This article came up in the wall street journal: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703338004575229932760855258.html
Looks like the economy is getting better, good news for all and great news for real estate!
The U.S. job machine finally slipped into gear last month, adding jobs at a pace last seen before the recession. Yet the unemployment rate also ticked up as the number of people seeking work surged, a sign that the economy isn't yet growing fast enough to sate the need for jobs.
The Labor Department report, released Friday, showed jobs grew in a wide swath of the economy, from manufacturing to professional services, and offered reassuring signs that the U.S. economy is recovering. "We're on more solid ground after these data than we thought we were," said Alan Levenson, an economist for T. Rowe Price Associates. "That should reduce, at least at the margins, the concerns that ones might have had of the impact on our economy of what's going on in Europe."
The government said 290,000 jobs were created in April and it revised upward by a total of 121,000 the gains for the previous two months.
The jobless rate ticked up to 9.9% from 9.7% as 805,000 workers left the sidelines and entered or rejoined the labor force. The flood of new job seekers comes amid signs that employers are hiring, as often happens in the early innings of a recovery. "People are encouraged to come back in the labor force and start looking for jobs," said Julia Coronado, a BNP Paribas analyst. "It's good that they're not so discouraged anymore."
The employment numbers came a day after the Dow industrials took a harrowing 998.5 point plunge in a five-minute selloff. The WSJ's Dennis Berman, Evan Newmark and Dave Kansas discuss.
The positive U.S. job report came amid growing worries about the potential of a new downturn in Europe as that region grapples with a government-debt crisis that shows signs of reeling out of control. Europe's woes have cast a pall over global stock markets. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at 10380 on Friday, down 139.889 points, or 1.3%. Most economists still predict limited spillover from Europe, given that the pace of global growth, particularly in Asia, has quickened. But this could change if Europe's downturn intensifies or spreads to U.S. credit markets.
The U.S. still has a long way to go to regain the nearly 8 million jobs wiped out since the recession hit: At the rate of job growth notched in April, it would take about 27 months just to restore those jobs, not to mention creating jobs for new entrants to the work force. In all, 15.3 million people were out of work and seeking jobs in April. Almost half of those who were unemployed, some 45.9%, had been out of work for 27 weeks or more.
Nearly all of April's job gains came from private-sector hiring, not temporary government hiring for the 2010 Census. Rising private-sector hiring is crucial since it holds the potential to pick up the slack that will be created as the effects of government economic stimulus fade later this year.
Who's Hurting?
View Interactive
A look at job losses by sector, sex and race.
Professional and business services occupations led the job gains in April, adding 80,000 to its ranks. Accenture PLC, the consulting firm, is in the midst of hiring 50,000 employees globally—with 7,000 of those being added in the U.S.—by the end of August. The firm is hiring nearly twice as many workers as last year because of increased demand from clients, said John Campagnino, the company's senior director for recruitment.
Manufacturing, which has been recovering fastest from the recession, added 44,000 jobs. Even construction, especially hard-hit during the downturn, saw payrolls rise by 14,000. Education and health services added workers as well. The government added 66,000 workers for the Census in April; some of that was offset by declining employment in state and local governments facing strained budgets.
Baker Hughes Inc., a Houston-based oil-field-services company, was among those adding employees. Its business dropped precipitously last summer, after the number of working oil and natural gas rigs in the U.S. hit 876, down from 2,031 at its August 2008 peak. Baker Hughes thought the downturn would last for at least two years, says Paul Butero, president of U.S. land operations. So it shed 1,400 employees between mid-2008 and mid-2009, bringing its work force down to about 4,300.
But by the third quarter of 2009, business had started to return, Mr. Butero says. "We expected a U-shaped recovery, but we had an immediate bounce back," he says. Now, there are 1,483 rigs running in the U.S., according to the company. "Our customers are very bullish. Activity is increasing every week," he says.
U.S. Unemployment History
View Interactive
And so is Baker Hughes's hiring. Between September and April, the company hired 539 employees, 45% of whom were previously laid off during the cutbacks.
Among leisure and hospitality industries, which also faced declines during the recession as Americans cut back on travel and dining out, employment grew by 45,000 last month.
One of those adding jobs in recent months was the Knowland Group Inc., a Salisbury, Md.-based small firm that makes business-development and sales software for hospitality businesses. The company has grown its work force to about 50 employees, from roughly 35 at the beginning of the year, said chief executive Michael McKean.
"Last year was bad—it was catastrophic," Mr. McKean said.
But now things are looking better: More clients are reporting business is improving, prompting the company to launch a new product in February that it had been putting off during the recession. "There's still pain out there, but it's turning," Mr. McKean said. "I think there are opportunities right now quite frankly."
In a separate report, consumer credit—outside of real estate loans—increased at a 1% annual rate in March after declining in February and rising in January, the Federal Reserve said.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
HAFA Short Sale Program
HAFA stands for Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives and is a part of Obama's Making Home Affordable program. The HAFA short sale program, effective from April 5, 2010, through December 31, 2012, is said to be the answer to the weary and long process that usually embody short sales. HAFA promises short sale approval within 10 days and gives the seller up to $1,500 in cash at closing. But because HAFA is a government-sponsored program, there are several steps that must be followed:
step 1 -
The first step is for a borrower to apply to HAMP, Home Affordable Modification Program. Here are the rules to be eligible for the HAMP program:
a. Only personal residences are eligible.
b. The mortgage amount must be less than $729,750.
c. The borrower suffers a hardship such as loss of income, an increased mortgage payment or an unexpected increase of expenses.
d. The mortgage originated before January 1, 2009.
Te. he PITI mortgage payment, including HOA, is more than 31% of the borrower's gross monthly income.
(If any one of the 5 rules do not apply, then the borrower is not eligible for HAMP.)
If you are not eligible for HAMP, then you may need to find a short sale agent to help you. If you are eligible for HAMP, it does not mean that you will qualify for HAMP. Eligibility and qualification for HAMP are two different animals. Your goal, if you want to do a short sale, is to hope that HAMP will turn you down. Then you will be eligible for HAFA. Or, if accepted into HAMP, and you stop making your loan modification payments, you can apply to HAFA. This may sound like goofy rules, but it's the way our government works.
I think it's interesting to point out that very few borrowers tend to qualify for a loan modification. Most short sales are for seller's who were rejected for a loan modification.
Step 2 -
Determine if Your Lender Participates in the HAMP Program
It's important to know if your lender participates in HAMP, because lenders that participate in HAMP also participate in HAFA. All Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lenders are required to participate. Here is a partial list of some of the big-name HAMP participating lenders:
Aurora Loan Services, LLC
Bank of America, NA
Chase Home Finance, LLC
CitiMortgage, Inc
Countrywide Home Loans Servicing, LP
EMC Mortgage Corporation
GMAC Mortgage LLC
Green Tree Servicing LLC
HomeEq Servicing
Horizon Bank
J.P.Morgan Chase Bank, NA
Litton Loan Servicing
Navy Federal Credit Union
Ocwen Financial Corporation, Inc.
OneWest Bank
PNC Bank, National Association
Saxon Mortgage Services
The Golden 1 Credit Union
US Bank, National Association
Wachovia Mortgage, FSB
Wachovia Bank, NA
Wells Fargo Bank, NA
Step 3 -
Eligibility Requirements for HAFA Short Sales
Once the borrower is rejected for a loan modification through the HAMP Program, the borrower is then eligible to apply to the HAFA Short Sale program or pursue a Deed in-Lieu-of Foreclosure. Since I don't know why anybody in their right minds would do a deed in-lieu, I'll stick to the short sale process. HAFA will preapprove the price of that short sale and give the seller 4 months to sell the property through a real estate agent. Here are the eligibility requirements:
a. Only personal residences are eligible.
b. The mortgage amount must be less than $729,750.
c. The seller must be 60 days behind on the mortgage.
d. The mortgage originated before January 1, 2009.
e. The seller was rejected by HAMP for a loan modification.
f. Sellers who have government loans do not qualify.
Benefits to a HAFA Short Sale
- Second lenders can no longer try to force a seller to commit short sale mortgage fraud by demanding payments outside of escrow.
- Lenders that participate in HAFA waive the right to a deficiency judgment.
- Junior lenders can receive up to 3% of the loan balance or $3,000 maximum to release the loan.
- First lenders will receive a government payment of up to $2,000 to approve the short sale (on a 3-to-1 matching basis for paying up to $3,000 to each junior lender), and the investors receive up to an additional $1,500 to cover administrative costs.
- Sellers will receive a government payment of $3,000 at close of escrow to cover relocation expenses.
- Sellers will not be required to make a seller contribution.
- Lenders must agree not to foreclose during the short sale process.
- Another condition of HAFA is all parties must sign an arm's length affidavit. In other words, the seller cannot sell to a person the seller knows or to whom the seller is related. The buyer must also agree not to sell the property for a minimum of 90 days.
step 1 -
The first step is for a borrower to apply to HAMP, Home Affordable Modification Program. Here are the rules to be eligible for the HAMP program:
a. Only personal residences are eligible.
b. The mortgage amount must be less than $729,750.
c. The borrower suffers a hardship such as loss of income, an increased mortgage payment or an unexpected increase of expenses.
d. The mortgage originated before January 1, 2009.
Te. he PITI mortgage payment, including HOA, is more than 31% of the borrower's gross monthly income.
(If any one of the 5 rules do not apply, then the borrower is not eligible for HAMP.)
If you are not eligible for HAMP, then you may need to find a short sale agent to help you. If you are eligible for HAMP, it does not mean that you will qualify for HAMP. Eligibility and qualification for HAMP are two different animals. Your goal, if you want to do a short sale, is to hope that HAMP will turn you down. Then you will be eligible for HAFA. Or, if accepted into HAMP, and you stop making your loan modification payments, you can apply to HAFA. This may sound like goofy rules, but it's the way our government works.
I think it's interesting to point out that very few borrowers tend to qualify for a loan modification. Most short sales are for seller's who were rejected for a loan modification.
Step 2 -
Determine if Your Lender Participates in the HAMP Program
It's important to know if your lender participates in HAMP, because lenders that participate in HAMP also participate in HAFA. All Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lenders are required to participate. Here is a partial list of some of the big-name HAMP participating lenders:
Aurora Loan Services, LLC
Bank of America, NA
Chase Home Finance, LLC
CitiMortgage, Inc
Countrywide Home Loans Servicing, LP
EMC Mortgage Corporation
GMAC Mortgage LLC
Green Tree Servicing LLC
HomeEq Servicing
Horizon Bank
J.P.Morgan Chase Bank, NA
Litton Loan Servicing
Navy Federal Credit Union
Ocwen Financial Corporation, Inc.
OneWest Bank
PNC Bank, National Association
Saxon Mortgage Services
The Golden 1 Credit Union
US Bank, National Association
Wachovia Mortgage, FSB
Wachovia Bank, NA
Wells Fargo Bank, NA
Step 3 -
Eligibility Requirements for HAFA Short Sales
Once the borrower is rejected for a loan modification through the HAMP Program, the borrower is then eligible to apply to the HAFA Short Sale program or pursue a Deed in-Lieu-of Foreclosure. Since I don't know why anybody in their right minds would do a deed in-lieu, I'll stick to the short sale process. HAFA will preapprove the price of that short sale and give the seller 4 months to sell the property through a real estate agent. Here are the eligibility requirements:
a. Only personal residences are eligible.
b. The mortgage amount must be less than $729,750.
c. The seller must be 60 days behind on the mortgage.
d. The mortgage originated before January 1, 2009.
e. The seller was rejected by HAMP for a loan modification.
f. Sellers who have government loans do not qualify.
Benefits to a HAFA Short Sale
- Second lenders can no longer try to force a seller to commit short sale mortgage fraud by demanding payments outside of escrow.
- Lenders that participate in HAFA waive the right to a deficiency judgment.
- Junior lenders can receive up to 3% of the loan balance or $3,000 maximum to release the loan.
- First lenders will receive a government payment of up to $2,000 to approve the short sale (on a 3-to-1 matching basis for paying up to $3,000 to each junior lender), and the investors receive up to an additional $1,500 to cover administrative costs.
- Sellers will receive a government payment of $3,000 at close of escrow to cover relocation expenses.
- Sellers will not be required to make a seller contribution.
- Lenders must agree not to foreclose during the short sale process.
- Another condition of HAFA is all parties must sign an arm's length affidavit. In other words, the seller cannot sell to a person the seller knows or to whom the seller is related. The buyer must also agree not to sell the property for a minimum of 90 days.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Sample Hardship Letter & Sample Authorization Letter
If you are applying for a short sale or loan modification, these samples may come in helpful for you. You will need to submit both of these letters in the beginning stages of the short sale or loan mod.
Sample Hardship Letter for a Mortgage Modification
Hardship Letter:
XYZ Bank
Re: John Jones, 1234 Main Street, USA., loan number 123456789
Gentlemen:
This letter is to advise you that I can no longer make my monthly mortgage payments in the sum of $___________ as I my income has been reduced as a result of the economy and the value of my home has dropped by at least 50%. I would like to keep my home and I am asking for reduced monthly payments and interest rate over the life of the loan. I am also requesting a three month forbearance. [I recommend asking for a modification for the life of the entire loan, otherwise the lender may only give you a short term modification and that might not help you for a long enough period. The forbearance is asking the lender to forgive some of the debt.]
Sample Authorization Letter
[Only to be used if you authorize a third party such as a mortgage broker, attorney or housing counselor to negotiate your mortgage modification on your behalf]:
To whom it may concern:
We hereby authorize Jim Jones or any employees of the law firm of Jim Jones, address, telephone number, to represent us in connection with my loan number 124556789, in the name of John and Mary Smith regarding the property address: 123 Main Street, USA. You are hereby authorized to give Mr. Jones or any of his employees any information regarding my loan and loan balances.
Very truly yours,
John and Mary Smith
[Include the last 4 digits of both borrowers’ social security numbers below the signature line or somewhere in the letter as well.]
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
New FHA Lending Policies
Because I work with many first time buyers, FHA financing is something I see a lot. If you've been listening to the housing news, you've probably heard about some lending changes that were announced by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). While many of the news reports were confusing, the truth is pretty clear...and isn't as bad as some people may have heard.
Overall the measures announced by the FHA are intended to help the organization better manage its risks and strengthen its capital reserves, while still providing home loans to the nation.
The good news, as FHA Commissioner David Stevens stated recently, is that "by continuing to provide affordable, responsible mortgage products, FHA will support the housing market's recovery" and "remain the largest source of home purchase financing for underserved communities."
What's Changing?
If you or someone you know is considering an FHA loan, some of these changes may affect you. Here's a clear, concise rundown of the major changes and what they mean:
1. Increased mortgage insurance. The mortgage insurance premium (referred to as private mortgage insurance by many people) will be increased from 1.75% to 2.25%. This change will add some cost to purchasing a home, but will not overburden consumers since the mortgage insurance is paid over the life of the loan, rather than upfront at closing. This change will become effective on April 5, 2010.
2. New down payment and credit score requirements. According to the new policy, homebuyers who have a credit score of at least 580 may still be able to purchase a home with 3.5% down, but those with credit scores of less than 580 will be required to put down at least 10%. This change is designed to help the FHA balance its risk, while still providing affordable down payments for consumers with a history of good credit and responsibility.
3. Reduced seller concession. Basically, this change means that the person selling the home will now only be able to offer the homebuyer 3% to help defray closing costs, as opposed to 6% under the previous policy.
In addition to these changes, the new policies contain a series of new measures aimed at increasing lender enforcement.
The bottom line is that the changes will impact some homebuyers more than others. But in the end, the FHA is still committed to providing affordable home loans.
Also, I am including a link from the FHA website which will easily allow you to navigate and gets all your questions answered:
http://www.fha.com/important_facts.cfm
Overall the measures announced by the FHA are intended to help the organization better manage its risks and strengthen its capital reserves, while still providing home loans to the nation.
The good news, as FHA Commissioner David Stevens stated recently, is that "by continuing to provide affordable, responsible mortgage products, FHA will support the housing market's recovery" and "remain the largest source of home purchase financing for underserved communities."
What's Changing?
If you or someone you know is considering an FHA loan, some of these changes may affect you. Here's a clear, concise rundown of the major changes and what they mean:
1. Increased mortgage insurance. The mortgage insurance premium (referred to as private mortgage insurance by many people) will be increased from 1.75% to 2.25%. This change will add some cost to purchasing a home, but will not overburden consumers since the mortgage insurance is paid over the life of the loan, rather than upfront at closing. This change will become effective on April 5, 2010.
2. New down payment and credit score requirements. According to the new policy, homebuyers who have a credit score of at least 580 may still be able to purchase a home with 3.5% down, but those with credit scores of less than 580 will be required to put down at least 10%. This change is designed to help the FHA balance its risk, while still providing affordable down payments for consumers with a history of good credit and responsibility.
3. Reduced seller concession. Basically, this change means that the person selling the home will now only be able to offer the homebuyer 3% to help defray closing costs, as opposed to 6% under the previous policy.
In addition to these changes, the new policies contain a series of new measures aimed at increasing lender enforcement.
The bottom line is that the changes will impact some homebuyers more than others. But in the end, the FHA is still committed to providing affordable home loans.
Also, I am including a link from the FHA website which will easily allow you to navigate and gets all your questions answered:
http://www.fha.com/important_facts.cfm
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Short Sale Answers:
Top 10 most frequently asked short sale questions.
What does Short Sale mean?
A short sale simply means the amount of the existing mortgage is greater than the sales price of the home. A short sale would result. The mortgagee would accept the lesser amount and avoid the foreclosure proceedings. The balance of the loan would be forgiven by the lender.
Why do lenders allow a short sale?
Simple. The seller is out of the home the cannot afford and the lender avoids the costly foreclosure proceedings.
If I have equity in my home, will my lender allow a short sale?
Depending on the amount of equity, lenders may choose the traditional means of foreclosure. This may allow the lender to recapture some of the expense of the proceedings. Though on the other had, the home may be encumbered by other liens, and the inventory of homes may detour the lender from wanting to take title.
Can I still profit on a short sale?
No - Though the seller may have used the equity on a previous refinance or equity line, the current loan balance will be higher than the selling price of the home. A seller may not receive proceeds from a short sale.
How much time do I have to start a short sale?
In a Pre-foreclosure "Time is of the essence". Timelines starts from the date the notice to the borrower is filed. Each state has individual foreclosure laws and regulations. In some states a foreclosure can proceed as quickly as 35 days. Do not delay. In most cases you have no more than 60 days from the date of the notice, to contact lender to effectuate a lender approved short sale.
Is there an application process to start a short sale?
Yes - In basic terms you are applying for a short sale in much the same way you applied for your mortgage.
The individual short sale process will depend on the lender. Be prepared to submit a hardship letter detailing the circumstances behind the short sale; Current financial condition of the seller, ie; pay check stubs, bank statements, a personal financial statement.
Additional, they may require a monthly budget assessment. Lastly, a signed, valid purchase and sales contract, preliminary HUD-1 settlement statement and a preliminary estimate of proceeds to the lender.
How will a short sale affect my credit rating?
Current estimate is -50 points. Each individual lender to decide what to report. Often it will note loan as "paid" on their credit report, while in the footnote it may reference "settled for less than amount owed". though it is a mark on the credit report, it is more favorable that "foreclosed" which is currently about -250 points.
I have filed for bankruptcy, can I still do a short sale?
Most lender would not consider a short sale if the homeowner is in the middle of a bankruptcy proceeding. A short sale by nature is a collection activity which is prohibited in a bankruptcy.
Will I need an appraisal for a short sale?
This is not on your list of things to do. Lenders vary on whether they will use a full appraisal or real estate BPO brokers price opinion to be submitted in the short sale package. All lenders will require a formal assessment of value of the home. Some will use more that one type of appraisal.
What are the tax implications in the short of real estate?
This is a biggie. Consult a tax accountant as each case varies. Generally, taxes are reported as a loss to the lender and a gain to the buyer. If the lender forgives 20K on your mortgage, you would receive a form 1099C in that amount as income, and responsible for paying the tax.
The mortgage forgiveness act of 2007 allows forgiveness of up to 2 million on the principal residence.
This is purchase monies only. Meaning the mortgage you took out to purchase your home. Sellers need to understand that if you then took a HELOC (home equity line of credit) for other reasons (debt consolidation, college, home remodel etc) this money IS NOT purchase monies. Many lenders will require you to sign documents (promisory note) that you understand you are responsible for the deficiency / short fall.
Understanding the process is imperative to sellers and buyers alike. As a certified short sale and foreclosure resource I have the knowledge and expertise to help navigate and negotiate on your behalf.
What does Short Sale mean?
A short sale simply means the amount of the existing mortgage is greater than the sales price of the home. A short sale would result. The mortgagee would accept the lesser amount and avoid the foreclosure proceedings. The balance of the loan would be forgiven by the lender.
Why do lenders allow a short sale?
Simple. The seller is out of the home the cannot afford and the lender avoids the costly foreclosure proceedings.
If I have equity in my home, will my lender allow a short sale?
Depending on the amount of equity, lenders may choose the traditional means of foreclosure. This may allow the lender to recapture some of the expense of the proceedings. Though on the other had, the home may be encumbered by other liens, and the inventory of homes may detour the lender from wanting to take title.
Can I still profit on a short sale?
No - Though the seller may have used the equity on a previous refinance or equity line, the current loan balance will be higher than the selling price of the home. A seller may not receive proceeds from a short sale.
How much time do I have to start a short sale?
In a Pre-foreclosure "Time is of the essence". Timelines starts from the date the notice to the borrower is filed. Each state has individual foreclosure laws and regulations. In some states a foreclosure can proceed as quickly as 35 days. Do not delay. In most cases you have no more than 60 days from the date of the notice, to contact lender to effectuate a lender approved short sale.
Is there an application process to start a short sale?
Yes - In basic terms you are applying for a short sale in much the same way you applied for your mortgage.
The individual short sale process will depend on the lender. Be prepared to submit a hardship letter detailing the circumstances behind the short sale; Current financial condition of the seller, ie; pay check stubs, bank statements, a personal financial statement.
Additional, they may require a monthly budget assessment. Lastly, a signed, valid purchase and sales contract, preliminary HUD-1 settlement statement and a preliminary estimate of proceeds to the lender.
How will a short sale affect my credit rating?
Current estimate is -50 points. Each individual lender to decide what to report. Often it will note loan as "paid" on their credit report, while in the footnote it may reference "settled for less than amount owed". though it is a mark on the credit report, it is more favorable that "foreclosed" which is currently about -250 points.
I have filed for bankruptcy, can I still do a short sale?
Most lender would not consider a short sale if the homeowner is in the middle of a bankruptcy proceeding. A short sale by nature is a collection activity which is prohibited in a bankruptcy.
Will I need an appraisal for a short sale?
This is not on your list of things to do. Lenders vary on whether they will use a full appraisal or real estate BPO brokers price opinion to be submitted in the short sale package. All lenders will require a formal assessment of value of the home. Some will use more that one type of appraisal.
What are the tax implications in the short of real estate?
This is a biggie. Consult a tax accountant as each case varies. Generally, taxes are reported as a loss to the lender and a gain to the buyer. If the lender forgives 20K on your mortgage, you would receive a form 1099C in that amount as income, and responsible for paying the tax.
The mortgage forgiveness act of 2007 allows forgiveness of up to 2 million on the principal residence.
This is purchase monies only. Meaning the mortgage you took out to purchase your home. Sellers need to understand that if you then took a HELOC (home equity line of credit) for other reasons (debt consolidation, college, home remodel etc) this money IS NOT purchase monies. Many lenders will require you to sign documents (promisory note) that you understand you are responsible for the deficiency / short fall.
Understanding the process is imperative to sellers and buyers alike. As a certified short sale and foreclosure resource I have the knowledge and expertise to help navigate and negotiate on your behalf.
Monday, February 15, 2010
8 REO Tips for Buying Foreclosures
Lots of savvy home buyers want to hit the jackpot and buy that REO foreclosed home, many of which are often under-priced. When banks price REOs under the comparable sales, multiple offers are often the response. This means you could be up against stiff competition for that bank-owned home.
It's not unusual for some REO homes in Sacramento to receive 15 or 20 offers. Sometimes the bank will throw out all but two offers and then ask the selected buyers to resubmit what is called "Highest and Final" offer. Sometimes the bank simply accepts the best offer at inception.
If you're wondering how you can make your offer shine above all the rest and be the winning offer, here are a few tips to help you select the right price and terms:
1) Get the Property History
Ask your buyer's agent to find out the bank's purchase price on the Trustee's Deed or Sheriff's Deed. Generally, it is noted on the document itself, which you can get from the tax rolls or a title company. Compare that price to the price the bank is asking.
Look at the amount of loans that were once secured to the property. Somewhere between the original mortgage balance(s) and the foreclosure sale price is the amount the bank will accept, if the home is under-priced.
2) Determine Comparable Sales
In many cases, the list price has little bearing on the value of the home. The market value carries the most weight. If you are up against competing offers, other buyers will offer more than list price.
Look at the last three months of comparable sales, a mini CMA, for that neighborhood to determine how much this REO is worth. Try to use only those homes that most closely match the REO regarding square footage, number of bedrooms, baths, amenities and condition.
Look at the pending sales. Ask your agent to call the listing agents of those pending sales to try to find out the accepted offer price. Some will share that information and some will not.
Look at the active listings. Those are most likely the listings other buyers will use to formulate a price because they are the only homes those buyers actually tour.
3) Analyze Listing Agent's REO Solds
Most REO agents work for one or two banks. Some listing agents are exclusive listing agents for REOs, and they do not list any other type of property. Since REO agents deal in volume, they typically apply the same pricing principles to all their REO listings.
Ask your buyer's agent to look up the listing agent in MLS.
Run a search using that listing agent's name to find the last three to six months of that agent's listings.
Pull the history of those listings to determine the list-price to sales-price ratio. If most of those listings are selling for, say, 5% over list price, then you may need to offer 6% over list price, and vice versa.
4) Ask About Number of Offers
If there are no offers on the REO home, you can probably offer less than list price and get your offer accepted. However, if there are more than two offers, you will most likely need to offer above the asking price.
If there are 20 offers, bear in mind that some of those offers might be all cash. Banks like all cash offers. If you are obtaining financing, then you may need to increase the price on your offer to be considered.
5) Submit Preapproval Letter
It goes without saying that you do not want a prequal letter. You want a preapproval letter. Get preapproved from your choice of lender in advance.
Moreover, get preapproved by the lender who owns the property. Do not expect to use this lender for your loan, but submit the prepproval letter from this lender, along with the letter from your own lender. Banks don't trust other lender preapprovals but trust their own departments.
6) Don't Ask for Repairs / Inspections
Sometimes banks will pay for repairs, but typically will not agree to do so at the offer stage. If there are problems found during a home inspection, renegotiate after your offer has been accepted.
7) Shorten the Inspection Period
If other buyers ask for 17 days, for example, to conduct inspections, and you ask for 10, you will be deemed the more serious buyer.
8) Offer to Split Fees
Some banks will not pay transfer fees, for example. If the buyer offers to split those fees, the bank will feel more amenable to accepting the offer. Same thing for escrow fees.
Many banks negotiate discount fees for title insurance. If the bank will pay for the owner's policy, the ALTA policy might cost a bit more. But it's still a good idea to let the bank choose title if you want your offer accepted.
Consider the Appraisal Consequences
If you offer over list price, bear in mind that the appraisal will need to substantiate that price. If you find yourself dealing with a low appraisal, you have options, so don't despair. Remember, the bank will most likely run into this problem with the next buyer who obtains financing.
Written By: Elizabeth Weintraub
It's not unusual for some REO homes in Sacramento to receive 15 or 20 offers. Sometimes the bank will throw out all but two offers and then ask the selected buyers to resubmit what is called "Highest and Final" offer. Sometimes the bank simply accepts the best offer at inception.
If you're wondering how you can make your offer shine above all the rest and be the winning offer, here are a few tips to help you select the right price and terms:
1) Get the Property History
Ask your buyer's agent to find out the bank's purchase price on the Trustee's Deed or Sheriff's Deed. Generally, it is noted on the document itself, which you can get from the tax rolls or a title company. Compare that price to the price the bank is asking.
Look at the amount of loans that were once secured to the property. Somewhere between the original mortgage balance(s) and the foreclosure sale price is the amount the bank will accept, if the home is under-priced.
2) Determine Comparable Sales
In many cases, the list price has little bearing on the value of the home. The market value carries the most weight. If you are up against competing offers, other buyers will offer more than list price.
Look at the last three months of comparable sales, a mini CMA, for that neighborhood to determine how much this REO is worth. Try to use only those homes that most closely match the REO regarding square footage, number of bedrooms, baths, amenities and condition.
Look at the pending sales. Ask your agent to call the listing agents of those pending sales to try to find out the accepted offer price. Some will share that information and some will not.
Look at the active listings. Those are most likely the listings other buyers will use to formulate a price because they are the only homes those buyers actually tour.
3) Analyze Listing Agent's REO Solds
Most REO agents work for one or two banks. Some listing agents are exclusive listing agents for REOs, and they do not list any other type of property. Since REO agents deal in volume, they typically apply the same pricing principles to all their REO listings.
Ask your buyer's agent to look up the listing agent in MLS.
Run a search using that listing agent's name to find the last three to six months of that agent's listings.
Pull the history of those listings to determine the list-price to sales-price ratio. If most of those listings are selling for, say, 5% over list price, then you may need to offer 6% over list price, and vice versa.
4) Ask About Number of Offers
If there are no offers on the REO home, you can probably offer less than list price and get your offer accepted. However, if there are more than two offers, you will most likely need to offer above the asking price.
If there are 20 offers, bear in mind that some of those offers might be all cash. Banks like all cash offers. If you are obtaining financing, then you may need to increase the price on your offer to be considered.
5) Submit Preapproval Letter
It goes without saying that you do not want a prequal letter. You want a preapproval letter. Get preapproved from your choice of lender in advance.
Moreover, get preapproved by the lender who owns the property. Do not expect to use this lender for your loan, but submit the prepproval letter from this lender, along with the letter from your own lender. Banks don't trust other lender preapprovals but trust their own departments.
6) Don't Ask for Repairs / Inspections
Sometimes banks will pay for repairs, but typically will not agree to do so at the offer stage. If there are problems found during a home inspection, renegotiate after your offer has been accepted.
7) Shorten the Inspection Period
If other buyers ask for 17 days, for example, to conduct inspections, and you ask for 10, you will be deemed the more serious buyer.
8) Offer to Split Fees
Some banks will not pay transfer fees, for example. If the buyer offers to split those fees, the bank will feel more amenable to accepting the offer. Same thing for escrow fees.
Many banks negotiate discount fees for title insurance. If the bank will pay for the owner's policy, the ALTA policy might cost a bit more. But it's still a good idea to let the bank choose title if you want your offer accepted.
Consider the Appraisal Consequences
If you offer over list price, bear in mind that the appraisal will need to substantiate that price. If you find yourself dealing with a low appraisal, you have options, so don't despair. Remember, the bank will most likely run into this problem with the next buyer who obtains financing.
Written By: Elizabeth Weintraub
Monday, February 1, 2010
2010 Predictions for the Inland Empire
Finally, there might be some good news for struggling homeowners. Thousands of mortgage loans that were supposed to reset at a higher rate this spring won’t be changing, putting off the grim threat of Inland Empire foreclosures or bankruptcy for many Americans by as much as a year. Unfortunately, the reprieve will only be a temporary one.
A year ago, real estate forecasters were warning that spring 2009 would be the start of a whole new wave of foreclosures. Across the country option adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), an especially scary loan type often compared to a ticking time bomb, were set to detonate at an accelerating pace.
But something happened that few could have predicted. Interest rates dropped to historically low levels and the wave of resets could now be delayed until well into 2010. As a result, many borrowers—who have the option of making payments so low that they don’t even cover the interest, which is then added to the original loan balance—now have some breathing room.
Third of Loans Deeply Delinquent
Credit Suisse (CS) estimates (click here to see the chart) that the resets will begin to accelerate next spring, rising from about $4 billion resetting in March 2010 to a peak of $14 billion in September 2011. The current level is about $1 billion. About $500 billion of option ARM loans are outstanding, according to the bank. “Things have gotten pushed out,” says Chandrajit Bhattacharya, director in U.S. Mortgage Strategy for Credit Suisse. “Right now it looks like the big increase is probably going to be somewhere toward the middle of next year.”
Option ARMs typically reset after five years, at which point the monthly bill increases 65% or more. About 37.5% of option ARMs originated in 2005 are still outstanding, 63% of the 2006 vintage are outstanding, and 82% of the 2007 loans remain, according to Barclays Capital (BCS). And about a third of the outstanding loans in these years are deeply delinquent.
In a given month, between 4% and 5% of borrowers who are current on their option ARMs taken out in 2006 and 2007 default in the following month, says Sandeep Bordia, Barclays’ head of residential credit strategy, who also expects resets to be delayed until next year. “These things have been performing horrendously,” Bordia said. “I don’t know how much of it will last into the recast.”
Moving Out of Option ARMs
But real estate analysts were predicting that many option ARMs would reset sooner as loan balances hit specified principal caps, typically 110% to 125% of the original principal. The decline in interest rates means that it would take much longer to hit the principal cap and many borrowers will instead face a reset only at the five-year mark.
The Mortgage Bankers Assn. is also estimating that the lower interest rates will delay the resets. But the group also expects that lenders will help borrowers move out of the option ARM products before they reset. Many of the investors who can’t easily qualify for modifications and the borrowers beyond help have already lost their homes, says Michael Fratantoni, vice-president of single family research and policy development for the Mortgage Bankers Assn.
And the homeowners who are holding option ARMs when the wave of resets hits won’t face as big a shock because interest rates have fallen, adds Fratantoni. “Interest rates have come down to the point where the resets that are going to occur are going to be a bit of a non-event,” he says. “Very few borrowers will experience the recast.” But Nicholas Chavarela, managing attorney for Orange (Calif.)-based America’s Law Group, which represents borrowers negotiating modifications, says banks remain reluctant to reduce principal for underwater borrowers.
Cutting Debt-to-Income Ratios
The Obama Administration’s loan modification plan, which only applies to owner-occupied homes, is a step in the right direction, Chavarela said. But lenders won’t do what’s needed unless they’re forced to, he said.
Under the plan, taxpayers and participating lenders would share the cost of cutting borrowers’ debt-to-income ratio to 31%. Loans terms could be extended to 40 years and interest rates dropped to as low as 2%. But option ARM borrowers would likely have to pay more each month, even with a modification, because they’d suddenly be required to pay both interest and principal. “The Obama plan needs to be built upon,” Chavarela said.
But even if they can refinance many borrowers can’t afford the higher payments. Philip Tirone, president of the Mortgage Equity Group in Los Angeles, said he reached out to borrowers with option ARMs, offering to help them refinance into a fixed-rate mortgage with a low interest rate. “For them, it’s all about the payments,” Tirone said.
Time to Work with Lenders
Keith Gumbinger, vice-president of HSH.com, a publisher of loan information in Pompton Plains, N.J., said the lower interest rates have helped to diminish the option ARM problem. But it remains unclear how many option ARMs are left to reset and how many borrowers will be able to get out of the loans before it’s too late. Moreover, by the time they do reset it is unclear whether the economy will be better off. If home values and unemployment continue to weaken, it will become even harder to refinance. But the delay in resets gives some motivated borrowers time to work with lenders and negotiate a solution.
“I don’t think this is going to be the tsunami that was forecasted a few years ago,” Gumbinger said. “But it’s probably bigger than a ripple in a pond.”
If you are looking for a fresh start and want to get out of your Inland Empire home no matter the situation, email Amber4RealEstate@gmail.com or call 951-505-1195. The team at Prudential have had a ton of success negotiating short sales with banks and getting people upside down on their mortgage a fresh start.
A year ago, real estate forecasters were warning that spring 2009 would be the start of a whole new wave of foreclosures. Across the country option adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), an especially scary loan type often compared to a ticking time bomb, were set to detonate at an accelerating pace.
But something happened that few could have predicted. Interest rates dropped to historically low levels and the wave of resets could now be delayed until well into 2010. As a result, many borrowers—who have the option of making payments so low that they don’t even cover the interest, which is then added to the original loan balance—now have some breathing room.
Third of Loans Deeply Delinquent
Credit Suisse (CS) estimates (click here to see the chart) that the resets will begin to accelerate next spring, rising from about $4 billion resetting in March 2010 to a peak of $14 billion in September 2011. The current level is about $1 billion. About $500 billion of option ARM loans are outstanding, according to the bank. “Things have gotten pushed out,” says Chandrajit Bhattacharya, director in U.S. Mortgage Strategy for Credit Suisse. “Right now it looks like the big increase is probably going to be somewhere toward the middle of next year.”
Option ARMs typically reset after five years, at which point the monthly bill increases 65% or more. About 37.5% of option ARMs originated in 2005 are still outstanding, 63% of the 2006 vintage are outstanding, and 82% of the 2007 loans remain, according to Barclays Capital (BCS). And about a third of the outstanding loans in these years are deeply delinquent.
In a given month, between 4% and 5% of borrowers who are current on their option ARMs taken out in 2006 and 2007 default in the following month, says Sandeep Bordia, Barclays’ head of residential credit strategy, who also expects resets to be delayed until next year. “These things have been performing horrendously,” Bordia said. “I don’t know how much of it will last into the recast.”
Moving Out of Option ARMs
But real estate analysts were predicting that many option ARMs would reset sooner as loan balances hit specified principal caps, typically 110% to 125% of the original principal. The decline in interest rates means that it would take much longer to hit the principal cap and many borrowers will instead face a reset only at the five-year mark.
The Mortgage Bankers Assn. is also estimating that the lower interest rates will delay the resets. But the group also expects that lenders will help borrowers move out of the option ARM products before they reset. Many of the investors who can’t easily qualify for modifications and the borrowers beyond help have already lost their homes, says Michael Fratantoni, vice-president of single family research and policy development for the Mortgage Bankers Assn.
And the homeowners who are holding option ARMs when the wave of resets hits won’t face as big a shock because interest rates have fallen, adds Fratantoni. “Interest rates have come down to the point where the resets that are going to occur are going to be a bit of a non-event,” he says. “Very few borrowers will experience the recast.” But Nicholas Chavarela, managing attorney for Orange (Calif.)-based America’s Law Group, which represents borrowers negotiating modifications, says banks remain reluctant to reduce principal for underwater borrowers.
Cutting Debt-to-Income Ratios
The Obama Administration’s loan modification plan, which only applies to owner-occupied homes, is a step in the right direction, Chavarela said. But lenders won’t do what’s needed unless they’re forced to, he said.
Under the plan, taxpayers and participating lenders would share the cost of cutting borrowers’ debt-to-income ratio to 31%. Loans terms could be extended to 40 years and interest rates dropped to as low as 2%. But option ARM borrowers would likely have to pay more each month, even with a modification, because they’d suddenly be required to pay both interest and principal. “The Obama plan needs to be built upon,” Chavarela said.
But even if they can refinance many borrowers can’t afford the higher payments. Philip Tirone, president of the Mortgage Equity Group in Los Angeles, said he reached out to borrowers with option ARMs, offering to help them refinance into a fixed-rate mortgage with a low interest rate. “For them, it’s all about the payments,” Tirone said.
Time to Work with Lenders
Keith Gumbinger, vice-president of HSH.com, a publisher of loan information in Pompton Plains, N.J., said the lower interest rates have helped to diminish the option ARM problem. But it remains unclear how many option ARMs are left to reset and how many borrowers will be able to get out of the loans before it’s too late. Moreover, by the time they do reset it is unclear whether the economy will be better off. If home values and unemployment continue to weaken, it will become even harder to refinance. But the delay in resets gives some motivated borrowers time to work with lenders and negotiate a solution.
“I don’t think this is going to be the tsunami that was forecasted a few years ago,” Gumbinger said. “But it’s probably bigger than a ripple in a pond.”
If you are looking for a fresh start and want to get out of your Inland Empire home no matter the situation, email Amber4RealEstate@gmail.com or call 951-505-1195. The team at Prudential have had a ton of success negotiating short sales with banks and getting people upside down on their mortgage a fresh start.
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