These are some changing times, aren’t they? Loan limits for both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are adjusted annually to keep up with the cost of living – but with the appreciation that’s experienced lately in so many markets, it may not be enough. So, what do you do in that case? Qualified buyers can […]
In the case of a divorce, it’s very common for the spouse who keeps the home to remove the other spouse from the loan. In a similar situation, it’s also equally common for a first-time home buyer who doesn’t have enough income to qualify to ask a parent or relative to co-sign – that person […]
I’m sure you’ve heard the famous saying “money doesn’t grow on trees”. Some homeowners unfortunately in this past year wish it did, when they couldn’t make their mortgage payments due to COVID-19. Then, they were relieved when they found out that their mortgage lender or service provider allowed them to temporarily pause or possibly even […]
Even if you have a property lost due to foreclosure or short sale and you might feel relief from being out from under your mortgage obligation, the cancelled amount must be included in your income tax reporting depending on circumstances.
Homeowners, excited about lowering their mortgage rate by refinancing, have a tendency to ignore the costs because they are rolled into their new mortgage. If there’s no money out of pocket and the payment is lower than what they’re paying, it often seems like a good deal.
It is no longer unusual to meet someone in your area who has had a foreclosure, short sale or bankruptcy. The recession has taken a toll on home owners across the country, as well as owners of Northern Virginia real estate. The big question on these people’s minds is, “When will I be able to qualify for a mortgage loan again?” The answer varies, because it depends on the financial route that has been chosen.
Fairfax VA – A homeowner – we’ll give him the alias Peter – recently asked me a question about foreclosures. Peter, who was facing foreclosure himself, asked, “I am six months behind on my mortgage payments. I just got the tax bill for 2010 in the mail. Should I pay it?” Peter asked me what […]
Fairfax VA – I recently wrote a post about how banks will lose more money through a foreclosure than a short sale. In fact, a recent study by Boston Consulting Group showed that a lender will net 20% more money on a short sale versus a foreclosure. The reason for this is because short sales […]
Fairfax VA -Recently I read a book by former real estate agent Robert Ringer. The book addressed the power of persistence in ensuring success. He told a story about phoning a call center and I’d like to share it with you. When he called, the first person told him that he wouldn’t be able to […]
Fairfax VA -Individuals facing foreclosure might wonder if it’s best to do a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure and just give their home back to their lender. A deed-in-lieu does have its benefits – for the lender that is. Lenders like them because it speeds up the foreclosure process. After all, a deed-in-lieu is basically like pleading […]
