Sun City Grand Real Estate & Arizona Retirement Communities

Do you remember the last thing you had copied, either for yourself or someone else? 

You probably do.  It could have been someone's driver's license for your client file, a HUD statement, an earnest money check, tax returns for a mortgage broker, or a contract.  How about your insurance card at the doctor's office or your social security card for a job you just accepted?

These are just a small sample of what we copy on a daily basis.  But did you know that the copy machine keeps a digital image of every single thing that it copies??  They're all stored on its hard drive, ready and waiting to be re-viewed by whomever looks for them.

I don't know about you, but to me, that it S-C-A-R-Y. 

My uncle sent me this YouTube video the other day which explains everything clearer that I can.  It's a piece that CBS News did on April 25, 2010.  It is a couple minutes long, but you'll be glad you checked it out.  Or maybe not.

 

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We proudly serve and sell real estate in and around all of Charleston, SC.  If you are thinking about purchasing or selling your home in Charleston, Johns Island, James Island, Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, West Ashley, Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms, Sullivans Island, North Charleston, Hanahan, Summerville, Goose Creek or other surrounding areas, and more importantly, want to work with a local area expert, contact us at your earliest convenience.

 

Jim and Maria Hart
Realtors®/ AgentOwned Realty
(843) 364-9845
hart@agentowned.com

 

Copyright © 2010 by Jim and Maria Hart (AgentOwned Realty).

 

 

Earlier today I read a post on Inman news about helping fellow Realtors who may have lost their homes as well as their livelihood to the flood waters that hit so hard in Tennesse. The internet has not only brought our business to our fingertips but it gives us the opportunity to lend a helping hand to others just as easily. A disaster relief fund has been set up to provide financial aid for fellow Realtors impacted by the floods. Please join in the cause and make a tax deductible donation online at the website or find more information in the article from Inman.

The Heartbeat of North Texas Real Estate welcomes everyone! 

Articles written are intended for entertainment as well as providing insight about the lifestyles and neighborhoods of Collin County, North Texas and sharing what it's like being a Texas Realtor. I do hope you have enjoyed the information shared, photographs and other entries which are the personal property of Teral McDowell and should not be copied or distributed without permission.

 

 

                   

 

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I am a FAN of Teral McDowell, Realtor

Finding a Home

First Time Homebuyer

 

 

 

Today, I read a post by Jean-Paul Peron asking what one should do when faced with a showing by an agent who is located over 2.5 hours away from the subject property.  That's a common occurrence in my marketplace also, and I'm confident many other listing agents have experienced that.  When buyers are not standing in line with numbers, like at the deli, to buy homes, an agent usually takes whatever is handed to them.  For many, the money trumps ethical behavior today. 

The only person taking it on the chin with this scenario is the buyer.  The chances of the buyer being represented properly by an agent who has to pack a lunch to show a property is nil.  As a matter of fact, in my opinion, that buyer is not going to be represented at all.  From what I have experienced with our listings, the buyers' agent puts that buyer in a chokehold and the pressure is on to write an offer, if that property is anywhere near being acceptable.  The seller and the listing agent are the only ones benefiting.  The buyers' agent will exert whatever effort is needed to close the buyer so that the long journey will not have been for nothing. 

As listing agents, my team and I love to hear that a showing will be taking place by an agent from outside of our area.  The likelihood of receiving an offer is in direct proportion to the distance the agent has to travel.  The further the distance the better the chance of an offer being submitted.  We've experienced this with our listings.  We have no problem with finishing the entire deal once the offer is presented.  The buyers' agent never has to do another thing with our listings including going to the closing.  We will gladly make sure they get paid.

The fault lies with the buyer for not using common sense and selecting an agent who is within the area of the listed property.  The buyer can ask to be referred.  The buyer can go online and find a top agent in that particular area.  Unless common sense is used by the buyer, that buyer will be paying for the sins of his agent, and the buyer will never realize what happened to him!!!

                

             

                

               "The #1 Team in Franklin's #1 Office"

            

             www.franklinmahomesales.com

                  

MORTGAGE INTEREST RATES 1983-2010

INTEREST RATES STILL HOLDING!

How long it will last is the question.  Sooner or later. . . . .

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.

I wanted to take a moment to make sure you are familiar with events surrounding a sweeping set of policy changes for FHA announced earlier this week. The announcement details the changes that Secretary Donovan promised to deliver by the end of January when he testified before Congress last month.

 

The new policies are designed to strengthen the FHA's capital reserves so we can continue to fulfill our mission of serving underserved communities.  In addition, we were determined that these changes should support, not disrupt, the nation's housing market recovery.  Bringing these changes to market has been the result of a lot of hard work and long hours.  And, I am proud to have worked with so many of you on this initiative.

 

What changes will be implemented?  We announced the following on January 20:

1. Increase the up-front mortgage insurance premium (MIP) to 2.25%;
2. Update credit score and down payment requirements for new borrowers;
3. Reduce seller concessions to three percent, from six percent; and
4. Implement a series of significant measures aimed at increasing lender enforcement. 

 

When combined with the risk management measures announced in September of last year, these new changes are among the most significant steps ever taken by FHA to address risk.  Additionally, by continuing to provide affordable, responsible mortgage products, FHA will support the housing market's recovery.  Importantly, FHA will remain the largest source of home purchase financing for underserved communities.

 

Let's go into more detail:

 

Announced FHA Policy Changes:

 

1.      Increase the MIP to build up capital reserves and bring back private lending.

o    The first step will be to raise the up-front MIP by 50 basis points to 2.25% and request legislative authority to increase the maximum annual MIP that the FHA can charge.

o    If this authority is granted, then the second step will be to shift some of the premium increase from the up-front MIP to the annual MIP.

o    This shift will allow for the capital reserves to increase with less impact on the consumer because the annual MIP is paid over the life of the loan instead of at the time of closing.

o    The initial up-front increase is included in Mortgagee Letter 2010-02 and will go into effect in the spring.

 

2.      Update the combination of credit scores and down payments for new borrowers.

o    New borrowers will now be required to have a minimum credit score of 580 to qualify for FHA's 3.5% down payment program.  New borrowers with less than a 580 credit score will be required to put down at least 10%.

o     This allows the FHA to better balance its risk and continue to provide access for those borrowers who have historically performed well.

o    This change will be posted in the Federal Register in February and, after a notice and comment period, would go into effect in the early summer.

 

3.      Reduce allowable seller concessions from 6% to 3%.

o   The current level exposes the FHA to excess risk by creating incentives to inflate appraised value.  This change will bring FHA into conformity with industry standards on seller concessions.

o   The change will be posted in the Federal Register in February, and after a notice and comment period, would go into effect in the early summer.

 

4.      Increase FHA lender enforcement.

o    Publicly report lender performance rankings to complement currently available Neighborhood Watch data which will be accessible via www.hud.gov on February 1.

§  This is an operational change to make information more user-friendly and hold lenders more accountable; it does not require new regulatory action as Neighborhood Watch data is currently publicly available.

o    Enhance monitoring of lender performance and compliance with FHA guidelines and standards. 

§  Implement Credit Watch termination through lender underwriting ID in addition to originating ID.

§  This change is included in Mortgagee Letter 2010-03 and is effective immediately.

o    Implement statutory authority through regulation of section 256 of the National Housing Act to enforce indemnification provisions for lenders using delegated insuring process.

§  Specifications of this change will be posted in March, and after a notice and comment period, would go into effect in early summer.

o    HUD is pursuing legislative authority to increase enforcement on FHA lenders.  Specific authority includes:

§  Amendment of section 256 of the National Housing Act to apply indemnification provisions to all Direct Endorsement lenders.  This would require all approved mortgagees to assume liability for all of the loans that they originate and underwrite.

§  Legislative authority permitting HUD maximum flexibility to establish separate "areas" for purposes of review and termination under the Credit Watch initiative. 

 

Note:  This would provide authority to withdraw originating and underwriting approval for a lender nationwide on the basis of the performance of its regional branches.

 

In addition to the changes I have outlined, we are continuing to review FHA's overall response to housing market conditions, to evaluate its mortgage insurance underwriting standards, and to improve its measures to help distressed and underwater borrowers through FHA/HAMP and other FHA initiatives going forward.

 

I know this is a lot of information to absorb.  Listed below are links to some of the major stories about the announcement.  I promise to keep you aware as we implement these changes going forward.

 

Wall Street Journal (Nick Timiraos, 1/20) "FHA Sets Tighter Lending Requirements" The Federal Housing Administration is implementing more-stringent lending requirements and higher borrower fees to cushion against rising defaults and stave off the need for a taxpayer bailout of the agency. LINK

  

Washington Post (Dina ElBoghady, 1/20) "FHA plans to require borrowers to produce more cash for downpayments" The Federal Housing Administration plans to increase the amount of up-front cash paid by all new borrowers and to require higher down payments from those with the poorest credit, according to agency officials. LINK

  

Chicago Tribune (Mary Ellen Podmolick, 1/20) "FHA homeownership rules to change" The Federal Housing Administration announced changes Wednesday that will make it more expensive for homebuyers to secure agency-backed mortgages while some consumers will be priced out of the housing market. LINK

  

CNNMoney.com (Tami Luhby, 1/20) "FHA loan requirements will make it harder to get a mortgage" It's going to be harder to get a government-backed mortgage from now on. LINK

CNBC.com (Diana Olick, 1/20) "FHA Boosts Insurance Premiums to Cushion Defaults" In a move to shore up the FHA's beleaguered balance sheet, Commissioner David Stevens on Wednesday announced big changes at the government mortgage insurer that now backs about half of all home loans to the nation's minorities. LINK

 

I want to thank you for your efforts to keep this housing system on track. The role of the Real Estate Agent, Mortgage Lender, Settlement Service Provider, and all who make the dream of homeownership a reality, is critical to stabilizing this economy.  Your work is for a good cause.  We really are making a difference in people's lives.  Thanks for the partnership!

HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT EXTENDED TO FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS AND EXISTING HOME OWNERS PEORIA, ARIZONA

President Obama signed into law the extension for first time home buyer and existing home owner tax credit. The National Association of Realtors and other leading organizations lobbied for this law to jump start the real estate industry after a heavy hit for the past two years. The real estate industry got us into this slump and it has to get us out of this rut. I know many people will be in position to purchase homes at the start of the year here in Surprise, Arizona. We are coming up to the busiest season in real estate and I am ready for it.

A person is considered a first time home buyer when he/she has not owned a primary home in the past three years. They are eligible to receive up to an $8,000 home buyer tax credit or 10% of the value of the home which ever is less. The home must be a principal residence. The credit is refundable even if one does not owe taxes. Many people have taken full advantage of this tax credit since it has been in place.

Existing home owners who have lived in their primary house for five years or more will be eligible for a $6,500 home buyer tax credit. There are income limits to include $125,000 for single filers and $225,000 for joint filers. These are exactly the same for first time home buyers in the above paragraph. The credit will be gradually phased out for single people who make over $145,00 and married couples that make over $245,000.

This bill has been extended with the following important dates:

1. All contracts must be dated by April 30th, 2010
2. All deals must close on or before June 30th, 2010 to receive the tax credit

It is very easy to obtain your tax credit. First, you can amend your 2009 tax file or you can file it in 2010 tax return. Yes, you will need to send proof that you purchased the house. I would suggest sending in a copy of ones mortgage statement and HUD1 statement for proper documentation.

The Treasury Department has detected a lot of fraud regarding people falsifying documents to receive the tax credit. Personally, it is not worth the amount of money to create a fraud when it comes to the tax credit. I would recommend to take the high road because they will always catch you in the end.

The Real Estate and Beyond Team is ready to assist home buyers to get into their house to receive the tax credits.

SEARCH FOR HOMES IN SURPRISE, ARIZONA AND SURROUNDING AREAS

OBTAIN A HOME MORTAGE RIGHT NOW

Make the Call, Set the Plan, Do the Deal$!

Feel free to listen to my Radio Show to learn more about the phoenix real estate market, new trends, and the latest opportunities.  The Real Estate and Beyond Radio Show Airs every Saturday from Noon-2:00pm on Conservative Newstalk KKNT 960am in Phoenix, Arizona.  You can listent to past shows, or stream on-line.

Phoenix Real Estate Resource Center

 

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TAX CREDIT EXTENDED & EXPANDED

Exciting news for first time home buyers as well as potential move up buyers today!  The first time home buyer's tax credit has been extended through April 30, 2010 and expanded to include home purchasers who are selling their current home of at least 5 years of ownership. 

Rules for the extended credit:

• First-time home buyers must purchase homes between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
  
• Current home owners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, must have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight.

To qualify as a "first-time home buyer" the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

The maximum amount available to first time home buyers is $8,000 and the maximum available to move up  buyers is $6,500.  This money will not have to be repaid as long as the home is owned for 3 years or more. 

For more great information about this tax credit news, visit Realtor.org. 

 

  

JCKC Realty
135 Main Street
Sturbridge, MA 01566
508-523-8632

Are you purchasing a home in Phoenix?  Is the house bank-owned, does it need some TLC, or would you just like to paint, carpet and put in some new appliances?  The FHA 203k Streamline loan is the perfect solution.  Click here for a more detailed guide for specifics on how the 203k loan works. 

FHA's Streamline 203(k) mortgage program allows Phoenix homebuyers to finance up to an additional $35,000 into their mortgage, to improve or upgrade their home before they move-in.  Phoenix homebuyers can use this type of loan to pay for property repairs, such as those identified by a home inspector or FHA appraiser.  These improvements are not just limited to repairs and can also be cosmetic upgrades to the existing property.

Now that you have gone through the whole financing process and you have reached your closing date, what happens next?   Rehabilitation construction should begin within 30 days after closing, and all work must be completed within six (6) months from the closing date.

How does your General Contractor get paid?  After the closing, your loan is typically sold to a servicing company, like Bank of America.  This process normally takes 7-10 days, but is currently taking approximately 21 days.  This is due to an influx of new loans being purchased from the recent closure of various mortgage lenders.  After the loan is sold, 50 percent of the rehabilitation funds are disbursed immediately to the borrower and/or contractor.  Included with the initial disbursement is an instruction letter that explains how the final disbursement will be made upon completion and provides the necessary contact information.  The balance is disbursed upon completion of all work. If the cost of the renovation is over $15,000, an inspection by the original appraiser is required.

For borrowers working with a contractor, a W-9 must be provided to set up the contractor, and a two-party check is made out to the borrower and the contractor and sent to the borrower.  If multiple contractors are being used, 50 percent of the cost of the repairs for each contractor is disbursed up front.  For borrowers performing work themselves, a self-help agreement must be signed before the funds are disbursed. The check is then made out directly to the borrower.  A borrower is typically only allowed to perform work themselves if they have experience in that line of work.

Who handles all of the disbursements and other requirements during the rehabilitation process?  The servicing company handles all rehabilitation disbursements and project inspections.  The amount designated for repairs and improvements, including the contingency reserve, holdback, and PITI, if applicable, are deposited into an interest-bearing repair escrow account, insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). 

What happens if your repairs have unexpected costs?  The contingency reserve is required to cover unexpected repairs.  The reserve is usually only required if the repairs exceed $7,500 and is typically 10 percent of the total repair amount.  The contingency reserve can only be used on those changes that affect the borrowers health and safety, or is due to an increase in cost for an item of necessity.  If a change order results in a decrease in costs, the amount will be added to the contingency reserve.  Additional improvements that do not affect the health and safety, or an increase in cost due to a necessity item, must be paid for directly by the borrower and not paid out of the contingency reserve fund.  The remaining balance in the contingency fund, after all work has been completed, will be used to pay down the principal balance of your loan.

Congratulations!  It's time relax and enjoy yourself.

If you're considering purchasing a home that may need some cosmetic upgrades or repairs, please contact the David Krushinsky Team to get pre-approved. 

* These are guidelines for loans funded by W.J. Bradley Mortgage Capital Corporation and may not be the same as other lenders.  You should consult your mortgage company to see if the same rules apply.

 

What does the rise in gold prices mean for your real estate business?

You're a real estate agent.  You've survived thus far in one of the most difficult periods in the real estate industry since the word REALTOR was trademarked back in 1950.  Many of your colleagues have left the industry because they couldn't or didn't foresee the need to pare back expenses and find ways to continue to sell houses.

You're a survivor, and would have reason to be proud of that fact if only you had time to reflect.  You don't, though, because this market eats up every second of your time, and you're scrambling to stay upright while the world you knew so well is shifting beneath your feet.

What does the rise in gold prices mean for your real estate business?

You don't have time to look at the commodities market.  You're in real estate, after all.  But that shift that's taking place requires your attention.  Step back for a moment.  Look at the bigger picture.

As the Federal Reserve prints more dollars, the value of those dollars declines.  Supply and demand, just like the price of the homes you're selling.  Increased supply of homes for sale (and the supply of bank owned homes continues to flood the market) means lower prices, and for the moment, interest rates are low too.  You might be tempted to think that your business has actually hit a sweet spot. Avoid that temptation.

What does the rise in gold prices mean for your real estate business?

It means your business is about to change dramatically yet again, and perhaps sooner rather than later.

Gold futures hit a record high yesterday, briefly touching $1,049.70 an ounce.  It's expected to go higher.  And here's the takeaway: the price of gold forecasts inflation.  It runs up before the inflation hits.  In 1980, after a four year runup in the price of gold to more than $873, per ounce, inflation hit an annualized rate of nearly 15%.  I remember it well, as I was a real estate developer at the time. 

That 80's market took me bankrupt at age 41.  One year prior, I had a net worth in real estate of $4 million, with debt of $1 million.  I wasn't prepared.

Here's a list of the things I'm doing, courtesy of CrisisTimes.com, to make sure my business survives this next twelve months:

• Simple is better
• Do what you love
• Master your field
• Get out of debt
• Sell unwanted items
• Positive Attitude
• Value your time

• Put your money to work
• Market yourself
• Control spending
• Visualize your goals daily
• Budget Planner
• Debt Consolidation
• Relax and think clearly

JOIN ME!  We live in exciting times, and there's an abundance of opportunity.

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I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, AZ Mortgage lender.

SUNSTREET MORTGAGE
Call me if I can help you or someone you know
with a purchase or refi mortgage.
(520) 349-9090

photo courtesy flickr /andrew in coins