The House Financial Services Committee this week approved three pieces of legislation tied to mortgage markets, including the FHA Reform Act of 2010, which allows the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to adjust its premium structure for new borrowers.
The committee also voted to approve the Homeowners' Defense Act and reauthorized the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for five years.
Chick here to read: House Financial Services Committee Approves FHA Reform Act...
Tax credit end not deterring US homebuyers -survey
Home buyer tax credits have been a boon to the U.S. housing market, but their expiration this week is unlikely to deter home purchasing activity as consumers grow more confident, according to a survey released on Wednesday.
Among consumers shopping for homes, 65 percent said the end of the tax credits will have little or no effect on their interest in purchasing a home, according to the survey, which was conducted by Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, part of Prudential Financial.
Click to read article: Tax credit end not deterring US homebuyers -survey...
Among consumers shopping for homes, 65 percent said the end of the tax credits will have little or no effect on their interest in purchasing a home, according to the survey, which was conducted by Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, part of Prudential Financial.
Click to read article: Tax credit end not deterring US homebuyers -survey...
Housing Market Off To A Good Start This Spring
Prompted by the federal home buyer tax credit, low mortgage rates and lower home prices home re-sales rose 6.8% in March after three straight months of declines, according to the National Association of Realtors. The rise in sales demonstrates a stronger housing market moving into the historically most active season of the year.
Existing home sales, including single family homes, condominiums, townhouses and co-ops hit a seasonally adjusted 5.35 million units.
Click here to read the article: Housing Market Off To A Good Start This Spring...
Existing home sales, including single family homes, condominiums, townhouses and co-ops hit a seasonally adjusted 5.35 million units.
Click here to read the article: Housing Market Off To A Good Start This Spring...
Buying a REO – 4 Steps For Analyzing REO Property
When buying a REO property, our money is made when we purchase rather than when we sell. We must get a bargain in order to cover the cost of repairs, the cost of holding, the cost of selling, and a reasonable profit.
Use these 4 Steps for Buying a REO: Click here to read entire article...
Use these 4 Steps for Buying a REO: Click here to read entire article...
7 Tips For Picking a Real Estate Agent
Ever wish you could see through the hype to hire the best real estate agent for buying or selling your home?
When it comes to choosing real estate agents, "we don't have the information that we have about other service professionals," says Stephen Brobeck, executive director of the Consumer Federation of America, in Washington, D.C.
However, there are things you can do to pull back the curtain and accurately assess a real estate agent's past performance and potential success with your home. Whether you're the buyer or the seller, here are seven ways you can find out more about your agent before you hire.
Click here to read entire article: 7 tips for picking a real estate agent...
When it comes to choosing real estate agents, "we don't have the information that we have about other service professionals," says Stephen Brobeck, executive director of the Consumer Federation of America, in Washington, D.C.
However, there are things you can do to pull back the curtain and accurately assess a real estate agent's past performance and potential success with your home. Whether you're the buyer or the seller, here are seven ways you can find out more about your agent before you hire.
Click here to read entire article: 7 tips for picking a real estate agent...
Utah Home, Condo Sales Up, Prices Down
A federal tax credit for home buyers helped push up sales of single-family homes in Salt Lake County 15.3 percent in the first quarter, compared with the same period last year, a new report shows.
Prices, however, are still falling.
The Salt Lake Board of Realtors reported that 1,716 home changed hands, up from 1,489 last year. The increase is a sign that the market, in a downturn since the summer of 2007, may be inching toward recovery. Sales of condominiums also were up from last year, by an even larger margin. In the first quarter, 350 condos in Salt Lake County were sold, up nearly 27 percent from the first quarter 2009.
To read entire article click here: Utah home, condo sales up, prices down...
Prices, however, are still falling.
The Salt Lake Board of Realtors reported that 1,716 home changed hands, up from 1,489 last year. The increase is a sign that the market, in a downturn since the summer of 2007, may be inching toward recovery. Sales of condominiums also were up from last year, by an even larger margin. In the first quarter, 350 condos in Salt Lake County were sold, up nearly 27 percent from the first quarter 2009.
To read entire article click here: Utah home, condo sales up, prices down...
Profiting From Distressed Homes
SITTING in the office of his 20,000-square-foot mansion on seven and a half acres here, Harsimran Singh Sabharwal, a real estate investor, recently shared his rags-to-riches tale: how, in 1973, he came to the United States from India with $8 in his pocket and now has a house whose kitchen dwarfs the home where he grew up, in a family of eight.
The secrets to his success? Faith, a positive outlook and buying distressed properties.
An engineer with a doctorate in business economics, Mr. Sabharwal started buying abandoned homes in East New York, Brooklyn, in 1983, rehabilitating them and “moving people from shelters to houses.”
Click to read article: Profiting From Distressed Homes...
The secrets to his success? Faith, a positive outlook and buying distressed properties.
An engineer with a doctorate in business economics, Mr. Sabharwal started buying abandoned homes in East New York, Brooklyn, in 1983, rehabilitating them and “moving people from shelters to houses.”
Click to read article: Profiting From Distressed Homes...
Homebuyers Need an Honest, Knowledgeable Agent
The anxiety first-time home buyers feel starting their search can be compared with the trepidation preceding a trip through the Amazon jungle. An unfair comparison perhaps, but both experiences can be made measurably better, or worse, depending on the quality of one's guide.
"When you are buying or selling real estate, it's an emotional roller coaster, so you want someone who is going to be right next to you, being as calm and educated as possible," said Realtor Steve Jones.
Click here to read entire article: Home buyers need an honest, knowledgeable agent...
"When you are buying or selling real estate, it's an emotional roller coaster, so you want someone who is going to be right next to you, being as calm and educated as possible," said Realtor Steve Jones.
Click here to read entire article: Home buyers need an honest, knowledgeable agent...
Questions and Answers About the Home-Buyer Tax Credits
Time is running short if you want to cash in on the popular home-buyer tax credits. You'll need to sign a binding contract by April 30 and then close the deal by June 30. With thousands of dollars at stake, it's not surprising that potential home buyers have lots of questions. We have the answers.
Click here to read article: Questions and answers about the home-buyer tax credits...
Click here to read article: Questions and answers about the home-buyer tax credits...
Homebuyers, It's A Great Time To Haggle Over Closing Costs
Closing costs are a necessary evil of any home purchase, but buyers now have more reason than ever to seek the best deals on them.
Federal lending rules that took effect in January require new disclosure forms and severely limit last-minute closing-cost overages. Fees have fallen because of the rules and a buyer's market, some experts say. Others maintain that the rules are actually causing fee overestimation.
"Business is generally down now for mortgage lenders so most of them are cutting fees," said Guy Cecala, publisher of industry newsletter Inside Mortgage Finance.
Click to read entire article: Homebuyers, It's A Great Time To Haggle Over Closing Costs...
Federal lending rules that took effect in January require new disclosure forms and severely limit last-minute closing-cost overages. Fees have fallen because of the rules and a buyer's market, some experts say. Others maintain that the rules are actually causing fee overestimation.
"Business is generally down now for mortgage lenders so most of them are cutting fees," said Guy Cecala, publisher of industry newsletter Inside Mortgage Finance.
Click to read entire article: Homebuyers, It's A Great Time To Haggle Over Closing Costs...
When It Comes To Home Buyer Tax Credits, IRS Rules Can Be Strict!
Question: I purchased a home about a year ago, but I used a land contract. The contract started three years ago. By the time the loan was closed on the land contract, the contract was no longer valid. I paid real estate taxes and mortgage interest because it was included with our rental payments.
I have received a letter from the IRS saying we do not qualify for the first-time home buyer tax credit. I have looked through all of the instructions and eligibility requirements and have found no mention of land contracts. This is our first time buying a home, and I feel like I am being punished.
Click to read article: When it comes to home buyer tax credits, IRS rules can be strict...
I have received a letter from the IRS saying we do not qualify for the first-time home buyer tax credit. I have looked through all of the instructions and eligibility requirements and have found no mention of land contracts. This is our first time buying a home, and I feel like I am being punished.
Click to read article: When it comes to home buyer tax credits, IRS rules can be strict...
Sales of New Homes in U.S. Climb by Most Since 1963
Purchases of new homes in the U.S. surged in March by the most in almost five decades as buyers rushed to qualify for a government tax credit and the weather turned milder.
Demand may remain elevated through this month as Americans take advantage of a tax credit worth as much as $8,000 before it ends at the end of next week. The outlook for the rest of the year hinges on sustained job gains as homebuilders struggle against a wave of foreclosures that is depressing home prices and adding to inventory.
Click to read article: Sales of New Homes in U.S. Climb by Most Since 1963...
Demand may remain elevated through this month as Americans take advantage of a tax credit worth as much as $8,000 before it ends at the end of next week. The outlook for the rest of the year hinges on sustained job gains as homebuilders struggle against a wave of foreclosures that is depressing home prices and adding to inventory.
Click to read article: Sales of New Homes in U.S. Climb by Most Since 1963...
New Program Helps Expedite Short Sales
A new federal program could give some homeowners who are underwater and behind on their mortgage payments some relief. The Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives or HAFA program is designed to expedite short sales.
The program, which took effect in early April and runs through December 31, 2012 streamlines the short sale process by pre-approving sellers and establishing a sale price in advance.
Click here to read more: New program helps expedite short sales...
The program, which took effect in early April and runs through December 31, 2012 streamlines the short sale process by pre-approving sellers and establishing a sale price in advance.
Click here to read more: New program helps expedite short sales...
How to Avoid Common Real Estate Mistakes
Spring is typically peak season for buying and selling homes. But many Americans jump into this major transaction without doing their homework, and that could cost them.
CBS News Business and Economic Correspondent Rebecca Jarvis said on "The Early Show" Thursday buyers and sellers can expect two big unknowns in the stabilizing market: What happens with the federal stimulus money expires after April 30? And with foreclosures increasing, how much could that weigh in on prices?
Click here to read more: How to Avoid Common Real Estate Mistakes...
CBS News Business and Economic Correspondent Rebecca Jarvis said on "The Early Show" Thursday buyers and sellers can expect two big unknowns in the stabilizing market: What happens with the federal stimulus money expires after April 30? And with foreclosures increasing, how much could that weigh in on prices?
Click here to read more: How to Avoid Common Real Estate Mistakes...
Education Key When Considering Home Ownership
Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions and commitments one will ever make, yet many people are not nearly as familiar with the ins and outs of the mortgage process as they are with their favorite TV show or sports team. Taking time to become educated on the subject will go a long way in easing the stress of buying a home and preparing for the responsibilities of home ownership.
"Low rates, combined with stabilizing home prices, are creating buying opportunities for those who qualify," says Michael Copley, retail lending senior vice president of TD Bank. "But before you buy, do as much research as possible - research lenders, know the products and make sure you understand the costs associated with home ownership."
Click here to read entire article: Education key when considering home ownership...
"Low rates, combined with stabilizing home prices, are creating buying opportunities for those who qualify," says Michael Copley, retail lending senior vice president of TD Bank. "But before you buy, do as much research as possible - research lenders, know the products and make sure you understand the costs associated with home ownership."
Click here to read entire article: Education key when considering home ownership...
Mortgage Activity Rises With Rates Down
The volume of applications for U.S. mortgages rose last week as long-term interest rates dropped, an industry group said Wednesday.
The Mortgage Bankers Association said its Market Composite Index rose 13.6 percent, while the Refinancing Index rose 15.8 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis in the week ending April 16.
Click to read more: Mortgage activity rises with rates down...
The Mortgage Bankers Association said its Market Composite Index rose 13.6 percent, while the Refinancing Index rose 15.8 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis in the week ending April 16.
Click to read more: Mortgage activity rises with rates down...
Time Ripe to Buy US Homes Before Prices Rise
Most consumers think U.S. homes are affordable and the time is ripe to buy as many expect prices to rise in the next year, a new survey showed on Wednesday.
U.S. home buyers remain worried about the economy. But with average home prices down about 30 percent nationally from 2006, mortgage rates low and federal tax credits still in play, more than 80 percent of buyers see this as a good time to purchase, a Century 21 Real Estate LLC poll found
Click to read more: Time ripe to buy US homes before prices rise...
U.S. home buyers remain worried about the economy. But with average home prices down about 30 percent nationally from 2006, mortgage rates low and federal tax credits still in play, more than 80 percent of buyers see this as a good time to purchase, a Century 21 Real Estate LLC poll found
Click to read more: Time ripe to buy US homes before prices rise...
Mortgage Fraud: Understanding And Avoiding It
Ethical violations and criminal activities in various industries have affected our economy over the past few decades, particularly in the banking, financial and housing sectors. In this article we examine the complex ethical and criminal issues surrounding mortgage fraud. Fraud in its simplest form is deliberate misrepresentation and deception. Fraud in action means that one deceives another by misrepresenting information, facts and figures.
Read more: Mortgage Fraud: Understanding And Avoiding It...
Read more: Mortgage Fraud: Understanding And Avoiding It...
Fannie: Buying Another Home Is Easier If You Don’t Walk Away
About a month ago, one of our readers emailed me and asked why the mortgage industry wasn’t making things easier for borrowers who didn’t walk away from their mortgages. Angry over the fact that borrowers were walking away from their responsibilities, furthering the problems that have contributed to the housing downturn — “Walking away only because you are underwater is only going to further the problem” — our reader suggested, “If we can arm the people that will continue to pay with some ammunition, maybe they can help.”
A recent announcement by Fannie Mae is step in that very direction. On applications submitted after July 1, 2010, borrowers who lost their homes via a short sale will only have to wait two years before they can apply for another Fannie-backed mortgage. Previously, borrowers had to wait at least four years.
Click here for the entire article: Fannie: Buying Another Home Is Easier If You Don’t Walk Away...
A recent announcement by Fannie Mae is step in that very direction. On applications submitted after July 1, 2010, borrowers who lost their homes via a short sale will only have to wait two years before they can apply for another Fannie-backed mortgage. Previously, borrowers had to wait at least four years.
Click here for the entire article: Fannie: Buying Another Home Is Easier If You Don’t Walk Away...
First-Time Buyers Take Larger Share of Home Sales in March
First-time homebuyers made up a record high share of sales in March, according to the latest Campbell Surveys poll of more than 1,500 real estate agents nationwide.
Of all home purchases in the month, first-time homebuyers accounted for 48.2%. The new monthly record eclipsed the previous peak of 46.9% last October when the expected November expiration of the original homebuyer tax credit drove up the share of first-time homebuyers. The March uptick comes ahead of the extended tax credit deadline.
Click here to read the entire article: First-Time Buyers Take Larger Share of Home Sales in March...
Of all home purchases in the month, first-time homebuyers accounted for 48.2%. The new monthly record eclipsed the previous peak of 46.9% last October when the expected November expiration of the original homebuyer tax credit drove up the share of first-time homebuyers. The March uptick comes ahead of the extended tax credit deadline.
Click here to read the entire article: First-Time Buyers Take Larger Share of Home Sales in March...
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