http://www.trulia.com/profile/derekbauer/The latest answers submitted by Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor; CDPE, SFR, ePRO, SHS, DoorToDreams.com to questions asked on Trulia Voicesen-ushttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/I_put_an_offer_on_a_short_sale_property_back_in_No-185979Answer by Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor; CDPE, SFR, ePRO, SHS, DoorToDreams.com: Wow - lots of questions here... Agency paperwork should have been signed prior to making the offer. In what capacity has that agent been working with you? Was your offer accepted? If so, you can likely not push that broker aside and be represented by someone else in that transaction. What is it you are waiiting to hear back from the agent? Lots of questions to get answers to before you move forward. You may email me at Derek@DoorToDreams.com, or call my office at 248.851.4100 so we can discuss further. Enjoy your evening. Derek Bauer, Associate Broker Real Estate OneSun, 20 Dec 2009 16:58:55 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/We_purchased_a_home_on_a_land_contract_years_ago_-185819Answer by Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor; CDPE, SFR, ePRO, SHS, DoorToDreams.com: My colleagues are absolutely correct. The first thing you need to do is review the contract(s), and if you had a buyer's agent, consult with them. Finally, you may need to engage a real estate attorney to answer your questions, but I doubt there was a breach by the Seller as long as they paid the taxes that were due.Sun, 20 Dec 2009 08:05:21 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Can_I_recieve_a_gift_of_money_from_my_wife_even_th-185844Answer by Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor; CDPE, SFR, ePRO, SHS, DoorToDreams.com: I agree with Robin and Al ... it is ultimately up to an underwriter whether that will be allowed, or not.Sun, 20 Dec 2009 08:01:45 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/can_i_bring_a_lawsuit_against_the_selling_realtor_-185582Answer by Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor; CDPE, SFR, ePRO, SHS, DoorToDreams.com: I am NOT an attorney, can not, and do not provide legal advice. You must seek a legal professional for legal matters. That said, how is this costing you money? I don't know the laws in Jackson county, but did you agree in a contract to be responsible for any inspections and or certifications required by the government that you thought were not applicable? Do you have a buyers' agent ... a buyers' agents job is to verify, verify, verify. I think your situation is very different in finding this out before closing, as opposed to after. Afterwards may likely be a very different story. I am curious as to the answers of my questions, and hope that you will keep us posted. Good luck and Happy Holidays. DerekFri, 18 Dec 2009 10:47:27 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Who_is_the_agent_that_sold_the_house_on_willis_rd-185394Answer by Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor; CDPE, SFR, ePRO, SHS, DoorToDreams.com: Thuvan, I don't know if that is something we should be publishing ... however, if you want to email me I will be happy to provide you that information. That individual works at the same company as I, in a different office. I, too, would recommend this agent. My email is Derek@DoorToDreams.com. Thank you, and enjoy your day. Derek Bauer.Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:52:36 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/We_are_in_a_home_that_would_sell_on_a_short_loan_-185022Answer by Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor; CDPE, SFR, ePRO, SHS, DoorToDreams.com: I have to agree with Cicely on this one. Even if you were successful at a short sale on your home, the ability to purchase another home inside of a couple of years may be slim to none. Maybe you could purchase in the other spouses name if only one of you are on the loan ... but there are arguments that that is then fraud. If you have a hardship, (which at that income level and that loan amount may be tough) then you can explore it further. Many in this state are in a rough spot ... but there are no blank checks for people to sell their homes just becuase they are upside down. Good luck to you.Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:58:56 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Property_QandA/I_m_in_the_process_of_buying_a_house_for_K_I_-184274Answer by Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor; CDPE, SFR, ePRO, SHS, DoorToDreams.com: We do a number of 203K loans (which is a wonderful product, by the way!). You want to make sure whomever is writing the loan is very versed in the ins and outs of doing so. At the $26,000 level, that is not a, "streamline," so there are added processes, a 203K required consultant, etc. The bids should be collected very early on such that when the appraisal is done, the appraiser knows what to base the future value on. IF the numbers do not work, the rehab plans need to be revisited and amended. I hope that helps. Good luck to you. Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor Real Estate One Derek@DoorToDreams.comFri, 11 Dec 2009 14:07:23 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Property_QandA/I_would_like_to_view_this_home_and_was_curious_of_-183638Answer by Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor; CDPE, SFR, ePRO, SHS, DoorToDreams.com: That home did just sell and close last month, but feel free to use the link below for an updated database of what is available for sale. Thank you, and enjoy your evening. Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor Real Estate OneTue, 8 Dec 2009 15:34:22 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Can_non_USA_citizen_buy_house_in_USA_-183364Answer by Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor; CDPE, SFR, ePRO, SHS, DoorToDreams.com: Michigan is drawing INTERATIONAL attention as a place to invest in of significant opportunity. Good for you, Serg! If you need any assistance, please let me know.Mon, 7 Dec 2009 09:00:10 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Selling/Can_I_do_refinance_if_my_house_is_currently_listed-183199Answer by Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor; CDPE, SFR, ePRO, SHS, DoorToDreams.com: I do not believe a house can be for sale while doing a refiance, but will stay tuned to see what the loan professionals have to say. I see VERY little refinancing going on right now, actually...Sun, 6 Dec 2009 06:32:38 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Rental_Basics/They_changed_lease_to_month_cause_they_said_they-183107Answer by Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor; CDPE, SFR, ePRO, SHS, DoorToDreams.com: Daphanioe, The way your question/statement is worded, it is difficult to follow, and likely why you haven't received any responses. I can't exactly follow what is happening here. 1. Do you have an agent? 2. Have you been approved to sign this particular lease? 3. Have you actually signed a lease? Feel free to email me at Derek@DoorToDreams.com if you have NOT signed-on with an agent, and I will try to guide you further. Thank you Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor Real Estate OneSun, 6 Dec 2009 06:12:59 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/In_My_Neighborhood/i_may_be_moving_to_this_area_to_run_a_hospital_T-183191Answer by Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor; CDPE, SFR, ePRO, SHS, DoorToDreams.com: Stan, We don't see what area you are speaking of, just that you are in Phila, PA. Agents are not legally allowed to be opinionated regarding what is safe, and what isn't, as that can be a very subjective topic. We can only advise you contact local police, sheriff, etc. and secure statistics you deem helpful. The fine print of any Seller's disclosure here in Michigan (again, not sure if you are looking in Michigan?) also informs buyers they can research the area the property is in as relates to the published sex offender list. Hope that helps, and if you are looking in Southeast Michigan, please do connect with me at http://DoorToDreams.com Happy HolidaysSun, 6 Dec 2009 05:56:53 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Agent2Agent/I_m_a_realtor_and_my_buyer_is_purchasing_a_quot-182930Answer by Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor; CDPE, SFR, ePRO, SHS, DoorToDreams.com: Unlike a short sale on a Conventional loan, FHA short sales MUST BE APPROVED BEFORE DOING THE SHORT SALE.Fri, 4 Dec 2009 14:11:10 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Looking_to_purchase_a_house_in_Bloomfield_MI_seek-182570Answer by Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor; CDPE, SFR, ePRO, SHS, DoorToDreams.com: Cake, There are a number of programs, depending on what you qualify for. The best thing is to start with a loan officer and discuss these in combination with your specific situation. I would be more than happy to assist you through this, if you would like to contact me. Through my Trulia profile, at Derek@DoorToDreams.com, or contact me on my cell at 734.678.4745. Hope to hear from you. Thanks. Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor Real Estate One - West Bloomfield Derek@DoorToDreams.comWed, 2 Dec 2009 19:01:12 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Foreclosure/I_am_a_tenant_in_a_home_that_my_family_has_lived_i-182015Answer by Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor; CDPE, SFR, ePRO, SHS, DoorToDreams.com: Greetings in Troy! There are a few factors at play here, and it would be a LOT to completely cover in a blog post. I do have some advice for you, and would like to schedule a phone discussion, if you are agreeable. Feel free to email me at Derek@DoorToDreams.com, contact me through my Trulia profile, or call my cell phone at 734.678.4745 and we will arrange a time to chat soon. Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you. Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor Real Estate One - West BloomfieldMon, 30 Nov 2009 10:07:11 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Property_QandA/why_so_cheap_i_am_in_montana_this_house_would_co-181460Answer by Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor; CDPE, SFR, ePRO, SHS, DoorToDreams.com: All real estate is local. I'm sure that house would cost even more than double the MT number in New York City. That is what prices have done in Detroit, MI, which you will find by doing a search. In fact, the low prices in Detroit have made national and global news. I believe the average home sales price in Detroit is even lower...Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:17:54 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Foreclosure/I_have_been_trying_to_get_a_remod_on_my_loan_being-181224Answer by Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor; CDPE, SFR, ePRO, SHS, DoorToDreams.com: You may want to explore the possibility of a short sale. If you would like further information, please don't hesitate to contact me. Thank you, and Happy Thanksgiving. Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor Real Estate OneWed, 25 Nov 2009 11:20:07 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Farmington_Hills_Michigan_I_am_looking_for_a_good-181005Answer by Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor; CDPE, SFR, ePRO, SHS, DoorToDreams.com: Hello, Mellissa. With an office in Farmington Hills, I would be more than happy to assist you. Feel free to visit our website below, and you can reach me direct at 734.678.4745. Thank you, and Happy Holidays! Derek Bauer Associate Broker / Realtor Real Estate OneTue, 24 Nov 2009 09:25:17 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/what_is_dual_agent_for_selling_a_house_and_will_it-180727Answer by Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor; CDPE, SFR, ePRO, SHS, DoorToDreams.com: Peter, I have never, and will never, be a fan of dual agency. In Michigan, the only TRUE way to have dual agency, is if the agent/broker had a previous seller agency in-place with a seller client, and a buyer agency in place with a buyer client, and the two came together. IF an agent meets a buyer AS A RESULT OF A LISTING, then dual agency can not exist. The agent must operate as a sellers agent in that situation. Hope that helps - good luck.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:13:23 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/who_sell_the_house_if_it_is_on_short_sell_and_who_-180717Answer by Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor; CDPE, SFR, ePRO, SHS, DoorToDreams.com: In a short sale, SELLERS sell their house, and banks agree to cooperate, or not. Many people seem to think that banks sign the offer ... they don't, as they are not a party to the contract. Most often the banks absorb the costs to sell, but may require a contribution from the Seller. Good luck.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:10:21 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/My_husband_and_I_are_buying_a_home_together_we_bo-180699Answer by Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor; CDPE, SFR, ePRO, SHS, DoorToDreams.com: You need to speak with a CPA or tax professional, but I wouldn't be surprised if they did advise you that the $6,500 tax credit is cumulatively in-play given the lengths of time in your current residences. Good luck.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:07:39 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Can_you_fire_a_realtor_after_signing_a_purchase_ag-180690Answer by Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor; CDPE, SFR, ePRO, SHS, DoorToDreams.com: I want to reiterate what Maureen said ... the BROKER is who is representing you, not the realtor. Agents are extensions of and representative of brokerages. Thus, you may want the BROKERAGE to assign a different sales representative if you continue to be unhappy.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:05:26 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Remodel_and_Renovate/I_have_a_bed_up_ground_bath_one_full_on_ea-180054Answer by Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor; CDPE, SFR, ePRO, SHS, DoorToDreams.com: Jonathan, There is a LOT that goes into the answer to this question. How long do you plan to stay in the house? What will the project cost? What will be the impact to the value of the property? It sounds like a big undertaking, so I would advise you consult directly with local contractors and real estate professionals.Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:26:42 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Property_QandA/We_just_purchased_this_property_Please_remove_th-180057Answer by Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor; CDPE, SFR, ePRO, SHS, DoorToDreams.com: Matt, Trulia gets this info from the MLS, unless the listing agent is an upgraded member. You may have to contact Trulia's customer support directly with that request, or it may remain on here.Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:06:07 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Financing/I_have_been_trying_to_get_a_loan_modification_done-179804Answer by Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor; CDPE, SFR, ePRO, SHS, DoorToDreams.com: Sorry to hear what you are experiencing. Your story is all too common. As an agent that focuses on short sales, I can count on one hand how many people I've actually spoken to who have experienced successful loan modifications. For some reason, they just don't seem to happen. I hope you are successful, but if you need to explore a short sale, please be sure to connect with me. For more information, you can visit the link below...Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:09:57 PST