Ron Webster's (ronwebster) Blog

    TITLE CONCERNS.  Transferring funds to purchase a home or condominium is a simple process for Canadian buyers, however, many foreign buyers often overlook the consequences of their purchase. The acquisition of U.S. real estate by a Canadian citizens poses significant issues including but not ...

“You have to Learn the Rules of the Game and then you have to Play better than Anyone Else.” – Albert Einstein     Ironically, there are a number of agents that still avoid short sales like the plague. Perhaps they feel that they can rise above the frustrations that surround short sales, however,...

Recent Trends in Short Sales Many homeowners do not want to short sale their properties but unfortunately are being forced to. In a recent TBWS Daily Show Frank Garay pointed out an individual named Jarred who worked for Chase Servicing was told by his boss that servicing companies are “not in th...

Given the demise of real estate prices in recent years and the potential for resurgence, it is surprising so little is known about Real Estate I.R.A.’s. With historically low prices in Southwest Florida coupled with the recent gains of the stock market, individuals may wish to consider moving a p...

"An optimist is someone who goes after Moby Dick in a row boat and takes the tartar sauce with him" -  Zig Ziglar  With the recent rise in the number of real estate transactions many investors are jumping back into the game.  A frequent question many foreign buyers have as well as investors is th...

I am certain most everyone is familiar with the age old adage "if it sounds too good to be true..." yet buyers purchasing foreclosures are falling for this trick every day.  Just because the lender/seller is offering to provide a free title policy does not mean the buyer is protected!  Many times...

FIRPTA ia an acronym for the Foreign Investment Real Property Tax Act. It's purpose is to assure that capital gain, if any, is paid before funds can be removed outside the taxing jurisdiction of the United States.  As a matter of law, 10% of the gross sales price must be withheld by the purchaser...

My Momma always said "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get" - Forrest Gump 1994 The same is equally true of short sales.  Unfortunately, many in the banking industry make Forest Gump look incredibly insightful.  I try to tell both buyers and sellers this when...

Formal education will make you a living; self education will make you a fortune" -  Jim Rohn  Do you prequalify the Seller and Listing Agent before you submit a Short Sale Offer?  Agents are familiar with banks requesting the purchaser of an REO property or the buyer of a short sale to furnish pr...

I recently read a well written article by fellow Attorney Raymond Bowie that appeared in the NABOR newsletter entitled "Short Sale Negotiations:  Don't Cross Legal Lines."  The article pointed out the new law I am familiar with that went into effect this past January 1st that restrict anyone from...