Gratitude

This time of year always makes me grateful for my large and loving family.  As pumpkin pies and turkey decorations pop up in the stores and malls, I am reminded of all I have to be thankful for and my family tops the list.  Second on the list is with out a doubt the work that I do as a realtor specializing in the REO market.

This holiday season my heart is full to think of all of the families who will sit down to Thanksgiving Dinner in their own home simply because they made the decision to contact Island Advantage Realty LLC about purchasing REO property.  I am proud of the work that we do here; the work that helps people become home owners in a fiscally responsible way. 

The advice and tips offered in this blog are intended to be solely informational and do not apply in all circumstances.  Make sure that you consult a real estate professional, financial consultant, attorney or accountant before taking any action.  For further information or questions please contact Gabriella@IARNY.com

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A Disney Ending

I love a happy ending.  One of my favorite things to do is take my nieces and nephews to see a Disney movie; I know that no matter what happens in the movie, there will be a happy ending.  It’s something you can count on.

I’m sure that one of the reasons I decided to specialize in REO property is that it also has a happy ending.  There is nothing I enjoy more than seeing a family move into their new home and lovingly make it their own, unless it’s watching them move in knowing that they have saved a substantial amount of money on their home.  That’s what I call a happy ending. 

If you are looking for a Disney ending in this current economy make sure that you talk to us at Island Advantage Realty LLL about REO property.

The advice and tips offered in this blog are intended to be solely informational and do not apply in all circumstances.  Make sure that you consult a real estate professional, financial consultant, attorney or accountant before taking any action.  For further information or questions please contact Gabriella@IARNY.com

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Answers

People tend to have a lot of questions about REO properties, at Island Advantage Realty LLC we believe in having answers.  We have been in the REO business for a long time and are the recognized leaders in REO properties for the Long Island and Metro NY areas.  If you are interested in purchasing REO property one of the first things that you should know is that not all REO realtors are created equally. 

When lenders look to list these properties they use realtors who are experienced and who have demonstrated excellence in this field.  The realtor you choose to work with will directly determine the properties that you will actually be exposed to.  To see the widest range of properties you want to make sure that you are only dealing with the best.  Island Advantage Realty LLC is the best.

The advice and tips offered in this blog are intended to be solely informational and do not apply in all circumstances.  Make sure that you consult a real estate professional, financial consultant, attorney or accountant before taking any action.  For further information or questions please contact Gabriella@IARNY.com

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Fixing What’s Wrong

It’s not news to anyone that some American families are currently in over their heads financially. Many people are discovering the home they are in is no longer financially possible.  Impending foreclosure can be an especially scary time and there are only a few solutions.  Unfortunately many people are so stressed when they fall behind that it doesn’t occur to them that there are any alternatives that could alleviate their situation.  We recently had a client at Island Advantage Realty LLC who came to us because she saw clearly that if she didn’t change the path she was on she would in all likelihood loose her home in just a few short months.  We were able to help her with a short sale of her property and then help her to buy a smaller but financially responsible REO property.

Our client faced her fears and decided to fix what was wrong before it became a larger mess.  Now she is in a mortgage that she can afford without stress.  Being secure financially and living a stress free existence is worth more than anything money can buy, especially right now.  At Island Advantage Realty LLC we understand our clients desires to purchase financially responsible real estate, call us to see how your life could benefit from buying REO property.

The advice and tips offered in this blog are intended to be solely informational and do not apply in all circumstances.  Make sure that you consult a real estate professional, financial consultant, attorney or accountant before taking any action.  For further information or questions please contact Gabriella@IARNY.com

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The Truth About REO

You’ve been hearing a great deal about REO property and you’ve made the decision to see for yourself what all the hubbub is about.  Good for you! What should you expect to see when viewing your first REO home?  While REO properties come in all sizes, shapes and conditions they generally have at least one thing in common.  Most of them need a little TLC.  This frightens some people away.  It shouldn’t, but it does.

Consider that a property doesn’t become an REO overnight.  Generally when a mortgage holder falls behind on their payments many months will pass before the lender forecloses.  During that time a home will frequently fall into disrepair.  From foreclosure to being sold as an REO the property may sit empty for a few additional months, which can cause more neglect.  Reasonably, when you are looking at REO property you should expect to see neglect issues.  Instead of being dismayed by these blemishes you should be excited.

Banks and lenders offer REO properties for fair market value minus repair costs. Every time you see a repair issue in an REO home it means the home will be offered for less.  Don’t forget that when buying an REO property you have the ability to have the home inspected before making an offer, so you can be confidant that you are completely aware of what the repair situation is with any REO home you buy.

The advice and tips offered in this blog are intended to be solely informational and do not apply in all circumstances.  Make sure that you consult a real estate professional, financial consultant, attorney or accountant before taking any action.  For further information or questions please contact Gabriella@IARNY.com

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The Other Side of The Coin

My grandmother always said that there are two sides to every coin and two sides to every story.  She was an amazing woman who consistently believed in looking for a way to turn tragedy into fortune.  When my brother’s football landed in the middle of her perfect apple pie, which was cooling on the window sill, she simply laughed and said, “So we’ll have cobbler instead of pie.”  For some reason the “cobbler” she served that night was better than any pie could have been; perhaps because the lesson I took away from the event was so powerful.

Right now I see a great many people concerned about the current financial situation.  I cannot help but think of my Grandmother because I so clearly see the other side of the coin.  While no one is celebrating the current financial situation it has created some golden opportunities for many people. The REO market is allowing many home buyers to buy a first home, save money and position themselves to earn substantial equity in their home in just a short time.  The REO market is also creating an investment opportunity for the next generation of millionaire real estate investors.

If all you are seeing is the dark side of the current economy give us a call at Island Advantage Realty LLC, we’ll be thrilled to show you the other side of the coin.

The advice and tips offered in this blog are intended to be solely informational and do not apply in all circumstances.  Make sure that you consult a real estate professional, financial consultant, attorney or accountant before taking any action.  For further information or questions please contact Gabriella@IARNY.com

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Pumpkins Abound

It is the time of year when pumpkins mysteriously spring up on porches and walk ways all over the country.  Spiders and cobwebs become décor choices to be oohed and aaahed over and all things macabre are suddenly fair game.  I love to watch the faces of children as they view the world through Halloween eyes. 

There is always one person in every neighborhood who expends a little more energy to make the Holiday particularly spooky.  In my neighborhood it is Mr. Hildebrandt on the corner. I love the attention and detail that go into the planning of his decorations.  Each year his display is bigger and better.I love the pride with which some home owners decorate.  For Mr. Hildebrandt, I know he looks at it as an investment in the future.  He has been decorating for years and plans to do it for many more years. 

That is the glorious luxury of home ownership.  A right that I think should be afforded to everyone.  If you are interested in home ownership or investing in a home that is affordably priced, I urge you to check out the REO market. At Island Advantage Realty we are experts in this market and would be happy to show you how you can benefit from this unique opportunity.

The advice and tips offered in this blog are intended to be solely informational and do not apply in all circumstances.  Make sure that you consult a real estate professional, financial consultant, attorney or accountant before taking any action.  For further information or questions please contact Gabriella@IARNY.com

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Truth, the Suze Orman Way

First let me say that I love Suze Orman and Oprah Winfrey.  These are strong business women who are good with money.  A couple of weeks ago Suze Orman was on The Oprah Winfrey Show talking about people facing the truth of their financial situations.  She asked people to get honest with themselves and live within their means.

I loved that she asked all of America to get honest about what they could afford.  At Island Advantage Realty LLC we see brave families who walk in our doors everyday, families who have come to the realization that they need to sell their home and buy a more affordable home.  For these families a well priced REO property can make all the difference.

If you need to be in a more affordable home I hope you will take Suze Orman’s advice and face the issue with honesty.  Then I hope you will come to Island Advantage Realty LLC, and let us help you to find your next home.

The advice and tips offered in this blog are intended to be solely informational and do not apply in all circumstances.  Make sure that you consult a real estate professional, financial consultant, attorney or accountant before taking any action.  For further information or questions please contact Gabriella@IARNY.com

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REO Facts

REO stands for Real Estate Owned, these bank owned properties are for sale at reasonable prices.  There are a lot of misconceptions about REO properties.  Some people think that REOs are too good to be true.  Others assume that all REO property is so horrible that no one would ever want to buy.  The truth is quite different.

REO property is as varied as the American people.  There are some amazing properties available on the REO market, there are some REO properties that need extensive repairs. The vast majority of REO properties are delightful homes that need some tender loving care.  If you haven’t looked at the REO market you owe it to yourself to check out this amazing opportunity.  Island Advantage Realty LLC is the recognized leader in REO properties for the Metro New York, Long Island area,call us to learn everything you need to know to successfully purchase a REO property.

The advice and tips offered in this blog are intended to be solely informational and do not apply in all circumstances.  Make sure that you consult a real estate professional, financial consultant, attorney or accountant before taking any action.  For further information or questions please contact Gabriella@IARNY.com

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My Favorite Time of Year

This is without a doubt my favorite time of year.  The leaves are turning, the weather cooling and apples are in abundance.  There are so many varieties to choose from.  I love a great red delicious apple but my favorite is a nice crisp Pippen.  It’s tart, crunchy and has a kick to it.  I love knowing what kind of apple people like, it tells you a lot about their personality.

Just like the type of home people choose can tell you a lot about their personality.  I have some clients who want a home all on one level; others prefer two and sometimes three floors.  Some people want a nice open floor plan; others prefer a more traditional setting.  The great thing about REO property right now is there is such a large inventory that we literally have something for everyone.  It’s a lot like standing in an orchard full of different apple trees.  What kind do you want?  Give us a call at Island Advantage Realty and let us help you find the perfect variety of REO for you.

The advice and tips offered in this blog are intended to be solely informational and do not apply in all circumstances.  Make sure that you consult a real estate professional, financial consultant, attorney or accountant before taking any action.  For further information or questions please contact Gabriella@IARNY.com

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