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Is It Time To Downsizing the Home?

Is It Time To Downsize Your Home?

Choosing the right time to downsizing the home or real estate property can be difficult. We’re often emotional when it comes to our homes or real property, and it can be tough to move on from a home that’s been associated with us. So how do you decide that it’s truly time to move on?

As real estate experts, we buy houses, and the team here at Elite Properties has assisted thousands of people to stand by this decision.

And here’s what we are aware of: If one of the five situations below applies to you, it could be the appropriate time to downsize.

Situation 1# Your finances have changed.

If your income has outdone your expenses, downsizing can aid you in getting back to a sustainable financial situation. You may have moved from two incomes to one, or your hours at work have been slashed. Maybe your taxes and utilities have escalated. When we buy houses, we often realize these are the reasons from our clients.

Whatsoever the reason for your current financial status, be aware that a smaller house usually costs less to maintain. And in case you’re already having concerns paying the mortgage, ensure you’re aware of all your options!

Situation 2# Your household has changed.

This can occur for many reasons—a few positive and a few negative. If your kids are college-goers, if you’ve undergone a divorce, if you’ve lost a near and dear family member—all these family changes will probably impact how much of your home you’re actively using. If your house has extra rooms and a three-car garage when you own a single car, it’s time to downsize.

Situation 3# You’re traveling quite a bit.

Are you among those lucky retirees who are spending most of their time traveling? Or does your job keep you in the get-set-go mode? Because we buy houses, we have worked with several clients that have government or military jobs that keep them away from home for longer periods. Downsizing might seem appropriate to you. When you save money on home costs—mortgage, taxes, utilities, and upkeep—you can put that extra money (and of course time!) towards your travel and other activities. Are you a snowbird who goes south for a good half a year or you’re planning several different trips overseas for work or pleasure, there’s no point in expending a lot on a home you hardly use?

Situation 4# You don’t want the maintenance.

If you’re having a worry about keeping up with the maintenance of a larger home, downsizing can be the right option for you. Or maybe it’s just that your main concerns have changed and you value having free time at hand over having a bigger house. You don’t wish to be mowing a big lawn or setting the right faucet leaks when you could be reading or relaxing!

Whatever the reason could be, decreased capability or desire to spend time on home maintenance can be a great motive to downsize. As simple as that, your home should be a source of enjoyment, not exhaustion or frustration.

Situation 5# You’d like to age in place.

If you decide to stay independent, it is logical to downsizing the home and get yourself set up to age in place. Maintenance is one of the key factors, but it goes beyond that.

To age in place, you’ll perhaps desire a single-level, accessible home. Whether or not you use any mobility aids at present, you’ll want to make sure everything is accessible to a wheelchair or walker. You may need wider doorways, gadgets that are operable from sitting height, and grab bars in basic locations. Without a doubt, these accommodations can be put in almost any house. But it’s quite easier and less costly to make a smaller home accessible. We specialize in buying houses that our clients want to move from and settle in a more accessible home.

Elite Properties Homebuyers

If you’ve opted to downsize, we’re ready to help.

We’ll offer you a quick and fair cash offer for your present home(real estate property) just as it is now; no repairs, no inspection, no commissions or fees. You can even decide on your exact closing date to coordinate faultlessly with the purchase of your new, smaller home. Our team will walk you through every step of your quote. This includes a review of what your home would likely bring on the open market.

Additionally, refer experts from Elite Properties who can assist you in making the right decision. We are a cash buying company that suggests we provide fast closings. Call us at 718-977-5462 today.

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property deeds

Understanding Property Deeds & Real Property

Transactions come in all shapes and sizes, but they usually involve two parties: the buyer and the seller. Once a buyer pays for an item or service, they can take ownership of it. However, purchasing property is a bit different in that there’s usually a lot of paperwork involved before you can claim ownership. One of the most important documents you’ll come across when buying property is the property deeds.

What are Property Deeds?

Property deeds are legal documents that establish the new ownership of real property. Real property is land or anything attached to it, like buildings or roads. A deed must identify the grantor and grantee, and provide a sufficient description of the property. It’s important to understand how property deeds work to ensure a smooth transition of ownership.

Deeds are legal documents and they are used to transfer ownership of property. In order for a deed to be legally binding, it must contain certain information, such as the names of the parties involved, a description of the property, and the date of the transfer. There are different types of deeds that can be used for different purposes, such as warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special purpose deeds.

Livery of seisin was the old-school way of transferring real property. The person giving up the land would hand over a twig or clod of turf to the person receiving the land. A verbal or written statement would accompany the gesture, but it was the livery of seisin that made the transfer legal. Real property is conveyed by a paper deed.

Deeds are often seen as more official than other types of documentation. They are often a result of a court or legal ruling. However, they can also be private. They are executed by a deal between two or more individuals or businesses.

Necessary Information included in Deed

The content of a deed varies depending on the type of deed, but most deeds will include the following information:

  • The property description, including its boundaries, adjacent roads, and utilities;
  • The names and signatures of the seller and buyer;
  • A clause authorizing the transfer of ownership of the property; and
  • The final price of the property.

Critical Deed Elements

While each state has its necessities, the majority of deeds must contain several critical elements to be legally valid:

  • They must be in writing.
    The majority of deeds come in printed forms and have no legal constraint on them. All it should include are the essential elements of deeds.
  • The grantor must possess the legal capacity to transfer the property and the grantee must be capable of receiving the grant of the property. If a person can draw a contract with legal force, that individual is considered to be competent to serve as a grantor.
  • The grantor and grantee must be recognized in such a way as to be ascertainable.
  • The property must be sufficiently described.
  • Operative words of conveyance must exist. All standard form deeds contain the necessary legal language that essentially transfers the property.
  • The deed must be signed by the grantor or grantors in case the property is owned by more than one individual.
  • The deed must be legally conveyed to the grantee or someone acting on the grantee’s behalf.
  • The grantee must recognize the deed. But he can refuse delivery of the deed in certain circumstances.

Types of Deeds

Deeds are of various categories. They may be official or private. Official Deeds and implemented under court to legal proceedings. Most property transactions, though, contain individuals and business entities using private deeds.

We can classify deeds according to the type of title warranties. The different types of deeds are as follows:

General Warranty Deed

The general warranty deed bids the grantee the utmost protection. With this type of deed, the grantor makes a series of legally binding promises (called covenants) and warranties to the grantee (and their heirs) agreeing to safeguard the grantee alongside any prior claims and demands of all persons whomsoever in regards to the conveyed land. The usual covenants for title involved in a general warranty deed are:

  • It is the covenant of seisin, denoting that the grantor warrants they possess the property and has the legal right to transfer it
  • This is as the covenant against encumbrances, signifying that the grantor warrants that the property is free of liens or encumbrances, excluding as specifically stated in the deed
  • the covenant of quiet enjoyment. It signifies the grantee will have quiet possession of the property. And it will be true if the grantor has a defective title.
  • There is a covenant of further assurance, where the grantor assures to deliver any document necessary to make the title good

Special Warranty Deed

Whereas in a general warranty deed, the grantor assures to warrant and defend the title carried out against the claims of all persons, the grantor of a special warranty deed warrants that they acknowledged the title to the property and that they have not done anything while holding the title to create a defect.

The defects that arose during the grantor’s ownership are in warranty. Because of this restraint, the special warranty provides the grantee less protection than the general warranty deed. Several purchasers of real estate will assert a general warranty deed to guard against problems that could arise as a consequence of a special warranty deed.

Quitclaim Deed

The quitclaim deed, also called a non-warranty deed, offers the grantee the least amount of protection. This type of deed conveys whatever interest the grantor currently has in the property—if any. There are no warranties or promises of the quality of the title. If the grantor has a good title, the quitclaim deed is essentially as effective as a general warranty deed.

However, if the title contains a defect, the grantee has no legal recourse against the grantor under the deed. A quitclaim deed comes into use when the grantor wants to avoid the liability under title covenants or is unsure of the status of the title.

Special Purpose Deeds

Special purpose deeds exist in connection with legal procedures and situations. It happens when the person acting on behalf of the government executes the deed. Utmost special purpose deeds offer little to no protection to the grantee. They are quitclaim deeds. Below are examples of special purpose deeds:

  • Administrator’s Deed: This deed is viable when a person dies intestate. The court-appointed administrator reviews the decedent’s assets. This helps to transfer the ownership of the real estate to the grantee.
  • Executor’s Deed: When a person dies estate, the executor’s deed comes to use. The estate’s executor will distribute the asset of the decedent. He will convey the title to the grantee.
  • Sheriff’s Deed: A successful bidder at an execution sale receives a sheriff’s deed. It equates to the judgment that has been against the owner of the property.  The grantee accepts whatever title the judgment debtor has.
  • Tax Deed: When a property is in trade for delinquent taxes is a Tax Deed.
  • Deed in lieu of Foreclosure:  This is a legal document between the borrower and the lender who is in default on a mortgage. The lender agrees to allow the borrower to avoid foreclosure proceedings. This happens if the lender agrees to take the deed instead of foreclosure. Many lenders favor foreclosing to clean up the title.
  • Deed of Gift (Gift Deed). Deed of gift transfers Real Estate title without contemplation or token consideration. It is mandatory to record the gift deed within two years in the near states.  

What is Real Property?

Real property is not just a piece of land that you can touch and see, but the real property is also the materials that make up the land, such as buildings, trees, and any other structures. Real property is also known as real estate. It is a legal interest in land and anything permanently attached to the land. Real property can also include items that are above the ground, like antennas. In the US, real property is usually refer to as a real estate.

Real property works in a legal context. It is a property in which there is a real right to possession and use. You have to fill out forms for the transfer of Real Property.

The Bottom Line

The transfer of a property’s title is to give out by a deed. Specific key elements must contain within the deed for it to be operative. Different deeds provide varying degrees of protection to the grantee. This form of the deed affects the grantor’s obligations.
 
The deed is an important legal document that affects ownership interests and rights. The evaluation of deeds by a skilled real estate attorney is compulsory before the deal.

However, refer experts from Elite Properties who can assist you in making the right decision.

We are a cash buying company that suggests we provide fast closings. Call us at 718-977-5462 today.

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VA Home Loan And Its benefits

VA Home Loan and Its Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) assures a share of a VA home loan when veterans use their remunerations to buy a home. A VA home loan lets veterans’ avail of home loans with more promising terms than a non-VA loan. You might be wondering how do VA home loans work. Let’s get right into it.

These loans have plenty of benefits, such as demanding no money down, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and better rates than you might otherwise be able to get. In this blog, we will tell you about the benefits of a VA loan and how they work. 

Definition and Example of a VA Loan

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) doesn’t finance money; loans are provided by private lenders. Still, VA promises a share of the loan that it will cover if you fail to pay, also called the entitlement. This may make lenders ready to offer more encouraging terms for veterans.  Below video consists of how do VA loan work and what are its benefits. 

 

 

The VA loan was formed in 1944 to remunerate veterans returning from World War II for their service, by making it easier for them to get into a home with a reasonable mortgage. It continues to be one of the most prevalent mortgage programs today. For instance, in 2021, over 1.4 million VA loans were granted for home purchases. There’s a motive behind the program’s fame, and it has to do with some VA home loan benefits.

How Do VA Home Loans Work?

VA home loans are a fabulous way to save money on a mortgage due to their unique cost-saving tricks. Here are the key VA loan benefits.

1. No Down Payment

For the majority of people, the major benefit of the VA loan is that you don’t need to put any money down. It’s one of the limited outstanding programs that still allows this. Since saving up for a down payment is often a blockade to homeownership for many people, this can be an enormous help. 

 

VA Loan Savings at Closing

Loan Amount0% down5% down10% down20% down
$150,000$0 $7,500.00 $15,000.00 $30,000.00
$250,000$0 $12,500.00 $25,000.00 $50,000.00
$350,000$0 $17,500.00 $35,000.00 $70,000.00
$450,000$0 $22,500.00 $45,000.00 $90,000.00

 

 

2. No PMI

Usually, if you put less than 20% down with a conventional loan, you’ll have to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI). This safeguards the lender if you default, and it can tack a heavy amount onto your monthly mortgage payment. 

 

PMI Savings per Month
Amount of LoanMonthly Savings
$150,000Save $115/month
$250,000Save $191/month
$350,000Save $268/month
$450,000Save $345/month

 

There’s no monthly PMI payment with VA loans, even if you put zero down. This excludes a huge cost and makes your monthly payments more reasonable right from the beginning

3. Flexible Credit Requirement

The VA doesn’t have the least possible credit requirement to get a VA loan. Still, individual lenders have credit necessities that you’ll need to meet to qualify for a VA loan. 

VA loan requirements are usually easier to meet than those for an old-style mortgage. Most lenders need a credit score of 620 to qualify. That’s a lot less than the 753 average credit score for traditional mortgage holders in 2020. It’s also stress-free to buy another home sooner with a VA loan if you’ve run into credit hitches in the past, such as a foreclosure (even if it happened on a VA loan). You’ll only need to wait for two years prior to using your VA loan benefits again

4. Assumable

One exclusive benefit of a VA loan is that you can hand over the mortgage to the buyer when you sell your house. After they buy the home and the mortgage is transferred, you’ll be free from the loan, and the buyer will stay back to make the payments.

Having this ability to transfer, the mortgage can be a significant selling point if you locked in a low rate at the start of your loan and rates have gone up since then.

5. Limits on Closing Costs

If you avail of a VA loan, the seller will be required to pay definite closing costs, inclusive of the commission for the buyer’s and seller’s agent and a termite report. It’s voluntary for the seller to pay other fees, such as the VA funding fee for your loan or the appraisal fee.

If you can discuss having the seller pay these optional fees, you can’t ask them to pay more than 4% of the amount of loan

6. Lifetime Benefit

You can make use of your VA loan benefit over and over again for the rest of your life. So even if you’ve ducked on a VA loan in the past, or your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) says “$0 basic entitlement,” you may still be able to get a VA loan. Additionally, there are no limits to the amount of loan you can get.

You may also be able to have two VA loans at a single shot or get a jumbo VA loan if you’re buying a home above the FHFA (Federal Housing Finance Agency) conforming loan limits in your area—$647,200 for most areas and up to $970,800 in high-cost areas.[1]

7. Lower Rates

VA loans have a greater up-front cost with the VA funding fee, which is calculated as a percentage of the whole amount of your loan. The funding fee aids in reducing the cost of VA loans to taxpayers.

VA loan rates are usually lower on average. For instance, in September 2021, VA loan rates averaged 0.32% lower. That may not seem like a huge difference, but it could save you tens of thousands of dollars throughout the life of the mortgage. 

FAQs about how do VA loans work.

What do you require to prove you’re eligible for a VA loan?

  • If you’re a veteran, you’ll need a copy of your DD-214 and be entitled to receive VA benefits.
  • If you’re an active-duty service member, you’ll require a statement of service describing your personal information and service details.

What are the service necessities for a VA loan?

  • The service requirements fluctuate depending on when you served, when you separated from service and part from the fact whether you were discharged with a service-connected disability.
  • Active-duty service members and veterans have service necessities that differ between 90 days and 24 continuous months.
  • National Guard and Reserve members have a minimum of 90 days of active-duty service.

Additionally, refer experts from Elite Properties who can assist you in making the right decision. We are a cash buying company that suggests we provide fast closings. Call us at 718-977-5462 today.

For more information on how do VA home loan work as well as Mortgage Home Loans feel free to visit. 

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Myths About Short Sales That You Believe To Be True

Myths About Short Sales That You Believe To Be True

Short sales have a bad reputation due to several myths and misconceptions. There are some success stories about the short sales, but also some horror stories in line.
 
Here are the top five misconceptions about short sales:

1. Sales need 12 to 18 Months For Closure:

The fastest you will be able to close any short sales listings is at least 14 days. Even when a cooperative bank holds your loan. The lender needs seven to ten days to grant a receipt for the short sale package. It also includes personal seller documents and related real estate items.

Here, we present the time frame for an average short sale. Especially when the loan is held by a cooperative bank. Seven to ten days for the lender to grant receipt of the complete short sale package, which entails personal seller documents and related real estate items, together with the buyer’s short-sale offer.

a. A negotiator is assigned. The BPO or appraisal needs around 30 days to 45 days.

b. Extra two to three weeks for management/review by investor and short sale approval. Every short sale is exclusive, and every set of investors is diverse. The examining bank might not own the loan, so they must follow investor guidelines. You cannot blame some short sale bank as there were unreasonable to you or you hate them for a specific time.

 

2. Short Sales Buyers Pay Quite Huge Amounts:

Listing agents in metropolitan cities may price a short sale under the market value. It’s a trick short-sale agents use to allure many offers. After all, a price listed on a short sale is a sham. Because you won’t recognize how much a bank will accept till the proposal is agreeable by them. But several banks will reflect a price of at least 90 percent of the market value. Some banks scrap short sales because the deals are unreasonable.

 

3. Short Sale Banks Won’t Agree to An Extremely Discounted Payoff:

Sellers seem amazed by the fact that prices have dropped over five years resulting in 50% or less than the OG value. Banks know declining markets.

 Moreover, banks will carry out their research about the value and sum up a conclusion. The home value is just not based on the amount of the mortgage. It’s based on the present comparable sales too.

These factors suggest that the bank has to accept the market value. If not then the home will go at the price of market value via foreclosure.

 

4. Short Sale Sellers Must Be In Default before the Bank Approving A Short Sale:

Banks favor a short sale grounded on the seller’s hardship and the value of the home. Some sellers work hard to make the mortgage payments each month, yet they are not faulted.

While it is a fact that, true that sellers in default receive instant attention, a seller can also pay a mortgage payment on time every month and still be suitable for a short sale. The seller can buy another house under Fannie Mae’s criteria if they are regular on their loan.

 

5. Agents Get A Lower Commission: 

In the early days, the short sale commissions were not handled well by the banks, between the years 2005 to 2008.

The majority of banks now pay an old-fashioned commission to agents. On February 24, 2009, the Federal National Mortgage Association created a compensation policy. The policy allows paying of the agreed commission by the seller to the listing agent. This commission did not exceed 6%. The borrowers can qualify for Home Affordable Modification Program(HAMP) by the government. They can also apply for Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) program.

The borrowers are unable to stop foreclosure or seek a long-term loan modification. This fee structure holds for HAFA short sales as well.

Additionally, refer experts from Elite Properties who can assist you in making the right decision. We are a cash-buying company that suggests we provide fast closings. Call us at 718-977-5462 today.

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An Overview on the Law of Adverse Possession

Adverse possession is a legal guideline when someone obtains the title of another person’s property or land. Elements of Adverse Possession and their Rules differ by jurisdiction. But usually, somebody can claim adverse possession after they’ve taken up residence on or have uninterrupted ownership of a piece of property for a definite amount of time.

In this blog, we help you learn more about what is adverse possession, the legal norms for that classification, and how it could affect you as a property owner.

What is adverse possession in real estate?

Adverse possession endows possession of land to someone apart from the owner if that person inhabits it for longer than the order of limits for that jurisdiction. Adverse Possession is a strange law where someone occupies property without permission. Also, then acquires a legal right to that property once a set amount of time has passed.

What are the 5 requirements for Adverse Possession?

The requirements for asserting an adverse possession claim vary from state to state, but there are two main reasons why these requirements exist.

  • The first reason is to give the rightful owner of the property a chance to stop the adverse possessor from taking over through several different methods.
  • The second justification is that adverse possession allows for the property to be put to good use instead of sitting unoccupied and undeveloped.

Understanding the requirements is crucial for individuals seeking to claim ownership of property through statutory ownership. To address the query, “What are the 5 requirements for adverse possession”, a legal concept in real estate, entails five essential conditions:

  1. Open and Public: Adverse possessors must be using the property openly and notoriously. This means that the user cannot be hidden from view. This would allow the true owner to see the use and stop it. If the adverse possessor’s use is happening in secret, the owner may not learn of it until it’s too late to assert their own rights.
  2. Hostility Claim: The claim of someone who uses adverse possession must be against the owner’s use of the land. This means that the adverse possessor may not make an adverse possession claim if the owner permitted them to use the land.
  3. Continuous Possession: To qualify for adverse possession in New York, the trespasser must have had exclusive and continuous possession of the land for at least ten years. This means that they cannot have left the land for any significant periods during those ten years.
  4. Actual Possession: The individual must physically occupy the property and use it as a true owner would. Mere intentions or occasional use are usually insufficient; there must be tangible occupation.
  5. Exclusive Possession: The possession must be exclusive to the adverse possessor and not shared with the true owner or others who also claim ownership rights. Joint use with the owner typically doesn’t qualify.

Also, one additional requirement is Time Period.  All states have a time limit in which the adverse possessor must use the land before it officially becomes theirs. In New York, the law requires that land must be used for a minimum of ten years before the adverse possessor gains title to the property.

How to Prevent Adverse Possession?

  1. Regular Property Checks: Conduct regular inspections of your property to identify any unauthorized use or occupation. Attention is key to catching potential adverse possessors early on.
  2. Maintain Clear Boundaries: Mark your property boundaries with fences, walls, or signs. This helps to establish the limits of your property and discourages encroachment by others.
  3. Document Property Use: Keep detailed records of your property use, including maintenance activities, improvements, and any notices sent to potential encroachers. This documentation can serve as evidence of your active ownership.
  4. Communication with Neighbors: Encourage open dialogue with neighboring landowners to resolve boundary concerns promptly, preventing potential misunderstandings that could result in occupancy claims.
  5. Regular Property Use: Not only consistently utilize but also maintain your property according to ownership rights. Active involvement with your land strengthens your ownership claim also minimizes the chance of others claiming encroachment.
  6. Legal Action When Necessary: If you discover unauthorized use of your property, swiftly pursue legal steps to resolve it. This could mean issuing warnings, bargaining boundary agreements, or taking legal action such as eviction or trespassing charges.
  7. Monitor Legal Deadlines: Stay informed not only about the legal timeframe for prescriptive rights in your area but also the act ahead of time to avoid it. Consistently monitor your property and promptly address any potential claims to safeguard your ownership rights.

How to prevent Adverse Possession?

In What Way Does It Work?

Adverse possession is when a non-owner/trespasser/squatter inhabits real property deprived of consent. The owner must attempt to do away with them during the ruling of limitations period; otherwise, the person obligating the possession could possibly take legal ownership. However, for there to be adverse possession, each of the following criteria must be met

  1. Exclusive and continuous: The possessor has to have persisted on the property uninterruptedly, without others inhabiting it as well.
  2. Actual possession: The person must tangibly inhabit the property, not just mention that they want to control it.
  3. Hostile possession: The possessor, by inhabiting the property, is trespassing on the original owner’s rights without consent.
  4. Open and notorious possession: The possessor is not nagging onto the property. Not only they are amenably living there in a way an owner would, but also their occupation should be evident to any outside observer.

How to File for Adverse Possession

It’s crucial to understand the laws as well as procedures governing squatter’s rights in the relevant area and possibly seek legal advice to ensure compliance and increase the chances of a successful claim. Here’s what you should know about how to file for adverse possession:

  • Consult with a real estate attorney: An attorney can assess your situation, determine if you meet the requirements for statutory occupancy in your specific jurisdiction, and guide you through the filing process.
  • Gather evidence: You will also need documentation to prove you meet the five requirements for a claim of right. This might include things like property tax bills addressed to you, receipts for repairs or improvements made to the property, and affidavits from witnesses who can verify your exclusive and continuous use of the land.
  • File a lawsuit: With your attorney’s help, you’ll need to file a case against the legal owner of the property. This case will initiate the legal process of claiming ownership through prescriptive rights.

Examples of Adverse Possession

Adverse possession can take place in a couple of ways.

  • First, adverse possession could be granted to someone who purposely occupies property that doesn’t belong to them. Such as a trespasser or a squatter, who lives there for a long period of time. This may take place in the case of an absentee owner not checking on the property. If enough time passes per the state’s law, the title is transferred to the trespasser.
  • The sum of time necessary to inhabit a property before initiating the its process differs by state and local law, usually taking more than a few years.
  • Somebody could meet the requirements for adverse possession in as little as two years in Maricopa County, Arizona. Even though it’s more likely to see longer periods, for instance, 10 years in New York.
  • In another mundane example of it, somebody such as a neighbor intrudes on a rightful owner’s property. For example, a neighbor may construct a garage or build a fence that crosses a property line. This at times is done unintentionally, but it could result in adverse possession. It’ll happen if the infringement occurred for long enough.

You can also go through the Laws of Adverse Possession of New York, to know more.

What Is the Time Limit on Adverse Possession?

The time limit for adverse possession, also known as the statutory period. It is the critical duration someone must occupy another’s property to claim ownership through squatter’s right. Also, it’s a key factor and varies depending on your location. Here’s a breakdown:

  • No Single Time Limit: There’s no one-size-fits-all time limit across different countries or even states within a country.
  • Range: The statutory period typically ranges from 3 years to 30 years.

Who Can Claim it?

In general, anyone who meets the legal requirements for encroachment can claim ownership of another’s property after a specific period. However, there are some limitations and exceptions to consider:

  1. Individuals: Any individual can potentially claim possessory title if they meet the requirements.
  2. Government Entities: In some cases, government entities like municipalities or states might be able to claim statutory ownership, but the rules may differ.
  3. Successors and Heirs: The rights to an adverse occupancy claim can sometimes pass to successors or heirs of the original possessor if they continue meeting the requirements.

Difference between Adverse Possession and Homesteading

AspectAdverse PossessionHomesteading
Legal BasisBased on occupancy without the owner’s permissionBased on government grants or laws
IntentDoes not require permission or intent to ownRequires intention to establish ownership
Ownership TransferAcquired by continuous use without owner’s consentAcquired through government grant or specific laws
DurationThe statutory period of occupation varies by jurisdictionTypically involves a fixed period of residency
PurposeOften occurs unintentionally or through negligenceIntentionally seeks to establish ownership and settle
RequirementsContinuous, hostile, open, exclusive, and notorious possessionCompliance with government regulations and residency
ExamplesSquatting on unused land without permissionSettling on public land under homesteading laws

Bottom Line

Adverse possession can result in a legal headache for a property owner, but there are means to escape it. The best constraint for illegal inhabitants is to keep consistent tabs on a property. Ensure that there is a lock on everything and is fence-proof.

If the owner grants written permission to trespass on their property, then it would not be adverse possession. Still, be careful that permitting a neighbor to build on and/or encroaching on your land. They could cause problems if and when you try to sell.

Should you find yourself in a situation in which someone is on the verge of qualifying for adverse possession, hire an attorney to assist you in filing a lawsuit to remove the party and/or reclaim the property. Additionally, refer experts from Elite Properties who can assist you in making the right decision. We are a cash buying company that suggests we provide fast closings. Call us at 718-557-9261 today.

FAQ

1. How many years is adverse possession in NY?

Adverse possession in New York requires a continuous occupation of at least ten years to establish a claim to ownership of property. This duration is subject to specific legal requirements outlined by New York state law.

2. Can adverse possession be challenged?

Yes, it can be challenged through legal means. Such as filing a lawsuit to dispute the adverse possessor’s claim to the property. Challenges may involve proving that the holder neither meet all the necessary legal requirements nor demonstrating continued ownership and control of the property by the original owner.

3. What are the 5 main elements to obtain an adverse possession of a property?

The five main elements to obtain adverse possession of a property include continuous and uninterrupted possession, open and notorious use, hostile or adverse occupancy without permission, exclusive possession, as well as the statutory period of occupation, which varies by jurisdiction.

4. Does adverse possession apply to new owners?

Adverse possession laws can apply to new owners if the conditions are met. Regardless of whether they acquired the property through purchase or inheritance. However, new owners may have legal recourse to challenge claims if they can demonstrate continued ownership and control of the property.

5. What are two options to avoid adverse possession?

To avoid adverse possession, property owners not only regularly monitor their land but also address any unauthorized occupation promptly. Additionally, maintaining clear boundaries and actively using the property. Also, this can help prevent hostile possession claims from arising.

6. What is the shortest time for it?

The shortest time for it varies by jurisdiction but typically ranges from a few years to several years. However, not only specific legal requirements but also the conditions must still be met within this timeframe for encroachment to be established.

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How Long Does It Take to Buy a Home? - A Step-By-Step Guide To Home Purchasing

How Long Does It Take to Buy a Home? – A Step-By-Step Guide To Home Purchasing

Introduction

For the majority of people, home purchasing is the biggest purchase. A detailed and attentive approach will suit you well when it comes to purchasing real estate where you’re going to devote a major portion of your time.

Once beneath contract, the classic timeline is nearly 40-50 days to close on a home. Let’s bear in mind the steps are taken up to that point—house hunting, pre-approval, and application process. Whether it’s your very first home, a renovation from a starter home to something bigger, or scaling back after several years, you shouldn’t hurry the process.

Here are the Nine Steps with an approximate number of days to complete home purchasing:

1. Look for an agent (7 days)

 The majority of us are in touch with a friend, family member, or colleague who newly purchased a home. Enquire from those trusted sources, and in nearly a week you should be in a position to contact a trustworthy agent. You’re in search of someone you like, have faith in, and who has a well-informed hold on the available inventory in your preferred community. A good agent should assist you in avoiding a bad purchase and see you through the ifs and buts of sealing the deal.

2. Acquire Mortgage Pre-Approval (8-10 days)

Loan pre-approval is needed and will let you know if you are qualified for a mortgage. You’ll need documents comprising tax returns, pay stubs, debt, and credit information, and if you’re purchasing with the other half or partner, you’ll both require these things. You can also check with several lenders to check for the ideal rates. At the time of the pre-approval process, there’s a 14-day window during which credit bureaus consider credit inquiries as a single one since you’re purchasing a home.

3. House-Hunt (80-85 days)

 Many people regard real estate as an obsession and like to look at real estate trends in several areas around the country comprising what homes are selling for, and how much home you can avail for your dollar, but when you’re truly in the market to buy, house-hunting isn’t always the most amusing.

You may be hassled, stressed to confront, or require to make the purchase well within time to relocate your family or get the kids stable before school begins. A study conducted by Insight Media established it takes nearly 81 days to surf homes prior to finding one to buy. And a major chunk of people views roughly 16 homes online before finding one they desire. The average time required to search prior to scheduling a visit? Twenty hours.

As per the study, 14% of individuals said they had to find the middle ground on some features of their dream home. And in the present seller’s market where homes in various areas of the country get many offers over the inquiring price or have a bidding war, a quarter of home buyers or more may involve an unsuccessful offer delaying their home search.

4. Get Final Approval for Mortgage to Home Purchasing

Just because you’ve gotten pre-approval for your mortgage doesn’t mean that you’re immediately locked into that loan for the home you have under contract. The lender has a few more hoops for you to jump through, such as an inspection and appraisal of the home. They’ll also want to see more current copies of your financial documents.

From this point on, the steps to buying a house will often overlap. This means you’ll have several things in the air as you move forward with the purchase.

5. Put Forth an Offer (5 days)

You’ve finally found the house and now all you are required to do is put forth an offer. Your agent will clarify everything you need to be aware of but essentially, if you and the agent agree on the price you’re proposing, you’ll want the standard 1% earnest money. And above, in a tight seller’s market, you may want to knock that up to 3-6% to show you’re playing for keeps. You could also contain a personalized letter to the owner telling them how much you love the home and why you’re interested in their house.

6. Get a Mortgage (21 days)

Your offer is accepted! Now the mortgage procedure begins. Although the lender you have chosen can lock in your interest rate, you’re about to cross more hurdles and collect more documents such as current bank statements and work stubs for the concluding mortgage documents. Lenders will also need an appraisal and inspection and go through the extensive list of final expenses and estimate yours.

This process can include anywhere from a few weeks. In this tie, you can communicate with your lender via email or phone every couple of days with a new request. You have to submit your inspection and appraisal reports to the seller. If any of them has any discrepancies, you have to renegotiate the price, and make repairs. There will be a title search to ensure the home is free and clear of liens. You’ll likely select homeowner’s insurance and offer the lender all the data. Your insurer might even need a pre-inspection prior to insuring you.  After your mortgage is pre-approval, there is still a lot of work to do. 

7. Close on the House (50 days)

On the day before closing or the day before, you should take a final stroll. Make sure all repairs are complete and there is no damage. Your lender has probably told you how you must pay closing costs. It may be to bring along a cashier’s check or how you’ll make a digital transfer of the money. You’ll also require a photo ID and a nice pen for the whole bunch of documents you’ll be signing. At last, the keys are handed over to you and congratulations are in place. You’ve bought a home.

8. Homeowners Insurance

Insurance companies usually send out an inspector to check for any risks that the property might have. This process might take a few days. In addition, the mortgage lender might require other types of insurance, such as flood insurance.

After this, the process of buying a house often overlaps with other steps.

So you’ll have multiple things going on at once.

9. Ready for Closing Funds

Your agent will let you know whether you should bring a cashier’s or certified check or transfer funds digitally to release the money. If you get wiring instructions by email, call your agent or lender to confirm one of them sent it. Use the phone number you have on record for your agent, not the one in the email.

Which step of the home purchasing process is the most lengthy?

Hunting for your dream home is probably what takes the most time. Scheduling, setting a budget, and determining what things you’ll compromise on in advance can help make the process smoother.

 

What facts should you take into consideration while house hunting?

While every situation is distinct, one of the key things people look for is a good site. You may desire that the property be located conveniently for work or school, or possibly you simply prefer a definite area.

Other facts many people find useful to note are curb appeal, the size and layout of the home, the number of beds and baths, and the placement of windows for natural light.

What are the few red flags to take note of when home purchasing?

Try to figure out big cracks in the driveway, foundation, or walls. The home shouldn’t feel moist inside or have a stuffy odor. Look for cracked paint on window frames. Staging furniture and baking smells may deceive you.

Bottom Line

Home Purchasing is a complicated and stressful process. The better equipped you are for each step, the better your odds are of arriving at a good home. So what are you waiting for? Gather your documents, choose a realtor and insurance provider and begin your home purchasing journey. Make sure to study real estate trends in your area. Additionally, refer experts from Elite Properties who can assist you in making the right decision. We are a cash buying company that suggests we provide fast closings. Call us at 718-977-5462 today.

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6 Things You Believe That Enhance Your Home Selling Process, But Actually Don't

6 Things You Believe That Enhance Your Home Selling Process, But Actually Don’t

Are you on your move to the home selling process? If yes, you may be enticed to go beyond updates and improvements. You may want to fetch the peak price across the table. Some improvements that add value to your home include substituting your garage door or carrying out a slight kitchen remodeling. Although, others offer hardly any opportunity to pull through the expenses when it’s a stint to sell.

So, here are

 

6 things you believe to enhance your home selling process, but actually, don’t.

 

#1 Swimming Pool

A big swimming pool may sound like a dream, but it’s a costly affair. It could be one that may not offer any monetary return. In specific cases, a pool might add value to your home, but it may not essentially make it cost-worthy. Sources state a pool can enhance your home’s value by up to 7%, but only if –

  • You are living in an upmarket neighborhood where pools are the protocol
  • The elegance of the pool suits the neighborhood
  • You are living in a hot climate where you can make use of the pool around the year
  • The pool doesn’t cover up the complete yard and you still have room for sports or gardening
  • The pool is in good condition
  • You can appeal to the exact buyer—for example, families with small children may be worried about security issues, but elder grownups or individuals without kids may adore the idea of a pool

Else, think of a pool as an outlay in your lifestyle, but don’t imagine it to be an investment in your home.

 

#2 Overbuilding for the sake of Neighborhood

At a certain point in time, you may require more room but don’t wish to undergo the trouble of moving. Possibly you want an additional bedroom for your budding family or an office back home. Certain enhancements may involuntarily make your home stretch beyond the norm for the neighborhood. A huge, affluent remodel may let the home become more enticing. For instance, opting for a second story with an additional bedroom and a full bath. It won’t enhance the resale value in case the remaining neighborhood homes have small, one-story homes.

 

#3 Unreliable High-End Renovations

Improvements should be constant all over the home. Stainless steel gadgets in your kitchen or imported tiles in the entryway will hardly do anything to raise the value of your home. If the bathrooms still have vinyl floors and the carpet is an old shag it won’t justify the home’s worth. Remodeling may not fetch a higher return except the rest of the home matches up to the same level. High-quality advancements usually raise the value of high-end homes, but not essentially in mid-range houses where the improvement may be uneven with the rest of the home.

 

 

#4 Unseen Improvements

Unseen improvements are expensive developments that you envision to make your house a superior place to live in. But having said that not one person else will recognize or likely take care of it. You might require a brand-new plumbing system. Yet, don’t imagine recuperating the costs when it’s time to sell. The majority of home buyers assume these systems to be in upright working condition. They will not shell out even an extra penny, simply because you recently mounted a new heater. It is a better option to consider these improvements as part and parcel of regular maintenance if you want to sell your house fast. Don’t count them as an investment in your home’s value.

 

#5 Wall-to-wall Floor covering

Real estate listings may suggest new carpeting all over as a selling point although homebuyers may flinch at the idea of having floor covering. Most people are moving away from carpeting as the chemicals are needed to process it. Not to state its potential for catching allergens—a grave concern for people with children.

 

#6 An Extended Owner’s Suite

A brand-new owner’s suite with a lavish bathroom and walk-in wardrobe can be a big USP that escalates your home’s value. But said that it does not essentially is the case if the remodel turns your prim and proper three-bedroom home into a stuffy two-bedroom home.

 

Bottom Line

If you’re planning for home improvement, it’s beneficial to boil down and understand if an upgrade is something that you will cherish, or if you’re just putting in the effort to increase your home’s value. If a swimming pool is something you would make use of and relish for several years, you may be capable of justifying the cost, even if you don’t recover your hard-earned money. Conversely, if you consider spending thousands of dollars just to remodel and hike your home’s sale price, you’d better rest assured that your money is well spent.

When dubious about the home selling process, equate features of equivalent homes in your neighborhood. Make sure to study real estate trends in your area. Additionally, refer experts from Elite Properties who can assist you in making the right decision. We are a cash buying company that suggests we provide fast closings. Call us at 718-977-5462 today to sell your house fast for cash.

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Use These Negotiating Strategies To Sell Your House Fast

Use These Negotiating Strategies To Sell Your House Fast

Need to sell your house fast, but don’t know how to negotiate the prices? This is an obstacle every homeowner faces while thinking about selling their homes. As it’s one of the biggest financial transactions you’ll need to think about various points before actually selling it. Several factors come into play while you work on pricing your home. Factors like commissions, closing costs, etc. make up for the final price hence, you may want to consider negotiating. You can use these negotiating strategies to sell your house fast.

Oppose at Your List Price

As a seller, you will never accept an offer that’s less than the asking price. Potential buyers usually look for a back-and-forth negotiation that ultimately results in settling for a lower price. In this case, the seller usually makes a counteroffer that’s a little higher, but still below the listing price. The seller counteroffers because they fear losing a potential buyer. Applying this strategy will surely help you close the deal. As this is a possible way to sell your house fast it won’t give you maximum profits.

Here, instead of dropping the price, you can stick to your listing price. If there’s a buyer who really wants to purchase the house then they will come back with a higher price. Although, the buyer will only come back if you’ve set a fair price for your house.

Repudiate the Offer

If you consider yourself bold enough you can try another negotiating tactic which is rejecting the offer. Rejecting means you won’t be able to make a counteroffer at all. If you want the buyers to still be in the game you can ask them to submit a new offer. If they still want the house and you haven’t put them off, they might come up with a new offer. This strategy will require you to be strong on your verdict. Also, you must be able to justify the property’s worth.

When you reject an offer you are not legally barred from a negotiation with a particular buyer. You can accept a higher offer if it comes along. When a buyer knows there can be another buyer with a better offer it automatically creates pressure to resubmit quickly. Furthermore, this strategy only works if your home has been on the market for a short duration or if you have an open house.

Add an Expiration Date on Your Counteroffer

Let’s say a buyer submits an offer that you don’t want to accept and you counter their offer. If this happens, you’d be in terms of negotiation with that particular buyer. In this case, it’s unethical to accept a better offer from another buyer although it’s not illegal. It is possible for you to be a part of multiple negotiations with multiple buyers. Eventually, it’s the seller’s prerogative to disclose or not disclose information to the prospects.

A seller can legally counter more than one offer but they must include suitable language considering the situation. With a will of selling your house fast, you may want to put an expiration date on the counteroffers. Also, be considerate of the deadlines, since a short duration may result in a turn-off for the buyer. If the default expiration is four days you can shorten it by three days.

While you have an outstanding counteroffer, your home is off the market. Most of the buyers won’t submit an offer if the other one is on negotiating terms. Here, if the deal falls through, you’ll be adding more days to your home sitting on the market. If your home exceeds a certain amount of time it becomes less desirable to buyers. So, adding an expiration date to your counteroffer will push buyers to make a faster decision.

Accept to Pay the Closing Costs

Nowadays, it has become a practice for sellers to ask for closing costs. The closing cost can anywhere be up to 3% of the buying price. While paying the closing costs buyers usually feel cash-strapped. Paying moving expenses, down payments, improvement costs, and even closings can make a hole in their pocket. Sometimes buyers can’t afford to pay the additional closing cost without assistance.

When a buyer submits an offer and asks the seller to pay the closing costs, you can counter it by asking for a higher purchase price. This can also translate into asking for a higher price than the initial purchase price. Usually, buyers fail to realize when they ask sellers to pay the closing cost they’re actually lowering the home’s worth. The catch is, if you increase the asking price post paying the buyer’s closing cost you’ll still end up with a good amount.

Bottom Line

The way to successfully execute these negotiation strategies is to have an excellent product that justifies its price. Your home must be in a spotless condition and you must be able to make fast decisions. If you want to sell your house as-is and want to avoid negotiations then get in touch with Elite Properties. We are a cash buying company which means we offer fast closings and a no-obligation offer. Call us at 718-977-5462 today to sell your house fast for cash.

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The Difference Between Mortgage Deferment And Forbearance

The Difference Between Mortgage Deferment And Forbearance

Introduction

Mortgage deferment and forbearance are two options for homeowners that help in temporarily lowering their monthly mortgage payments. The major difference between these two options is whether the interest accrues and the time for repayment. Here, we will be talking about the difference between mortgage deferment and forbearance. There are multiple aspects when it comes to these methods like payments, interest, etc.  

What’s the Difference Between Mortgage Deferment and Forbearance?

  • Payment Assistance– In a mortgage deferment, the mortgage borrowers can delay past payments during the forbearance period. They can furthermore repay them at the end of the loan’s tenure. Here, as your mortgage payments are deferred, you are required to pay your monthly payments on time. Furthermore, forbearance pauses or reduces payments for homeowners suffering from financial hardships for a certain amount of time. Although the borrower has the option to make payments during the forbearance period, it’s not obligatory. In some cases, lenders may require the borrower to provide regular updates on their financial transactions during the forbearance period.

  • Interest Accrual- In an interest accrual, the mortgage payments that have been deferred to the end of the loan’s tenure don’t accrue additional interest. Whereas, in forbearance, the interest accrues each month as scheduled.

  • Repayment – Concerning repayment, in forbearance, you may have to catch up on the past payments post the forbearance period ends. Although, this depends solely on the loan and forbearance terms. For example, if your monthly payment structure is $1500 and you apply for 6 months of forbearance. You’ll owe $9000 towards the end of forbearance. Furthermore, deferment allows you to delay missed payments in case you sell your house or refinance.

What’s the Right Choice for You?

A deferment can be an ideal choice for you if you’ve come to the end of the forbearance period. You may benefit from deferment if you have just ended a period of forbearance. Also, if you are able to resume monthly payments but cannot afford to make up the payments missed during forbearance. This applies even to a repayment plan. Moreover, if you do not wish to permanently modify the loan terms you may be able to opt for deferment.

On the other hand, forbearance can be the right choice for one who is experiencing a brief period of financial hardship. This can be inclusive of job loss, illness, or any kind of disability. Here, you will have to provide proof stating the reason for the crisis. 

Additional Information

COVID-19 may affect your ability to repay the outstanding payments. Although, under the CARES Act, you are able to request forbearance without providing documentation. If your loan is backed by either of the departments given below. You must have been requested an initial forbearance by September 30, 2021.

 

 

The departments are as follows-

 

Furthermore, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do not impose a deadline for asking for an initial forbearance on your loan. Borrowers with federally backed mortgages won’t have to make a lump-sum payment at the end of the forbearance. Considering the COVID-19 adversity. Additionally, these borrowers will be eligible to defer the pending payments for up to 12 months. 

The Bottom Line

According to the information above the conclusion is that forbearance provides momentary relief to homeowners suffering from the financial crisis. Although, at the end of the forbearance payments the monthly payments must be given in full. In such instances, homeowners may consider having deferment to postpone the one-time amount until the end of the loan’s tenure. Moreover, if you want to avoid the hassles and sell your house you can contact Elite Properties. We are a cash buying company which means we can help you sell your house fast for cash. Call us today at 718-977-5462 and sell your house in any condition and location.

 

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