* Daily affirmations
* Using affirmations
* How to write affirmations
http://affirmyourlife.blogspot.com/
Great information about the great Sacramento, CA area. Family events, concerts, open markets, and more. Real Estate information Opportunity to ask questions and find resources.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Affirmations will change your life for the better
Great resource for the following:
* Daily affirmations
* Using affirmations
* How to write affirmations
http://affirmyourlife.blogspot.com/
* Daily affirmations
* Using affirmations
* How to write affirmations
http://affirmyourlife.blogspot.com/
Thursday, May 20, 2010
California Consumer Recourse loan information
MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY FOR CONSUMERS
• Currently, if a homeowner defaults on a mortgage used to purchase his or her home -- known as a “purchase money mortgage” -- the homeowner's liability on the mortgage is limited to the property itself. Unfortunately, the original law did not extend the purchase money protection to loans that refinance the original purchase debt, even if the refinance only was to obtain a lower interest rate.
• Californians who refinance a property currently do not have protection if they default on a mortgage greater than the property’s value. Called a “deficiency” liability, under current California law, the lender can sue the former homeowner for the amount of the deficiency even after taking back the property.
• Recent years of low interest rates and aggressive marketing campaigns by lenders have induced tens of thousands to refinance mortgages. Few homeowners realized that by refinancing their mortgage, they were forfeiting their protections and now are personally liable.
• C.A.R. created a video detailing Senate Bill 1178. The video can be viewed here.
http://videos.car.org/mediavault.html?menuID=3&flvID=8
• Currently, if a homeowner defaults on a mortgage used to purchase his or her home -- known as a “purchase money mortgage” -- the homeowner's liability on the mortgage is limited to the property itself. Unfortunately, the original law did not extend the purchase money protection to loans that refinance the original purchase debt, even if the refinance only was to obtain a lower interest rate.
• Californians who refinance a property currently do not have protection if they default on a mortgage greater than the property’s value. Called a “deficiency” liability, under current California law, the lender can sue the former homeowner for the amount of the deficiency even after taking back the property.
• Recent years of low interest rates and aggressive marketing campaigns by lenders have induced tens of thousands to refinance mortgages. Few homeowners realized that by refinancing their mortgage, they were forfeiting their protections and now are personally liable.
• C.A.R. created a video detailing Senate Bill 1178. The video can be viewed here.
http://videos.car.org/mediavault.html?menuID=3&flvID=8
Foreclosed homeowners could owe ‘thousands of dollars’ to Lenders
California’s real estate association is warning people who lose — or are in danger of losing — their homes to foreclosure that they could face a hefty lawsuit from the lender, even after handing over the keys.
California law has protected borrowers from so-called “deficiency” liability, where in essence the house serves as collateral for the loan, for their original mortgages since the 1930s.
But if consumers refinanced their original mortgage — even for a lower interest rate or to finance home improvements — and fail to make payments leading to foreclosure, lenders can sue for the difference between the money owed and the value of the property, according to the California Association of Realtors. For example, if a homeowner has $200,000 outsanding for a refinanced mortgage and the lender forecloses on the house with the property valued at $150,000, the former homeowner could be liable for the remaining $50,000.
“Most homeowners have no idea they are personally liable,” CAR president Steve Goddard said in a news release Tuesday. “Foreclosure is difficult enough on a family. Getting sued for tens of thousands of dollars after losing your home is much worse.”
The state association has sponsored legislation — Senate Bill 1178 by state Sen. Ellen Corbett, a Democrat from Los Angeles — to close the loophole.
Corbett says many homeowners are not aware of the law, which allows banks to seek funds for refinanced loans. The bill only affects refinanced mortgages.
“Lenders have a responsibility to ensure that borrowers understand loan terms and can meet them,” Goddard said. The bill “puts in place much-needed consumer protections and deserves swift passage by the California Legislature next week.”
Contact your California representative to provide your valuable feedback today.
California law has protected borrowers from so-called “deficiency” liability, where in essence the house serves as collateral for the loan, for their original mortgages since the 1930s.
But if consumers refinanced their original mortgage — even for a lower interest rate or to finance home improvements — and fail to make payments leading to foreclosure, lenders can sue for the difference between the money owed and the value of the property, according to the California Association of Realtors. For example, if a homeowner has $200,000 outsanding for a refinanced mortgage and the lender forecloses on the house with the property valued at $150,000, the former homeowner could be liable for the remaining $50,000.
“Most homeowners have no idea they are personally liable,” CAR president Steve Goddard said in a news release Tuesday. “Foreclosure is difficult enough on a family. Getting sued for tens of thousands of dollars after losing your home is much worse.”
The state association has sponsored legislation — Senate Bill 1178 by state Sen. Ellen Corbett, a Democrat from Los Angeles — to close the loophole.
Corbett says many homeowners are not aware of the law, which allows banks to seek funds for refinanced loans. The bill only affects refinanced mortgages.
“Lenders have a responsibility to ensure that borrowers understand loan terms and can meet them,” Goddard said. The bill “puts in place much-needed consumer protections and deserves swift passage by the California Legislature next week.”
Contact your California representative to provide your valuable feedback today.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Information by a trusted Lender
Interest Rates on the Rise?
For the last couple of years, home buyers have benefitted from an affordable combination of lower home prices and lower interest rates. But if you've been on the fence about buying a home, or waiting for even better buying opportunities, now might be the time to give us a call to see if buying today makes sense for your individual goals and needs. Even though the government's popular Home Buyer's Tax Credit expired on April, 30, 2010, this is still a good time to act, as home affordability is likely to get worse before getting better. Ever since the Federal Reserve's program to help lower home loan rates and stabilize the housing sector ended in March, 2010, after purchasing a reported $1.25 Trillion in Mortgage Backed Securities, the mortgage market has been very volatile. And despite fluctuations, rates remain good overall; but, as the Federal Reserve sells off some of its huge holdings, supply in the market will increase, and likely lead to higher rates. Don't wait until higher rates force you out of the market. Give us a call today.
Extended Warranties
If you're thinking about buying a major appliance, you'll likely be offered an option to purchase an extended warranty. Major home appliances often include dishwashers, free-standing ranges, many types of ovens, many types of refrigerators, washing machines and dryers, microwave ovens and many types of televisions and computers.
Extended warranties are basically repair insurance in case something goes wrong after your manufacturer's warranty expires. Before you decide to purchase this insurance, be sure to research your product with Consumer Reports or similar organizations to see if it makes financial sense for your individual needs.
Studies by Consumer Reports and JD Power and Associates consistently show that purchasing extended warranties on certain major appliances doesn't make financial sense in many situations, since major appliances generally exhibit strong reliability. There are, of course, exceptions for certain repair-prone brands, which consumer groups define in their specific studies.
Extended warranties, however, do offer peace of mind which, for many consumers, is worth the extra cost. And for some appliances with complex electronics and potentially high repair costs, purchasing an extended warranty may make more sense. For the best results, however, do your research before you go shopping, and, before you buy an extended warranty, be sure to read the fine print.
How Long Should You Keep Your Tax Returns?
If you're not sure which tax documents to keep and which ones to drop in the shredder, you're not alone. Even the experts disagree. In fact, there are two basic schools of thought on this, and both seem to relate to the IRS' statute of limitations for auditing your tax returns. One school says keep tax returns and accompanying paperwork, including W-2 forms, 1099 forms, other tax reporting statements and end-of-year bank statements that show interest earned, for 3 years. The other claims that holding onto these documents for up to 10 years is the safest bet.
For assessment of additional taxes by the IRS, or if you intend to claim additional refunds, the statute of limitations is generally three years from the date you file your return. However, if you fail to report all of your income and the under-reported figure is more than 25% of the gross income provided on your return, the IRS has six years to audit your returns. Additionally, if you claimed a loss on certain securities, the statute of limitations is seven years. Of course, there is no limitation if you filed a fraudulent return or if you didn't file a return at all. With this in mind, consider keeping your tax returns and relevant documents for a minimum of 7 years.
Rethink Your Refund
According to USA Today, the average 2009 tax refund through March 12 is $3,036. In good economic times tax refunds are often viewed by many Americans as a kind of financial windfall, "extra" or "free" money that leads to splurge purchases like vacations, down payments for cars or big-screen TVs. But, especially in a tougher economy, it's important to remember that your tax refund is not a gift from the government. It's actually your hard-earned salary that you overpaid to the government throughout the year. In other words, this cash is actually "lost" money, not to mention the average $253 dollars a month in lost opportunity cost. After all, think about what this money could've made for you in your employer-matched 401K or other retirement plan. Imagine the interest on credit cards or your car payment or even your rent that you could've saved by paying an additional $253 a month. With this in mind, before you go out and splurge on big-ticket items, please give us a call. This money could really help you toward reaching your goal of homeownership this year, and we'll show you how. We'll review your finances and help you determine what makes the most sense for your individual financial goals and needs. If you're not sure which tax documents to keep and which ones to drop in the shredder, you're not alone. Even the experts disagree. In fact, there are two basic schools of thought on this, and both seem to relate to the IRS' statute of limitations for auditing your tax returns. One school says keep tax returns and accompanying paperwork, including W-2 forms, 1099 forms, other tax reporting statements and end-of-year bank statements that show interest earned, for 3 years. The other claims that holding onto these documents for up to 10 years is the safest bet.
Information above brought to you by my trusted team mate and lender. Please contact Doug for additional specifics and answers to your many lending questions.
Doug Jones
Senior Loan Officer
Big Valley Mortgage
Phone: 916-672-8885
Fax: 408-519-6520
dmjones@apmortgage.com
www.BVMHOMETEAM.com
For the last couple of years, home buyers have benefitted from an affordable combination of lower home prices and lower interest rates. But if you've been on the fence about buying a home, or waiting for even better buying opportunities, now might be the time to give us a call to see if buying today makes sense for your individual goals and needs. Even though the government's popular Home Buyer's Tax Credit expired on April, 30, 2010, this is still a good time to act, as home affordability is likely to get worse before getting better. Ever since the Federal Reserve's program to help lower home loan rates and stabilize the housing sector ended in March, 2010, after purchasing a reported $1.25 Trillion in Mortgage Backed Securities, the mortgage market has been very volatile. And despite fluctuations, rates remain good overall; but, as the Federal Reserve sells off some of its huge holdings, supply in the market will increase, and likely lead to higher rates. Don't wait until higher rates force you out of the market. Give us a call today.
Extended Warranties
If you're thinking about buying a major appliance, you'll likely be offered an option to purchase an extended warranty. Major home appliances often include dishwashers, free-standing ranges, many types of ovens, many types of refrigerators, washing machines and dryers, microwave ovens and many types of televisions and computers.
Extended warranties are basically repair insurance in case something goes wrong after your manufacturer's warranty expires. Before you decide to purchase this insurance, be sure to research your product with Consumer Reports or similar organizations to see if it makes financial sense for your individual needs.
Studies by Consumer Reports and JD Power and Associates consistently show that purchasing extended warranties on certain major appliances doesn't make financial sense in many situations, since major appliances generally exhibit strong reliability. There are, of course, exceptions for certain repair-prone brands, which consumer groups define in their specific studies.
Extended warranties, however, do offer peace of mind which, for many consumers, is worth the extra cost. And for some appliances with complex electronics and potentially high repair costs, purchasing an extended warranty may make more sense. For the best results, however, do your research before you go shopping, and, before you buy an extended warranty, be sure to read the fine print.
How Long Should You Keep Your Tax Returns?
If you're not sure which tax documents to keep and which ones to drop in the shredder, you're not alone. Even the experts disagree. In fact, there are two basic schools of thought on this, and both seem to relate to the IRS' statute of limitations for auditing your tax returns. One school says keep tax returns and accompanying paperwork, including W-2 forms, 1099 forms, other tax reporting statements and end-of-year bank statements that show interest earned, for 3 years. The other claims that holding onto these documents for up to 10 years is the safest bet.
For assessment of additional taxes by the IRS, or if you intend to claim additional refunds, the statute of limitations is generally three years from the date you file your return. However, if you fail to report all of your income and the under-reported figure is more than 25% of the gross income provided on your return, the IRS has six years to audit your returns. Additionally, if you claimed a loss on certain securities, the statute of limitations is seven years. Of course, there is no limitation if you filed a fraudulent return or if you didn't file a return at all. With this in mind, consider keeping your tax returns and relevant documents for a minimum of 7 years.
Rethink Your Refund
According to USA Today, the average 2009 tax refund through March 12 is $3,036. In good economic times tax refunds are often viewed by many Americans as a kind of financial windfall, "extra" or "free" money that leads to splurge purchases like vacations, down payments for cars or big-screen TVs. But, especially in a tougher economy, it's important to remember that your tax refund is not a gift from the government. It's actually your hard-earned salary that you overpaid to the government throughout the year. In other words, this cash is actually "lost" money, not to mention the average $253 dollars a month in lost opportunity cost. After all, think about what this money could've made for you in your employer-matched 401K or other retirement plan. Imagine the interest on credit cards or your car payment or even your rent that you could've saved by paying an additional $253 a month. With this in mind, before you go out and splurge on big-ticket items, please give us a call. This money could really help you toward reaching your goal of homeownership this year, and we'll show you how. We'll review your finances and help you determine what makes the most sense for your individual financial goals and needs. If you're not sure which tax documents to keep and which ones to drop in the shredder, you're not alone. Even the experts disagree. In fact, there are two basic schools of thought on this, and both seem to relate to the IRS' statute of limitations for auditing your tax returns. One school says keep tax returns and accompanying paperwork, including W-2 forms, 1099 forms, other tax reporting statements and end-of-year bank statements that show interest earned, for 3 years. The other claims that holding onto these documents for up to 10 years is the safest bet.
Information above brought to you by my trusted team mate and lender. Please contact Doug for additional specifics and answers to your many lending questions.
Doug Jones
Senior Loan Officer
Big Valley Mortgage
Phone: 916-672-8885
Fax: 408-519-6520
dmjones@apmortgage.com
www.BVMHOMETEAM.com
Friday, May 14, 2010
Shortclosures: Short Sale vs. Forclosure - Know your options
Shortclosures: Short Sale vs Forclosure
With the economy being what it is these days, many people are wondering what the best option for selling their home is, especially regarding a short sale vs foreclosure. Since the housing bubble burst, lots of people owning homes are finding themselves upside down in their mortgages (also called being “underwater”). So, what are you supposed to do when you owe significantly more than your home is worth?
Here’s a rundown on a short sale vs forclosure:
When it comes to debating between a short sale vs foreclosure, a short sale should be negotiated with your bank whenever possible. Foreclosure has long-lasting negative effects, and can make it impossible to obtain credit in the future
If either of these options are currently on your radar, please contact a trusted Realtor for answers to all of your questions.
Here’s a rundown on a short sale vs forclosure:
- Walking away from your mortgage and having your house foreclosed on may have significant long-term repercussions. One of the biggest arguments for a short sale vs foreclosure is that with a short sale, you’re often eligible to buy a new home immediately (although the wait for an FHA loan is three years). With a foreclosure, you may have to wait seven years.
- Short sales don’t affect your credit, as long as you aren’t behind on your payments. A short sale does not show up as a black mark on your credit, as credit bureaus don’t show the word “short sale” on their reports. Foreclosures, on the other hand, do show up on the reports and can drop your FICO score by anywhere from 200-400 points. Additionally, the foreclosure will stay on your report for 10 years.
- With short sales, there are no additional costs. With foreclosures, the bank doesn’t just take your house. Although letting your house go into foreclosure may seem like the easy way out, it can end up costing you more money in the long run. The lender can take things a step further by getting a judgment against you for any arrearages you owe, as well as for the costs involved with the foreclosure action. This can easily add up to thousands of dollars in additional out-of-pocket expenses.
Monday, May 10, 2010
California Home Buyer Tax Credit Takes effect
California home buyer tax credit takes effect
Just as one government home buyer tax credit program ends, another begins. The home buyer tax credit signed into law in March by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger now is available.
To read the full story, please click here: http://www.ftb.ca.gov/individuals/new_home_credit.shtml
Contact me for answers to your home buying, selling, or investment questions.
Just as one government home buyer tax credit program ends, another begins. The home buyer tax credit signed into law in March by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger now is available.
To read the full story, please click here: http://www.ftb.ca.gov/individuals/new_home_credit.shtml
Contact me for answers to your home buying, selling, or investment questions.
How to Buy a Foreclosure
KEEP THIS IN MIND
• There are three basic stages of foreclosure in California:
• Pre-foreclosure homes are in the foreclosure process, but have not yet been auctioned. Owners of pre-foreclosed homes often try to sell the properties because they are “underwater,” meaning they owe more on the mortgage than the home currently is worth. Many homeowners attempt to sell via short sale, where the lender must agree to accept less than the amount owed on the mortgage. Buying at this stage of foreclosure often is a complicated and slow process. However, buyers of pre-foreclosed properties often are given the opportunity to inspect the home prior to purchasing, whereas this is not always the case when buying at other stages of foreclosures.
• The second basic stage of foreclosure is the public auction at a trustee’s or foreclosure sale. Homes in this stage often are well priced, but also come with challenges to buy. These homes may not be available for inspection and buyers may later discover the property needs numerous repairs. As a result, many of the homes at auction are purchased by investors and contractors who have experience working with homes needing numerous repairs, or taken back as REO by the foreclosing lenders.
• If a home does not sell to a third party at the trustee’s auction, the bank takes the property--the final stage of the foreclosure process. Although homes in this stage typically do not offer buyers the best prices, buyers generally can perform a thorough inspection of the property prior to closing.
To read the full story, please click here:
http://money.cnn.com/2010/05/04/real_estate/how_to_buy_a_foreclosure/index.htm?source=cnn_bin&hpt=Sbin
May
- Pre-foreclosure
- Trustee’s sale
- Repossession (often called an REO or real estate owned by the bank)
• If a home does not sell to a third party at the trustee’s auction, the bank takes the property--the final stage of the foreclosure process. Although homes in this stage typically do not offer buyers the best prices, buyers generally can perform a thorough inspection of the property prior to closing.
http://money.cnn.com/2010/05/04/real_estate/how_to_buy_a_foreclosure/index.htm?source=cnn_bin&hpt=Sbin
May
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Can it be TRUE? Principal Reduction: Upside-down Mortgages Reduced to Market Value
The Relief You Have Been Waiting For ...Where is the hidden Agenda?
HOME OWNER MORTGAGE RESTRUCTURING (HOMR) Program
The HOMR reduces the principal balance of an upside down mortgage to current market value. This is NOT a loan modification, it's NOT a shortsale... it is a TRUE principal reduction where the homeowner stays in their home and never relinquishes ownership. If the home is only worth $100k in today's market, the principal is reduced to $100k. Thousands of homeowners need this service and IFI is now looking for agents, brokers, and Marketing Associates to offer it to them.
How does the Home Owner Mortgage Restructuring (HOMR) principal reduction program work?
How is it different from a short sale or a loan modification?
Investors Finance, Inc (IFI), a private lender since1960, negotiates with the bank to buy your note from them at a very reduced rate. Once the bank accepts IFI's offer, the homeowner will receive new mortgage details for a 30 year fixed mortgage from IFI and have 72 hours to review them. Once the homeowner accepts the new mortgage, their new note holder will be IFI and they will pay IFI as they had previously paid the bank. In a short sale the homeowner sells his/her home to someone else and has to move. With the HOMR program, the homeowner stays on the title and never relinquishes ownership. A loan modification rarely ever reduces the principal balance. Most likely a loan modification would lower the interest rate, lengthen the duration of the mortgage, and leave the homeowner with a principal balance that is far more than the house is worth. Loan modifications are a bandaid where as the HOMR is a true solution. In the HOMR program the homeowner's monthly payment is often lowered and the principal balance of the mortgage is reset to market value. Because there is no balloon or prepayment penalty in the HOMR program, the homeowner can refinance at any time or have a better chance at conducting a conventional sale if they choose to.
Regardless of how upside down a mortgage is or how far behind the homeowner is in their present payments, IFI can help. Homeowners can qualify for this program REGARDLESS of * Credit Score * Payment History * Foreclosure * Bankruptcy * Repossessions * Judgments * Liens.
Could this be the relief that homeowners have been waiting for? or another modification scandal?
HOME OWNER MORTGAGE RESTRUCTURING (HOMR) Program
The HOMR reduces the principal balance of an upside down mortgage to current market value. This is NOT a loan modification, it's NOT a shortsale... it is a TRUE principal reduction where the homeowner stays in their home and never relinquishes ownership. If the home is only worth $100k in today's market, the principal is reduced to $100k. Thousands of homeowners need this service and IFI is now looking for agents, brokers, and Marketing Associates to offer it to them.
How does the Home Owner Mortgage Restructuring (HOMR) principal reduction program work?
How is it different from a short sale or a loan modification?
Investors Finance, Inc (IFI), a private lender since1960, negotiates with the bank to buy your note from them at a very reduced rate. Once the bank accepts IFI's offer, the homeowner will receive new mortgage details for a 30 year fixed mortgage from IFI and have 72 hours to review them. Once the homeowner accepts the new mortgage, their new note holder will be IFI and they will pay IFI as they had previously paid the bank. In a short sale the homeowner sells his/her home to someone else and has to move. With the HOMR program, the homeowner stays on the title and never relinquishes ownership. A loan modification rarely ever reduces the principal balance. Most likely a loan modification would lower the interest rate, lengthen the duration of the mortgage, and leave the homeowner with a principal balance that is far more than the house is worth. Loan modifications are a bandaid where as the HOMR is a true solution. In the HOMR program the homeowner's monthly payment is often lowered and the principal balance of the mortgage is reset to market value. Because there is no balloon or prepayment penalty in the HOMR program, the homeowner can refinance at any time or have a better chance at conducting a conventional sale if they choose to.
Regardless of how upside down a mortgage is or how far behind the homeowner is in their present payments, IFI can help. Homeowners can qualify for this program REGARDLESS of * Credit Score * Payment History * Foreclosure * Bankruptcy * Repossessions * Judgments * Liens.
Could this be the relief that homeowners have been waiting for? or another modification scandal?
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