchant license or incorporating a Nicaraguan company. I’m not suggesting this means „all“ real estate sales people are incompetent or untrained… many are. In fact, there are a number of retired realtors who relocated to Nicaragua and maintain successful, upstanding businesses. However, there are many more who are not at all competent, and operate on the razor edge between honest business and outright fraud. Caveat emptor again!

There are no district or federal regulatory boards governing the real estate industry in place. Real estate sales are no more regulated than a vehicle sale transacted by a street vendor. Outright criminality is not ignored by authorities, but having the perpetrator jailed is unlikely to result in recovery of any money lost. The revenge should make a fleeced buyer feel better though. Nicaraguan jails exist to punish criminals, not rehabilitate, and they are Hell on Earth. Unfortunately though, most issues that can arise in a real estate transaction are considered civil matters by law enforcement and have to be treated as such. In short, whatever money you think you were cheated out of… consider it lost. Even with a judgement in the plaintiff’s favor, collecting money owed in a judgement rarely happens. So again, caveat emptor.

A serious shortcoming in the Nicaragua real estate market is that there is nothing similar to a Multi Listing Service (MLS). The lack of any form of MLS means there is no central registry of properties for sale, nor any information as to what a property sold for. The result is that it’s very difficult to decide what a house or commercial building in a particular neighbourhood is worth since there are no comparable property transactions to use as a guide. Appraisers base their appraisals on replacement cost mostly, and whatever else they provide is pure guess work. Ironically, banks require appraisals created by licensed Nicaraguan appraisers if mortgage funding is being requested.

There’s no such thing in Nicaragua as a listing similar to what most foreigners would understand the term to mean. Real estate shoppers will hear a realtor say that he or she has a listing, but it’s common to see two or more real estate signs on a single property. Likewise, the same property may appear on multiple real estate company websites and be advertised online by numerous different people. More confusing, the prices advertised may vary for the same house, sometimes by tens of thousands of dollars. Nicaraguans selling their homes rarely lock themselves into an agreement with one party wanting to sell their land, house or commercial building. If you want to sell something, the assumption is the more people trying to sell it the better. And by more people that can be realtors, the owner themselves, their family and friends, a neighbor, or a horse drawn carriage driver. This seems chaotic to a foreigner shopping for a retirement or vacation home, but it makes perfect sense to Nicaraguans. Without an MLS service that allows numerous realtors to show prospective buyers a listed property, letting everyone try to sell a property seems to be the best way to get exposure.

Another misconception foreign purchasers have when buying real estate in Nicaragua is that the seller is paying the real estate agent. This is sometimes the case, but even when it is the buyer may be asked to pay the commission. Yes, this is legal in Nicaragua. In fact, not only could there be a commission paid by the seller and buyer, but the real estate agent may have added an amount to what the seller actually wants in his or her hand. This too is legal. The worst case scenario is that the seller wants US$50,000 for his or her home. The sellers offers anyone selling the home US$1000 or a percentage. The real estate selling agent advertises the home for US$59,900, allowing for negotiating room. A buyer settles on US$55,000 but is told that in Nicaraguan the buyer pays the commission. Not actually the truth, but common enough that people think it’s a rule. The requested commission can be anything up to as much as 10%, or it can be a flat fee. Once all is said and done and the buyer agrees to purchase the property for US$55,000. In a case such as this, the ‚agent‘ will insist on a nonrefundable US$5000 down payment. At closing the seller receives the US$50,000 that he or she wanted and the selling agent pockets the rest.

I know of a purchasers who handed a ‚realtor‘ US$65.000 to purchase a 3 acre farm with a small house on the property. The ‚realtor‘ then went to the owner of the property and paid him US$20,000 to buy the land. It gets worse… the ‚realtor‘ never bothered to make the title transfer until the buyer discovered he was not the owner when he tried to pay long overdue taxes. In the end the property was purchased by a developer for little more than the original US$65,000, but 8 years of appreciation later. In another case Europeans purchase a home and overpaid US$85,000. Of course basing their offer on the European real estate values they knew, it was assumed they were getting a bargain. The ‚realtor‘ pocketed the US$85,000 and a commission he charged the buy as well. Again, perfectly legal in Nicaragua… so caveat emptor.

The way to navigate through what foreigners view as market chaos is to use a knowledgeable real estate consultant to find a property you want, negotiate the price, terms and conditions, conduct the necessary due diligence, validate the title and survey, and so on. This is a fee based service but far less expensive than a percentage sales commission, and far, far less than a costly mistake would be. One such service is Nica Investments, a real estate consultancy that assists foreign investors purchasing real estate or businesses in Nicaragua.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg



Source by Len Bowcott

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