Real Estate News

…at providing feedback after showing properties….and that’s a shame!

I do my best, but sometimes I’m just as reticent, to provide honest feedback to listing agents after showing a home. But as agents, don’t we all need to do so for the following reasons?:

(1) I was “invited” by a homeowner to come into their home for a preview or to show a client their home and all the features in and around their home. Don’t we owe feedback (as a guest) to the Seller (homeowner)?

(2) Feedback provided to the listing agent may reinforce the ability of that agent to give independent review to substantiate what the agent might have told the homeowner to fix or address during listing agreement engagement.

(3) If no feedback “IS” given, how does that improve the perception of real estate agents? Will the Seller have subjective impression that agents don’t care about “their home? Don’t those negative perceptions travel further and faster than positive ones? (Imagine this conversation: A homeowner goes to work after showings the day before and says to his coworkers – “Those agents tracked dirt into the house and none of them said squat above what the Buyers thought of the home. I could have done that myself!”)

(4) No feedback does nothing to inform the Seller to address conditions or that need to be addressed from a Buyer’s perspective to help the Seller sell the property, or does nothing to help your client or the next home Buyer get the property sold quicker. Don’t quicker sales improve the perception of Sellers and Buyers of the need for an agent?

I believe since real estate agents are supposed to balance the extremely competitive (i.e., get the property listing) and ultimately supportive (i.e., help your competitor sell the home to your Client) ends of the same spectrum to make a living, it seems unnatural to “help” the listing agent sell a home. But don’t agents deserve to show their best side to the general public and provide feedback in a neutral PRO v. CON manner?

So as a Buyer Agent, I challenge other real estate agents to step up their professionalism when showing homes to prospective Buyers by providing feedback to the listing agent after showing homes.

I feel that all real estate agents deserve take a few minutes to give feedback (e.g., answer feedback form, send email, or make a call, etc,.) not only since it’s an ultimate negative perception on all agents if we don’t, but it shows well for the listing agent, which also is another positive – right?

References to products and services are not a specific endorsement, but the user must perform their due diligence and investigate whether the product or service is right for them. I welcome any or all comments that would help others.

The Garn–St Germain Depository Institutions Act of 1982 allows anyone to place real estate in their own trust without triggering the due-on-sale clause that allows lenders to foreclose on a current loan upon transfer to another.

6 Situations Where The Lender Can’t Call Your Mortgage. Some lenders may try to mislead you into paying off the mortgage?

Heir-ing out the home: How to prepare for inheriting real estate after a loved one’s death

Dealing With An Inherited House. Depends on whether you can continue to pay the mortgage.

Be sure to consult your financial advisor and appropriate legal assistance to determine what you need to do.

References to products and services are not a specific endorsement, but the user must perform their due diligence and investigate whether the product or service is right for them. I welcome any or all comments that would help others.

Moving is all about organization and…..timing. Set yourself a pace and get things done incrementally.

Here are just a few tips I’ve seen over time to get you to start planning the tasks to perform to make your next physical move to a new residence. It’s not perfect and you can certainly add, change, move around, or delete this list as I will in the future. If you need more tips or more formal checklist of things to do, let me know.

Moving Boxes Estimator

Access Brokerage

Zillow

If you have any other suggestions that might help someone’s move go smoother, let me know.

4-6 MONTHS BEFORE MOVING DAY

SUGGESTION	COMMENTS
Create a move file folder – Start numbering, labeling, and packing boxes.	Before anything else – take a breath and think of the other side of the move and how organized you can be with a little preparation. Especially that little box of items you may need immediately upon arriving at your destination like toilet paper, hand soap, hand towel, plastic cups, 2-3 water bottles, etc,. Get a large envelope (that closes so papers stay inside) preferably with dividers to collect records, receipts, plans, appointments regarding your move (keeps you focused and can help at income tax time). Design a numbering and room ID system for each box…it’s better to write on each box a number and room where the box will go before packing or sealing the box…It’s never too early to start packing boxes for the move. In fact, you should set yourself a goal of packing at least 3 boxes per week, at least 3 months in advance of moving. You will be surprised how fast the boxes pile up and how much work there is packing most of your belongings in a hurry before you actually move. And it helps you identify what isn’t worth taking.
Sort Belongings & “unload” stuff	Get rid of items you don’t or won’t need (like a singing fish). I have seen people move boxes thru 5 homes and never open the box – eventually tossing things they don’t need. Have a garage sale or donate them for a tax deduction to homeless shelters, Salvation army, Goodwill, and other charitable organizations may want them. You may want to call the United Way to identify any special needs of their associated charities.
Start gathering boxes.	It’s never too early to gather boxes usually in good shape and didn’t have any food in them (i.e., bugs). Large retailers like Target, Lowes, WalMart, Home Depot, etc., now crush & recycle them so you can’t get any free boxes. Potential sources of decent moving boxes include: Bookstores – these boxes are smaller but sturdy enough for transportation of books; Party store retailers – relatively durable and didn’t have food items Liquor store boxes – excellent for transporting glassware Friends who have recently moved may have leftover boxes Grocery stores may have some smaller boxes available as they are stocking their dry-good shelves Home Depot or Lowes sells moving boxes (but they crush and recycle their shipping boxes) Any retailer of non food products so you don’t transport or attract bugs. Number every box and label which room it goes into. It makes it a whole lot easier on the other end. Be sure the boxes are “full” but aren’t too heavy or overloaded. Remember that the move in and out of the home is strenuous and the boxes should be light enough to get from truck to inside each room. You may want to write a priority or the contents on the boxes of what to open first, second, third in a room. Also, when lifting boxes, lift with the legs and not your back. (Note: Notoriously the movers will be slower than expected to stretch it out over the full day and when you arrive at your destination, the frantic moving boxes inside the house will prevent an orderly placement in each room as planned.)

2-3 MONTHS BEFORE MOVING DAY

SUGGESTION	COMMENTS
Schedule movers	First, determine what items you want movers to move. Then, get estimates from reputable movers and line up a truck well in advance. Be sure to call the movers/truck rental with a few days of move to assure vehicle will be available. Also, find out what expenses your company will or won’t cover.
Get records of what will be moved	Separately list the large or precious items to be moved. Then get a video or picture of every vluable item to be moved with special attention to detail of conditions and description of each item. This will ensure you have a record of condition of the item before and after it gets moved.
Professional services	Ask your doctor, attorney, CPA, etc, for referrals of same services in the new area.
Notify utilities leaving and to be used	Find out what the “termination of service” policies are for the utilities you are dropping. Find out what happens to any deposits you made on former utilities and any new deposits to establish your new utilities.
Contact the Chamber of Commerce or Visitors Convention Bureau	Get information about schools, churches, parks and recreation, maps, etc,.
Create a floor plan of your new home.	This will enable you to tell the movers where items go, layout of furniture, measurements of window treatments, and identifies doorways and windows. You may also want to use the deign sheet to identify paint brands/colors of walls and trim.
Garage Sale or Donations	Get rid of items that aren’t going to be moved. People moved stuff without ever opening box again.
Insurance company	Notify your homeowner’s and auto insurance agent when you are to be moving.
Contact your doctor, dentist, veterinarian, school system, and others.	Have your family and pets checked up on vaccinations and other conditions. Obtain copies of all your medical records from all family and veterinarian services. Also copies of all appropriate school system records including any academic, sports, or other related services.

WITHIN 30 DAYS OF MOVING TO YOUR NEW ADDRESS

SUGGESTION	COMMENTS
Change of address to post office and others	Notify post office(ask for kit they produce to help you), credit card companies, financial institutions, family (who you want to know you moved), friends, relatives, and magazine subscriptions of change.
Contact utilities (gas, water, electric, phone,cable, etc,.)	Disconnect or stop billing for the day after your move so they are on while you move out. Establish utilities in your name for new address for the day of closing.
Food in refrigerator	Limit the purchases of food to about a week’s worth the last week before leaving. Otherwise, you’ll end up throwing alot of food away.
Clean your new home	Schedule someone to clean the home prior to moving furniture and belongings into the home.
Contact school(s)	Make sure transacripts of former school get sent to the new school.
Savings and Checking Account	Open/transfer checking/savings account at bank in area.
Homeowner’s Insurance	Make sure you order Homeowner’s Insurance for the new home prior to moving. Ask you Insurance Agent if coverage may be transferred or a new policy has to be written.
Close out bank accounts	Discuss arrangements with your lender to move your savings/checking account funds to the new bank’s savings/checking account.
Prescriptions	Transfer all prescriptions to pharmacies. Consult with your employer’s insurance coverage to ensure the pharmacy is on your plan.
Subscriptions	Cancel newspaper and transfer magazine subscriptions. Make a request to your local post office to have your mail transferred.
Notify neighbors and police	If your home is to remain vacant for any period of time, notify your immediate neighbors and local Police precinct.
New Address and phone number	Leave them for the new owner in case things are delivered or found that need to be sent on to you.
Drain fluids from gas power tools	Moving companies usually don’t move them with these fluids.
Make a route map	Print some copies of the route map in case you have more than one vehicle in your caravan of movers. (If you are moving yourself and it may take more than one day – arrange for lodging.)
Spend all day with movers	Make sure you have boxess labeled for the room they go in and when the boxes are numbered for mover’s sheets, ensure they are recorded and if possible, placed in truck close together.

3-7 DAYS BEFORE MOVING DAY

SUGGESTION	COMMENTS
Pack and backup files.	Make a special box for all personal files and backup your computer hard drives.
Make sure you have driver’s license, registration and auto insurance if driving.	Enter comments here.
Supervise the movers.	Let the movers know which items you want packed first and last and moved onto the truck first and last.
Pack snacks and drinks.	You will never know when or what you will eat. If you don’t have time to grab some food, you will have something there to eat.
Close out bank accounts	Discuss arrangements with your lender to move your savings/checking account funds to the new bank’s savings/checking account.
Replace light fixtures	Remove & replace any light fixtures or other repairs/things you agreed to perform.
Medicines & necessities	Refill any prescriptions and pack medical kit in box you take with you.

1-2 DAYS PRIOR TO MOVING

SUGGESTION	COMMENTS
Pack a “moving trip kit” of items that go into your car on the trip.	Checkbook, cash, medications, toiletries, flashlight, toilet paper, hand towels, soap, snacks, ziplocs, and water/drinks.
Leave your forwarding address and new phone number for the Buyers	There is no telling what may be delivered or found after you move. If the Buyers need to reach you, leave some contact information.
Automonbile service	Have your auto serviced, check fluids and tires.
Move valuables yourself	Computers, electronics, breakables, grandma’s antiques, Gold, jewelry, coins, stamps, furs, guns, stock certificates, bonds, any cash and other valuables.
Check-then re-check	Just before movers leave, perform a walk of all the rooms, inside and out, backyard and frontyard, and sides of house to ensure all items are placed in moving truck.
Doors/windows/keys/remote openers	Final check of home should be when movers leave, lock all doors and windows and leave. Just before movers leave, perform a walk of all the rooms, inside and out, backyard and frontyard, and sides of house to ensure all items are placed in moving truck.

MOVE-IN-DAY

SUGGESTION	COMMENTS
Clean before moving in	Clean up and if necessary, place builder’s paper on flooring in traffic areas to eliminate excessive dirt and damage.
Utilities connected	Make sure they are on. If possible, contact your agent to visit the home to ensure they are working.
Condition of belongings	Inspect all belongings and indicate damage on mover’s checklist.
Paperwork and keys	Ensure you have lease or purchase closing paperwork proving residency; insurance paperwork; any keys/codes to move in; and contact information of family – leaving – arrival – moving company.
Inventory Checklists	Movers normally number boxes. Then at move-in, they give you a numbering sheet to identify the box numbers removed from the moving van. Assign a person helping you to follow up and make sure all the appropriate box numbers are accounted for.

WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER MOVING INTO NEW HOME

SUGGESTION	COMMENTS
Keep your closing paperwork.	Keep your HUD-a settlement statement and other closing paperwork handy in case the utility company needs the information to confirm your ownership of the property. Sometimes the cable company requires evidence so as not to disconnect service from active customer.
Pay outstanding bills	Be sure to include your new address on all final payments.
Register autos and to vote	Check with the county automobile tag office and voter’s registration office.
US Mail	Check with US Post Office and occupant of your former residence to see if any mail has been held for you either at the old or the new address.

References to products and services are not a specific endorsement, but the user must perform their due diligence and investigate whether the product or service is right for them. I welcome any or all comments that would help others.

(c) Weekend Subdivision Directional Signs (WSDS) is a name for signs that provide directions to a residential subdivision that is offering new houses for sale on a “temporary” basis. “New” for purposes of this definition shall mean houses that are located in a subdivision that has filed its final subdivision plat within two years of obtaining the permit for such temporary sign. (Not sure what happens if more than 3 years…I guess they just pay another fee and get an extension?)

(1) Hold your seats boys and girls…here’s the justification for the code: Many people travel through the county on a daily basis. Traffic hazards and distractions must be minimized. The clutter created by an excess in number, size and height of signs negatively impacts the general appearances of an area, lessens the aesthetic qualities of an area and intrudes upon the residential character of an area. However, people at times need the benefit of directional signs to help them find their destinations. Properly regulated, such directional signs may actually aid the flow of traffic while limiting the negative impact of such signs on the aesthetic qualities of an area. The following regulations recognize the difference in weekday and weekend traffic and are intended to promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents, visitors and businesses of the county, including the aesthetics of the community. Improperly located WSDS or prohibited WSDS are hereby determined to pose an immediate safety threat and traffic hazard to members of the public traveling on county roadways.

(2) All WSDS shall be required to obtain a permit per location. The permit shall be available thru the county’s code enforcement division and shall require at a minimum:

(i) Permission: Property owner’s permission to install the WSDS.

(ii) Permit identification on sign: Each permit for a WSDS shall include a 24-hour contact number. Each WSDS must affix a permit sticker provided by the code enforcement division.

(iii) Construction: WSDS shall not exceed four square feet of sign area and three feet in height and may be double-faced. WSDS shall be mounted on an independent single or double pole device. WSDS shall not be affixed in any manner to trees, natural objects, streetlight poles, utility poles, other signs or other sign structures. WSDS shall be made of metal, plastic, laminated cardboard or some other durable and waterproof material. No sign shall be made of paper.

(iv) Location: There shall be only one WSDS for any given place, activity or event per 300 feet of road frontage, and within a three mile radius of the ultimate location to which it provides direction. No WSDS shall be located closer than 14 feet from the back of curb or edge of pavement, or one foot behind the right-of-way, whichever ensures that the WSDS is not within the right-of-way.

(v) Time allowed: WSDS shall be allowed from 3:00 p.m. on Friday to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday. It shall be the responsibility of the sign owner to remove all WSDS, including all stakes, anchoring or pole devices, etc., prior to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday.

(vi) Expiration: Permits issued for WSDS shall expire six months from the date of issuance.

WSDS Quiz

(1) Does the effort to place Weekend Subdivision Directional Signs (WSDS) require a permit – YES.

(2) Do the signs have to be placed within a 3 mile distance from the new home subdivision? – YES.

(3) Does a property owner need to agree to have the sign placed in their yard? – YES.

(4) Does a permit need to be issued for anyone to place the WSDS? – YES.

(5) If a permit is required, how long will it last? – it shall expire six months from the date of issuance.

(6) Does anyone really follow this rule? – Probably not since Government offices are usually closed for the weekend, it’s usually not enforced….is it?

References to products and services are not a specific endorsement, but the user must perform their due diligence and investigate whether the product or service is right for them. I welcome any or all comments that would help others.

Source: http://cobbcounty.eregulations.us/code/cid10572/134-316/

All real estate is local – you know why? It’s all you know from your own experiences.

Here’s a news story today from the Wall Street Journal that sends a worrisome thought – U.S. Housing Starts Plunge in February.

Here’s another story today from RIS Media that there is a Positive Trend for Home Buyers.

When you have seemingly conflicting information from different sources (such as above) every day how the real estate market is performing, what do you tell your clients and prospects?

Do you tell them you’re selling lots of homes right now (when only a handful of agents are doing that)?

Do you say that prices rise and fall and you don’t know when and which direction prices are rising?

Do you lie and tell them everything is rosy to get a sale?

Do you tell them specific areas are hot today, better buy now before price rises any more?

Do you tell them to “just buy, wait, and your home will be more valuable in a few years after you buy”?

Do you ask them “why” they want to buy a home and what “they” expect out of the home in the future?

Maybe you just force a smile, have that usual empty spaced out glare and tell them “it’s all good – you should buy something”, and then push them into buying and move onto the next client…

I guess it’s worked in the past…for someone….so I’ve been told.

Here’s at least 14 common types of insurance related to protecting your home or home’s value:

(1) Homeowner’s Insurance: (see below for Renter’s insurance if buying a condo or renting) is what most people think about when buying a home to protect the homeowner from damage to structure and contents caused by fires, floods, liability of someone getting hut on your property and pluming leaks. Evaluate insurance providers and coverage at www.ambest.com.

(2) Mortgage Insurance: Insures the lender’s risk for the (%) amount above 80% loan value of the subject property. It can easily run you above $100-200/month depending on the risk and amount above 80%. Make sure you factor in this cost if you place <20% down on your next home purchase. And be aware that if you obtain an FHA loan, it NEVER goes away until you refinance or sell the home!

(3a) Lender’s Title Insurance: Insurance that protects the legal and financial interests of the lender on a real property. In case there’s a legal fight regarding ownership or other challenge to the property’s title, this insurance provide the legal assistance to fight any claim and if claim results in loss of property, the lender’s loan amount outstanding is reimbursed by the title insurance company.

(3b) Owner’s Title Insurance: This is an optional insurance normally offered at closing (and in some cases, I believe can be purchased within a limited time after closing but usually at a higher cost).  It protects the home buyer’s financial investment in the real property up to the purchase price, and even more with enhanced policy coverage.  Legitimate title claims or liens that occurred prior to closing and any court and attorney fees are normally included with coverage.   There are times where there are deductibles for some types of coverage.

(4) Renter’s Insurance (for Condo or TownHome Ownership): If you buy a condominium, the condo HOA will carry a policy to cover the rebuild of the condo itself, but only up to a minimum standard and may not include the upgrades to flooring, kitchen, bathrooms, etc, that you made to the place or cover the loss of your contents. Therefore, you should carry an equivalent to renters insurance for condos that includes rebuilding the unit to your specifications.
Note: Experts recommend HO-6 policy designed to cover not only property loss, but personal injury inside your condominium unit or caused by the operation of your unit.

(5) Flood Insurance: Generally, your lender will check to see if your property is located in a federally specified flood zone and from that investigation will determine if you do or do not need to carry flood insurance. If you do need it, the next step is an flood elevation survey to determine if your dwelling lies inside or outside the flood zone and may require private or government flood insurance to protect the lender’s investment in case of flood loss. Existing federal laws have changed and in some cases, this insurance can cost thousands of $ instead of hundreds of $ it used to cost. Visit https://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/ to review information, potential coverages, and providers.  You can check the address of your property for flood insurance requirements or definitions here:  https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home

(6) Home Warranty (Home Maintenance Insurance): This type of insurance is just peace of mind that in case you have something go wrong and need a plumber, electrician, HVAC tech, or other home appliance service tech in a rush, then you have a “one-stop-shop” to call to get assistance. There’s usually a rice call fee as a deductible and perhaps a $ limit on how far a repair can go before you have to pay the difference, but many emergency calls are handled quite inexpensively. Note: These warranties can be extended to appliances such as washer, dryer, secondary refrigerators, etc., which can be covered for an additional expense. Visit my blog post on residential home warranties to review potential some warranty companies and coverages.

(7) Termite/Wood Infestation Insurance: In Georgia, pest control experts say there are three types of homes: those that “had” termites; those that “have” termites, or those that “will have” termites. Termites aren’t the only wood boring or destroying insects (e.g., powder post beetles and others). In order to help prevent you from getting any of these pests, there a two basic types of protection: liquid or bait system. The two types of coverage can be: retreatment only or repair/retreatment. Pros and cons of both are too long for this post, but some level of protection from them is encouraged. It can run from several hundred to $1,000+ cost for establishing protection and another $200 or so per year to maintain protection. Visit Georgia Pest Control Association website for more information and identify licensed pest control companies in the State of Georgia.

(8) Major Foundation and Structural Insurance on New Homes: This type of coverage is only available for a brief period (i.e., 10 years) on new homes and normally handled by just a small group of insurers like the 2-10 Warranty Company. The warranty can be purchased and provided by a builder or you could purchase it directly under certain circumstances. It only protects you for any defaults or problems with the structural quality of foundations or overall structure of the building. But you normally have to go before an arbitrator and it may cost several hundred dollars to submit a claim…so you need to have an expert investigation to determine the fault lies with the builder before you present your case.

(9) Mortgage Protection Insurance: This insurance pays the mortgage balance upon your death and may be used under certain cases of incapacitating diseases or disorders. The amount of coverage changes over the life of your loan based on your “eligible” mortgage balance.  But unless you have someone that could benefit from this immediate payment of mortgage, why would you want to do it? Life insurance may be the best way to handle the situation  and let the survivor decide if they want to keep the house or continue the mortgage and make that financial decision themselves.

(10) Stucco Warranty (Stucco Insurance): If you have a company complete the repairs and guarantee their workmanship, you are insuring against future issues with what they repaired with an option to renew that guarantee next year by having them reinspect and determine if other repairs are necessary.

(11) Appliance Extended Warranties: If you purchase an appliance, then the the store, manufacturer, or a 3rd party vendor normally offers additional parts & labor warranties for several years for an additional nominal fee. I am not sure they are always worth purchasing, but you can research reviews on appliance performance and determine yourself if you don’t have first hand experience on the subject.

(12) Security Insurance (Home alarm and personal safety): You can have a security system installed that not only alarms you of intruders but is monitored by an alarm center to notify police, fire, or emergency responders in case of trouble. Some systems now alert you via the internet and you can monitor the interior of your home online from your work computer. Sometimes they offer a minimal discount on homeowner’s insurance, but the main benefit is peace of mind that your family and authorities can be notified immediately of a break-in or other distressful situation.

(13) Radon Gas Insurance: If you have a Radon Gas inspection and the results reveal high levels of Radon Gas, which usually requires remediation (which normally means digging under foundation, installing a PVC pipe running to the exterior with a fan inside which emits the radon gas outside), it may normally cost around $1,000-2,000.

(14) Workers’ Compensation Insurance:   What happens if someone working at your home gets injured?  Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that covers certain medical expenses if someone is injured or gets sick at your home that may replace a portion of their wages as a result of the incident. Check your insurance agent and state insurance commissioner’s rule on what minimum coverage employers must carry in your state.

References to products and services are not a specific endorsement, but the user must perform their due diligence and investigate whether the product or service is right for them. I welcome any or all comments that would help others.

…but only when it’s time to replace your current water heater.

Apparently, the federal government has done it again…first with new Freon…then with new light bulbs…now…

Effective April 16, 2015, new/higher water heater energy factor (EF) rating requirements will be mandatory in all US households as the result of revisions to the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA) made by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). These new requirements call apply to almost all residential (and light-duty commercial) gas, electric, and oil water heaters. Your existing water heater, when it fails or needs replacement, must be replaced with an approved model that is larger and more costly but supposedly more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

Update: 4-13-2015: As of 4-16-2015, manufacturers are supposed to stop producing existing water heater models and start producing the newer more energy efficient models. And if it’s like any manufacturer, they probably stopped producing them a while back like they did with lead based paint, freon, etc., whenever Federal Regulations were proposed with penalties. So if you can order an existing one and it’s available before 4-16-2015, you can have it installed. If you buy it for future installation to save money, just remember your water heater warranty begins on your purchase date, not installation date.

But when it comes time to replace your current water heater, it could cost $1,000-2,000 for not only the water heater itself, but if it won’t fit (water heaters could be at least 2″ wider due to the required extra insulation) in the already tight spot (closet or near wall), it will need to be relocated to another part of the home, or it may require modification or additional ventilation, watch out for the costs. Prices have not come out yet for the new regulation models, but estimates predict about 25-30% higher than they are now.

Average life span of a water heater is about seven years. So if your water heater is over 5 years old, properly budget for replacement.

Oh, and to make you feel better as you’re shelling out the additional money, the US Government says we will save approximately approximately $63 billion…of course, that was prior to the recent drop in oil prices. And we are assuming Government estimates are accurate. How often does that happen?

Sources:

http://kxan.com/2015/03/10/new-hot-water-heater-regulations-could-put-you-in-a-bind/

http://www.bradfordwhite.com/naeca

http://www.rheem.com/products/water_heating/NAECA_Regulation

http://www.plumbingengineer.com/content/new-normal

In the old days, a HUD home was usually intentionally damaged by homeowners and looked like a big mess. These days you don’t find as many that have been abused. In fact, some have been much cleaner than people living there and trying to resell them. Yes, there are some deferred maintenance items like flooring, HVAC, plumbing, and other expenses just like any other home for sale.

Anyone looking to buy a home can buy a HUD home but certain categories of Buyers have to wait for a period of time to bid on properties.

These are the 5 different categories of the Buyers who are eligible to purchase HUD homes with different incentives and timing:

(1) Owner-occupant (And yes, HUD does follow up after closing.)
(2) Investor
(3) Good Neighbor Next Door (GNND) HUD offers a substantial incentive in the form of a discount of 50% from the list price of the home for Law enforcement officers, firefighters, pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers, and emergency medical technicians.
(4) Non-Profit
(5) Government Agency

References to products and services are not a specific endorsement, but the user must perform their due diligence and investigate whether the product or service is right for them. I welcome any or all comments that would help others.

These are the categories of listing periods and what type of Buyer can bid on HUD homes.  For instance, investors can’t bid on “Exclusive” HUD homes, but once they enter the “Extended” period, they can bid on them.

Source: http://www.hudhomestore.com/ListingSiteFAQ.htm

References to products and services are not a specific endorsement, but the user must perform their due diligence and investigate whether the product or service is right for them. I welcome any or all comments that would help others.

The following are short statements of miscellaneous real estate news or other topics/issues that I find interesting:

Disclaimer: References to products and services are not a specific endorsement, but the user must perform their due diligence and investigate whether the product or service is right for them. I welcome any or all comments that would help others.

4-13-2016: Appeals Court questions constitutionality of CFPB, attacks Director Cordray. Big question: How far does CFPB authority reach. More specifically in this case: “Does the CFPB have authority to assess huge $109 million fine when another law judge already assessed a $6+ million judgment?”

4-11-2016: The Essentials Checklist for Newly Married Homeowners

4-10-2016: The US Treasury 10 year note (that is used to parallel movement in mortgage interest rates), settled at 1,77% on 4-8-2016. Core consumer price index was 2.3%. This means that the effective rate of growth of the 10 year note is negative.

4-9-2016: About 246 million desktop & laptop computers were sold in 2015, but that was down 11% from previous year. (Not real estate related, but very interesting.) Source: WSJ,4-6-2016,C12

4-8-2016: 1st time homebuyers can be…Landlords?. Not so fast there oh wise one…there’s alot to consider on this one before you jump on this train. Consider the pros and cons first…

4-8-2016: Tight home inventory levels are helping to drive up prices. Typically, there is a 6 month inventory of homes, but currently running about 4 months. Source: WSJ, 3-21-2016, C1

4-7-2016: Why Home Buyers Really Need to Hurry.

4-6-2016:HOA must accommodate religious beliefs.

4-5-2016: Cancer Risk From Lumber Liquidators Laminate Wood Flooring Was Underestimated: Report. This is related to the safety of products manufactured in China. It was questioned by the California Air Resources Board (CARB)and a $2.5 million out of court settlement resulted. WSJ, 3-23-16, B3.

4-4-2016: Things to keep in mind when choosing a home inspector.

4-3-2016: 5 Tax Benefits of Owning a Second Home.

4-1-2016:Foreclosure firms are becoming an endangered species – See more at: http://realtybiznews.com/foreclosure-firms-are-becoming-an-endangered-species/98732507/#sthash.WaT0S25z.dpuf

3-31-2016: 5 Steps to Take When You’re Ready to Sell Your House

3-30-2016:Three median price home levels are defined as: those national prices of $154,156 (bottom 3rd); $267,845(middle 3rd); and $542,805 (upper 3rd). Movement between these tiers depends on many factors, including adequate inventory levels in each tier and the old demand-supply rules apply and will affect each tier’s price. The inventory levels of all three have decreased riving prices up and making it harder for people to trade up. WSJ,3-21-2016, A3

3-29-2016:Cancer Risk From Lumber Liquidators Laminate Wood Flooring Was Underestimated: Report. This is related to the safety of products manufactured in China. (China again…do we see a pattern developing or continuing here?) It was questioned by the California Air Resources Board (CARB)and a $2.5 million out of court settlement resulted. WSJ, 3-23-16, B3.

3-28-2016:EB-5 Investor Visa Demand Is Booming – U.S. Immigration Program for Foreign Investors Sees Demand Surge

3-26-2016: Phoenix company faces lawsuit for alleged real estate scam targeting Spanish-speaking families. Shakespeare, if alive today, would pen “A scam, in any other language, smells as bitter!”

3-25-2016: Happy Easter holiday – may you be blessed this weekend with the joy of Jesus Christ and His offer to you of salvation!

3-25-2016:
Schaumburg real estate executive pleads guilty to tax evasion.

3-24-2016: New Twist on the Sex-Offender Registry: Financial Crime Registry posting people who have committed financial crimes against people. This is interesting to publicly acknowledge a criminal’s past actions to warn people from falling for their schemes.

3-23-2016: The US Supreme Court may agree to hear a case (#15-610) of a debt collection attempt that was denied because the effective state laws prohibited certain terms and conditions of the debt, namely interest rate. If the Court doesn’t hear the case (and allows the decision to stand), it will effectively empower states to establish their own consumer protection laws. If the court hears the case and reverses the decision, it sets precedence for other debt collectors and debt buyers that they can ignore state laws in collection practices. To hedge against tougher state laws regarding debt collections, some firms are buying portions of debt and leaving them in banks who are exempted from some laws. Source: WSJ, 3-21-2016, C6.

3-22-2015: Thousands (<50,000) of (underwater) homeowners will be eligible to have their mortgage balances cut under a plan approved by the federal regulator (Federal Housing Finance Agency – FHFA) of mortgage-finance companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac…(Just call 1-800-UNCLE-BARRY, pledge eternal allegiance, and get free money, y’all – good use of your taxes?)

3-21-2016:Foreign Buyers Backing Away from U.S. Real Estate

3-18-2016: Think Sex Offenders Drive Down Home Prices? Not Necessarily.

3-17-2016: Too little, too late? Feds aim to ID buyers of real estate hiding behind shell companies>. A new rule took effect this month aimed at ending the secrecy of people who buy real estate via anonymous shell companies. Finally, it seems to have dawned on U.S. Treasury Department officials that this type of property transaction — in which the buyer is listed merely as a “Fill in the Blank LLC” — might be an effective way to invest ill-gotten gains and launder money without having to identify the purchasers.

“We are seeking to understand the risk that corrupt foreign officials, or transnational criminals, may be using premium U.S. real estate to secretly invest millions in dirty money.” That’s what Jennifer Shasky Calvery, the Treasury’s director of the financial crimes enforcement network (known as FinCEN) said when announcing the new rule.

3-17-2016: Just when you thought you would be safe buying a home…. you should have, …….rented?????

3-16-2016: The main three financial ratings companies (Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch) are still in business after their ratings anomalies (inaccurate financial instrument risk valuation and assessment) that were partially responsible for the 2007-2008 financial market meltdown. The financial risk rating model was supposed to have been modified to prevent poor ratings in the future, but apparently it hasn’t. These three firms are still in operation and even though competitors have since come and go, they are still assessing risk. Source: WSJ, 3-11-2016, C1,C3

My Comment: Although the amount of revenue from mortgage backed securities is much lower now (about 10% rather than 50% in 2007-2008), who really knows what other financial instrument has now taken the place of the MBS or CDO and about to terrorize the financial market….once more?

3-15-2016: SHOULD YOUR HOA BE RUN AS A FAMILY BUSINESS?. It all depends…Ozzie & Harriet…or the Sopranos?

3-14-2016: The Essentials Checklist for Newly Married Homeowners…besides the weekend maintenance.

3-12-2016: California thug convicted of kidnapping to commit robbery, kidnapping to commit rape, assault with the intent to rape, false imprisonment, making criminal threats and robbery. He was also convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and faces life in prison. You know, an upstanding citizen carrying a set of values….especially those you don’t normally cherish.

3-11-2016: The housing market’s growing schism

3-11-2016:Edgewood real estate agent sentenced on embezzlement charges

3-10-2016: Big Banks Paid $110 Billion in Mortgage-Related Fines. Where Did the Money Go? Some went for horses and a stable in New York and other non-housing related reasons…tens of billions go unaccounted for, financial institutions are going to earn that money back from bank deposits, commissions, and investment schemes…and nobody was jailed….priceless!

3-9-2016:Brand-New Homes Get More Affordable for Buyers Wow, is this a misleading headline – it depends on what is defined as “affordable” – at $278,000 who can afford it? Even at current rates around 4%…about $1,200 P&I with 10% down…and don’t forget PMI, Taxes and Insurance on top of it.

3-8-2016: Diversity sought in Commercial Real Estate.

3-7-2016: What’s Causing the Pest Problem in Your Home?….besides your significant other….

3-5-2-16: 7 crucial facts about FHA loans

3-4-2016:Why May Is a Magic Month for Home Sellers. Now remember, as the number of homes on the market increases, the number of potential Buyers increase…so there are more Buyers and more choices…so overall effect could still be your house stays on market longer if it’s not priced correctly or shows well.

3-3-2016: Home-Hunting Tips in a Seller’s Market

3-2-2016: FHA mortgage insurance can’t be terminated and 4 other facts.

3-1-2016:Is Atlanta one of the worst cities for real estate agents?

2-29-2106: Which real estate hot spots are on the rise in Atlanta?

2-26-2016: HOA’s Board Code of Conduct

2-24-2016: The Most Common Questions Asked by Home Buyers—Answered!

2-23-2016: Where in the U.S Are the Most Deadbeat Mortgage Holders?

2-22-2016: Tips for the Millennial homebuyer.

2-19-2016: Ask The HOA Expert: Changing The Management Company. Please be sure to think about this seriously, don’t let it become an emotional decision, and evaluate existing and other HOA management alternatives carefully – including self management.

2-18-2016: Crescent Communities (apartment and office building developer) who owns several residential lots, is starting a home building business. They’re banking on the millennials to come back in droves to buy new, low cost single family housing starting in the mid $300Ks (which is pretty cheap considering most new homes are high $400Ks and above). Their main secret – they already own a number of lots from sunk costs, so why not build and sell homes on them for a profit? WSJ, 2-17-2016, C8.

2-17-2016: Special TRID edition of Borrower Do’s and Don’ts

2-16-2016: Georgia Zoning and Land Use Laws. The Georgia Constitution is the source of law for land development and use.

2-15-2016: Mortgage Lender’s Appeal Hearing Set in CFPB Administrative Ruling Case

2-15-2016:Real estate expert’s five tips for first-time homebuyers

2-13-2016: The Federal Housing Administration’s Mutual Mortgage Insurance (MMI) Fund has grown $40 billion since 2012

2-12-2016:A good real estate agent: how to find, hire

2-11-2016:Overall, anticipation of these hikes (prices and interest rates) – in conjunction with the persistently sluggish wage gains over the last few years and the stock volatility and economic softness that have weighed on Americans in the first month of the new year – could make 2016 a tough year for housing.

2-10-2016: The CFPB’s mortgage initiative is designed to help consumers understand their loan options, shop for the mortgage that’s best for them, and avoid costly surprises at the closing table. Does it accomplish those objectives?

2-10-2016: Housing factoids: Average size of new homes built in 2015 was up 60 feet to 2,720/house – almost half had 4 or more bedrooms (almost 10-15% of the total market has 4 or more bedrooms) – average price of a new home rose to $351,000 since 2009 – only 32% of home buyers in 2015 were first-time home buyers (all time low). Source: WSJ – 1-25-2016-A3.

2-9-2016:Military Buyers Spur VA Loan Program to Record Year

2-8-2016:Some online financial Lenders are eliminating FICO scores from their data to determine loan eligibility…and hoping their new criteria does a better job at predicting reliability. About 8% (19 million) of the us population doesn’t have a FICO score. Source: WSJ, 1-12-16, p.C1.

2-7-2016:Terminology lesson #313 (ask your financial institution what their terms are, but here’s a rough guideline):

HELOCs (home equity Lines Of Credit): normally loans of a certain amount and typically have an adjustable rate tied to US Federal Reserve Short Terms Interest rates (that vary within the period) to be used as many times as you deplete and replenish the amount within a specified period of time with home used as collateral. Probably could be used by folks with sporadic income where a employment bonuses/income varies over the year can help pay off HELOC later.

Home Equity Loan: One lump sum loan (i.e., 2nd mortgage) at a fixed (not adjustable) rate using the equity against your personal residence. Normally, lenders/banks don’t make a home equity loan lend if your home’s loan-to-value (LTV) ratio (plus) the amount of the extra loan is more than 85% and uses a minimum 640 FICO credit score.

Note: Typically an ADJUSTABLE mortgage interest rate is tied to US Federal Reserve Short Terms Interest rates as opposed to conventional FIXED mortgage interest rates normally pegged to the 10 year US Treasury note interest rate.

2-6-2016:14% of U.S. neighborhoods are walkable, affordable, have good schools: Redfin

2-5-2016: Real estate expert’s five tips for first-time homebuyers

2-4-2016: Call it a sellout or back tracking by Federal Housing Finance Agency…they just agreed to allow lenders to take FHFA penalties for some defaulted loans to an arbiter, as opposed to strictly requiring the lender to “buy back” the faulty loan (WSJ, 2-3-2016, C6)…I guess once the arbitration backlog builds up far enough, the FHFA and lenders will negotiate another “buyout” settlement…with a little more Federal taxpayer (borrowed) money???

2-4-2016: They’re baaaaccckkkk…In a different form…just like evil spirits…Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac are using synthetic collateralized debt obligations (CDOs) to shift risk from Fannie & Freddie to investors…sound familiar? They are selling these NEW “unsecured & unguaranteed” debt instruments (called “Structured Agency Credit Risk”) to investors who are taking MORE of the risk (and in return a HIGHER return if successful) of default. So far, it is reported that about $800 Billion of the existing $4 Trillion (or about 20% of mortgages Fannie and Freddie are holding) are involved with these instruments. WSJ, 12-31-2015, A12.

2-4-2016: Two Georgia Real Estate Investors Indicted for Bid Rigging and Bank Fraud at Public Home Foreclosure Auctions

2-3-2016: 10 Home Renovations That Offer the Best (and Worst) Return on Investment

2-2-2016: Here’s how loan officers should work with real estate pros – Realistic Goals & Communication

2-1-2016: When the outside temperature has not been above 60 degree Fahrenheit continuously for twenty four hours, the compressor in the condensing unit could be damaged if operated, because the oil in the system will not properly lubricate the moving motor
parts when cold. When the outside temperature is as noted, your inspector will not operate the system(s), and the client should inquire of the seller about any past or present problems with the compressor(s).

1-29-2016: 4 ways to improve loan officer and real estate agent relationships besides begging for better communication from lenders.

1-28-2016: 6 Things Sellers Do That Real Estate Agents Hate

1-27-2016: The CFPB’s mortgage initiative is designed to help consumers understand their loan options, shop for the mortgage that’s best for them, and avoid costly surprises at the closing table. Does it accomplish those objectives?

1-26-2016: Relatively good news about some sub prime mortgages…oh yes, they DO still exist ….angel oak mortgage solutions issued $135 million in December 2015 alone…but had average down payments of over 25%, average credit scores of over 680, and an interest rate of >7%….not like the typical ones that defaulted and helped push us into the 2008 financial system crisis…Source: WSJ, January 19, 2016, C6.

1-25-2016:Buying a Home in 2016? Here’s What You Need to Know

1-22-2016: 5 Things Your Real Estate Attorney Wishes You Knew

1-21-2016: 5 Huge Mistakes People Make Furnishing Their New Home

1-20-2016: Financial Services Committee Hearing Case For Flood Insurance Reform

1-18-2016: Is the “Tiny House” craze a bold lie? Some say many of its most vocal proponents are upsizing.

1-15-2016: Several large hedge funds and investors are suing for hundreds of millions in losses due to the handling of credit derivatives and swaps after the financial crisis. Last year (2015) >10 large Wall Street banks settled out of court (for about a total of $2 Billion – a mere pittance of all losses) on accusations that they conspired to prevent competition in credit derivatives market – but nobody was hanged…and exact amounts and terms of the payout to each “claimant” has been settled yet…but one belief is that some will get up to $150 million. Just not enough justice in the world now is there? Source: WSJ – 1-11-2016, C3.

1-14-2016: 4 facts home buyers and sellers don’t know about real estate agents

1-13-2016: Jury Selection to Start in Real Estate Agent Killing Trial

1-12-2016: New Mortgage Securities Are Growing Business For Fannie, Freddie: WSJ

1-11-2016: How Personality Traits Affect Your Real Estate Decisions

1-8-2016: TRID Causing Noticeable Delays -Ellie Mae

1-7-2016: What’s Dragging Down the Value of Your Home?

1-6-2016: Real estate industry seeing positive results from TRID

1-5-2016: What to expect in the 2016 housing market

12-31-2015: HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2016 Real Estate Predictions

12-30-2015: New Federal Rules for Mortgage Forms Blamed for Delaying Loans Effort to make terms easier to understand delays loan processing, critics say

12-29-2015: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are hopelessly lost to the Federal Government tentacles (regardless of any threats of Federal lawsuits from shareholders) and being an easy cash-cow for the US Treasury, why give up the cow and give away the free milk too?

12-28-2015: What to Expect in a Real Estate Closing

12-24-2015: U.S. Existing Home Sales Plunge in November – National Association of Realtors attributes 10.5% drop to new federal rules for mortgage forms

12-22-2015:Defense Spending by State in FY2014

12-21-12015:Foreign Real Estate Investors Unfazed By Strong US Dollar

12-18-2015:Real Estate Column: What all first time home buyers need to know

12-17-2015:5 Things Your Real Estate Photographer Wishes You Knew

12-16-2015: Are Neighborhood Watch Signs Killing Home Sales?

12-15-2015: http://www.builderonline.com/newsletter/sundown-on-relief-for-distressed-homeowners_c”>Relief for Distressed Homeowners? Personally, I’m willing to bet ‘neither’ party, with the pending Presidential election year, will ‘NOT’ vote to extend this allowance to avoid paying Federal income taxes on a Short Sale or Foreclosure…

12-14-2015:Here’s Where Retirees Will Want to Live in 2016

12-11-2015:Deed Fraud is Becoming a Common Issue in the U.S.

12-9-2015: Home prices are rising but there still is a lack of inventory. September 30, 2015 marked the 44th consecutive month in which home prices rose year-over-year. WSJ, 11-24-2015, A2.

12-8-2015: Service animals allowed in no-pets complex

12-7-2015: Most common real estate problems new agents face.

12-4-2015: What Security Issues Do You Need to Consider Before Buying Real Estate?

12-3-2015: Something you should know about real-estate agents on Zillow – A high percentage of those agents advertising on Zillow enjoyed more dual-agency (represented both Buyers and Sellers in same transaction) commissions, according to a recent report from Morgan Stanley. Specifically, it found that 60% of those real-estate agents who advertised as a “premier agent” on Zillow received a 30% increase in these dual-side deals.

12-2-2015: Local real estate agents are now preparing to protect themselves from criminals

11-30-2015: Although Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have recently reported losses, under current arrangements with the US Treasury Department, both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are to send almost all their profits to the government unless they have a loss. Needless to say,shareholders and civil rights groups are calling for them to be dissolved or released from government control Source: WSJ, 11-4-2015, C8.

11-27-2015: Real Estate Management: The Ultimate Safety Checklist for all Property Managers – See more at:

11-26-2015: The FHA (Federal Housing Administration) reported a surplus of almost $24 Billion in its mortgage insurance reserve fund (up from about $5 Billion a year ago). This surge in reserves was primarily due to three factors: (1) the rise in and permanence of FHA mortgage insurance premiums, (2) the explosion in popularity of 97.5% FHA loans (in other words, requires only 3.5% down and a FICO credit score as low as 580), and (3) the value of the reverse mortgage volume grew $8 Billion more than was forecast.

11-25-2015: “Tax Inversion” is the process of acquisition or merger with a foreign corporation and moving the taxing authority outside the former corporate country. This happens for one major reason: the taxation system to where they are moving is far more advantageous. This also means money and jobs get sent out of the former country. That hurts the economy of the country whom is left, which these days happens to be the US based on their burdensome, overly excessive corporate tax structure. The latest rules allow inversion if <60% of US stockholders end up owning the entire new company, which basically ensures alot more inversions in the future (including the currently proposed Pfizer-Allergan merger). So why does this impact real estate? Simple – money flows out of the US economy along with jobs to foreign countries hurts real estate values and purchasing power. 11-23-2015:Georgia Zoning and Land Use Laws including alternatives and appeals processes.

11-20-2015:Breaking Down Real Estate Terms

11-19-2015: Real Estate News: U.S. New-Home Sales Dropped in September

11-18-2015: About Real Estate: Home buyers shouldn’t waste time on stubborn sellers

11-17-2015: According to a Wall Street Journal article (Sound and Fury over New routes – 11-12-2015, p.D1), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is redrawing air traffic routes and causing some residential communities grief who now have air traffic over their homes. This means lower relative values for their real estate and further proof that nothing is permanent and your local real estate environment can change pretty quick.

11-16-2015: IRS Audits (WSJ, 11-4-2015): Revenue from audits declined by >40% to about $7 billion given the IRS had about 20% fewer agents than 5 years ago. The IRS seems to now concentrate in areas of belief of non-compliance. The reduction in staff could also be explained by the IRS scrutiny on some applications for tax exempt status from groups with assumed Republican relationships.

11-13-2015: Forget the future, this is the real estate market right now

11-11-2015: Took long enough…Foreclosure Inventories Declining Faster in Judicial States.

11-10-2015: 4 Things to Know About Real Estate Investments

11-9-2015:Non-bank lenders take big share of mortgage market

11-6-2015: Climate science frauds try to hide data from Congress

11-4-2015: What to expect from U.S real estate in 2016? Here’s what the experts forecast

11-3-2015:8 common myths about real estate that plague buyers, sellers

11-2-2015: Good news for renters, not so much for buyers

10-30-2015:Government-backed mortgage lenders are awful — and essential

10-29-2015:The same culprits are re-inflating the housing bubble

10-28-2015: Some good tips on Developing a Successful Homeowner Association

10-27-2015: 4 important facts real estate buyers need to know

10-26-2015: 4 things you should know about online real estate listings (But online data is getting better and more informative)

10-23-2015: Beware – Buying Property that is about to be Foreclosed – Make sure adequate title search is done and safeguards are provided in the contract.

10-22-2015:Selling your home? How to juggle multiple offers

10-21-2015:What to know about the new mortgage forms

10-20-2015:Builder Confidence Back to Pre-Crash Levels

10-19-2015: Labor Shortage Pinches Home Builders

10-16-2015: Technology isn’t real estate’s big problem – it’s sharing information

10-19-2015: 7 Essential Things Every New Homeowner Needs

10-15-2014:New Mortgage Disclosures Expected to Delay Closings.

10-14-2015: 15 words that each agent and home sellers might consider placing in their advertisements to sell real estate property.

10-13-2015: California Creates ‘Transfer Upon Death’ Deed . (Will this conflict with any requests in wills? Will it open possible fraud charges forging homowner’s name revoking the TOD at any time? Will this really be necessary or should it be handled in the will or just handle with Joint Tenancy? Or is this law strictly for LGBT couples to avoid probate and allow transfer of property even though a will can do the same after probate?)

10-12-15: Dramatic rise in the nmber of real estate agents moving between brokers for higher commissions, better training, and more assistance.

10-9-2015: 9 tips for becoming a successful real estate agent

10-8-2015: Questions to ask when buying a condo

10-7-2015: Some reasong to buy and not to buy condominiums.

10-6-2015: New Mortgage Rules May Spark Delays, Frustration

10-2-2015: Buyers need to do their homework

10-1-2015: Fannie Mae Unveils Mortgage Program to Help Minority Borrowers

9-30-2015 Real Estate Settlement Procedures

9-29-2015: Real Estate 101: Who Regulates Real Estate Agents?

9-28-2015: Understanding closing costs

9-22-2015: Questions to ask when buying a condo.

9-17-2015:Bank of America is reviewing real estate referral deals amid regulatory scrutiny.

9-16-2015: Step-by-step CFPB guide to mortgages

9-15-2015:Real Estate Agents to Extend Contracts for New Mortgage Disclosures

9-2-2015: These may be scary number for real estate: Home ownership may run 20 years! Bad news for house hunters, industry pros…but it’s good news based on home appliance, HVAC, and water heater manufacturers – now their intentional shortened lifespan design shift will be revealed.

9-1-2015: Real Estate Agent Issues: Why Are Real Estate Agents Sued?

8-31-2015: Ensure your home inspector is qualified for the job

8-26-2015: First-Time Buyers Aren’t the Ones Snatching Up Homes

8-25-2015: Young people can afford homes, they just don’t want to be homeowner

8-21-2015: Selling your home? How to juggle multiple offers

8-17-2015: U.S. home rental prices ‘insanely unaffordable’

8-15-2015: What are property taxes like across the country in each state? (It really depends oin the county).

8-14-2015: Cool new app for Real estate agents or criminals or police departments…etc????…

8-13-2015: Watch out Zillow: Realtor.com says it’s the fastest growing in online real estate industry

8-7-2015: CFPB (Officially?) Proposes Two-Month Extension (thru 10-3-2015) of Know Before You Owe Mortgage Rule

8-6-2015: Real estate company owner tied up, robbed at gunpoint

8-5-2015: Let your Senators and Representatives know that an extension of the 2011 g-fee increase used to fund a portion of any long-term highway bill agreement will effectively prolong a tax on prospective homeowners and curtail consumers looking to refinance their mortgages.

8-4-2015: Your home loan toolkit or step-by-step guide to understanding mortgages (compliments of Cionsumer Financial Protection Bureau).

8-3-2015: About Real Estate: What buyers should expect when applying for a mortgage today

7-30-2015: Whether They Rent or Buy, Millennials Don’t Want to Drive.

7-28-2015: 5 Cities Where Real Estate Crowdfunding is Thriving.

7-27-2015: Failed real estate sales bring disputes over earnest money deposits when the contract is terminated (mostly over failure of Buyer financing or inspection results).

7-22-2015: When you ask anyone about real estate, they tend to make generalized statements based on their own experiences – not on reality.

7-21-2015: 25 Cleaver Cleaning Tips – Vinegar is your new cleaning buddy!.

7-20-2015: The 2014 rise in home sales last year didn’t create a financial killing for real estate agents. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that the typical agent earned $45,800 ($1,100 less than the previous year) mainly due to a 6% surge min licensees taking share from the whole pot of commisdions.

7-15-2015: Issues surrounding real estate crowdfunding (which allows smaller individual investors to invest small amounts of money toward real estate).

7-13-2015:Are Millennials sold on using a real estate agent?

7-10-2015: The Mortgage Professor: Website features homebuyers should look for

7-7-2015: Nevada lawmakers want to pare down HOAs’ power in foreclosure

7-6-2015: How to become a followed real estate professional on Pinterest

7-3-2015: Home buyer’s checklist

7-2-2015: Real Estate Insider: What is a title and how does it affect real property ownership?

7-1-2015: Title Company Has No Liability For Free Information Provided

6-29-2015: HOA Amendment of CC&Rs Restricting Owner Rental Rights was Valid

6-29-2015: Questions & Tips to Ask When Shopping for a Mortgage

6-26-2015: Many obstacles exist in real estate transactions

6-25-2015: Timing The Real Estate Cycle

6-24-2015: <“http://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/buyersadvice1/item/32036-20141219-the-three-most-important-responsibilities-buyers-have”>The Three Most Important Responsibilities Buyers Have.

6-23-2015: Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s (OCC) “Residential Real Estate Lending,” booklet for use by OCC examiners.

6-22-2015: Don’t be misled by reverse mortgage advertising.

6-19-2015: 5 Big Changes in the Past 10 Years in U.S. Real Estate

6-18-2015: HUD’s Claim Payment System Did Not Always Identify Ineligible FHA-HAMP Partial Claims

6-17-2015: Foreign investors pose threat to residential real estate. More than $90 Billion in foreign investment of US real estate last year and China alone spent more than $2.7 Trillion of non-Chinese real estate.

6-16-2015: Massachusetts Supreme Court upholds real estate agents’ employment status

6-5-2015: Many obstacles exist in real estate transactions

6-4-2015: Did you know Zillow, Trulia (NYSE: TRLA), Realtor.com — report upward of 80 million visits a month? That’s alot of traffic and reliance on those websites for information.

6-4-2015: Texas is going after those committing real estate fraud

6-3-2015: Existing home sales lower in April as low supply adds pressure

6-1-2015: Watching out for real estate scams.

5-29-2015: 10% of Americans are “Credit Invisible” (a.k.a….NO credit history…)

5-28-2015: 50 Ways to Derail Real Estate Industry

5-26-2015:Is the MLS still the most crucial marketing tool?

5-20-2015: As foreclosures change, buyers have new opportunities.

5-11-2015: How To Get The Fixer Upper Look All By Yourself

5-8-2015: Australia uses Exclusive Buyer Agents – why are Americans reluctant to use them?

5-7-2015: Finding out more about a real estate agent before you hire one.

5-6-5015: Real Estate Crowdfunding start-up Sharestates (which tends to focus on financing fix-and-flip loans) secures $30M from investment fund

5-5-2015: The complete remodeling history of Destin is available online…are other local areas to follow soon?

5-4-2015: In Peter Hendee Brown’s new book “How Real Estate Developers Believe”, the author believes that if people understood more of what developers basically do, they may be a little much more inclined to go along with a developer’s strategy.

5-1-2015: One common mistake of real estate buyers is to make an offer without first getting their loan fully preapproved.

4-30-2015: Student Loan Debt And The Real Estate Market – Oil and Water?

4-29-2015: The do’s and don’ts of posting content online – The first warning – Don’t: Publicize other people’s stories…like this one?

4-27-2015: Mistakes people make when selling a home

4-26-2015: March 2015 Mortgage loan delinquencies – lowest levels since 2007, according to data released Friday

4-24-2015: The do’s and don’ts of posting content online

4-23-2015: Higher interest rates from the Fed raise mortgage rates resulting in fewer home sales…and the return of inflation could ruin real estate

4-22-2015: Is it true that when you move from renting to owning it results in a 78% more expensive monthly bill?

4-21-2015:
Smart Moves: Tips for selling a common condo

4-20-2015: Smaller Banks Lending Again — Commercial and Industrial Loans Growing at a Double-Digit Rate

4-16-2015: Home-sale mistakes that cost you money

4-15-2015: Here’s where the local housing recovery stands.

4-14-2015: Are posted pool rules enforceable if their content is not written in the HOA rules, regulations or bylaws?

4-13-2015: Solar Panels May Effect Your Home’s Value, In Either Direction.

4-9-2015: It will take a village to close a mortgage in 2015

4-8-2015: Investors Unite fires back at WSJ columnist in Fannie, Freddie recap row

4-7-2015: What modern homebuyers want

4-6-2015: Expected FICO changes to aid risky borrowers

4-5-2015: The Best and Worst Markets for Property Taxes

4-2-2015: A new FICO score will include changes usch as payment history with their utility & cell phone providers; how often they change addresses; and place less emphasis on unpaid medical bills and missed payments on paid off debts.

4-1-2015: Marine mortgage broker, first responders’ wives to offer real estate discounts to heroes.

3-31-2015: Top 5 ways to raise your home’s value — now. And not just wait for the hot real estate market timing.

3-30-2015: New mortgage rules affect loans between family members.

3-27-2015: Biogen’s promising Alzheimer’s drug advances to Phase 3 trial. I would prefer a more natural way to prevent this disease…some reports say Coconut Oil can also retard some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

3-26-2015: Understanding a comparable market analysis

3-25-2015: Underwater homeowners sink deeper, even as home values rise

3-23-2015: Many Cities (>40% of largest US cities reviewed) See Rise in Underwater Homeowners.

3-20-2015: There are at least 13 common types of insurance you can get for a home.

3-19-2015: Crowdfunding picks up for real estate investments. Crowdfunding has been growing – estimated $2.1 billion in 2012.. about $5 billion in 2013…and about $10 billion in 2014…and 2015…expected to double.

3-18-2015: 8 tips for first-time homebuyers – besides running a rent or buy analysis

FHFA watchdog: Another Freddie, Fannie bailout could happen

3-17-2015: What Sellers Should Know About CMAs

3-13-2015: Exclusive: Industry experts discuss readiness for TRID: The new regulation requires the Loan Estimate (LE) (formerly the Good Faith Estimate and Early TILA Disclosures) and Closing Disclosure (CD) (formerly the HUD-1 Settlement Statement) documents to be based on the unique features and attributes specific to each individual loan. This will require a rewrite of the software used and is taking the most time and just might squeeze lender to implement changes by August 1, 2015 start date.

3-12-2015: Some advantages and disadvantages of slab, crawl space, and basement foundations

3-4-2015: Source: http://www.realtor.org/field-guides/field-guide-to-millennial-home-buyers
19% of Millennials agreed with this: “most people can be trusted”
83% of Millennials agreed with this: “there is too much power concentrated in the hands of a few big companies”

3-3-2015: Some comments about slab foundations

3-2-2015: Credit scores are explained but they are mostly results of an algorithm or mathematical formula that attempts to predict the stability (or lack thereof) of human behavior.

y level and first time home buyers dropped to 16% from a 25-28% rate in healthier years…housing starts were up 16% last month…applications for building permits rose >8%.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac forever paying the US Government
Regardless of whatever happens as the outcome of recent investment banking lawsuits to eliminate the US Government’s preferred stock in both companies, Fannie and Freddie are probably on the hook to pay 10% dividends – forever!