Have you ever been out with someone who points to a house, shows you a car, mentions a stock, or talks about something they could have bought years ago at a significant discount? Have you ever been around someone who still pines over a lost opportunity about something they should have gotten involved in years ago that would have reaped big benefit today? Have you ever been around someone who has many grandiose plans and ideas if only he would have had the money? Me neither. Just kidding. We all have, or we all do – so for those that have some experience with the age-old Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda syndrome – especially when it comes to real estate, this article is for you. The opportunities are in available to us at this very moment!
Most homeowners can point to a house or property that they previewed that turned out to be a regrettable lost opportunity. For some, the lack of research or guidance prevented them from seizing the moment, and buying a home at a reduction years in advance. For others, they didn’t have the right advice in knowing what it would take to acquire a home, and maximize their financial returns. More often than not, home buyers are their worst enemies in that they don’t realize that for $150 to $200 more a month, they can buy a house that is $50,000 to $75,000 more than what they settled for. Those smaller and ‘less expensive’ homes can require tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars of work that some of the more “expensive” homes would not need.
I very often experience a situation where a mere few months after home buyer closes on their home, I get a phone call asking me if I can assist with a cash-out refinance, or the like. After discussing their current financial and future needs, we clearly determine that the mortgage they were given to buy their home was completely inappropriate for their short term and long term objectives. In some cases, a smaller down payment – (even at the expense of paying mortgage insurance in some cases) is more suitable knowing that tens of thousands of dollars can be saved and used for renovations, that would substantially improve a home’s value. At other times, people are given a 30 year fixed mortgage when they know factually they will be relocating or renovating in a few short years and can benefit from a smaller term – lower interest rate – loan.
When it comes to real estate opportunities, I often hear from friends and clients that they turned away opportunities to invest in real estate or buy a house at a substantial discount because they didn’t have the necessary funds. As an investment, real estate is one of the safest assets that can yield lucrative rewards for its owners. A brief consultation with a competent mortgage expert can help position almost anyone (regardless of their income or credit profile) to acquire investment real estate without the hassle and heartache that many believe to be the case.
Clearly, proper preparation and consideration is critical to achieving the most of your circumstances and opportunities. Speaking with a competent financial advisor will help accomplish much in that regard.
On a similar, but almost non-related topic, at this time of year we are certainly more reflective on our lives and what we can do to improve ourselves and our circumstances for the better. Hopefully we take advantage of the moments in front of us these next few days to position ourselves for a successful spiritual year ahead. Without a doubt, the efforts we make these next few days and weeks will have the most significant impact on the year ahead for ourselves and our families. I wish you all a happy, healthy, prosperous and successful new year – a year in which all of our needs and desires are granted to us with kindness and abundance; and the blessing to be able to enjoy it with those we care for most. A special shout out to Rabbi Josh Kahn.
By Shmuel Shayowitz
Shmuel Shayowitz (NMLS#19871) is President and Chief Lending Officer at Approved Funding, a privately held local mortgage banker and direct lender. Approved Funding is a mortgage company offering competitive interest rates as well specialty niche programs on all types of Residential and Commercial properties. Shmuel has over 20 years of industry experience including licenses and certifications as certified mortgage underwriter, residential review appraiser, licensed real estate agent, and direct FHA specialized underwriter. He can be reached via email at [email protected]
