Zillow Advice RSS: Question-Discussion-Guide,Home Buying,Houston- TX

can we get a 200k house ,with 20% down, a credit score of 621 & income of 50k ?

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 06:56:00 GMT

0 replies

Want to buy short sale property/s

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:53:00 GMT

My partners and I are looking for properties in S Houston and N Brazoria county, have cash and POF for mutiple purchases. Range $150k and up. will work with individual owner and or listing broker.

9 replies

Lessons Learned from Short Sales in Today's Market

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:18:00 GMT

If you are a buyer, you are well aware of the number of short sales on the market today. This is a wild market right now for short sales/pre-foreclosures. Through the years, I've been involved with many short sale transactions but have never been tested like I have of late. It may take months just to receive a response from an initial offer.

Part of the blame needs to fall on the agents representing the short sales. I work primarily with buyers and have been suprised by the amount of short sales on the market that have not been approved by the lender. Some listing agents are unfamiliar with the process involved with representing a short sale. TIP: Whether you are a buyer or seller involved with a short sale, be sure to choose an agent with experience and knowledge of pre-foreclosures.

Here are some BUYER tips for dealing with short sales in today's market:

As a Buyer:
1. Be prepared to wait, and then wait some more. Patience is the key to purchasing a short sale. If you have a time frame for moving, a short sale may not be right for you. Every lender is different and the response time can vary, but most short sales take a long time.
2. Although most short sales are sold AS IS, be sure to hire a professional to conduct an inspection on the home. You will want to be fully aware of the condition of the home before closing.
3. There will probably be more than one offer. Nothing is considered official in real estate unless it is written and signed by both the seller and buyer. Due to the lengthy process of a short sale, listing agents will usually accept all offers and submit to the bank for approval. Until a contract is agreed to and signed by the seller/lender, then the property is considered active.

8 replies

how do i get a loan on land given to me by brother to build. i have two lots.

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:36:00 GMT

1 reply

buying a foreclose home

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:28:00 GMT

Is it unusual when purchasing a foreclosure for buyers to sign closing documents and release down payment on one day (Tues), and wait 3 days until Thursday to get sellers signature and keys. Seller is in another town.

3 replies

how do I delete my listing?

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:43:00 GMT

0 replies

WHAT IS ZILLOW, IS IT A BROKER, OR AN AGENT

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:37:00 GMT

9 replies

what is zillow

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:09:00 GMT

1 reply

video faqs on zillow

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:12:00 GMT

1 reply

What will be the impact on buying a property that the Apraisal District shows it has asbestos on it?

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:16:00 GMT

0 replies

what r our options? hubby credit below 620 ,mine over 620. My income not enough to to buy the house

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 03:29:00 GMT

Our offer on a short sale is approved by the bank but our financing did not go through at the last minute.The bank set the closing date for the end of October. What are our options at this point? Can we extend the closing date to mid- January so we can have time to get another financing. If so, how do we go about doing that? Thanks for time.

2 replies

What area can I live with house in the 150000-200000 range.

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:24:00 GMT

My wife and I looking to buy a house next year (Aug 2010). We have a goal to have 20%. My credit score is around 661. What is an area not to far from Rice University/ TMC in that range?

1 reply

Why are houses in Memorial consistently listed for substantially more than their Zestimates?

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:36:00 GMT

The surrounding houses are often several hundred thousand dollars less than what is being asked! This is true on both sides of the beltway as well as south of I-10. It makes it very difficult to discern true value for the houses. Are they simply asking outrageous prices for 60's houses?

4 replies

My husband has a credit score of 604, we currently leasing and would like to buy a home.

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:25:00 GMT

He is ex milatray so we can use VA. Is it possible to qualify for home loan? Also who can we talk with that can help start the process

5 replies

Why you need a Realtor to purchase any homes whether new or exisiting homes?

Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:57:00 GMT

I recently was contacted by a buyer who ask me to split half of the 3% if he puts my name down as his Realtor when he purchases a new home. Immediately my question was huh?why? he proceeded to tell me all Realtor do is submit paperwork and collect a check. Well unfortunately you do have some Realtors just as in any profession who show up late and want to leave early in so many words. Buyers need a Realtor for several reasons but one main reason and that is to "represent you" that friendly sales agent does not represent you and is not obligated to tell you anything that the sekler does not want you to know unless "you" ask. For example, do not rush to put earnest money down until you know what the upfront cost is and what is refundable or not, has their been any foreclosures the the "new" subdivison in the past year, ask for a home price evaluation and don't fall for the incentives allthe time, sometime the incentive isnot worth it if the closing cost(fees) are hgher. I would not go to court without an attorney, you would not cut your own hair without a licensed stylist so why would you purchase a huge investment blindly? Most of all it is FREE to utilize all our resources and education.

43 replies

Good Time to buy a home, says leading Houston economist

Thu, 21 May 2009 16:08:00 GMT

University of Houston economics professor Barton Smith is the foremost authority on the Houston economy. His annual symposium on the Houston real estate market and economy are attended by some of the largest real estate investors, builders, and developers in the Houston area. At this year's event, which was held in early May, Barton Smith stated that the single family home market in Houston may prove to be the strongest of all of Houston's real estate sectors. To see what else Barton Smith had to say, you can check out a report on the event from Nancy Sarnoff at Chron.com.

[content removed by moderator for being self promotional]

17 replies

if a foundation has been fixed doed this lower property value

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 04:54:00 GMT

I have found a home that I like, a 2100 square foot 1 story in a neighborhood that I want to live in, near my little boy, has been remodled, great condition but is having the foundation leveled by replacing peers. The repair company has been in business a long time and offers lifetime warranty. Will this reduce value of home and if so by how much?

8 replies

how much is total cost to have a custom build home with 4,000 sq ft living?

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 02:19:00 GMT

2story with 4 beds, 4 baths, swimming pool.

8 replies

Are you Relocating to Houston or sorrounding areas?. I can assist you with your realestate transport

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:17:00 GMT

I I have afiliated my REAL ESTATE business with RE/MAX Elite in Stafford,Texas.I also have a transportation license to assist my RELOCATING clients.

0 replies

were do you type in the zillow home i.d

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:44:00 GMT

1 reply