Edwin Gerace's Real Estate Blog

Friday, June 26, 2009

Edwin's Gerace's Real Estate and Economic Solution

I have observed something interesting in the real estate market although extremely complex. The continuing economic mistakes have created unprecedented consequences in an industry that has been known for its stability and predictability. These errors need major corrections for the healing to begin. The correction needed cannot be implemented without critical financial adjustments.

There is an abundant supply of homes in Lexington, Chapin/Ballentine, Forest Acres, Irmo, Lake Murray area, and other parts of Lexington and Richland County. I have several blog posts about
South Carolina market conditions, HUD’s attempt to help Home Buyers, News about Real Estate in South Carolina and other Real Estate in 2009. The questions most frequently asked me are: “Are houses selling? And “What is going to happen to house values?

As an experienced Realtor, my opinion is that corrections are necessary and crucial to recovery. The timely recovery of the real estate market requires corrections but these corrections must be joint efforts of the real estate industry and banks/financial institutions. It has to be a joint effort for recovery to occur in a timely manner.

The following are Edwin Gerace’s five steps for recovery of the real estate market:

1. Keep mortgage rates under 6% with no large swings in the rates. (With large swings in the rates people may be motivated to refinance but that does not stimulate the real estate market,) For todays interest rates email me.

2. It is mandatory for banks to work quickly with Realtors, sellers, buyers and other parties on “short sales”. The current “short sale” process is a perceived as a nightmare. Qualified buyers back off. This does not help the people that need it the most. Policies that are pro buyer and pro moving intentory need to be created and mandated.

3. Halt all foreclosures if home is occupied and mandate the bank to work with local Realtors to create a timely “short sale” opportunity for qualified residential buyers. This keeps owners in their home and not on the streets. This forces banks to work for solutions because when banks foreclose, homeowners are out and the bank “fire sales” the home, market values drop and everyone loses. It is a lose-lose proposition.

4. There needs to be some type of incentive program for Unfinished construction on the market to be completed. This way, banks can sell a finished product. The typical buyer is not interested in buying a ½ finished house. There is slim chance of getting a loan on the ½ finished house. The net effect of doing nothing with these homes is the property values of the surrounding homes fall and the unfinished home condition declines. Another lose-lose situation. With an incentive program for a builder to complete the house, the net effect will be a builder with work, bank sells house, and neighbors don’t lose property value.

5. Banks to have system in place to lend money. The model that worked 2 years ago( lending to anyone with a pulse, no down payment and inflated apprasials) contributed to the current financial crisis. The present model is not the answer either going to the extreme of tightening the credit requirements and requiring large down payments. This knee-jerk reaction has scared off potential buyers and is no help in reviving the real estate market. We might need to find a banking policy model from 8-10 years ago that worked with people that had credit issues to secure a loan that is fair to all parties, banks and consumers.

I Feel the government and the lenders put people in situations that led to the situation that we are in. We need a team approach to get us back on our 2 feet.

These are the views of Edwin Gerace and only Edwin Gerace.

Feel free to comment and post your thoughts and ask Edwin questions by sending email to him

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Mortgage Industry

Notes and Comments from Edwin Gerace of Russell & Jeffcoat Realtors and Chris Smith of Wells Fargo Mortgage.
What are some of the largest changes in the Mortgage Industry that effect buyers?
In the past few years, the biggest concern that a prospective home purchaser should consider is the restrictions associated with financing. Just two years ago, a purchaser could expect that they may be able to buy a home with no down payment, with marginal credit, and without documenting her income. Those days are long gone now. Purchasers of home now can expect that lenders now expect a down payment (as little as 3.5%). In addition, credit is more important- a purchaser can expect not to get very favorable financing terms unless her credit is of the highest quality. All aspects of a mortgage loan application will be scrutinized greatly now- documenting all income and assets thoroughly.

Are interest rates going to stay steady over next several months or do you see them to climb?
As to interest rates, in the past seven months, we have seen a big drop in rates, though in the past few weeks, we've seen a bit of a tick upward. Though it's impossible to accurately forecast future interest rates, I expect rates to continue to be below 5.5% for the next few months.

When is a good time to refinance your home?
When it comes to refinancing a home loan, there are innumerable rules of thumb. Some say that refinancing is a good idea if rates are at least 1% below the existing loan rate. Others say this gap needs to be at least 2%. I don't like any of the rules of thumb. Before even considering the rate differences, I would suggest that a homeowner first ask herself, "How long do I expect to own this home?" If a homeowner can tell me exactly how long she will own the home, I can say with a great amount of confidence whether or not refinancing makes sense.

Has the loan approval process over last 90 to 120 days on loans changed?
In the previous year, the homeloan application process has changed fairly dramatically. In most all instances, lenders are now scrutinizing documents at a very high degree. A prospective homebuyer can expect that her lender of choice will be asking many many questions after application, once paystubs, W-2 forms, tax returns, and bank statements are provided to the lender.

Are there any True 100% financing programs out there?
As far as I know, apart from USDA RURAL HOUSING, 100% financing homeloan programs are extinct animals.

What are the top 2-4 factors that effect buyers buying/ credit score numbers?
As to cxredit scores, there are thousands of opinions as to what constitutes a great credit score. For most people who live in a world called "real," it's just about impossible to do all of the things necessary to have a "perfect" credit score. Generally speaking though, as to working on improving credit scores, a consumer should 1) pay her bills on time, and 2) if you aren't using some of your credit cards, those accounts should be closed.

Chris Smith is a loan officer with Wells Fargo Mortgages with over 5 years of experience in the Columbia market. He has helped buyers find the right mortgage that fits thier needs.
Give him a call or email him today if you need any information about getting a mortgage loan. He can help with purchases or refinances in 48 of the 50 states. Kip Murphy , Loan Officer, Wells Fargo Mortgage, Cell : 803-361-4263, (803) 951-0713 Tel, Christopher.M.Smith2@wellsfargo.com, Visit me on the web at www.wfhm.com/christopher-smith

Edwin Gerace is a realtor with Russell and Jeffcoat Realtors with over 10 years of expierence in the Columbia market. He has help buyers,sellers and builders over the years reach thier real estate desires. Feel free to call or email him about real estate. Visit him on othe web at http://www.edwingerace.com/ or visit his blog at http://www.edwingeracesrealestateblog.com/ . Contact him at 803-609-7653 cause with Ed You Win.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Real Estate in The Midlands

I am a realtor with over 10 years of experience and what I am seeing in the real estate market now is something very interesting and complex. What I am seeing is a abundant amount of errors in the economy that have caused so major corrections to occur in real estate. The flaw in that is that the correction needed can not be implemented with out some changes with out some financing adjustments. That is where the rubber hits the road.



There is an abundant supply of homes in some areas to include Lexington, Chapin/Ballentine, Forest Acres, Irmo, Lake Murray area, and other parts of Lexington County and Richland County. I have wrote several posts on my blog about South Carolina Market Conditions, HUD's attempt to help Home Buyers, News about Real Estate in South Carolina and other topics on Real Estate in 2009, but the question is still asked of me daily is " Are Houses Selling?" or "What is going to happen to House values?"



Edwin's opinion and only his is that there must be some corrections made and some team work with banks and other financial institutions for anything to happen in a timely manor.



Step 1 is to keep Mortgage Rates under 6% and there be no Large swing in rates. With swings in rates you get people refinancing but that last time I checked only helped bankers and appraisers and didn't build houses or sell houses.

Step 2 is for it to be mandatory for banks to work with Realtors,sellers,buyers and all other parties in a timely manor on short sales. The process currently is bogged down and is perceived as a nightmare to get involved in. So potential buyers are leaving the people that need the help the most.

Step 3 halt all foreclosures if home is occupied and mandate the bank work with local Realtors to create a short sale opportunity for primary residential buyers. This people in homes not on streets. This keeps banks working for solutions. Cause when banks foreclose, homeowner is out and the bank fire sales the home. The net effect is the same except putting someone out on the street.

Step 4 New construction that is out in the market place, make some type of incentive or work with other local builders to finish the homes. This way banks can sell finished products. The typical homeowner is not real interested in buying a 1/2 finished house. Secondly there is a slim to none chance of getting a loan to finish the house for the consumer. So the net effect of doing nothing with these homes is that the neighbor home values fall, the condition of 1/2 done house gets worse and banks loose more money. Fix the house sell it for below market. The net effect with this is a builder with no job gets work, bank gets house sold, the neighbors don't loose thousands.

Step 5 Banks to have systems in place to lend money. The model that worked 2 years ago about lending money to anyone that had a pluse and no downpayment and apprasials for what ever value the consumer wanted doesnt work now and we see it has huge side effects. The current model is not the answer either with tightening the credit requirments, large down payments which actually is scaring buyers is not the answer. We might need to find a banking policy model from 8-10 years ago that worked with people that had credit issues, but was willing to work to get the loan done but was fair to all parties including banks and consumers.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Comments about Home Inspections from Edwin Gerace and Kip Craig of Columbia SC

Home inspections on homes is something I used to suggest, now days I am requiring them on homes. Not to promote the industry but to protect my clients. I feel very strong that having a professional look over your largest investment you own is something that needs to be done.

What are most common maintenance issues you see when inspecting a home?
Some of the easiest items to maintain often cause the most expensive damage. Most common are clogged gutters leading to drainage problems and wood rot/decay. Not keeping trim and caulking maintained around doors and windows causing wood rot/decay in these areas including inside walls and sub-structure in crawl space. Small plumbing leaks that are often not corrected until is too late.

What are the largest misconceptions about home inspection?
I am sometimes asked to create and inspection to be used as a maintenance or wish list to present to the seller to make the home perfect. The home inspection is a tool to help the client make decisions regarding their purchase and to give them understanding of the general condition of the home at the time of the inspection.

What do you look for generally in a home inspection?
A thorough inspection will cover: Electrical System, Water Heater, Plumbing System, HVAC, Attic, Insulation, Ventilation, Roof and Flashing, Gutters, Basement, Crawlspace, Foundation, Grading, Siding and Trim, Driveways and Walks, Ceilings, Floors, Walls, Doors & Windows, Chimney, Fireplace, Major Appliances, and More


What do you say to people that say they don’t need one in new homes?
They are making a mistake. Just this week I inspected a 2 year old home where the 1st floor hall bathroom tub drain had never been connected to the main drain. For 2 years the tub drained into the crawl space and the owner never it. I have several stories just like this one. The home inspection fee would have been much less than the plumbers repair bill.

How long does it take for a typical inspection?
It all depends on the size and condition of the home. A typical inspection takes between 2 or 3 hours.

Can you inspect a home that is not for sale but for persons ease of mind?
Yes, We are often asked to inspect homes for homeowners that are interested in properly maintaining their home and protecting its value by finding problems while they are small and less expensive to repair. It is also becoming more common for homeowners to have there homes inspected prior to listing their home for sale. This prevents surprises later when the home goes under contract.

Where would I search for a home inspector outside Columbia ( List or group)?
Google or use your favorite search engine. Also your real-estate agent often can supply you with names of several Home Inspection companies to choose from in your area. Then take the time to interview them. Check list of inspectors at associations such as ASHI and NACI

What is a question to ask a home inspector prior to hiring him/her?
I recommend calling and interviewing any prospective Home Inspector prior to hiring. As you know purchasing a home is possibly the largest invest someone will ever make in their life. Always ask these 4 questions:
A. What licenses do you hold. - Just a home inspection license is not enough, multiple licenses are recommended such as Home builder, Architect, Engineer
B. How many Home Inspections have you performed. Experience counts any number less than 2000 he is a rookie.
C. Are you or your company insured and bonded.
D. When do I get the inspection report. On-The-Spot reports are the best. Most home inspectors carry laptops and printers and print full color reports with pictures at the time of the home inspection. This will allow the inspector to review the report with and answer any questions while he is with you.


Kip Craig with Home Inspection One, 803-730-7954, http://www.scinspectionone.com/ Kip has been a professionally liscensed inspector for many years and seen thousands of homes. He has been a licensed builder for over 25 years. Kip has 10 years as a licensed home inspector. Feel free to email him at kip@scinspectionsONE.com


Edwin Gerace is a realtor with Russell and Jeffcoat Realtors with over 10 years of expierence in the Columbia market. He has help buyers,sellers and builders over the years reach thier real estate desires. Feel free to call or email him about real estate. Visit him on othe web at http://www.edwingerace.com/ or visit his blog at http://www.edwingeracesrealestateblog.com/ . Contact him at 803-609-7653 cause with Ed You Win.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

NACA, Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA)

What is NACA ?

The Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America ("NACA") is a non-profit, community advocacy and home ownership organization. NACA’s primary goal is to build strong, healthy neighborhoods in urban and rural areas nationwide through affordable home ownership. NACA has made the dream of home ownership a reality for thousands of working people by counseling them honestly and effectively, enabling even those with poor credit to purchase a home or refinance a predatory loan with far better terms than those provided even in the prime market.

What is the first step to becoming a home owner through NACA?
You’ll need to attend a NACA purchase workshop. You can go to www.naca.com or call 888-302-6222, and sign up for the next workshop nearest you. Feel free to ask questions by calling the number or Calling Edwin Gerace at 803-957-5566

Feel free to email Edwin Gerace for more information mail@609sold.com or call him at 803-957-5566 or his cell at 803-609-7653.

Is there down payment and additional closing cost when using NACA?
There is no Down Payment or Closing cost There are no cost besides what NACA helps you save for the closing of your new home.

Who is eligible for NACA?
Everyone who does not own a home. You can sell your home, and then buy a new one with the NACA program

Can I buy a new home using NACA?
Yes

How does NACA’s Interest Rates compare to National Banks?
NACA’s Rate is always one point below the Conventional rate. Very Competitive.

Does NACA help me work through my financial issues so that I can buy a house now and in the future?
Yes. They guide you on down payment, monthly payment, saving money, and budgeting so that you are set up for success.

What are some of the major misconceptions of NACA?
NACA takes to long. NACA will work with each individuals circumstance to pre-pare them for home ownership. Depending on the client but you can expect a time frame from 3 weeks to what it takes to get you ready for home ownership.

NACA Overview
NACA Membership
Search Homes in Columbia SC
Kids Eat Free
About Edwin Gerace

Information was gathered from a Local NACA Representative.

Edwin Gerace's Lexington SC Real Estate Blog

About Me

My photo
Lexington, SC, United States
Edwin Gerace is Realtor with Holiday Builders in Lexington South Carolina. Edwin specializes in New Construction and 1st Time Home Buyers. Edwin is very active in Lexington South Carolina and is knowledgeable about the surroundings. Edwin is very active in his profession and community such as: On active committees with the Columbia Home Builders, active and on committees with Lexington Chamber of Commerce, Town of Lexington Performing Arts Center, Green Building Council of HBA, LORADAC, State Association of Realtors on State and Local Level, and many other community oriented service groups.
Bookmark and Share

Lexington News

Edwin Gerace's Twitter Updates

    follow me on Twitter