3 Tips To Buy Cheap Government Seized Houses

Countless assets owned by private entities are being seized by the government every single day. These assets range from cars to boats and furniture to homes.

Among these things, nothing has more value than government seized houses. Almost all the other items depreciate in value; unlike government seized houses which actually increase in market price over a period of time. It is therefore a good idea to include government seized houses in one's options in buying a home.

Buying government seized houses is advisable not only to people who want to acquire a home, but to people who want to make good money out of reselling houses.

Here are some tips that can help you in finding your ideal home among the numerous government seized houses out there.

1. Consult The Experts

Always consult with an accredited licensed real estate broker when you are planning to buy from the many government seized houses. While you certainly have to incur commission expenses if you make use of their expertise, the good thing is you will have a worry free purchasing transaction.

Besides, the total acquisition cost of government seized houses including the broker's commission is still not that huge when compared to buying a new house.

2. Seeing Is Believing

Check out the government seized houses that are on your list. Remember that government seized houses are sold at bargain-based prices because the government does not normally repair or renovate them before being floated in the market.

Location, location, location

What’s the first thing you look at when searching for an attractive residential investment property? Do you look at the exteriors of the house since it’s the first thing potential buyers ever see, with a keen eye on impressive landscaping, manicured lawns, a fancy gazebo and an impressive outside fireplace? Or do you look for the house with the most impressive interiors, particularly the one with the best living room, kitchen, bathrooms and master bedroom? Or do you fancy yourself to be a cost-effective investor who searches for a potential dream house but one that is sold at the most affordable price?

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a piece of property for your own personal use or for investment purposes. Location is where you begin. The following is a checklist of basic questions when searching for the ideal location.

1. How is the local community, town or city? Is it safe? Are there nearby places that can meet your basic requirements such as a supermarket, schools, gas stations, hospitals or clinics, church, dry cleaners? Do the schools have a high standard of education? Are they overcrowded? Would you feel secure having your kids playing in front of the house? How is access to local highways, major traffic routes, and mass transit services?

2. Is it economically stable? Are the businesses in the area flourishing? Is there a good mix of commercial and business districts? Are there enough business endeavors to provide ample job opportunities?

Make a Few Changes in Your Real Estate Business Model & Create a Quantum Leap in Your Closing Ratio

Real Estate Professionals-Embrace Change as an Opportunity

Did you realize that new technology is making it possible for you to do business at a level of sophistication, impossible to reach in just a few years ago?

To get an idea of how much more value you could be providing for your clients, please ask yourself the following questions:

* What would happen to my business if I could find a way to have more control over the loan process and see it through to completion each and every time and never miss a loan commitment deadline or closing?
* What if, by the virtue of creating a strategic alliance with a team, I could close more sales and increase my income?
* What if, I could have control over how mortgages are priced for my clients?
* What if, I could also get quality referrals from some of those clients that I am not closing now and get more referrals from my present clientele, because they were even more satisfied with my service?
* Working with your team would be like having my own Mortgage Company just as some Real Estate Companies and Managing Brokers already have, but without the hassles and added expense they experience?

Here is what one of our Strategic Alliance’s client had to say: "I have chosen to take on the mortgage business as a serious part of my real estate business for a few reasons. I have worked with Steve Toth in the past and trust his ability and judgment. I can see the financial potential of offering mortgages to my clients who already trust in me and depend on my services. Having control over such an important part of a real estate transaction gives me a lot more confidence" -Jared Faris-Realtor Keller Williams Realty

* What if, you could work with industry leading mortgage professionals using a consultative and solution oriented process to ensure that you and your clients are comfortable with the entire process from initial pre-qualification to the closing and servicing of their loan?
* What if, your team was a direct lender, offering enhanced control over the various stages of the mortgage process and maintained on-site control of Processing, Underwriting, Document Preparation and Funding?
* What if, your team understood that not every borrower fits into the traditional banker’s box and they had a keen focus on alternative loan products and help you convert more of your existing prospects into clients and closed transactions?

Growing up is Optional

A recent poll in England on people approaching retirement age revealed that over 50% were considering retiring to a warmer country. Spain was by far the first choice of destinations. Economics were the first reasons cited, with climate and pace of life following.

There is no way to identify from initial enquiries what age the person is, but not too much land, easy access to shops as requirements are good indicators, plus the “old give away” better spelling and formal use of grammar in emails! I am still often surprised by them when we finally meet in the office. Most of them are very positive and well informed on the implications of their move, with knowledge of the systems for retiring here ie pensions and health care issues. Some comments made by this group once they have settle, are lovely ……………

He was easier to live with, when he was out to work all day

I see more of my children and grandchildren since moving here!

I always wanted time for a hobby, now I have so many hobbies it’s like full time work again (was this comment a moan or bragging?).

It’s true, the more you have to do the more you achieve (well not in this office!)

The days in Spain are so much shorter. (This comment still makes me smile.)

What does it feel like being retired in Spain? (I will let them know in a good few years, a quick look in the mirror confirms a tired look, must get an early night!)

When I was in my late teens an elderly French woman living opposite my flat befriended me. Softly spoken, very independent and proud she invited me into her home. I was fascinated with her life story and wisdom. On the subject of age her accented voice I can still hear. “Don’t dust the mirrors too often”; “soft lighting will put you and your guests at ease.” “If there is nothing to laugh about use your memory to go back to a funny moment”. “Don’t stop eating what you like as you get older; be grateful you have the choice”. “Worry not about tomorrow, just hope that it comes”. There were many pearls of wisdom this eighty something lady offered me. Less than a quarter of her age, I did not understand their importance but her most often used line was, live each day with the person you love as though it is the last one you will have together. As I get older I see that time is precious, this point has started to be relevant. So all those things I have always wanted to do I plan to achieve soon, as later may just be too late!

Passport to Integration

Yes we need the passport to travel and most of us use it as a form of ID once we first settle here, but the passport I am referring to is not paper. With more and more families with young children relocating in this area they are the ones with the special passport.

Children are treasured here as they are perceived as the future of this country. With a falling birth rate, Spain welcomes families with open arms. Children integrate fast especially if they are under ten years old. The change of language and culture does not seem to faze them.

Once the young ones join the local school, the invites and involvement in community events start. The children are the reason on both cultural sides, all benefit from this liaison, not only in language but broadness of understanding. Children are the common link and from the friendships they form at school their parents are absorbed speedily into the Catalan way of life.

As an estate agent, I cannot answer, the often anxious questions from parents about how their children will cope with the changes. I cite the families I know and how they have integrated, make a few phone calls and introduce them to others who have already settled here. These families are the people I admire the most, their firm belief in making the change in location to benefit the family is only matched by the speed in which their children help the parents integrate. I wish I had moved here years ago with our daughter and given her the multicultural advantage these children have.

We live in a village but work in the city of Tortosa, the positive changes and attitudes have surprised us over the last few years. With courage the little tots come and say “hello” often with the praise from the adult accompanying them. On a daily basis I get purloined in shops and cafes by all generations wanting to practise their English language skills. With their enthusiasm it is not always easy to stop them and get the exchange balanced, how many of us have got a Catalan or Spanish phase rehearsed only to have the response returned in English. But we keep trying if only to amuse, also the follow incident which happened last year still makes me smile.

Make a Few Changes in Your Real Estate Business Model & Create a Quantum Leap in Your Closing Ratio

Did you realize that new technology is making it possible for you to do business at a level of sophistication, impossible to reach in just a few years ago?

To get an idea of how much more value you could be providing for your clients, please ask yourself the following questions:

* What would happen to my business if I could find a way to have more control over the loan process and see it through to completion each and every time and never miss a loan commitment deadline or closing?
* What if, by the virtue of creating a strategic alliance with a team, I could close more sales and increase my income?
* What if, I could have control over how mortgages are priced for my clients?
* What if, I could also get quality referrals from some of those clients that I am not closing now and get more referrals from my present clientele, because they were even more satisfied with my service?
* Working with your team would be like having my own Mortgage Company just as some Real Estate Companies and Managing Brokers already have, but without the hassles and added expense they experience?

Here is what one of our Strategic Alliance’s client had to say: "I have chosen to take on the mortgage business as a serious part of my real estate business for a few reasons. I have worked with Steve Toth in the past and trust his ability and judgment. I can see the financial potential of offering mortgages to my clients who already trust in me and depend on my services. Having control over such an important part of a real estate transaction gives me a lot more confidence" -Jared Faris-Realtor Keller Williams Realty

* What if, you could work with industry leading mortgage professionals using a consultative and solution oriented process to ensure that you and your clients are comfortable with the entire process from initial pre-qualification to the closing and servicing of their loan?
* What if, your team was a direct lender, offering enhanced control over the various stages of the mortgage process and maintained on-site control of Processing, Underwriting, Document Preparation and Funding?
* What if, your team understood that not every borrower fits into the traditional banker’s box and they had a keen focus on alternative loan products and help you convert more of your existing prospects into clients and closed transactions?

Location, location, location

What’s the first thing you look at when searching for an attractive residential investment property? Do you look at the exteriors of the house since it’s the first thing potential buyers ever see, with a keen eye on impressive landscaping, manicured lawns, a fancy gazebo and an impressive outside fireplace? Or do you look for the house with the most impressive interiors, particularly the one with the best living room, kitchen, bathrooms and master bedroom? Or do you fancy yourself to be a cost-effective investor who searches for a potential dream house but one that is sold at the most affordable price?

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a piece of property for your own personal use or for investment purposes. Location is where you begin. The following is a checklist of basic questions when searching for the ideal location.

1. How is the local community, town or city? Is it safe? Are there nearby places that can meet your basic requirements such as a supermarket, schools, gas stations, hospitals or clinics, church, dry cleaners? Do the schools have a high standard of education? Are they overcrowded? Would you feel secure having your kids playing in front of the house? How is access to local highways, major traffic routes, and mass transit services?

2. Is it economically stable? Are the businesses in the area flourishing? Is there a good mix of commercial and business districts? Are there enough business endeavors to provide ample job opportunities?

3. How are the local government services? Are the roads all paved and well-maintained? Is there a capable police force and a dependable fire station in the vicinity? How do local crime statistics compare to national levels? Are there regular community events such as an annual parade and activities for children, teenagers and the elderly?