The following is excerpted from Virginia Halter’s blog at ActiveRain and discussed the issues surrounding Foreclosures and Buyers… and reflects the thoughts of all the agents and brokers, lawyers and loan officers here at Focus Real Estate Group, Inc. The particulars are for her market area, and are detailing issues and facts particular to that area, but the general concepts are true in all places. Real Estate is local, but the concept is global.

There is nothing more important as a home buyer than to make sure that you can afford the home you are buying… NOTHING… a qualified, honest, loan originator is key to helping you understand the costs… Be straightforward with your Realtor and loan officer, and make sure you find an honest one who will guide you in concepts, practices, and capabilities… do not be pushed into a purchase you cannot afford, and make sure that what you do in fact buy is a good buy, and that all aspects have been accounted for… this issue is a real problem, especially these days.

We do realize that many people have dreams of owning multi family houses, when as first time buyers, they would be much better off buying a condominium… if you have a trustworthy Realtor and loan officer, rely on their advice… what are you paying them for if you don’t listen to them.

Here is the excerpt:

Front Page of the Charlotte Observer…Foreclosures!

This is the headline on this morning’s newspaper. It is a series of six articles on how and why the foreclosure rates are sooooo high in some neighborhoods. It is also a comment on how it affects us all, not just the individual home owners.

Let’s start with the embarrassing information. Charlotte has the highest foreclosure rates in the state. Yikes!! These are our clients. Why aren’t we protecting them? Continue reading →