Tips For Interviewing a Real Estate Agent

A Realtor works for you; he is your employee. As with any job, employees can expect to be interviewed before being hired and the same is true for a real estate agent. You have a choice and should consider carefully who wants to help you find your new home. Why take this step? Aren't they all the same, because they want to make a commission which means putting you in a house? Why bother meeting with several before deciding on one? Isn't it just a waste of time? Actually, just the opposite is true. Interviewing several people and carefully considering each one can end up saving time and make the house-hunting process less stressful.

First, you need to decide, who you want to interview. Ask for referrals from friends and family. Talk to your bank and see if there is a company or agent they recommend. If you are moving to a brand new place and don't know anyone, do some online research. Just by checking out a personal or company web page, you can tell a lot about a person. The types and price range of homes he typically sells. There may be a personal statement or bio to give you more insight into his personality and experience.

Here are a few questions to ask, when conducting your Realtor interviews:

* What is his experience in real estate? This includes, since how long he has been licensed and how long he has been working in the particular area you are shopping.

* Is his license current and is it issued by the State you are living in? Typically, licenses must be renewed every couple of years. It is common to require continuing education as well, which is a plus in the ever-changing market. So, verifying his credentials is important.

* What is the community like? Any good agent should be able to give you information about the schools in the area, emergency services, clubs etc. Think of him as walking yellow pages for the area.

* Does he have a dollar limit? An online search of different agents usually reveals the typical price range they sell within. That is not to say that a person who only sells million dollar homes won't be interested in helping you buy a $250,000 house. But, it saves you both a lot of time if you simply ask up front.

* Does he have time for you? Obviously this is important. You want to make sure that after you hire him, you do not get pawned off on an assistant for the actual process. The agent you hire should give you the same personal attention as anyone else, no matter how much money you have to spend.

During the interview, pay close attention to the other person. Do you like him? If you have a negative feeling towards the person or you just feel like your personalities are too different, it is better to move on to the next interview. You should be able to trust, that this person has your best interest at heart. If there is a personality conflict, neither of you will enjoy the process, nor can resentment flare up. Buying a house is a stressful process. Also, does he seem organized? Was he on time to your meeting? Obviously, you want someone who respects your time (just as you should respect his). It is also important that the person who takes on the job, can keep your information organized and at hand because he will be dealing with the seller's agent as well as your bank and scheduling the appraisal and inspection. You want to make sure that everything is in line for a smooth closing.

There are a lot of people out there who would love to sell you a home, but that doesn't mean they all can or should. By asking questions and paying attention, you can pick the right Realtor to find your dream home.

By Andrew Stratton

Finding a home is a significant task and choosing the right realtor helps you to find your home with ease. New Orleans real estate agents from the Latour team will guide you throughout the house-hunting process. To contact them, visit http://www.thelatourteam.com/.

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Help Lower My Mortgage Payments to Avoid House Foreclosure - With 8 Steps That Spell M-O-R-T-G-A-G-E

If You Need Help, You are not alone

If you are struggling to pay your mortgage you are not alone. Authorities project that over 2 million homes will go into default this year. One out of every 18 homeowners is behind on their mortgage payments. That's bad news.

Help Is Available

The good news is that many real estate professionals as well as the government and lending and banking institutions, are very interested in helping you save your home. On the average, a home foreclosure reduces the surrounding property values by $17 to $18 thousand dollars - within a five mile radius of the property. Every home saved means fewer vacant homes, which supports higher property values, a stronger community, and an improved local economy.

Real Estate and Financial Professionals Can Help

Many Real estate and financial professionals realize that some in their communities are going through difficult times and it is affecting their ability to make their mortgage payments, avoid foreclosure and save their homes. Saved homes mean stronger communities that have a greater need for their services.

The US Government Wants To Help

The housing market is an important sector of the economy and the government wants reduced foreclosure rates and increased property values to strengthen the economy. The government has helped by coming up with new loan programs that make it a little easier for homeowners to refinance into a loan with better interest rates, which translates to lower mortgage payments. However, not all mortgage brokers keep track of these programs. It's important to work with a broker who specializes in this area because he or she can stay up to date on these new developments.

The Banking and Lending Institutions Can Help

The banking institutions are often willing to negotiate with homeowners who are behind on their payments, or whose interest rates are adjusting to the extent that they won't be able to make their payments any longer. The banks would often prefer to have a paying homeowner on modified terms, rather than end up with a vacant house on their books which they have to pay to fix up and sell.

Use A Team Of Experts For Best Results

You can of course talk to your lender and try to make an arrangement on your own. However, there are professionals who have become expert at these types of negotiations and know exactly how best to present your case to your lender to get you the best possible terms of loan reinstatement or interest rate reduction. The end result of a successful negotiation can be a lower mortgage rate but there is no guarantee. Timing and strategy are important. This is where having a professional in this area is the key.

By the same token, you could try to find out about all the latest loan programs and decide which one is best for you, but working with the right mortgage broker will keep you from having to 'reinvent the wheel', as the saying goes.

Seniors Have A Special Advantage

Seniors are a special case. If you are a senior, it may be possible to eliminate your mortgage payments altogether with a mortgage product that actually pays you every month, instead of you paying a mortgage. It's called a reverse-mortgage. It's not for everyone, but it may be exactly what you need to be comfortable during your retirement years. Even if you have applied for a reverse mortgage in the past and been denied, there are some new loan products evolving that may be even better suited to your situation.

Action Plan To Reduce Your Mortgage and Save Your Home

Now is the time to empower yourself by taking constructive action.
If you are a homeowner who is saying "I need to lower my mortgage payments or I will not be able to avoid house foreclosure." Here's what I would suggest you do next. Take the 8 Steps below that spell:
M-O-R-T-G-A-G-E

M - MOVE IT!: - Make sure you take action as soon as possible. The quicker you act, the more choices you have

O - ORGANIZE YOU DOCUMENTS: Have you been letting those scary letters pile up in the corner? Make sure you have organized all related files and paperwork so you can get your hands on what you need, quickly. This also increases your sense of control over your situation.

R - RECRUIT YOUR TEAM: Look for an experienced team of real estate and financial professionals that is working together in your best interest. Start by asking to your friends and family for recommendations and searching offline as well as online. Remember that in the financial world you are not limited geographically. Your best team members may be hundreds of miles away. Keep searching until you are certain you have the right group. Good advisors often work together. Sometimes the key is to find one team member that you know is the right fit for you and he or she can lead you to others.

T - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ALL RESOURCES: Keep an open mind. Work with your team to explore all of your options for yourself and your family. The solution may or may not be straightforward. Make sure you clearly communicate the issues that are most important to you. Brainstorm. Ask questions. You will often find that the best strategy will present and confirm itself as you keep cycling through this process.

G - GAIN FAMILY CONSENSUS: Discuss options with all concerned and affected by your decision. (well maybe not the dog, but everyone else). Talking it through will help to eliminate some of the stress and provide needed support when everyone is on the same page. It's amazing how much more you can accomplish when you have full cooperation of the most important people in your life.

A - ACT: Take a deep breath, take action and make your best choice. Don't give in to analysis paralysis. At a certain point, you have to pull the trigger and make a decision.

G - GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK: Go easy on yourself, knowing you have done your best for yourself and your family. Guilt, anger, and frustration only sap your creative problem solving energy.

E- EXPECT TO SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE: When you are ready, pass on the knowledge you have gained to others worthy of your wisdom. Remember when you were at the team recruitment stage and were asking around for recommendations? Now it's your turn to 'pay if forward' and share your experience so it benefits others. Word of mouth travels. You may be the reason someone else can save their home by lowering their mortgage payments!

So there you have it. If you get:

Moving,
Organize all of your documents,
Recruit your dream team,
Take advantage of their wisdom,
Gain your family's consensus and support, take
Action,
Give your self a serious break, and
Expect to share your knowledge with someone else who needs help,...

You will be amazed at how smoothly you can come up with a workable solution... with a little help from your friends!

I hope you have gained some useful knowledge. May you and your loved ones have all the best for your future!

By Toni Tanner

If you would like more information and my other recommendations, go to:

http://SaveUSHomes.com/

Toni T. has been a real estate professional since 1999. She specializes in developing creative solutions for homeowners primarily by networking and by creating strategic alliances with other real estate professionals nationwide - and within the local real estate market of Southern California. She lives in the Los Angeles Area.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Toni_Tanner

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Bad Credit Residential Mortgage

At Donna's Mortgages, we have a track record for helping our customers manage their financial affairs responsibly, and assisting them in re-establishing their credit and stability.

We understand that, although many clients are capable and willing to take on the responsibility of a new residential mortgage, the criteria used by most, if not all, financial lending institutions prevent them from obtaining their loan request, due to past bad credit. Over the past few years, it has become increasingly easier to obtain loans for clients with bad or less than perfect credit, via tried and trusted private lending companies. These are also called sub-prime mortgages and loans. These companies can often finance sub-prime or bad credit mortgages which conventional institutions cannot. The main thing these private lending companies wish to see is equity in the property, in a marketable location.

What's really important is that we are able, in almost all cases, to place financing regardless of your past credit history. We are also able to assist consumers with good credit to obtain the most competitive mortgage rates and terms, and offer a wide range of mortgage products to meet a variety of needs.

Whether you have a history of bad or less than perfect credit, you have filed for bankruptcy, consumer proposal, credit counselling, you are self-employed or without verifiable income, or you've accumulated an unmanageable amount of debt, we can almost always place your loan request for financing.

Because sub-prime mortgage loans can often be a complicated process, it's important you speak with the right people. The idea is to improve your credit score and get you back on track with manageable debt and payment schedules. Even if your initial goal is to consolidate debts, do home renovations, taking a much-needed holiday, or anything else, a sub-prime bad credit mortgage can actually help improve your credit score. Combined with timely payments, a sub-prime mortgage can put you in the right direction towards financial freedom. Call us today.

By Donna Lewczuk

Visit http://www.donnasmortgages.com/ for more information on our services or to contact me.

Donna Lewczuk

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Pay Off Your Mortgage in 8 Years Without Paying More Per Month

Yes, You Can! Now there are fantastic new programs available that help you pay off your mortgage in 8 years or less without paying more than you are paying now and without altering your life style.

These are not a bi-weekly programs. The programs are set up using a system that is tailored for each individual consumer by using sophisticated software. You load your income and payment information into the system and the program tells you exactly what to pay and when to pay it. You can change the variables and work out "if-then" scenarios. The question is not "Can I really do this?" The question you need to ask yourself is, "What will I do with this extra money each month after my house is paid off?" Travel? Retirement? Investments? New Car? College Education? Rental Properties? Vacations?

How do these programs work? Well, the software considers the balance and limits on your existing home equity line of credit account or one that you set up yourself through a your local bank for this purpose. It also takes into account your monthly income and expense. These are all variables you input into the software. Your home equity line is used to offset or cancel out mortgage interest. The software utilizes highly complex mathematical formulas to help you achieve your lifetime goals. There are a few different software programs on the market today and many companies selling different systems. Some companies require you to set up an account with them and others do not. All of the programs are alike but also different. They are alike in they are designed to accelerate your mortgage pay off. They are different with their approaches and costs to get you there. The old adage, "Different strokes for different folks" has never been more applicable than with these mortgage acceleration programs.

These programs originated in Australia and Australians have been taking advantage of it for years. They have been canceling out their interest simply by depositing their pay checks into their home equity line of credit. In Australia, the banking system is different than in the U.S. making the Australian system hard to duplicate in the U.S. Now with the software and the home equity line of credit, Americans can duplicate what the Australians have been doing for years.

These programs can be used as excellent tools for those who want to take charge of their finances. Now with technology, Americans are becoming their own arbitrages. This system does not work with all home equity lines of credit the same, so be careful in setting up the home equity line of credit account that is right for you.

By Bill Burress

For information on the above programs, call Bill Burress, Nationwide Mortgage Expert offers 27 years of mortgage experience. You may contact Bill Burress, North America Mortgage Manager at Toll Free 1-800-239-1416. or fill out the 30 Second Inquiry Form You can also view an NBC news segment regarding one of these amazing methods of mortgage acceleration. NBC NEWS Segment Video

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Burress

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Countrywide Mortgage Online Payment Plans - Making Payments the Fast and Easy Way

When looking for a mortgage company you cannot go wrong with Countrywide Financial, a tried and true company that has been in existence since 1969. Countrywide Financial is considered to be America's number 1 mortgage lender company. Countrywide financial online offers a variety of online mortgage loans, such as: home equity loans, refinancing loans, consolidation of debts loans, and reverse mortgage loans.

You may be a first time homeowner or you may want to buy a bigger home than you have right now. You may own a single home or a multi-unit dwelling. Either way you will be concerned about your payments and may be interested in Countrywide Mortgage Online payment information and options.

Their secured website will assist you with you equity or home equity line of credit Countrywide Mortgage online payment. In this day and age with identity theft a concern, all citizens must make sure that any website they visit has a good firewall and are hacker protected. You can rest assured that your personal financial information will not be viewed by anyone not associated with the actual processing of your Countrywide Mortgage online payment.

With the Countrywide Mortgage online payment plans you will still have the flexibility to make payments that suit your living style and unique needs. You can make payments large enough to save you great amounts of money in interest payments, make extra payments at your convenience to pay off your loan faster, or have your payment drafts occur in concert with your paychecks.

PayPlan/12 will allow you the comfort of knowing that you do not have to go to a financial institution to make a special Countrywide Mortgage online payment. This online plan is programmed to take the payment directly out of your checking or savings account on the date that you specify. If you select a date that is within the first seven days of your payment grace period there will be no charge for this service, however a fee of $2.00 or $4.00 will be applied for selected dates after a week into the grace period. All payments must be confined to the grace period that you may have opted for to use this service.

PayPlan/24 gives you the option to select a bi-monthly Countrywide Mortgage online payment plan. Smaller payments may fit better with your lifestyle needs. There is a 4.00 fee for this service and is not available for Home Equity plans.

PayPlan/26 will automatically take a payment from your account every two weeks, since as there are 26 two-week periods in a year. Since this payment plans will deduct an amount equal to 13 payments in a 12-month period, the additional month payment will be applied to your principal loan amount. A fee of $4.00 per transaction will be applied. This service is offered solely for a fixed rate mortgage loan.

PayPlan/52 allows you to select weekly payment deductions. At year-end you will have made 13 months of payments and the extra month will be applied against the principal loan. A weekly fee of $2.00 will apply. This service is only available on fixed rate mortgage loans.

Countrywide mortgage online payments can also be made from different financial institutions such as Quicken or Ms Money and several online banking services such as USPS.com and Yahoo.com. E-Statements are available with all Countrywide Mortgage Online Payment options. They are not available other traditional payment plans.

By Zalee K

Everything you want to know about Home Mortgages but never dared to ask! We will teach you everything you need to know about mortgages right now! http://www.homemortgagesecrets.info

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Make Money in a Slow Real Estate Market

The world is getting more expensive to live in, isn't it? The cost of living has no where to go but up, up and up. There seems to be no end. So, what can you do about it? Ever thought of earning through property marketing or real estate? If you haven't, then try considering it. It's a great way to earn money. A lot of people have made a living out of it.

How It Works

There are a lot of ways that you can earn money through real estate. You can work as an agent and sell a house or two every now and again. Or you could buy a property, improve it and sell it for double or triple the amount you spent. It may seem like a risky business. But, as long as you have the skill and you have an in depth knowledge about the business - you have nothing to fear.

Getting Started

Keep in mind that 'Little Knowledge is Dangerous'. That is why it is highly recommended that you know as much as you can about this type of business before you plunge head first. Never assume anything. If you don't know something - do your research! Ask the experts. Study all the materials that you can get your hands on. Spend time on the web looking for sites that offer information regarding the world of real estate. You can also further your knowledge by working as a junior agent in a real estate firm. That way you can learn the ins and outs of how to sell a house or a property.

Investing Can Be Steep

The main thing that scares people away about this type of business is the fact that they have to invest a lot of money in order to get started. Some people take out loans while others use their life savings. Some start with their own house. They renovate it, sell it, move to another house and repeat the cycle. The only problem with that last strategy is that life can get nomadic. And not a lot of people want a nomadic lifestyle.

Sell, Sell, Sell

Once you know all you need to know about the world of real estate and you have the financial support to meet your drive. Then, it's time to get started. Start small, think big. Buy a property that you know will attract buyers. Improve on it, sell it and enjoy your revenue. If you get lost along the way just think what Jeff (Jeff Lewis from "Flipping Out") would do.

By Caitlina Fuller

Caitlina Fuller is a freelance writer. There are a lot of ways that you can earn money through real estate. You can work as an agent and sell a house or two every now and again. Or you could buy a property, improve it and sell it for double or triple the amount you spent. It may seem like a risky business.

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How to Become a Rich Real Estate Bird Dog

The demand of Real Estate Bird Dog is always huge and you will always be able to make money whether it is good or bad times without giving up your day job! So, how to become a real estate bird dog?

Below are two important steps that you need to follow in order to become a successful real estate bird dog even if you don't have a college degree and never sell properties before.

1) Locate A Real Estate Investor Mentor

Before getting started as a real estate bird dog, you need to find a real estate investor mentor that you would like to work with in your investment interests. Locate a real estate investor who are interested to invest in your targeted area and who are willing to share with you his investment experience.

Having an experienced real estate investor as your mentor will shorten your learning curve and therefore enhance your success.

2) Learn How To General leads For Your Investors

You must learn how to generate leads for your investor in order to earn your finder's fee or your bird dog fee. There are actually various methods of finding real estate investment deals and it is advisable to get your real estate investment mentor to train you in finding deals. If you want to become a successful real estate bird dog, you must be persistent, be communicative when things get tough in particular during the process of finding profitable and suitable deals for your investors. Besides, being creative helps in finding property leads.

In conclusion, to become a real estate bird dog, you have to first locate a real estate mentor to train you in real estate investments and learn how to find profitable deals for your investors.

By Gary Goh

Wondering whether Real Estate Bird Dog can make money without giving up their day job? Read more at http://www.property-profiler.com

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