Archive for the ‘short sale’ Category

After several years of experience in Listing and Selling Properties in Northwest Indiana Subject To Lenders Approval of Short Sale, Jeff Safrin, Real Estate Broker/Owner of F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate completed the National Association Of REALTORS requirements for the SFR - Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource Certification Designation.

Every Short Sale is not the same - There are many possible scenario’s that can occur during the complex process of short sale approval (lender’s filing of foreclosure proceedings, bankruptcy court proceedings etc..).

1st hand experience in working through these difficult situations are not taught in the basics of NAR’s class, but in the “school of hard knocks” called life experiences.

Our best  resource for helping you decide whether you choose us to represent you in the sale of your property which may be subject to your lenders approval of a short sale is the recommendation of our past clients or  attorneys who have worked with us during this specific type of real estate transaction.

References available upon request.

Recently, we closed on some of our listed  homes in Northwest Indiana that were for sale subject to the Lenders approval of a Short Sale. Not all short sales are alike. Each has it’s own set of individual circumstances and obstacles to overcome in getting to the closing table.

These particular short sales closed sooner (less time) than some of our other pending listings that have offers with “traditional” lending involved, in which it is sometimes more common to have underwriting delays nowadays ;(

NW Indiana Short Sale SOLD-26 days from For Sale Sign Up to Signing Documents at the Closing Table.

Valparaiso, IN Short Sale SOLD -33 Days from Receipt of the Buyers Offer to Purchase to Closing the Short Sale Transaction.

We’ve blogged about short sales before, and in our opinion, they are here to stay while. They require much more time, energy, effort, and problem solving than traditional real estate transactions!!! (also our opinion:)

If you are behind on your mortgage payments and considering selling your home subject to your lender approving a short sale, consider giving us a call to discuss the possibility of using our professional services.

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Located between  Rogers Lakewood Park and Bicentennial Park in Valparaiso, IN is a small development of Townhome Duplexes called The Cottages.  (Click on map link below the photo slide show).

This convenient location conducive to nature trails and yet just a few miles from major roads makes this new listing desirable location + affordable for those who can see the opportunity and have patience. Located close enough for commute to Chicago by I 90 Toll-road or I 94 Expressway or South Shore Train or Local BUS, this may be worth your careful consideration.

The sale of this property is subject to the lenders approval of a short sale.

To read More about Short Sales Check out these previous BLOGS about our previous experiences in getting them done and then give us a call with your questions or to schedule a private showing with advance notice please.

Short Sales are Not a Game.

Some Short Sales in Northwest Indiana Real Estate Are Getting Done Quicker & Easier !
Indiana HomeOwner’s facing Short Sale – A New Law that may help!

Short Sale tips that Helped us.

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Opportunity Knocks – Great Location for this newer 1/2 Duplex in Valpo

Overview Maps Photos Features Description Neighborhood

$154,000 Townhouse For Sale Main Features 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 Partial Bathroom 1 Unit Interior: 1562 sqft Lot: 00 sqft Location 351 Cottage View Terrace Valparaiso, IN 46383

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Jeff & Grace Safrin F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate (219) 309-9930 safrin@jorsm.com http://www.safrin.net Listed by: Jeff Safrin of F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

Our recent listings Opportunity Knocks – Great Location for this newer 1/2 Duplex in Valpo Fixer Upper Sold As Is Corner 4 Unit Close to Downtown Valpo! Look No More – This Bungalow will surprise you! Subject to Short Sale Approval Subscribe to our listing feed

See more Valparaiso, IN real estate for sale

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Just in time for Super Bowl Weekend we received this email from a past client today (a New Orleans Saints Fan)  in which we (Indianapolis Colts fans) successfully Listed & Sold their Northwest Indiana Home subject to their lenders approval of a short sale….

I guess we can agree to disagree on some things GO Colts!!!

HI Grace / Jeff,

Don’t have a scanner here, so just put my testimonial below.  Hope that works ok for you.  You may use my name if you wish.

Have a great weekend and

“GO Saints” !!!!!  

Lynn

I had my house listed with a large well known real estate agent for 6 months. The house didn’t sell and it sat empty costing me a fortune with each passing month, paying for mortgage, utilities, insurance etc. I came across Jeff and Grace Safrin’s name on a website. I talked with Jeff and decided on a short sale, based on the information I had obtained from my mortgage company. The house was listed on a Monday and by Saturday of the same week we were signing papers. A Couple of weeks later, we closed on the sale.

Jeff is extremely knowledgeable in real estate, selling, short sales and handling and dealing with all aspects of this business. He worked quickly and efficiently to get the sale closed, with liens, and several other road blocks. Jeff and his wife are very friendly and personable and a pleasure to work with. The Safrin’s know their business and I would recommend them to ANYONE looking to buy or sell a home.

Click here to read about Short Sales in Northwest Indiana we have facilitated successfully.

Then give us a call if you are in the market to Buy a Short Sale Listing.

or…

If you are behind on your mortgage payments and your lender will consider a short sale, give us a call @ 219-405-1232 to set up a time to meet and tour your property and talk to see if we can help you.

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Subject to Short Sale Approval

Overview Maps Photos Features Description Neighborhood Market Stats

$69,900 Single Family Home For Sale Main Features 3 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom 1 Unit Interior: 925 sqft Lot: 6,426 sqft Location 3234 163rd Street Hammond, IN 46323

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Jeff & Grace Safrin F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate (219) 309-9930 safrin@jorsm.com http://www.safrin.net Listed by: Jeff Safrin of F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate

Our recent listings Subject to Short Sale Approval Best Value in Autumn Creek + Seller Assists w/Closing Costs! Affordable Newer Home in Town Location Immaculate & Affordable Condo – great In Town VALPO location! Ideal for Related Living or Big Family-> Subscribe to our listing feed

See more Hammond, IN real estate for sale

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Hasty and Sweeping Generalizations about Short Sales are illogical.

We are Listing and Selling them in reasonable time frames.

With cash deals, some Short sales are closing even quicker than regular listed properties!

Just depends on the lender, cooperation of the seller, qualification of the buyer, and on the experience, knowledge and tenacity of the REALTORS handling the transaction:)

Below are several Homes For Sale in Northwest Indiana that are subject to lenders approval of a Short Sale.

To read More about Short Sales Check out these previous BLOGS about our experiences in getting them done and then give us a call.

Short Sales are Not a Game.

Some Short Sales in Northwest Indiana Real Estate Are Getting Done Quicker & Easier !
Indiana HomeOwner’s facing Short Sale – A New Law that may help!

Short Sale tips that Helped us.

Porter County, Indiana -Valparaiso, IN 46383 Home For Sale – Offer Subject to Lenders Approval of a Short Sale

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La Porte, Indiana – LaPorte, IN 46350 Home For Sale – Offer Subject to Lenders Approval of a Short Sale

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Starke County, Indiana - Bass Lake Area Home For Sale – Offer Subject To Lenders Approval of a Short Sale

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Knox, Indiana 46534 – Fixer Upper Home for Sale – Offer Subject to Lenders Approval of a Short Sale.

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We visited some of our Listed Properties For Sale in Starke County, IN to take photos.

The fisherman were already launching boats out on Bass Lake…

On our way back, we stopped at the huge, well known 5 acre site known as Bailey’s Discount Center and enjoyed some Ice cream while we helped stimulate the economy with some shopping:)

If you’ve never been to Bailey’s and live in NorthWest Indiana, it’s well worth the trip. MAP

We’ve had past clients rave about the Custom Kitchen Cabinets in their homes, purchased from here (and these were Lake and Porter County residents…so they drove a bit to get Home Improvement bargains.

If you go, wear your walking shoes – this place is big and there is a wide variety of goods for sale and some goodies to munch on as well

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Starke County Property For Sale-Subject To Lenders Approval of Short Sale

$135,000-A Block from Bass Lake-Newer 2088 SF Cape Cod on 0.8 Acre Lot

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Jeff& GraceSafrin “ Spouses Selling Houses” TM

Real Estate Broker Owners F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate – Independently owned & operated.

F.C. Tucker – Indiana’s Largest Real Estate Company

If we can help you find a home or land in NW Indiana, give us a call @ 219-405-1232 – we are Full Time Full Service Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, & Starke Counties.

On Facebook ?…… be-friend us – look up Jeff Safrin : )

Linked in ??….. link to us… look up Grace Safrin : )

TWITTER?? …Follow…. SAFRIN

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Top 10 Reasons to List Your Home For Sale using the Professional Services of “Spouses Selling Houses” TM…

1) Satisfied Clients

Our proven record of providing clients with the best possible service speaks for itself. Please feel free to read our many client Testimonials @ www.safrin.net

2) Straight Talk

We don’t tell clients what they want to hear if it’s not reality. Last year we turned down as many Listings as we SOLD. In this market, there is a difference between wanting to SELL or wanting to STAY. We work collaboratively with those who are willing to listen to professional suggestions.

3) WYSIWYG - What You See Is What You Get

No Gatekeepers – We answer our own phone calls and give personalized service throughout all phases of your Real Estate Transaction.. No unlicensed personnel or assistants taking your calls, messages or handling the file of one of your life’s biggest investments!

4) Technology

The REAL ESTATE Business is changing. We strive to continually improve our knowledge and keep up with an assertive Internet Marketing Plan and the use of : Social Media Like Twitter, Facebook, Linked-IN, Blogs, SEO, Syndication, Google Ranking, Data tracking- i.e. IP visits/key word analysis.

5) Communication & Follow Up

Having two licensed Real Estate Brokers working for you is an advantage. We place value on keeping our Clients informed.

6) Thinking Outside the Box

In Today’s Challenging Real Estate Market, we have been recognized nationally for our use of innovative strategies to help sellers achieve their goals of Relocation. To read more about this search Google :” Safrin + Reverse Offer “. or read about our successful Short Sale Strategies-> click here

7) Pre-qualify All Buyers we work with

Since day one – we have had this policy! In today’s tight lending environment, it is more important than ever not to waste your time (or ours) by determining ready, willing, and able buyers prior to scheduling a showing on your property.

Value of a Certified Residential Specialist.

Only 4% of REALTORS nationwide have achieved this designation. Not only is extra education a requirement, but proof of a threshold number of successfully closed transactions in a certain time parameter. Grace Safrin is a CRS – read why this makes a difference in marketing your property to sell @ http://www.crs.com/msite/6613688

9) Value of a Top Producer

Title of 1^stVice President of Residential Sales and Life Member of Presidents Club ( our company’s highest honor) is achieved by a disciplined, results oriented work ethic. Jeff Safrin is a consistent top producer both in NW Indiana and statewide.

10) The Power of F.C. Tucker

Founded in 1918 on the “Golden Rule” philosophy, this 3^rd generation family-owned business is the largest and most successful real estate company in the State of Indiana, representing more buyers and sellers than any other company statewide.

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Thanks for stopping by and reading our Northwest Indiana Real Estate Blog!

Sincerely,

Jeff & Grace Safrin – “Spouses Selling Houses” TM

Real Estate Broker/ Owners of F.C. Tucker 1st Team Real Estate-Independently Owned & Operated

Valparaiso residents serving Lake, Porter, La Porte, Counties in NW Indiana.

For Sale By Owner Stories= The Good, The BAD, & the Ugly->

The Good….

Growing up in a small neighborhood on the south side of Chicago called Hegewisch, (where everybody knew everybody), I can remember several FSBO transactions that happened without contracts! Property was sold by verbal agreement and a handshake….. ah the good old days of people who kept to their word. Today, things are not always as easy, although many FSBO sales are successful. Lately, with the challenging economy & Real Estate Market, the caveat of Buyer Beware calls even more for professional services of a licensed Real Estate Broker.

Since 1999, I’ve been compiling stories (maybe I’ll write a book someday:) of actual events of meeting with FSBO owners. Some we listed and sold, some we helped facilitate the sale by bringing a buyer. But some…. were TBA-AAC (to be avoided, at all costs). Here are just a few excerpts from some of our experiences of dealings with FSBO properties.

The Bad….

A son, with the same name first & last names as his father, met with us to discuss the sale of a 3 unit investment property that we had a potential buyer for. He represented himself as the owner, but the business card, which he gave us when we toured the property had JR. after his name…the county record did not! When Jeff later called to confirm ownership and validity of intent to sell with the SR., his voice became sad for being the one to break shocking news to an elderly man about what his only son was attempting.

A Husband and Wife (two separate last names on title, quickly explained to us when questioned about it, that the change was never made with the county after marriage). At the appointment later in the week, the couple claimed they were motivated to sell, only problem, they must have forgot we printed the county record and when the husband introduced his wife with a different 1st name?… truth = It was actually his mother on Title & Deed – a quick phone call to Mom on the spot was enlightening… LOL …uh oh, no sale here after mama found out.

The Ugly….

A previous client tried to get his friend to at least talk with us before buying for sale by owner. He did not heed the advice, yet a few months after the sale, he did called us about a flood in the basement (neighbors eagerly informed him the home always floods with heavy rains….something that was not told to him by the previous owner). We asked him what the Indiana Residential Sellers Disclosure FORM said….oh no - FSBO not required to disclose defects with the property in IN…so none was ever filled out, like every professionally LISTED property is required to have!

One beautiful FSBO home was listed 100 K over area comps (it was stunning, with an exceptional premium lot – so our buyers asked us to investigate).
The sellers told us they had several deals fall through – we asked why? Apparently, the 3 mortgages on the property (all different lenders) would not allow or come to an agreement on terms to permit any short sale…The sellers were so upside down on what they owed the banks on this property!
We wondered after leaving this home: How any potential buyers could entrust FSBO sellers in similar situations with thousand of dollars in earnest money??…not knowing important background information on the property liens ?

Remember the wise advise written in the refrain to the song Kenny Rogers sang called ‘The Gambler’?

Know when to walk away. There are enough obstacles in a regular real estate transaction these days of getting safe, listed properties to close – no bluffing!

If you are currently trying to sell your property For Sale By Owner without success, give us a call to show you Plan B – We’ve helped many previous FSBO clients get their home SOLD… read some of our TESTIMONIALS.

If you are a serious pre-approved buyer and considering a FSBO property purchase – use our services as a Buyer Agent to represent you in the transaction.

Give us a call today @ 219-405-1232 to discuss any questions or your particular situation.

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If we can help you find a home or land in NW Indiana, give us a call @ 219-405-1232 – we are Full Time Full Service Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte Counties in NW Indiana.

Jeff& GraceSafrin “ Spouses Selling Houses” TM

Real Estate Broker /Owners of F.C. Tucker – 1st Team Real Estate – Independently Owned & Operated

the 32nd affiliate office of F.C.Tucker => Indiana’s Largest Real Estate Company

On Facebook ?…… be-friend us – look up Jeff Safrin : )

Earlier this week, Jeff got a call to do another Broker Price Opinion on a deserted Home Facing Foreclosure in Northwest Indiana.

It’s sad to note, that some of these properties have been neglected for a long time, with water damage and mold growing as a result.

Surprising that people wait so long and finally abandon their homes. I often wonder when looking at the damages shown by photos…. if the homeowner tried calling a Real Estate Broker experienced in negotiating short sales early in the game….before it’s too late….or even talked to the lender about loan modification programs to get a lower interest rate before their 1, 3, or 5 year ARM (adjustable rate mortgage) came due?

The bright spot in the trip came when he stopped along the way back home and took this picture of a Swan carefully guarding her NEST….there is no doubt she would fuss and fight if anyone threatened to take it away.

An old Proverb came to mind when I saw this photo :

Proverbs 27:8
⁸Like a bird that wanders from her nest,
So is a man who wanders from his home.

If you are behind or unable to make your mortgage payments – call us to discuss possible options.

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Jeff& GraceSafrin “ Spouses Selling Houses” TM

Real Estate Broker / Owners of F.C. Tucker – 1st Team Real Estate one of 32 offices Independently owned and operated affiliated with F.C.Tucker- Indiana’s Largest Real Estate Company (established1918).

If we can help you find a home or land in NW Indiana, give us a call @ 219-405-1232 – we are Full Time Full Service Real Estate Brokers serving Lake, Porter, La Porte Counties.

On Facebook ?…… be-friend us – look up Jeff Safrin : )

Linked in ??….. link to us… look up Grace Safrin : )

TWITTER?? …Follow…. SAFRIN