Find Property To Rent: September 2012

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Appraisal - Valuation of Subsidized Housing

The purpose of this article is to analyze valuation methodology for several atypical types of apartments. Various circumstances and situations can cause an apartment complex to have above-or below-market rental rates, occupancy rates and operating expenses. This analysis examines the following two situations:

1.    low-income subsidized apartments, which receive above-market rental rates from HUD or another government agency, and
2.    projects that are part of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program.

The LIHTC program was established by the U.S. Congress to encourage development of affordable housing in economically disadvantaged areas. Project developers receive a tax credit for following the guidelines established by the program. They typically sell these credits to Fortune 500 corporations for 45 percent to 60 percent of the total project cost, excluding land.

The first step in the valuation process is analyzing market value definitions. The following is the definition from the Texas Property Tax Code, Section 1.04 (7): market value means the price at which a property would transfer for cash or its equivalent under prevailing market conditions if:

a.    exposed for sale in the open market with a reasonable time for the seller to find a purchaser,
b.    both the seller and the purchaser know of all the uses and purposes to which the property is adapted and for which it is capable of being used and of the enforceable restrictions to its use, and
c.    both the seller and the purchaser seek to maximize their gains and neither is in a position to take advantage of the exigencies of the other.

Section (b) of the Texas Property Tax Code further requires: the market value of property shall be determined by the application of generally accepted appraisal techniques, and the same or similar appraisal techniques shall be used in appraising the same or similar kinds of property. However, each property shall be appraised based upon the individual characteristics that affect the property's market value.

The definition of market value, according to the 10th edition of The Appraisal of Real Estate published in 1992 by the Appraisal Institute, is: market value is the most probable price, as of a specified date, in cash, or in terms equivalent to cash, or in other precisely revealed terms for which the specified property rights should sell after reasonable exposure in a competitive market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale, with the buyer and seller each acting prudently, knowledgeably, and for self-interest, and assuming that neither is under undue duress.

The term which requires further review in the above definition is "knowledgeably." Is the purchaser knowledgeable regarding the effort required to comply with subsidized housing program requirements and tenants? Does he consider the effort to be rent for real estate or compensation for services? Does the purchaser of an LIHTC project understand that maximum rents are now established for at least 15 years based on deed restrictions? (LIHTC deed restrictions are now required for 30 years in Texas and most other states.)

Fee simple estate is defined in the third edition of the Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal published by the Appraisal Institute as: absolute ownership unencumbered by any other interest or estate, subject only to the limitations imposed by the governmental powers of taxation, eminent domain, police power and escheat.

The practice in Texas is to base the assessed value on the value of the fee simple estate as opposed to the leased fee estate. This analysis is based on valuation of the fee simple estate instead of the leased fee estate.

The definition of leased fee estate in the third edition of the Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal is: an ownership interest held by a landlord with the rights of use and occupancy conveyed by lease to others. The rights of the lessor (the leased fee owner) and the lessee are specified by contract terms contained within the lease.

The primary difference between the fee simple estate and the leased fee estate is that the tenant and landlord are each bound by commitments to pay rent and allow use of the property for a term. The contract rent agreed to between landlord and tenant may or may not be equal to market rent. For example, if a landlord entered into a 30-year lease for rent of $5 per square foot 15 years ago (when market rent was $5 per square foot) and the current market rent is $10 per square foot, the tenant has a substantial advantage. The tenant has a leasehold estate which may or may not have value depending on the term of the lease, the contract rent and market rent.

The Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal defines leasehold estate as the interest held by the lessee (the tenant or renter) through a lease conveying the rights of use and occupancy for a stated term under certain conditions.

Conversely, if the tenant agreed to a rental rate of $15 per square foot in a strong market 10 years ago, and is committed to pay that rent for another 10 years, there is a substantial advantage to the landlord, and the tenant has a leasehold estate with a negative value. Practice in Texas is to establish the assessed value based on the fee simple estate instead of the leased fee estate. Therefore, the relevant criteria for determining market value includes market rent, market expenses, market occupancy and market derived capitalization rates. If a taxpayer made a poor business decision 10 years ago and has substantially below-market rent, it is inequitable for the taxing entities to reduce their ad valorem tax due to the bad business decision of the property owner. Conversely, if a property owner made a fortuitous or wise business decision and entered into an above-market lease, it is not appropriate to collect an above-average level of ad valorem tax from him because of his luck or prudence.

Market rent is defined by the third edition of the Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal as: the rental income that a property would most probably command in the open market; indicated by current rents paid and asked for comparable space as of the date of appraisal.

Market rent is the compensation paid for the use of the real estate. It should not include compensation paid for factors other than the use of the real estate such as additional services which are not typically provided.

The next step in this process is to analyze valuation of properties which participate in subsidized programs which receive above-market rental rates. The final section will address valuation of projects in the LIHTC program.

Valuation of Subsidized Housing

This analysis will consider both the income and the sales comparison approaches to value. The cost approach is not utilized since it would provide similar results after calculating external obsolescence due to differences in rental rates.

Income Approach:

Apartment owners who participate in subsidized housing programs may or may not receive above-market rental rates. For many years, HUD offered above-market rental rates as an inducement to property owners to participate in the program. There are two reasons for HUD paying an above-market rental rate:

1.    to compensate for the inconvenience of dealing with a bureaucratic government program which mandates detailed inspections not typically required in the private market; and
2.    to compensate for working with residents who tend to be at the lowest socioeconomic level in our society.

It has not been unusual for HUD to pay contract rent of $0.70 to $0.80 per square foot per month for subsidized housing projects, even though the market rent for competing projects might only be $0.45 to $ 0.50 per square foot per month. The rent and sales comparables used in this analysis are located in a neighborhood characterized by income levels in the bottom quartile of the Houston area, minimal new construction of residential or commercial buildings for 25 years and heterogeneous levels of quality and appeal. Some sections, such as Riverside, have experienced gentrification, but other areas are marked by poorly maintained properties. Both the market rent projects and the subsidized rent projects are located in the area south of downtown Houston, bound by 288 to the west, Interstate-45 to the east, and Almeda-Genoa to the south. Consider the following tables which list rental rates for projects which do not participate in a subsidy program (market rent projects) and projects which do participate in a subsidized rent program:

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Alaska Real Estate – The Great Outdoors

Alaska Real Estate – The Great Outdoors

Alaska is the biggest state in the Union and tends to be a take it or leave it proposition for relocation. For those choosing Alaska, the real estate market is a solid investment.

Alaska

Known as “the great land”, Alaska seems like a harsh, remote wilderness and certainly nowhere anyone would want to live. These assumptions are blown away once you visit and are overwhelmed by Mother Nature at her absolute best. From magnificent mountain ranges to ocean shores to glaciers to raging rivers, Alaska is an outdoor enthusiasts dream. In a state that compromises fully 20 percent of the total land mass of the United States, there is practically nothing that can’t be found. On a personal aside, Denali National Park is a place you should visit at least once in your lifetime. It will leave a mark and give you a new respect for nature.

Anchorage

Anchorage is home to roughly forty percent of the human population in Alaska as bears, moose and so forth seem to prefer other areas. If you’re flying in to Alaska, Anchorage is going to be your destination. Overall, Anchorage is a sprawling, chaotic city. It has received more than its fair share of criticism for being “un-Alaskan,” but it is the primary choice of homebuyers looking for a big city in Alaska.

Juneau

The state capital of Alaska, Juneau is the best city in Alaska in my opinion. The city abuts rain forests, mountains and the Gastineau Channel. Named after the first prospector to strike gold in the area, Juneau is a collection of modern amenities with old world charm. Buy a home in Juneau and you’ll wake up every morning to the most spectacular views in the world. Put another way, Juneau is where the cruise ships stop in Alaska.

Alaska Real Estate

In a state as large as Alaska, prices can vary tremendously. Property in small towns can cost next to nothing, but lets focus on the biggies. $300,000 is the average cost for a single-family residence in Anchorage, while it is going to take $450,000 to buy the same home in Juneau. For 2005, homes in Alaska appreciated at a rate of just over 13 percent.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

6 Reasons Why You Should Buy Real Estate in December

6 Reasons Why You Should Buy Real Estate in December

December and New Year's Day give you the perfect occasion to buy real estate. Not only can you pick up a bargain property from a motivated seller, you can save on your purchase expenses.

1. Home shoppers put off looking for a home because of holiday decorating, shopping, and parties. Plus, the cold weather makes home buyers prefer to stay home; they wait for warm weather to buy real estate. Get the edge with little competition from other buyers.

2. Home sellers who didn't sell during the recent buying frenzy are worried that their home will not sell. Any seller offering their home for sale during the holiday season is motivated.

3. Real estate agents need to keep their momentum going and can't afford to take too much time off. When the agents aren't as busy, you get better service. Plus, they're more likely to take low offers seriously. Agents love investors ready to buy real estate during December.

4. Interest rates continue to creep up. <i>Who knows what the rates will rise to next year?</i>

5. Lenders threaten to tighten up qualifications next year. Last summer, loan officers were able to get through almost any loan. Today is your best shot to buy real estate and get a great rate with the easiest qualifications.

6. Appraisers need work. Too many individuals became real estate appraisers when there was too much work. It used to take a week or more to schedule an appraisal. We just ordered an appraisal and the appraiser wanted to come out the same afternoon! Also, appraisal fees cost less today than last month.

Clear some time from your busy holiday schedule and go find a bargain house. Make many offers. You won't get this break for another year.

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Tuesday, September 11, 2012

A Surprising New Trend in the Real Estate Market

A Surprising New Trend in the Real Estate Market

If, like most people, you are interested in real estate news and browse the headlines every now and then, chances are you might have read about it already ... and in case you haven't heard about it, then you might be very, very surprised about a new trend that may be contrary to what many people expect ...

Firstly, let's start with a few teaser questions ...

Let's suppose you had a lot of money ... hoards of it ... in early 2000, and were willing to invest it in real estate.
The question is ...

What sort of real estate do you think you would have purchased ?

Would you have purchased single family homes, multi family homes, two bedroom condos, raw land, coastal real estate, luxury homes, or ... ?

If you are trying to guess the answer, please do so now before you read the rest of the article :-)

Assuming you have your answer in mind, let's proceed ...

If your answer is been one of single family homes, multi family homes, two bedroom condos then give yourself a pat on the back ... you might have made quite a tidy amount of money ...

And if your answer is luxury homes, then give yourself two pats on the back, smile the biggest, most pleasant smile you have ever smiled ... you might have made well over a million dollars in profits :-)

For ...

Luxury Homes are now one of the best performing segments in the real estate market !

And what does that mean ?

Well, you might want to consider this ... according to some sources, after a decline of 7.1% in 2001, this segment gained 3.6% in 2002, 0.3% in 2003, 13.7% in 2004, and 13.2% in 2005 ...

And just what would that mean in terms of money ?

According to the Prestige Home Index, the price of an average luxury home in California's Bay Area is now $2.88 million - an increase of $336,000 from the previous year !

And that is more money than what selling several homes profitably might have made !

And just how many people could have foreseen this trend ? Well, your guess maybe as good as anyone else's in this regard !
While no one may be able to determine how long this trend will continue, there might be several other segments in the real estate market that might perform equally, if not better, in the future.

And one such possible segment may be ...

Vacation Real Estate

Another growing trend has been that people young and old have been moving to destinations like the Mexican Riviera, and are either setting up home there or are buying second or third homes there ... and gated communities are being set up in areas that were not very long ago petite little villages.

And the result - real estate values not seen before in the area ... and the values seem to be increasing too.
And how long will this trend continue ? Again, your guess may be as good as anyone else's in this regard.

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Monday, September 10, 2012

Banks Profit Big Killing Real Estate Values

Banks Profit Big Killing Real Estate Values

Everyone is aware now of the slow housing market and the fact that many people are losing their homes. There is, however, another segment of the housing market that is seldom spoken of, but which is also being hard-hit by the current situation. And the banks - who started the whole "tumble" - and who "profited greatly" in creating the "tumble" - are still profiting BIG !

First, let's talk about the homeowner. In the 1990's, banks developed a GOLDMINE in the housing industry...the equity loan. They began a huge marketing program to encourage people to take their money (savings) out of their homes and spend it. They touted that the homeowner could "use the money for anything you want - a vacation, home improvements, college tuition, new car, whatever". The banks then proceeded to appraise the home over the home's actual value and loan people equity up to 125% of the home's value. This meant that people would no longer have any savings in their home - they would owe the whole value of the home at that time. Anyone who didn't take out the money and spend it, was considered foolish - to have credit cards or pay interest on anything else, when they had money available in their home that they could pull out. People used their homes like an ATM. Anytime the bills got too big, they just refinanced and took cash out or borrowed on an equity loan. Who made the most with interest and fees? The banks.

Who made the most money on these loans? Yes, the banks. The homeowners didn't care about the fees the banks charged or the closing costs. The only thing they looked at was the big fat amount of money they could pull out and spend - as if it were the lottery. Who profited big? The banks.

As times were good and home values steadily increased, another segment of the housing market developed. In times of affluence, ordinary people became investors, buying homes and condos to offer as rental property. This is an intelligent way to save money on taxes and serve those who cannot afford to buy their own home, by providing a nice place to live for a reasonable monthly rent. The other advantage, of course, was the appreciation on the property and having someone else help you pay the mortgage on the loan. The problem, however, was that much of the money they used to invest, came from home equity loans that they had taken out on their primary residences. The banks made this easier by providing "second mortgages", with high fees of course, and added prepayment fees and penalties to ensure they made a high profit, regardless of the life of the loan and with second mortgages, you could buy a 2nd or 3rd or 4th house or condo with very little down. But when the market values slipped and the appreciation never came, people lost money on the rentals and it resulted in losing on their personal residences also, because of the home equity loans we talked about above. The only ones still guaranteed to make money? The banks.

Now, that people have spent all of their savings in their homes and they owe more than the home could be sold for, many homeowners are letting the house go back to the bank...in foreclosure. As many foreclosures as there are, it's still a small percentage of the total market. Because it is such a small percentage, the banks can "dump" the houses for half of what would be the real value. This further devalues the market price of the other homes that are for sale. It's peanuts to the banks, but to the other homeowners out there that have to sell for one reason or another - it's devastating.

Worst part, when the crisis hit, the government instituted programs to bail out whom? The banks !

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Avoid Home Foreclosure - Facing Foreclosure? Some Options That May Help You

Avoid Home Foreclosure - Facing Foreclosure? Some Options That May Help You

If you are facing a foreclosure, there may be options to negotiate a workout program with your lender. To get help with a foreclosure you have to start by talking to your lender. Help is available if you are willing to workout a reasonable repayment plan with your lender, while this can sometimes be difficult, you may be able to save your home. They really do not want your house back. Let us cover some options that may be available to you if you are facing a foreclosure.

The continuing flow of creditors and collections agencies called you can be over whelming, while it may seem hopeless, you may have options. Starting with the most important, your home, the others may have to wait and be fixed later.

Lenders usually will offer several options to a homeowner that is in default on their contractual obligations of a mortgage payment. They would much rather workout a program that is best suited for all parties involved then to come and take your house. They are in the business of lender money, not managing properties. This is true even more today, with foreclosures at record highs, banks have been overloaded with homes that they must not manage and maintain until they are able to sell them to someone else.

The time that you have to negotiate a deal, is often very limited. In most states, a borrower that is in default 60 or more days is just about out of time. This period varies from state to state so make sure that you have checked your local laws. Lenders can and will take legal action to foreclosure on your home if you are not talking to them.
Here are some possible solutions that you can offer to the lender to avoid foreclosure. While not all will be satisfactory to the lender, you can at least make the offer and let them tell you.

Reduced Payments
Lenders may be willing to take a reduced payment for a specific period, this will allow you to remain in the home and catch up the default amount over time. Some lenders will not allow you to do this, but it never hurts to try.

Short Sale
Lenders may let you sell the property for less then what they are owed on the loan. More and more lenders are allowing this type of transaction as they have realized that it costs them much more to pursue the foreclosure then if they just settle and take what they can get.

Payment Deferment
Some lenders may allow you to defer a payment or two, they tack the payments on the end of the loan and allow you time to catch up and stay current. This option is only just now beginning to become available as lenders are doing whatever they can to help avoid the foreclosure process.

While this article only covers a few options that may be available, check with your lender and try to work something out, it may keep you from losing you home in the process. Keep in mind that a foreclosure will cost you money, even if you just walk away. The impact on your credit is substantial and will hinder your borrowing power for years to come.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

A New Program To Assist First-Time Homebuyers

A New Program To Assist First-Time Homebuyers

Studies show the dream of homeownership is becoming a reality for a growing number of Americans.

For example, according to the 2005 Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies State of the Nation's Housing Report, minorities are making inroads into all housing market segments across the United States.

This trend is expected to continue with minorities making up a growing share of the homeowner population with each successive generation. The study reveals that nearly 35 percent of all first-time homebuyers are minorities and more than 40 percent of all renters are minorities-these could be or will be the homeowners of the future.

Companies in the housing and mortgage industries are taking notice of this trend and are making efforts to meet the needs of today's prospective homebuyers.

"Mortgage lenders need to have people who reflect the communities they serve located in the neighborhoods that we want to serve if we want to inspire people to become first-time homeowners," said Jackson Cosey, senior vice president of Emerging Markets for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.

For instance, Wells Fargo recently introduced a program designed to help serve consumers with down payment difficulties or lack of traditional credit history by helping them qualify for loans they can afford.

Called the Home OpportunitiesSM program, it includes qualifying debt-to-income ratios that address the growing reality that homeowners need to spend a greater percentage of their income on housing.

Also, it provides for nontraditional credit references that enable consumers who do not have traditional or lengthy credit histories to qualify for the program. In addition, flexibility on down payments and closing costs allows customers to purchase a home without a down payment.

"Home-financing options such as this program will allow more people including first-time homebuyers and low- to moderate- income borrowers to do something they have only dreamed about: owning a home," added Cosey.