Chris Farkas Bellingham Blog: February 2009

Condos MISUNDERESTIMATED!?

Via Loannetter:

  Loannetter

susan templeton

mortgage planner

phone 360.220.2997
susan@loannetter.com 

 

Condominiums seem to be suffering a lack of investor interest to say the least these days! I know several of owner/developers who have done the right thing by their prospective buyers by building new or sensitively converting older buildings into very solid investments for first time owners and investors.

Meanwhile: Lenders who will fund 'unwarrantable condos' are scarce as hen's teeth. I have several who are OK with Jumbo loans on condos for excellent borrowers (high net worth individuals). I am talking about our local emerging market: teeming with first time buyers, people scaling down, retirees and college students who would really benefit from kiddie condo loans (essentially loans to parents for 4-6 years). Presently, we are stuck with the 'Spot FHA Approval' as the baseline. If the project does not have HUD or FNMA approval ie 51% sold, an HOA in place and tenancy is largely investor or 2nd homes we are sunk. 95% financing would be a real boon and this audience is otherwise doomed

I would dearly love to speak with individuals or investors interested in funding loans for very deserving folks in the $150-250K range.

We have many great projects in our Pacific NW Region including some mixed use urban and rural condos that are slightly left of center and so timely for the needs of today's buyers.

Thanks for your support!

 Give your buyers this Credit Link and we will discuss their tri-merge lender report with them. Our firm is licensed in WA, Oregon and Idaho.

Washington Licenses: 510-LO-31434  510-MB-24707-50145

0 commentsChris Farkas • February 14 2009 01:58PM

Qualifying A Property Prior To Purchase

Let’s say that you are driving your car down a stretch of road and you see a beautiful home. Lo and behold, it would appear that this gorgeous home has a for sale sign on its property. It would seem that the gods have smiled upon you as purchasing the home is all you can think of. There is the problem: all you are thinking of is purchasing a home based on its personal appeal to you. Now, it goes without saying that one should purchase a home that is appealing, but there are also practical and pragmatic issues that need to be taken into consideration before making such a purchase. This should include performing a solid and reliable method of qualifying the home first.

On the surface, some may assume that qualifying the home is a complicated procedure. While it is definitely not a cursory venture, it is also not one that is overly complicated either. Basically, what qualifying the property entails is ascertaining the various financial aspects associated with it. For example, what is the market value of the home and what have similar homes in the same area been selling for? If this is a home that is in foreclosure, how much of the remaining mortgage balance does the property owner owe? What is the condition of the home? Is repair work required and what would the costs be? As you can see, answering these questions add additional spheres to an individual’s ability to make a decision as to whether or not the property is worth purchasing.

Chris Farkas is a Realtor with EXIT Realty Associates

www.YourWhatcomAgent.com
www.RealBellingham.com
www.WhatcomShortSale.com

www.SoundShortSale.com

www.RainCityHomeSearch.com
www.SellFastWashington.com
www.SellFastSeattle.com
www.FreeBellinghamHomeSearch.com
www.FreeLyndenHomeSearch.com
www.FreeBlaineHomeSearch.com
www.FreeBirchBayHomeSearch.com
www.ColumbiaNeighborhoodHomes.com

1 commentChris Farkas • February 09 2009 06:53PM

Washington Economic Stimulus Package Update

Good news you can share with your clients

Due to the efforts of the National Association of REALTORS® and specific members of Congress, we are making significant progress in regards to housing provisions in the National Economic Stimulus Bill.

Last week, the US House of Representatives passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (H.R.1). This bill has some key provisions that will stimulate the housing market:

  • It will restore FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to 125 percent of median home prices - up to $729,750
  • It would eliminate the repayment provision for the $7,500 first time home buyer tax credit
  • It expands tax-exempt housing bonds

Two days ago, the Senate approved an amendment to their bill that offers up to a $15,000 tax credit to people that purchase a home in the next year.  The credit would apply to anyone, not just first time homebuyers and you would not need to repay the credit.  The credit is based on 10% of the purchase price of the home and the credit is spread over two years.  So for example, if you buy a house with a purchase price of $300,000, you would qualify for the maximum credit of $15,000.  The first year you claim the credit, you receive $7,500, and you would receive the remaining $7,500 the next year.

 

Senator Patty Murray Introduces Housing Amendment

 
In addition to supporting the $15,000 credit, Senator Patty Murray (D) Washington, has introduced her own amendment to the Senate Stimulus Bill relating to the FHA and conforming loan limits. Specifically, Murray's amendment:  
  • Ensures that the 2008 FHA mortgage limits and conforming loan limits do not decline during calendar year 2009.
  • Provides discretion to the Secretary of HUD and the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to raise loan limits in sub-areas, up to the conforming ceiling for high cost areas.  
  • Temporarily increases FHA's Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) limit to $625,500 for 2009.  

"On behalf of all American families and over 20,000 Washington REALTORS® I'd like to thank Senator Patty Murray for introducing this amendment to the Senate Stimulus Bill to increase the loan limits" said Greg Wright, President of the Washington REALTORS®.

 

This week
The Senate is considering its version of the bill.  We anticipate much more debate and some changes in the days ahead, so please check Realtor.org often for updates.   

Once the Senate passes a bill, we expect lawmakers to hold a conference to work out the differences, before sending it along to the President.  The President wants a finished product by February 16, 2009.

 

Tell Congress what you think!
You can send an email to urge Congress to support NAR's Housing Stimulus Plan in order to Unlock America's Economy. It is simple and quick to do by clicking on the link below for NAR's Action Center.
Link to NAR Action Center

0 commentsChris Farkas • February 08 2009 02:44PM

Spokane Real Estate Broker Takes Top International Honor

Congratulations to all EXIT Real Estate Honor Recipients.  Great job!

 

Chris Farkas

EXIT Realty Associates

www.RealBellingham.com

www.SellFastWashington

Via The Team at EXIT Realty (EXIT Realty Corp. International):

Ambassador Award Winner Sabrina Jones-Schroeder, Broker/Owner, EXIT Real Estate - Jones & AssociatesEXIT Realty Corp. International recognized the best in North America at their 2008 Convention held in Nashville, TN.   Steve Morris, EXIT Realty Founder and CEO, was on hand to present the Ambassador Award to Sabrina Jones-Schroeder, Broker/Owner of EXIT Real Estate - Jones & Associates.  The Ambassador Award recognizes the EXIT Associate who most exemplifies the EXIT Realty philosophy both in his or her own community and across the EXIT system.

"The beauty of the EXIT system is that through sponsorship, there is a built-in desire to mentor," commented Jones-Schroeder.  "That has not changed even with the explosive growth of this organization.  We enjoy a camaraderie that is rare in a real estate office.  We cheer each other's success and lend support where needed."

"Sabrina's sense of positive spirit coupled with her optimism and enthusiasm exemplifies what EXIT is all about", said Morris. "Her team spirit and ability to see the big picture have resulted in three smoothly-run franchise operations, with fabulous décor and harmonious congeniality among her associates." 

EXIT Realty has enjoyed tremendous growth throughout North America.  This growth is based largely on the strength of its recruiting and retirement benefits.  The EXIT Formula provides sales associates a chance to earn a combination of residual income over and above their own transactions through a process known as sponsoring and an enhanced retirement and beneficiary benefit; all of which have been unheard of in the real estate industry until now. 

For more information on joining EXIT Real Estate - Jones & Associates as a real estate sales representative, please contact:

Sabrina Jones-Schroeder, Broker/Owner
EXIT Real Estate - Jones & Associates
sabrina@exitofspokane.com
509.535.8400

For more information on real estate franchise opportunities in Washington, Oregon, Kansas and Missouri, please contact:

Bruce Caruth, Regional Owner
EXIT Realty of Washington, Oregon, Kansas and Missouri
bcaruth@comcast.net
520.975.8297

0 commentsChris Farkas • February 01 2009 06:33PM

Ottawa-Area Real Estate Broker Takes Two Top International Honours

Congratulations to all EXIT Real Estate Honor Recipients.  Great job!

 

Chris Farkas

EXIT Realty Associates

www.RealBellingham.com

www.SellFastWashington

Via The Team at EXIT Realty (EXIT Realty Corp. International):

Maggie Tessier, Franchisee, EXIT Realty Matrix, Orleans ONThe weather may be cold, but the real estate business is hot for Maggie Tessier, Broker/Owner of EXIT Realty Matrix in Orleans Ontario who took two of the top honours at EXIT Realty Corp. International's 2008 Convention held in Nashville, TN. 

EXIT Realty Founder and CEO, Steve Morris, was on hand to present Tessier with the awards for Top Gross Sales and Top Unit Producer in North America. 

"Maggie has proven that at EXIT Realty excellence is available to all who are willing to make the commitment.  Individuals ‘wishing they could' are certain to be passed by those ‘knowing they can,'" said Morris.  "And Maggie has more than proven she can."   

"What an incredible expression of both personal drive and empathy orientation, unheard of in most real estate circles," said Joyce Paron, President of EXIT Realty's Canadian organization. "The discipline, hard work, and perseverance it takes to reach this level of achievement are substantial. We so proud of Maggie and the valuable contribution she makes to raise the standard of real estate service excellence." 

EXIT Realty, founded in Canada in 1996, has enjoyed tremendous growth throughout North America.  This growth is based largely on the strength of its recruiting and retirement benefits.  The EXIT Formula provides sales associates a chance to earn a combination of residual income over and above their own transactions through a process known as sponsoring and an enhanced retirement and beneficiary benefit; all of which have been unheard of in the real estate industry until now. 

For information on joining EXIT Realty Matrix as a real estate sales representative, please contact:

Maggie Tessier, Broker/Owner
EXIT Realty Matrix
admin@exitorleans.com
613.837.0011

For more information on real estate franchise opportunities in Ontario, please contact:

Ed Martens, Sr VP Franchise Sales, Canada
EXIT Realty Corp. International
exit@exitrealty.com
800.630.3948

0 commentsChris Farkas • February 01 2009 06:33PM

Oklahoma Real Estate Champion Honored at International Convention

Congratulations to all EXIT Real Estate Honor Recipients.  Great job!

 

Chris Farkas

EXIT Realty Associates

www.RealBellingham.com

www.SellFastWashington

Via The Team at EXIT Realty (EXIT Realty Corp. International):

Bob and Dixie Linn, EXIT Bob Linn Real Estate, Oklahoma City, OKEXIT Realty Corp. International recognized the best in North America at their 2008 Convention held in Nashville, TN.   Steve Morris, EXIT Realty Founder and CEO, was on hand to present the Top Recruiter Award to Broker/Owners Bob and Dixie Linn of EXIT Bob Linn Real Estate.  The Linns own four EXIT offices in Oklahoma City and Yukon. 

"We chose EXIT because we believe [the company] is positioned to be the largest and most influential franchise in the real estate industry," said Linn.  With the residual income, the retirement and beneficiary program, we firmly believe we can change the lifestyle of our sales associates for years to come."

"The Linns always radiate exuberant charm and charisma.  Both Bob and Dixie are superb talent scouts no matter what the market", said Morris. 

"I would tell anyone who is looking to brand their real estate company that there is only one choice ... and that's EXIT," concluded Linn. 

EXIT Realty has enjoyed tremendous growth throughout North America.  This growth is based largely on the strength of its recruiting and retirement benefits.  The EXIT Formula provides sales associates a chance to earn a combination of residual income over and above their own transactions through a process known as sponsoring and an enhanced retirement and beneficiary benefit; all of which have been unheard of in the real estate industry until now. 

For more information on joining EXIT Bob Linn Real Estate as a real estate sales representative, please contact:

Bob Linn, Broker/Owner
EXIT Bob Linn Real Estate
boblinn@boblinngmac.com
405.752.9660

For more information on real estate franchise opportunities in Oklahoma, please contact:

Scott and Laura Roussel, Regional Owners
EXIT Realty Arkansas and Oklahoma
laura@exitarok.com
800.509.3948

0 commentsChris Farkas • February 01 2009 06:33PM

Southern Californian Takes Top International Honor

Congratulations to all EXIT Real Estate Honor Recipients.  Great job!

 

Chris Farkas

EXIT Realty Associates

www.RealBellingham.com

www.SellFastWashington

Via The Team at EXIT Realty (EXIT Realty Corp. International):

Bob Keeran, Regional Owner, EXIT Southern CaliforniaEXIT Realty Corp. International recognized the best in North America at their 2008 Convention held in Nashville, TN.   Steve Morris, EXIT Realty Founder and CEO, was on hand to present the Esprit de Corps Award to Bob Keeran, Regional Owner of EXIT Realty Southern California. The Esprit de Corps Award recognizes the EXIT Associate who most exemplifies the EXIT Realty spirit both in his or her own community and throughout the EXIT system.

"Bob's exuberance in everything he does is infectious," said Morris.  "His initiative is admirable and his ability to rally the troupes a true gift.  His spirit, dedication and originality are appreciated by everyone in the corporation."

EXIT Realty has enjoyed tremendous growth throughout North America.  This growth is based largely on the strength of its recruiting and retirement benefits.  The EXIT Formula provides sales associates a chance to earn a combination of residual income over and above their own transactions through a process known as sponsoring and an enhanced retirement and beneficiary benefit; all of which have been unheard of in the real estate industry until now. 

For more information on joining EXIT Realty as a real estate sales representative, or for information on franchise opportunities in Southern California, please contact:

Bob Keeran, Regional Owner
EXIT Southern California
exitrealtysocal@hotmail.com
760.952.2345

0 commentsChris Farkas • February 01 2009 06:32PM

Michael Washburn Honored as 2008 International Regional Owner of the Year

Congratulations to all EXIT Real Estate Honor Recipients.  Great job!

 

Chris Farkas

EXIT Realty Associates

www.RealBellingham.com

www.SellFastWashington

Via The Team at EXIT Realty (EXIT Realty Corp. International):

Michael Washburn, Regional Owner, EXIT of the CarolinasDespite the challenges in the real estate industry over the past year, EXIT Realty of the Carolinas has continued to prosper, adding 9 franchise sales throughout North and South Carolina.  In recognition of the region's outstanding growth while exemplifying the philosophy and spirit of EXIT Realty, Steve Morris, EXIT Realty Corp. International's Founder and CEO, proudly honored Regional Owner Michael Washburn at EXIT's 2008 International Convention held in Nashville, TN.

"Michael is always optimistic and enthusiastic.  He consistently demonstrates both his salesmanship and managerial expertise no matter what the market.  He is an absolute compliment to our organization", said Morris.  

"What seems to be exciting people about EXIT Realty," explains Washburn, "is the understanding that EXIT has a better way to operate a real estate brokerage allowing the Broker to structure his office environment [in a way that] that fosters agent growth and productivity in any market".  

EXIT Realty has enjoyed tremendous growth throughout North America.  This growth is based largely on the strength of its recruiting and retirement benefits.  The EXIT Formula provides sales associates a chance to earn a combination of residual income over and above their own transactions and an enhanced retirement and beneficiary benefit; all of which have been unheard of in the real estate industry until now. 

For more information about joining EXIT Realty as a real estate sales representative in North or South Carolina, or for information on franchise opportunities, please contact:

Michael Washburn, Regional Owner
EXIT of the Carolinas
admin@exitrealtycarolinas.com
843-375-9255

0 commentsChris Farkas • February 01 2009 06:32PM

New Brunswick Champions Honoured at International Convention

Congratulations to all EXIT Real Estate Honor Recipients.  Great job!

 

Chris Farkas

EXIT Realty Associates

www.RealBellingham.com

www.SellFastWashington

Via The Team at EXIT Realty (EXIT Realty Corp. International):

Philip Duplisea and David Sawler, Franchisees, EXIT Realty Advantage, Fredericton NBEXIT Realty Corp. International recognized the best in North America at their 2008 Convention in Nashville, TN with the top business achievement award, "Broker Owner of the Year", going to Philip Duplisea and David Sawler, franchisees of EXIT Realty Advantage, Fredericton, NB.  The pair also took home the coveted award for "Largest Grossing Single Office in North America". 

"These awards represent the highest possible level of achievement in North America for associates in the EXIT system.  With the United States market place out numbering the Canadian market place by ten times the agent count, having Canadians take home the top prizes is a testament to the commitment, focus and work ethic of these individuals," said Joyce Paron, President of EXIT Realty's Canadian Organization.

In addition, the franchisees and associates in Atlantic Canada were honoured with a special award commemorating their superior growth and development.  "It is clear that EXIT has attracted exceptional people who love the real estate business and we are proud of all of them," Paron concluded.

EXIT Realty, founded in Canada in 1996, has enjoyed tremendous growth throughout North America.  This growth is based largely on the strength of its recruiting and retirement benefits.  The EXIT Formula provides sales associates a chance to earn a combination of residual income over and above their own transactions through a process known as sponsoring and an enhanced retirement and beneficiary benefit; all of which have been unheard of in the real estate industry until now. 

For information on joining EXIT Realty Advantage as a real estate sales representative, please contact:

Philip Duplisea and David Sawler
EXIT Realty Advantage
pduplisea@exitadvantage.ca
506.455.3948

For more information on real estate franchise opportunities in Atlantic Canada, please contact:

Ed Martens, Sr VP Franchise Sales, Canada
EXIT Realty Corp. International
exit@exitrealty.com
800.630.3948

0 commentsChris Farkas • February 01 2009 06:32PM

Wisconsin Real Estate Broker Takes Two Top International Honors

Congratulations to all EXIT Real Estate Honor Recipients.  Great job!

 

Chris Farkas

EXIT Realty Associates

www.RealBellingham.com

www.SellFastWashington

Via The Team at EXIT Realty (EXIT Realty Corp. International):

Gregory Muller, Associate Broker/Franchisee, EXIT Elite RealtyThe weather may be cold, but the real estate business is hot for Gregory Muller, Associate Broker with EXIT Elite Realty in Neenah, WI, who took two of the top honors at EXIT Realty Corp. International's 2008 Convention held in Nashville, TN. 

EXIT Realty Founder and CEO, Steve Morris, was on hand to present Muller with the Tri-Real-A-Thon, known as EXIT Realty's "iron-man" award, which is given in recognition of achieving top honors in sales, listings and sponsoring. 

Muller was also recognized as EXIT Realty's Top Lister having taken the most listings during the award period. 

"Gregory has proven that at EXIT Realty excellence is available to all who are willing to make the commitment.  Individuals ‘wishing they could' are certain to be passed by those ‘knowing they can,'" said Morris.  "And Gregory has more than proven he can."

EXIT Realty has enjoyed tremendous growth throughout North America.  This growth is based largely on the strength of its recruiting and retirement benefits.  The EXIT Formula provides sales associates a chance to earn a combination of residual income over and above their own transactions through a process known as sponsoring and an enhanced retirement and beneficiary benefit; all of which have been unheard of in the real estate industry until now. 

For more information on joining EXIT Realty as a real estate sales representative, please contact:

Gregory Muller, Associate Broker/Franchisee
EXIT Elite Realty
wreo@wreo.net
920.722.1100

For more information on real estate franchise opportunities in Wisconsin or Minnesota, please contact:

Alan Dirks, Regional Owner
EXIT Realty Wisconsin and Minnesota
adirks@exitrealtymn.com

952.697.5900

0 commentsChris Farkas • February 01 2009 06:31PM