August 12, 2019

What You Need To Know About Dual Agency Relationships

If you are looking to sell your home, it is important that you understand dual agency relationships. A dual agency relationship can occur if the buyer and seller of the home each have an agent who is licensed under the same broker. This naturally presents a problem when it comes to conflict of interest. What is best for the buyer may not be what’s best for the seller, but the real estate agent, in this case, would represent both parties. In some cases, the sale is rather cut and dry and dual agency relationships aren’t a big issue. But either way, it is important to understand what that kind of relationship entails.   

Dual Agency Relationships Must Be Disclosed

  Dual agency relationships aren’t allowed in all 50 states. But the states that do allow them to require agents to disclose the relationship to both of their clients. Both parties must also accept the dual agency in order to complete the transaction. If either party declines to accept dual agency, the transaction cannot go through. You absolutely want to know if you are in a dual agency relationship before going any further with the real estate sale.  

There Are Negatives Associated With Dual Agency That You Need To Know About

  Even if you don’t believe that a dual agency relationship will affect you, you need to be aware of the potential downsides. In a dual agency relationship, the agent must adhere to certain restrictions. These restrictions prevent the agent from providing advice on how much the buyer should offer. They also prevent the agent from advising a seller on whether to accept or reject an offer that has already been provided. In many cases, this prevents the agent from being able to provide the best possible advice to their real estate clients.   

Is It Right For You?

  In most cases, a dual agency relationship probably isn’t the right move. That’s because, without the full range of advice from a real estate professional, many buyers and sellers make mistakes during the sale. Dual agency relationships may be advisable if you already know exactly what you want and don’t need much advice from a real estate professional. If you aren’t sure what you want or may need some advice during the process, then a dual agency probably isn’t a good idea.  If you are looking to sell your property quickly without worrying about dual agency relationships, then give 4 Brothers Buy Houses a call. We’ll provide you with a free, no-obligation quote for your property today. You don’t have to worry about going through the traditional selling process where you spend weeks trying to find the right agent. Instead, you can get a quote immediately and decide if you want to sell your house for cash. If you are in the DC area and want to sell your property, contact 4 Brothers Buy Houses now!

July 29, 2019

How To Sell A Home That Needs Significant Repairs

Interested in selling a property that requires some major repairs? Perhaps you need a bathroom renovation. Or maybe you need to completely repair the roof. Whatever the case may be, you can sell a property that needs major repairs, even though it may be a bit more difficult and time consuming. You may decide to renovate, but you should consider the costs and potential returns before making the final call. You could also decide to sell “as-is,” meaning that you won’t negotiate any potential repairs or renovations with prospective buyers during the sale. Here’s how you can sell a home that is in need of significant repairs.   

Should You Renovate?

  The decision on whether or not to renovate has major financial implications. A successful renovation can improve the value of your home. But not all renovations bring the same return. The top five highest returns come from:

• Bathroom remodeling (average cost of $10,500, average return of 102%)
• Landscaping updates (average cost of around $5,000, average return of 100%)
• Kitchen remodeling (average cost of around $15,000, average return of 98.5%)
• Exterior improvements to the home, such as buying a new front door (average cost of about $7,250, average turn of 93.3%)
• Converting the attic into a bedroom (average cost of about $40,000, average return of 93.2%)

 

Options For Paying For Home Renovations

  The returns above might sound attractive, but the pricing can get expensive for some sellers, especially if they don’t have the cash on hand. Let’s talk about options for paying for a home renovation. Here are the typical options for receiving a loan for home renovations:

• Mortgage refinance
• Home equity line of credit
• Home equity loan
• Credit cards
• Borrowing from your 401k

    Refinancing your mortgage can free up some additional money for renovations, and it is the most commonly used option. A HELOC, or home equity line of credit, is essentially a loan that is taken against your equity. HELOCs are similar to credit cards in that you can spend up to a certain amount and pay it back over time. Home equity loans are similar to HELOCs, but have a fixed interest rate and are only for a set amount. Using a credit card may be preferable for small renovations, but borrowing from your 401k may be an option for larger ones. Be mindful-any amount you borrow must be repaid within five years, and the money will come out of your paycheck.    

Selling Your Home As-Is

    If you want to sell your property immediately, then you should consider working with 4 Brothers Buy Houses. 4 Brothers Buy Houses will purchase your home for cash, and you won’t have to make any costly repairs or renovations to the property. Major renovations can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and there is no guarantee that you are going to get a positive return for your efforts. By selling to 4 Brothers Buy Houses, you can get value for your property right away, without the time, money, and frustration that goes along with home repairs. Get your free, no obligation quote today.

July 26, 2019

How To Sell A Home With Liens

Discovered that you have a property lien on your home? For some homeowners, this may come as a surprise. The good news is that you can still sell your property, even with a lien on it. The bad news is that a lien makes things more difficult, and it might take some negotiation with a buyer to get them to take on a property with a lien on it. Let’s explore what a lien is and how it affects the process of selling your home.   

What Is A Lien?

  A property lien may be placed on your property in the event of an unpaid debt. Liens are different than personal debts. Personal debts are tied to you, specifically, regardless of where you are located or where you work. Property liens are tied to the property, and will remain even if the property is transferred to another party. Property liens are only removed once the debt has been paid. A property lien can be filed for a variety of reasons. Perhaps the most infamous type of lien is the tax lien, which the government can file after unpaid taxes. However, other creditors can file liens on your property as well, and they can even be filed for things such as failure to pay child support.  

Why Are Liens Such A Hassle?

Having a lien on your home often means that any type of home sale will run into lengthy delays. That is because the prospective home buyer isn’t just considering taking on the property, they are also going to be responsible for taking on the lien. In most cases, real estate agents recommend that you pay off any lien on the property before bringing the property to the market. In some instances, you may be able to pay off relatively small liens with the equity in your home after the event of a sale. However, if the lien amount is greater than your home equity, you may not be able to sell the property and cover the lien.  

Selling A Home With A Property Lien

  If you’ve decided to sell a home with a property lien, you typically have two options–negotiate with the buyer, or negotiate with the lien issuing party. Convincing the buyer to take on the lien often isn’t a realistic option. But there are some scenarios where buyers will consider taking on a home with a lien, usually in regards to distressed properties. Negotiating with the issuing party is usually a better option. In a lot of cases, the lien can be removed by paying a portion of the debt, or by starting a payment plan to pay it off incrementally.      If you need to sell a property with a lien fast, then 4 Brothers Buy Houses can help. 4 Brothers Buy Houses will purchase your property immediately for cash, so that you can walk away from your lien. Get a free, no obligation quote today and learn more about how you can avoid the lengthy process of negotiating with your lien issuer.

July 25, 2019

What To Do With A House When You Have A Job Transfer And Need To Move

Moving because of a job transfer? This can be a stressful process that thousands of Americans have deal with each year. Transfers usually present a number of logistical problems for families–deciding what to do with your belongings, figuring out which schools to send your children to, and choosing what to do with your home. Generally, you have several options when it comes to your property. You can rent it out, sell your home with a real estate agent, or sell to an investor. Each option has its pros and cons, so let’s take a look at which choice will best fit your family’s specific needs.  

Rent Out Your Home

  If you decide to keep your home, renting it out may be the best possible option. Renting out your property can bring in consistent income month to month. However, there are also a number of expenses that come with being a landlord, and sometimes the hassle simply isn’t worth it. It is important to remember you will be subject to tenant and leasing laws in your state, and violations can come with stiff financial penalties. You’ll also be required to keep up with repairs and property taxes, which can add up over time. If a tenant decides not to pay, you’ll have to go through the eviction process, which can take months and cost you thousands of dollars.  

Sell Your Home With An Agent

  Selling your home the traditional way is a solid option if you have the time to wait. In some markets, you selling your home can take months, and it could require fairly expensive repairs or renovations in order to get full value for your property. Selling with an agent can reduce some of the pitfalls of navigating the process alone, but it isn’t always the best option if you need the cash quickly for a move. Sometimes, families want to sell their property as quickly as possible so that they can move on. Which brings us to our last option.   

Sell Your Home To 4 Brothers Buy Houses

  If you are looking to get out from under your property quickly, you may want to consider selling to 4 Brothers Buy Houses. 4 Brothers Buy Houses will purchase your home immediately, meaning you don’t have to deal with the hassle of a traditional home sale. You won’t need to handle repairs, hire a real estate agent, or showcase your home to prospective buyers. This option is best for families who are looking to move right away and start fresh, without having ties to their old property. Renting out your old property could mean dealing with difficult tenants, paying for expensive repairs, and an additional tax burden. Selling your home with a real estate agent could drag on for months, and you may still need to make repairs or handle landscaping. 4 Brothers Buy Houses will purchase your home right away. Get a free, no obligation quote for your property today.

July 24, 2019

How To Save Your Home From Foreclosure

Foreclosure is a process that no homeowner wants to go through. But the reality is that sometimes, financial hardship can cause missed mortgage payments. If you fall too far behind, your home is at risk of foreclosure. Foreclosures don’t only cost you your home, they are also incredibly damaging to your credit. It is possible to avoid foreclosure, even if you are currently at risk. Here are some of the steps that you can take to avoid losing it all.  

Consider Your Options For Getting Back Into Good Standing

  Homeowners at risk of foreclosure have several options for getting back into good standing with their mortgage company:

• Reinstatement: This involves paying back the past due amount in a lump sum. This lump sum payment must be made by a specific date.
• Short Refinance: In this process, your mortgage company may decide to forgive a small part of your debt. The rest of your debt will be refinanced into a new loan.
• Special Forbearance: This is typically only granted in special circumstances, such as a medical emergency. In a special forbearance, you may get your payments lowered or suspended on a temporary basis. Your lender must agree to these terms, and generally only offers special forbearance if they believe the issue is temporary.
• Mortgage Modification: In a mortgage modification (also called loan modification) you can work with your lender to refinance and change the terms of your loan. You may be able to extend the term.

Bankruptcy or Deed In Place of Foreclosure

  A bankruptcy doesn’t stop the foreclosure process, it only delays it by a few months. However, filing bankruptcy could provide you with a bit more time to make a decision. Refinancing isn’t an option after a bankruptcy because of the damage to your credit score. However, you may be able to sell your property at this time. A deed in place of foreclosure is another option for distressed homeowners. During this process, the homeowner gives the deed to the lender in exchange for forgiving the remaining debt. This allows you to avoid foreclosure and the damage to your credit.  

Pre-Foreclosure Sale

  Selling your home for less than the full amount of the mortgage loan is difficult, but it is often the reality of a pre-foreclosure sale. This is a choice that many homeowners turn to when all other options have been exhausted. In some cases, your lender may require that you complete the sale by a certain period of time.    If you are going through a foreclosure, it is important to know that you have options. Washington, DC area homeowners can sell their property to 4 Brothers Buy Houses and avoid all of the negative repercussions of a foreclosure. During the foreclosure process, time is critical, and you may need cash immediately to avoid negative penalties. By selling to 4 Brothers Buy Houses you can get the money you need right away, so that you can avoid a foreclosure and move on with your life.

July 23, 2019

How To Sell Your Home During A Divorce

Going through a divorce can be one of the most stressful experiences anyone has to deal with in their lives. Handling your finances during a divorce can make things even more difficult. If you are selling your home during a divorce, here is what you need to know.   

Remember That Both Parties (Or The Courts) Need To Agree To Sell The Home

  During a divorce, both parties will need to agree to sell the home in order for a sale to commence. In lieu of that, the home can be sold under a court order. The court may order the parties to sell the property if necessary to pay for attorney fees, if the homeowners have not made their property tax payments, or if the home is at risk of foreclosure.   

Hire Real Estate Professionals With Experience Selling Divorced Homes

  It is important to work with real estate professionals who have experience selling homes when the owners were getting a divorce. This process requires a greater understanding of how to navigate the legal system and how to deal with two parties who sometimes have opposing interests. The agent in these cases must be neutral, not representing either side.   

Don’t Let Your Emotions Harm Your Home’s Sale Value

  In some cases, one spouse may not be totally committed to the sale of the home even though there is a court order. This can cause a wide range of negative emotions that can manifest themselves in destructive ways. There have been reports of angry spouses sabotaging a home for sale during divorce by damaging the interior or refusing to clean when the property needs to be showcased to prospective buyers. Don’t let this angry spouse be you! Even if you aren’t 100% committed to the sale, you are only damaging your home’s sale value and reducing the amount of profits you’ll receive. This can make it even harder to move on.     

How Are The Profits Divided?

  This can be tricky, and acrimonious. First, the sale’s proceeds must pay off any obligations, such as mortgage debt. If you have legally agreed to make other debt payments, then those may need to be paid before the profits are divided as well. The rest of the profits will be divided based on agreements made in the divorce, and it isn’t always 50-50. For example, if one spouse has made all the mortgage payments post separation, then they’ve been responsible for increasing the equity, and may be entitled to more profits because of their contributions.    If you are going through a divorce, you don’t have to go through the traditional home sale process of hiring a real estate agent and showing your property to prospective buyers. You can immediately sell your property to 4 Brothers Buy Houses and avoid all of the hassle. 4 Brothers Buy Houses makes it simple for property owners to quickly get fair value for their homes, so that they can move on with their lives. You can get a free no obligation quote at any time, and you decide how you’d like to move forward. Divorce can be difficult, but the sale of your home doesn’t have to be.

July 8, 2019

An Update On The Maryland Real Estate Market

The Maryland real estate market is doing extremely well, with median home values closing in on $300,000. Housing prices have risen over the past several years and that trend is expected to continue. Maryland residents’ income has risen steadily over the past several years, with the median income now close to $75,000. This means that residents can afford high prices, and the high demand for limited inventory only pushes home values higher. Some of the most expensive suburbs in the state are just outside of Washington, DC. Cities such as Bethesda and Potomac have median home values approaching $1,000,000, which is indicative of how well the real estate market in Maryland is doing.  

The Maryland Real Estate Market Is Booming

  In most real estate markets, you have to figure out the right time to sell. In Maryland, there is almost always enough demand to satisfy the needs of sellers. Qualified buyers are attracted to Maryland because of its proximity to DC and the wide range of local amenities. Government workers, military contractors, and technology employees are just a few of the skilled workers who are increasingly moving to Maryland and looking to purchase a home.   

Selling Your Maryland Home Is Easier Than Ever

  Selling your Maryland property is a process that doesn’t take nearly as long as in other markets. Typically, the closer your property is to Washington, DC, the higher the price you can expect when the offers come in. Generally, homes closer to the capital also sell faster. However, there are more affordable housing options located in other areas of the state, such as Baltimore.   

Finding A Reputable Real Estate Agent Is Still Important

  Just because the Maryland real estate market is hot doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t work with a professional. If you are looking to sell your home the traditional way, then you should work with a real estate agent and potentially even a real estate lawyer, depending on your needs. An agent can walk you through the process so that you understand all of the rules and regulations. An agent can also answer all of your questions on the timeline of the sale and what potential repairs you may need to make to your home before a sale becomes viable.  If you want to bypass the traditional real estate process and sell your property immediately, 4 Brothers Buy Houses can help. We buy homes from Maryland homeowners just like you. You can avoid the hassle and frustration of dealing with a real estate agent, completing repairs, and showcasing your home to prospective buyers. When you sell your property to us, you don’t have to worry about negotiating with multiple parties or fixing up your home for closing. We’ll handle the entire process so that you can get a fair value for your home on your terms, and on your timeline. Call us today and get a no obligation, free quote. We’d be happy to work with you to see if we’re a fit for your needs.

July 8, 2019

The Current State of The Virginia Real Estate Market

Virginia has one of the more interesting real estate markets in the United States. Northern Virginia is in close proximity to the nation’s capital and a wide range of government and military jobs. Southern Virginia is more rural, with scenic countrysides and a small town feel. Homebuyers can find pretty much whatever they are looking for in the state, which also has some aesthetically pleasing coastal beaches. Here is a closer look at what is currently happening in the Virginia real estate market.   

Higher Prices But Fewer Sales

  Home values continue to increase in Virginia, but the market is seeing slower growth in the number of sales. This has highlighted how expensive the market has become, as Long & Foster Real Estate issued a report stating that sales in Arlington County fell 12 percent from 2017 to 2018. Sales in Loudoun County fell 23 percent in the same time period. The number of homes on the market continues to fall, and as inventory falls, home prices continue to rise.   

Homebuyers Facing Issues With Affordability

  Homebuyers in Northern Virginia are struggling to afford the available properties with such a dramatic increase in home values in the past few years. That explains the recent drop in sales even as home prices continue to increase. However, this issue is not nearly as serious in Southern Virginia, where home values can be almost $100,000 lower than properties located near the Washington, DC or Maryland border.   

No Major Changes Expected In The Near Term

  In the near term future, you should expect housing prices in Virginia to continue to steadily increase. Virginia’s largest cities continue to attract major corporations, and some of the most important military bases are also located in the state. Government workers in the nation’s capital tend to commute from Northern Virginia or Maryland, and those jobs aren’t going anywhere either. Homebuyers in the area likely want to move as quickly as possible to try and lock in a price before incoming increases next year. Sellers have more flexibility, but the expensive market could keep them from selling as fast as they’d like.    Are you interested in selling your Virginia home immediately? You can do just that by selling your property to 4 Brothers Buy Houses. We can give you a free, no-obligation quote as soon as you are ready. You can avoid all of the traditional frustration and stress that comes with selling a property under a real estate agent and a lawyer. Bypass the repairs and remodeling process and don’t worry about showing your home to prospective buyers. Sell your property to 4 Brothers Buy Houses and get what your property is worth when you want it. We want to give homeowners the peace of mind that they deserve. Too many homeowners in Virginia worry about how they can sell their home on their terms. 4 Brothers Buy Houses makes that possible. Sell your home on your own timeline.

July 8, 2019

How To Sell Your Arlington, VA Property Quickly

The median home price in Arlington, Virginia has crept up to over half a million dollars. If you are looking to sell your Arlington property quickly, the good news is that there will be many prospective buyers ready to take a look at your home. There is high demand for properties located near Washington, DC, and Arlington has been a beneficiary of that in recent years. Here’s how you can sell your Arlington property fast.   

The First Step Is Contacting a Real Estate Agent

  The first thing that you need to do is to contact a real estate agent. A real estate agent will help you get your property listed. You want to make sure that your property is easy to find online, and that there are strong pictures listed that showcase your home’s most desirable traits. A real estate agent will walk you through this process and also help match you with qualified buyers. When one is found, they’ll also handle your negotiations.  

Make Sure Your Property Is Ready To Be Shown To Prospective Buyers

  You want to make sure that your property doesn’t have any eyesores on the exterior or the interior. You want to ensure that a prospective buyer who visits will fall in love with the property from the moment that they lay eyes on it. That means handling necessary repairs to the roof, flooring, or improving the landscaping to increase the curb appeal.   

The Amazon Effect Is Increasing Home Values

  One of the biggest factors helping increase Arlington home values is the impending construction of Amazon’s new headquarters in the Northern Virginia area. Amazon is one of the largest retailers in the world, and their presence in Northern Virginia will bring thousands of jobs and high-skill workers. Those skilled workers need a place to live, and Arlington is one of the most attractive options in the DC area. Amazon was attracted to Northern Virginia because of its proximity to government jobs in the capital and the number of colleges located in the region. It is likely that other major corporations will also be attracted to the region in the near future, which only serves to further increase housing prices.  Want to sell your Arlington, Virginia property but don’t want to deal with the frustration and stress that typically comes with the sale process? 4 Brothers Buy Houses is ready to purchase your home for a fair price right now. We will purchase your Virginia home immediately so that you don’t have to go through the process of hiring an agent, working with a lawyer, listing online, or negotiating with other parties. We take pride in helping families sell their properties when they want to. You can get your money when you need it, instead of waiting weeks or months for the right qualified buyer with a real estate agent. Call 4 Brothers Buy Houses today and get your free, no obligation quote.

July 8, 2019

Four Ways To Sell Your Rental Property Fast

Selling your rental property can be a complicated process. Selling a home is difficult enough, but when you are selling a rental property, you are subject to a wide range of tenant laws that can be difficult for anyone to navigate. And unfortunately, any mistakes during this process can be exceedingly expensive for rental property owners. You can simplify the process and sell your rental property faster by following the rules and working with professionals. Here’s how: 

1. Know The Law

  One of the biggest mistakes that rental property owners make is not knowing the law when they are selling their real estate property. For example, Washington, DC laws require rental property owners to offer their property to their tenants first in any potential sale scenario. Failing to do so can lead to significant fines and a long delay in the actual sale. Make sure that you understand real estate law and tenant law in your locality so that you don’t make critical mistakes that can cost you money and delay the sale.

2. Work With Your Tenants

  Working with your tenants can make the sale process much easier. You’ll want to be able to show prospective buyers the property, and your tenants will have to work with you on that. Be upfront with your tenants about the intended sale. You can make their lives easier by offering to pay for repairs or offering up gift cards for their time when you need to show the property. 

3. Fix Up The Property

  This should go without saying, but you’ll need to make repairs in order to ensure that you can maximize the value of your property. That means fixing appliances, flooring, and ensuring that the landscaping in the front and back of the home is presentable. 

4. Prioritize Showing The Home To Investors

  Showing your home to investors is a good use of your time. Investors are better able to see the value in the property, especially if it is tenant occupied and will be producing cash as soon as they finalize the purchase. Investors are more likely to act quickly when they find a deal to their liking, and they have a better idea of what they are looking for in a property as well.  Don’t want to go through the hassle of selling your rental property with a real estate agent and a lawyer? You’ve got good news–4 Brothers Buy Houses is prepared to purchase your rental property immediately. That means you don’t have to worry about repairs, remodels, or spending money on your property’s curb appeal. You don’t have to stress about how to sell with your tenants still occupying the property either. We’ll give you a free, no obligation quote on your home when you are ready to get started. Our goal is to make selling your rental property a friction-free process.