Articles written by Michael Cook

The real estate market continues to show signs of rising and falling, but much like a groundhog seeing its shadow, the market will retreat.

Aug 31, 2010 - Michael Cook

The real estate market disaster unfolded quickly and harshly for many, but those investors able to act quickly should profit.

Aug 23, 2010 - Michael Cook

Borrowers attempting to convince their banks to accept a short sale on their property should stop and take stock of the pros and cons.

Aug 18, 2010 - Michael Cook

Real estate prices remain depressed, but low interest rate financing could make some areas very attractive investment opportunities.

Aug 13, 2010 - Michael Cook

As the real estate crisis appears to be coming to a close, it is important to review the key lessons learned from the down cycle.

Jul 23, 2010 - Michael Cook

With the government paying banks $5,000 per mortgage modified, taxpayers must ask the question, should mortgages be modified?

Jul 22, 2010 - Michael Cook

Mortgage modifications can be tough. Borrowers have to be organized, diligent and persistent to succeed in lowering their mortgage.

Jul 22, 2010 - Michael Cook

Despite the rise in foreclosures, lower interest rates and depressed prices seem to be drawing buyers back to the market.

Jul 21, 2010 - Michael Cook

As banks increase their rate of foreclosure sales, many neighborhoods are finding it hard to compete on price.

Jul 16, 2010 - Michael Cook

First and second mortgage lenders and borrowers are being offered $1,000 - $1,500 to execute a short sale.

Jul 14, 2010 - Michael Cook

Being a landlord is a challenging job to begin with, but doing it from another state can be down right impossible. Here is some advice to ease the burden.

Mar 2, 2010 - Michael Cook

Buyers and investors interested in a safe entry into the real estate market today should consider starter homes and homes that appeal to first time homebuyers.

Mar 1, 2010 - Michael Cook

Renters must know their rights and challenge aggressive landlords that seek to raise rents to market with legal and illegal tactics.

Feb 25, 2010 - Michael Cook

As real estate consumers become older, the landscape of real estate needs change considerably.

Feb 22, 2010 - Michael Cook

Every day more and more data show that temporary modification of troubled mortgages do not work in the long-term, so should owners modify?

Feb 17, 2010 - Michael Cook

Small investors should consider the effects of the expiring tax credit in their real estate exit strategy.

Feb 15, 2010 - Michael Cook

With record housing inventories, many homeowners have become first time landlords that need to better understand real estate taxes.

Feb 6, 2010 - Michael Cook

Despite an uptick in employment, foreclosures could remain a significant problem for many homeowners.

Feb 6, 2010 - Michael Cook

Homeowners will be shocked to know that even after a short sale is complete they may be on the hook for the balance of their loan.

Jan 31, 2010 - Michael Cook

In a time of record real estate inventory, buyers have more choice than ever. Searching smarter can reduce the time and costs of the investigation.

Jan 31, 2010 - Michael Cook

Consumers considering buying a home today should avail themselves of the numerous government programs designed to support the real estate market.

Jan 5, 2010 - Michael Cook

Borrowers should be aware that any loan modification will temporarily lower their credit rating and could have a lasting effect on their borrowing power.

Dec 28, 2009 - Michael Cook

As consumers pay off more debt and save in a bad economy, credit scores take on less importance to individuals.

Dec 28, 2009 - Michael Cook

Buying property in the winter can be tough with few desperate sellers and a host of potential due diligence issues.

Dec 22, 2009 - Michael Cook

Unless a development is more than 51% sold, do expect to receive conventional financing for a condo purchase.

Dec 21, 2009 - Michael Cook

Take advantage of low interest rate financing to catch the next wave of real estate investment profits in apartment investing.

Dec 21, 2009 - Michael Cook

Rent stabilized apartments present a good opportunity to invest in cash flowing apartment buildings with upside potential.

Dec 21, 2009 - Michael Cook

Real estate investment clubs can be a great way for a novice investor to learn more about the process of investing in good real estate investments.

Dec 20, 2009 - Michael Cook

Foreclosures, traditionally an issue of the poor, are increasingly affecting owners of million dollar plus properties.

Dec 17, 2009 - Michael Cook

The debate between Jumbo Mortgages and First/Second Mortgages to finance higher priced homes suggests Jumbo Mortgages refinance easier.

Dec 14, 2009 - Michael Cook

Many homeowners face the choice of attempting to sell their house for less than their loan value or working with their bank to modify their loan.

Dec 9, 2009 - Michael Cook

A home is often filled with warm memories and big emotions. Curbing these emotions and thinking of a home as a good to be bought and sold can be challenging.

Dec 8, 2009 - Michael Cook

In this tough economy foreclosures are happening at a record pace. Here are a few strategies to employ if an eviction is looming.

Nov 17, 2009 - Michael Cook

A good real estate investor needs a wide network. Here is how to find a good accountant, lawyer, realtor and mortgage broker.

Nov 17, 2009 - Michael Cook

To capitalize on the foreclosure boom, several companies sprang up offering bus tours of foreclosed homes for investors.

Nov 10, 2009 - Michael Cook

Mortgage rates continue to remain low despite a slowly recovering economy. Consumers, who have not yet refinanced, may miss their window.

Nov 10, 2009 - Michael Cook

Has residential real estate really hit rock bottom? Looking at today's fundamentals provides mixed signals on the course of the residential properties.

Nov 7, 2009 - Michael Cook

When a mortgage is well below the market value of the home, is it OK to walk away from that mortgage even if the borrower can afford to pay?

Nov 6, 2009 - Michael Cook

With defaults and bankruptcies on the rise, it may never be a better time to invest in foreclosed real estate properties.

Nov 5, 2009 - Michael Cook

Real Estate agents can be a huge help in locating good investment properties. Knowing who to look for will save an investor time and money.

Nov 5, 2009 - Michael Cook

Consumers are not the only ones facing distress these days. Many small community banks need to raise capital to survive. This presents interesting opportunities.

Nov 4, 2009 - Michael Cook

Consumers are not the only ones facing distress these days. Many major banks need to raise capital to survive. This presents interesting opportunities.

Nov 4, 2009 - Michael Cook

Consumers rarely sit down to consider whether renting is better than buying. Investors should be very aware of these dynamics.

Oct 15, 2009 - Michael Cook

Cost cutting the right way can increase profit and increase tenant responsibilities. Doing it the wrong way can lead to major repairs and an increase in vacancy.

Oct 14, 2009 - Michael Cook

Investors have a golden opportunity in real estate today. Buy cash flowing properties with the prospect of strong appreciation and wait.

Oct 12, 2009 - Michael Cook

It can be hard to risk hard earned money on an investment. If an investor has any interest in real estate, now is the time to start investing.

Oct 1, 2009 - Michael Cook

In the current real estate market, investors should be looking for a great deal. Beyond a great deal, now is the time to buy great properties.

Sep 30, 2009 - Michael Cook

Investors with capital to invest should look to purchase properties in more attractive neighborhoods or consider increasing their unit sizes.

Sep 28, 2009 - Michael Cook

Investors living in high growth markets like Los Angeles and San Diego need to be prepared to buy and sell quickly. High growth could mean big profits or big losses.

Sep 23, 2009 - Michael Cook

High real estate inventory is normally considered a bad sign. Savvy real estate investors might find that this is just the opportunity they needed to make a purchase.

Sep 22, 2009 - Michael Cook