Dean Graziosi

A few short years ago experts were predicting that by 2012 the housing market and foreclosure rates would return to normal. Now that 2012 is almost here, it seems that the predictions were not as accurate as everyone hoped. The down economy is certainly a factor, but this time, there is another culprit in the situation.

The primary reason 2012 is likely to be heavy on foreclosures is due to recent irregularities in the mortgage industry. Specifically, the paperwork was not being handled properly. Low-level employees were rubber stamping documents at an alarming rate.

It would have been impossible for the workers to review the paperwork and get the correct information and signatures in the flash of time they spent on each document. Perhaps they were under pressure to get a certain amount of work done. Maybe they were just poorly trained. For whatever reason, the foreclosure documents were signed thoughtlessly and mistakes were made. Eventually, legal action was taken to halt these foreclosures.

Now the mortgage companies have begun to revamp their processes and clear up these bad practices. They are now meeting with government approval and are getting back in the business of handing out foreclosure notices. By 2012, the big players should be in full swing, working on reclaiming properties from non-paying owners.

The bottleneck could have been avoided with proper training and supervision of all employees at these mortgage lenders companies. Yet, the number of foreclosures overall may not be much different. Instead of coming spaced out evenly over the months, there was a time when the process slowed down, and now there will be a time when the mortgage companies make up for lost time with their foreclosures.

The good news for homeowners is that it gives them a longer period of time to come up with the money to catch up their mortgages. If they have a chance of saving their home at all, they are more likely to do it with this extra time they have been given.

The good news for people who want to buy a home is that there will likely be a glut of REO homes on the market after awhile. Because of this, there will be inexpensive houses for them to choose.

Real estate investors will also see benefits, as they snap up the foreclosed properties, rehab them, and sell them again at a profit. They may have opportunities to buy homes to rent if they prefer. Investors can make the most of this bad situation if they have enough contacts and are good at reselling or renting homes.

It is a good time to raise capital to be ready for the 2012 housing situation. It is the best way for homeowners to keep their homes, potential owners to be ready to buy, and investors to be ready to make the best deals. There is no need to fear what will happen in 2012. Instead, look it as an opportunity, and get your ducks in a row.

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Moving from one place to another can be a difficult proposition. If the move is from one city or state to another, it can be even more trouble to get everything done. Many people will try to shortcut the process by using the same Realtor for both selling their old home and buying another. Here are 3 very good reason s why that is a bad idea.

1. Buyers’ Agent vs. Sellers’ Agent

A Realtor generally works as either a buyers’ agent or a sellers’ agent. At the very least, most Realtors have the bulk of their experience as one or the other. The best move you can make is to get the best person for each job. Your buying specialist will know and help you with all the details of choosing, inspecting, and dealing on a home you are purchasing. The sellers’ agent will know the best ways to put your old home on the market, prepare it for sale and make that kind of deal. Let each expert shine.

2. Knowledge of Location

It is always best to work with a Realtor who has personal knowledge of the city, and especially the state where you want to live. They can then help you find the best neighborhoods, the best schools, and the best areas for transportation. They are more likely to know people who are looking to buy or sell homes in that location than someone who is working from afar.

3.  Knowledge of Local Rules

A long distance move usually entails working with different laws, rules and regulations in buying or selling a home. In selling the home, you will need to be sure you have satisfied all the local requirements for inspections, disclosures, and other paperwork. As a buyer, you will want to make sure you are getting the full rights that are afforded to you in the locale you are moving to. Unless one Realtor works in both locations, it makes sense to use two separate people or agencies.

When to Break This Rule:

 Every rule has a breaking point, and this rule is no different. There are some times when using one Realtor can actually help the move go more smoothly. For example, if you are moving from house to house within a metropolitan area, one Realtor would probably have enough knowledge of the place and laws to guide you well in both areas. Then, a quick move may be easier to accomplish because your one Realtor is orchestrating both the sale of the old and the purchase of the new so that they can happen as close together in time as possible.

Learn about the background, qualifications, and locality awareness of each Realtor before you sign on. In the end, only you can make the decision to use one Realtor or to use two completely separate Realtors for buying and selling your properties in a move.

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Buying commercial real estate differs greatly from buying a home.  There are many things that business owners or investors need to consider before signing on the dotted line.  With the market in the state that it is currently in, many business owners are considering the benefits of purchasing commercial space instead of renewing their lease.  If you are a business owner who is faced with this dilemma, there are some things you should consider before deciding one way or the other.

If your company is experiencing a spurt of financial growth the time may be right for you to invest in a commercial property that can properly house your business and all that it entails.  When many companies begin to develop and grow, they may find that the space they are currently in has become too small to handle the amount of business that they are doing.  If this is the case, you want to consider purchasing a larger space that will give your company room to grow. 

When you purchase your own commercial space, you are awarded with greater control over your business.  Owning your own space will allow for a decrease in overhead as you are no longer required to pay rent.  Owning will also allow you to modify the space in any way that can benefit your company, without having to deal with restrictions placed on you by an owner.  Owning your own commercial space also allows you to take advantage of investment benefits, which include deprecation of the property for tax purposes, and over the years you will be rewarded with asset appreciation.

Choosing a commercial property that is centrally located with ease of access will make it much easier when you are receiving deliveries or when customers need to visit your location.  Having a location that is not hard to find makes it easier on customers who are planning to visit your offices.  A well located building will also make it easier on drivers who need to gain access to your business in order to pick up or deliver.  Choosing a location that is out of the way may cost you potential customers. 

Before purchasing your commercial property, many experts suggest meeting with a team of experts who can explain why one location may be better than another.  They may knowledge of which areas are the most business friendly as well as buildings that are capable of serving your business in the way that you are looking for.  They will also be able to explain any tax concerns or zoning issues that may be relevant to your business.  As with all major decisions, it is imperative that you do your homework and become familiar with the locations that you are interested in.

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