All Forum Posts by: Vamshi Ananth

What keywords would you look for on Zillow, Realtor.com ..etc and if you are an Agent (on MLS) to identify properties with a potential for expansion/addition? I am trying to figure out the keywords to use to find properties where there is a potential to construct extra units out of a single family home.

Looking forward for the meet this 11th.

Thanks for the responses so far... and I hear the suggestion is.... Conventional loan sounds to be more favorable to an FHA....?

Thanks all for the responses so far, It looks like signing a Buyer Rep Agreement is not mandatory and there can be other ways to work through and it all boils down to the kind of rappot Agent and Buyer have with each other.

Being a buyer is it mandatory to sign a Buyer representation Agreement with your Real Estate Agent?  My agent suggests I sign it in order to work with him and for him to put an offer on a property.  Is this a common practice? 

 My concern is am I locking myself with a just one Real estate Agent to represent me for a set period of time... where I don't have the freedom to pursue other properties with other Agents? 

Has anyone signed such a document before? What are your suggestions on whether to sign it or not?

Hello BPers,

I am currently considering a deal which I paln to finance it though a bank. The property is built in the early 1990's and is in a failry good shape , no structural damage but needs some cosmetic reparirs and updates. I have been advised by my Agent to go with a 5 % down convntional loan Vs a 3.5% down FHA loan.

My Agent cites the PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) charges beign gone after I accumlate 20% equity on the property on a 5% down conventional loan Vs PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) beign charged for the life if the loan for an FHA (unsless I refinance it later after equity buildup) as a reason not to go for a FHA loan.

Since I am planning to buy an older home I think FHA would be more stringent when it comes to inspections and appraisal and I have a much reliable appraisal and inspection reports when compared to a regular inspection where thigns might be overlooked upon.

Is this a genuine concern? Is my Agent looking after my best interests? I am curious to know. What are your thoughts? Appricate all your comments.

Thanks for the information @Ronald Rohde. 

Wondering how do other Austinites in Austin manage to get this information?

Really learned a lot from this podcast I guess I can categorize it as one of the best podcasts on BP.