Monthly Archives: April 2012

Real Estate Terminology and Definitions

There may be several terms/words you hear or read in real estate that you may not know what they mean. Check out my Dictionary of Terms used in Real Estate to learn what they mean (see abuyeragent.com/definitions.htm). HUD Publication HUD-383-H(8) … Continue reading

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Homeowner’s Associations (HOAs) Liens

Can a voluntary HOA assess liens on your property if you don’t pay the annual fee? I wouldn’t think so if you never agreed to be a part of the association but you should consult with a real estate attorney. … Continue reading

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“Biggest bang for your buck” in home improvements!

Update 2-15-2017: What’s the value of improvements when a home is sold? It really depends on a few factors.. What is everyone else doing in your neighborhood? – What will a Buyer look for in your home compared with other … Continue reading

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Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac News

Single GSE Security Release Date Set…Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the GSEs) have each issued birth announcements for their long-anticipated Uniform Mortgage-Backed Securities (UMBS).  The two companies will begin issuing the UMBS on June 3, 2019. Fannie & Freddie’s “Uncertain … Continue reading

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Lowball Offers – Good, Bad, or Ugly

So you want to be an investor, eh? You want to find that “diamond in the rough” – do you? You aren’t alone and with inventory levels shrinking and demand staying equal, prices may begin to rise….in the micro markets.  … Continue reading

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Property taxes rise due to foreign investment?

2-18-2015: News Flash: “Canada buys most of United States“ 6-26-2013: Headaches from foreign investors means higher prices for investors buying properties (i.e., more competition drives up distressed property values), but other home sellers enjoy the rising prices as will the … Continue reading

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Alternative to Foreclosure – Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure & Short Sales

2-1-2015: HomeSafe Georgia is a federally funded, state operated mortgage assistance program that helps homeowners avoid foreclosure. 5-8-2013: I will address another option in a post later this week regarding Short Sale and Leaseback to the current owner under special … Continue reading

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Is FHA running out of reserves to back FHA loans?

FHA is running out of their $4.7 billion reserves –  soon they plan to raise insurance premium rates, again (they just did so in the past few months) – FHA backs $1 Trillion in mortgages and almost 10% are behind … Continue reading

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Allstate sues Countrywide over MBS considered “toxic”

4-19-2012: What’s the status of this lawsuit? According to the MDJ on 12-29-2010, Page B5, Allstate claims that beginning in 2003 , Countrywide failed to exercise adequate underwriting controls and didn’t represent the securities it sold, especially the ones Allstate … Continue reading

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FHA Monthly Mortgage Insurance Premium Calculation – Y so Difficult?

If you thought nuclear science was difficult to understand, try calculation of HUD’s annual/monthly FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium on just a 30 year loan … Basically take .005 times average 1st year mortgage and then 1.225 times that result to … Continue reading

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