What is Foreclosure?
Don't get it twisted! Foreclosures don't happen overnight. You can stop the process and turn the situation.
A judicial proceeding by lender / servicer to obtain judgment against the Borrower for Borrower’s breach of promise to pay, and to take borrower’s interest in the house, which was given as security for the promise.
What Are the Steps?
Before a Foreclosure is Filed
Demand Letter or Notice if required by the Note:
setting out breach of agreement (failure to pay)
requiring a certain amount to be paid
with a certain period of time
If no payment or workout-
Foreclosure Complaint is Filed:
What is the foreclosure complaint?
a legal document
filed with the Court
setting out the agreement to pay (Note)
stating the failure to pay
stating the amount due
asking for judgment against the mortgagor
asking for title to the security (the mortgaged property)
Must be served on mortgagor
Mortgagor has opportunity to Appear and Respond
Usually 30 days
If no Appearance or Response-
Default Judgment
Reinstatement Period – all past due payments are made
90 days from date of service of Foreclosure Complaint
If no reinstatement-
Redemption Period – entire amount of Note plus Interest and Expenses must be paid
Longer of:
7 months from date of service or
4 months from date of Judgment
If no Redemption-
Judicial Sale – sale of mortgaged property to highest bidder
Confirmation of Sale by Court – award of Title and Possession to winning bidder
Mortgagor has 30 days of possession before eviction
Eviction
Call me for information to avoid this catastrophic condition 312-498-1138
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 2, 2010
Tax Credit Closings Deadline Extended Until September 30, 2010
Here's What The President Has Done For You Lately
closed. The legislation is designed to create a seamless extension the new closing deadline for eligible transactions is now September 30, 2010. There is will be no gap between June 30 and the date the President signs the bill into law.
NAR worked closely with Congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle to enact this important legislation. Extending the Tax Credit Closing deadline will help provide additional stability to real estate markets across the nation.
For additional information on the extension visit www.realtor.org/government_affairs
Additionally, the United States Senate has passed the National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act of 2010 (H.R. 5569) an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program until September 30, 2010. This will allow transactions to move forward. The bill is retroactive and covers the lapse period
from June 1, 2010 to the date of enactment of the extension.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Fannie Mae Has Foreclosures For Sale
Did you know that there were nearly 1 million foreclosures nationwide in the third quarter of 2009?
Fannie Mae owns nearly 1,000 in Cook County alone. You can have one of your very own for 3 percent down with no appraisal, and no mortgage insurance. You can take advantage of this deal with almost no conditions - it doesn't matter whether you own property already or not, no one cares if your credit is slightly dinged, and the down payment can come from personal savings, a gift, a grant, a loan, or money from a not-for profit organization. Check out the website http://www.homepath.com/ and call me when you find a property you want to look at. Call me - 312-498-1138!
Monday, May 3, 2010
The Buyer Bonus Event
Coldwell Banker Hyde Park is offering a "Bonus Buyer Event" to extend the Obama First Time Home Owner Tax Credit for another few months.
Sellers who want to participate can contact me at 312-498-1138 or 773-624-2131 to get details on this very lucrative program. National TV and cable advertising will go along with it.
Sellers who want to participate can contact me at 312-498-1138 or 773-624-2131 to get details on this very lucrative program. National TV and cable advertising will go along with it.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Good Thing This is an Election Year
The House overwhelmingly approved Senate Bill 3334 this week on a roll call vote of 105-0-3 marking FINAL legislative action.
This important measure, STRONGLY SUPPORTED by IAR, addresses the issue of foreclosures and short sales in the assessment process. The legislation adds a NEW definition of “compulsory sale” within the Illinois Property Tax Code to cover short sales and foreclosures and makes changes to the Code dealing with boards of review and the State Property Tax Appeal Board to ensure that these transfers are included in reviewing and correcting assessments.
Taxpayers will be authorized to submit such sales in the review process. A board of review can review defined geographic regions if it determines that the number of compulsory sales is at least 25% of all property transfers within that geographic region. The Department of Revenue will also be required to include compulsory sales in its sales ratio studies for sales occurring on or after January 1, 2011 and information compiled on the transfer declaration will include whether the transfer is pursuant to compulsory sale.
It should be noted that this measure does NOT apply to Cook County. Additional sponsors signed on to the bill in the House this week—sponsors now include Representatives Keith Farnham, Linda Chapa LaVia, Jack Franks, Esther Golar, Ed Sullivan, Carol Sente and Randy Ramey. The IAR commends all the sponsors of the legislation and in particular chief sponsor Representative Keith Farnham and co-sponsors Representatives Ed Sullivan and Jack Franks who spoke in support of the bill on the floor this week.
This important measure, STRONGLY SUPPORTED by IAR, addresses the issue of foreclosures and short sales in the assessment process. The legislation adds a NEW definition of “compulsory sale” within the Illinois Property Tax Code to cover short sales and foreclosures and makes changes to the Code dealing with boards of review and the State Property Tax Appeal Board to ensure that these transfers are included in reviewing and correcting assessments.
Taxpayers will be authorized to submit such sales in the review process. A board of review can review defined geographic regions if it determines that the number of compulsory sales is at least 25% of all property transfers within that geographic region. The Department of Revenue will also be required to include compulsory sales in its sales ratio studies for sales occurring on or after January 1, 2011 and information compiled on the transfer declaration will include whether the transfer is pursuant to compulsory sale.
It should be noted that this measure does NOT apply to Cook County. Additional sponsors signed on to the bill in the House this week—sponsors now include Representatives Keith Farnham, Linda Chapa LaVia, Jack Franks, Esther Golar, Ed Sullivan, Carol Sente and Randy Ramey. The IAR commends all the sponsors of the legislation and in particular chief sponsor Representative Keith Farnham and co-sponsors Representatives Ed Sullivan and Jack Franks who spoke in support of the bill on the floor this week.
Monday, April 26, 2010
More Info About the Loan Modification Program
Please share this article with anyone you know going through a mortgage crisis!!!!
Cook County program works with lenders on loan modification
April 18, 2010 From the Chicago Tribune
BY FRANCINE KNOWLES Staff Reporter
Cook County homeowners facing foreclosure, it's in your interest to read your court summons. There you'll find information about a new free mediation program that could save your home.
Under the program being rolled out in the county, where foreclosures this year spiked 16 percent over the same period last year, homeowners will be able to meet with their lender to try to work out a modification or other agreement.
Here's a look at some Obama administration foreclosure prevention programs:
· Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) offers help to homeowners struggling to make their monthly mortgage payments due to their interest rate increasing, less income or other issues. The program provides the ability to modify mortgages to make them more affordable.
· Second Lien Modification Program offers homeowners a way to modify their second mortgages to make them more affordable when their first mortgage is modified under HAMP.
· Home Affordable Refinance Program gives homeowners with loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac an opportunity to refinance into more affordable monthly payments.
· Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program provides opportunities for homeowners who can no longer afford to stay in their homes but want to avoid foreclosure. It allows them to transition to more affordable housing though a short sale or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.
Help for the unemployed. Eligible homeowners receiving unemployment benefits can get their mortgage payments reduced to no more than 31 percent of their monthly income for three to six months and may qualify for a loan modification that would permanently reduce their payments.
For more information, visit http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/.
DO YOU QUALIFY?
Homeowners who want to participate in the Cook County mediation program should appear in court on their case management date. They can participate in the program if:
• They are the owner and occupant of a one- to four-family residential property or condo
• They are the borrower
• The mortgage on their owner-occupied residential property is being foreclosed
• The property being foreclosed is their primary home and is in Cook County
For help, call (877) 895-2444 or visit the Chancery Division Advice Desk at the Daley Center, 50 W. Washington St., Room 1303
It provides homeowners with free legal aid and federally certified housing counselors to review their case and assist them in making proposals to lenders in mediation.
But homeowners must show up for their foreclosure case in Cook County Circuit Court, something most typically don't do, say program advocates.
For Markham resident Debra Beal, who is trying to avoid foreclosure and says she has gotten the runaround from her lender -- a complaint echoed across the country -- the program can be a lifeline, advocates say.
"It provides us with the leverage to get everybody to work in their own self-interest, and there are some mutual self-interests here," said Madeline Talbott, executive director of Action Now, which assists homeowners.
For instance, she noted, banks are often better off with a homeowner in the home making payments rather than a vacant foreclosed home not bringing in any money and losing value. So homeowners with a job or other income have an advantage that can get banks' attention.
"Once we get their attention, we'll get a lot of deals," Talbott said.
A Connecticut mediation program kept 60 percent of participants in their homes. Out of more than 5,600 cases that have completed mediation, 42 percent have landed loan modifications, said Roberta Palmer, program manager.
And a Philadelphia mediation program saved 2,000 homes from sheriff's sales. Another 3,500 cases are in discussions on ways homes might be saved, said Philadelphia County Judge Annette Rizzo.
Brian White, executive director of Chicago-based Lakeside Community Development Corp., which assists homeowners, says the Cook County mediation effort, which received $3.5 million in county funds, will save homes here.
"One of the biggest frustrations that borrowers are facing is just getting direct communication from somebody at the lender who can give you a binding answer," he said. "While they're waiting to get an answer, the foreclosure proceeded, and they ended up losing their home."
Beal, 50, a self-employed interior decorator, said she has been trying to work out a modification for more than a year with no success. She fell behind on her payments when her business dropped because of the recession. But she said her current income would enable her to handle a modified mortgage.
"It's very important that we have a mediator because [homeowners are] working with certain customer service representatives who don't know what they're doing," she said. "They don't have experience. I can call now, and they'll say I didn't receive your paperwork, and call back in five minutes and then someone is giving you a totally different story. That's what happened with me. My stuff kept getting lost in the system."
The mediation program will pressure banks and servicers to get their acts together, advocates say.
Cook County program works with lenders on loan modification
April 18, 2010 From the Chicago Tribune
BY FRANCINE KNOWLES Staff Reporter
Cook County homeowners facing foreclosure, it's in your interest to read your court summons. There you'll find information about a new free mediation program that could save your home.
Under the program being rolled out in the county, where foreclosures this year spiked 16 percent over the same period last year, homeowners will be able to meet with their lender to try to work out a modification or other agreement.
Here's a look at some Obama administration foreclosure prevention programs:
· Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) offers help to homeowners struggling to make their monthly mortgage payments due to their interest rate increasing, less income or other issues. The program provides the ability to modify mortgages to make them more affordable.
· Second Lien Modification Program offers homeowners a way to modify their second mortgages to make them more affordable when their first mortgage is modified under HAMP.
· Home Affordable Refinance Program gives homeowners with loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac an opportunity to refinance into more affordable monthly payments.
· Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program provides opportunities for homeowners who can no longer afford to stay in their homes but want to avoid foreclosure. It allows them to transition to more affordable housing though a short sale or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.
Help for the unemployed. Eligible homeowners receiving unemployment benefits can get their mortgage payments reduced to no more than 31 percent of their monthly income for three to six months and may qualify for a loan modification that would permanently reduce their payments.
For more information, visit http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/.
DO YOU QUALIFY?
Homeowners who want to participate in the Cook County mediation program should appear in court on their case management date. They can participate in the program if:
• They are the owner and occupant of a one- to four-family residential property or condo
• They are the borrower
• The mortgage on their owner-occupied residential property is being foreclosed
• The property being foreclosed is their primary home and is in Cook County
For help, call (877) 895-2444 or visit the Chancery Division Advice Desk at the Daley Center, 50 W. Washington St., Room 1303
It provides homeowners with free legal aid and federally certified housing counselors to review their case and assist them in making proposals to lenders in mediation.
But homeowners must show up for their foreclosure case in Cook County Circuit Court, something most typically don't do, say program advocates.
For Markham resident Debra Beal, who is trying to avoid foreclosure and says she has gotten the runaround from her lender -- a complaint echoed across the country -- the program can be a lifeline, advocates say.
"It provides us with the leverage to get everybody to work in their own self-interest, and there are some mutual self-interests here," said Madeline Talbott, executive director of Action Now, which assists homeowners.
For instance, she noted, banks are often better off with a homeowner in the home making payments rather than a vacant foreclosed home not bringing in any money and losing value. So homeowners with a job or other income have an advantage that can get banks' attention.
"Once we get their attention, we'll get a lot of deals," Talbott said.
A Connecticut mediation program kept 60 percent of participants in their homes. Out of more than 5,600 cases that have completed mediation, 42 percent have landed loan modifications, said Roberta Palmer, program manager.
And a Philadelphia mediation program saved 2,000 homes from sheriff's sales. Another 3,500 cases are in discussions on ways homes might be saved, said Philadelphia County Judge Annette Rizzo.
Brian White, executive director of Chicago-based Lakeside Community Development Corp., which assists homeowners, says the Cook County mediation effort, which received $3.5 million in county funds, will save homes here.
"One of the biggest frustrations that borrowers are facing is just getting direct communication from somebody at the lender who can give you a binding answer," he said. "While they're waiting to get an answer, the foreclosure proceeded, and they ended up losing their home."
Beal, 50, a self-employed interior decorator, said she has been trying to work out a modification for more than a year with no success. She fell behind on her payments when her business dropped because of the recession. But she said her current income would enable her to handle a modified mortgage.
"It's very important that we have a mediator because [homeowners are] working with certain customer service representatives who don't know what they're doing," she said. "They don't have experience. I can call now, and they'll say I didn't receive your paperwork, and call back in five minutes and then someone is giving you a totally different story. That's what happened with me. My stuff kept getting lost in the system."
The mediation program will pressure banks and servicers to get their acts together, advocates say.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Home Sales Bouncing Back In Chicago
(Crain’s) — Chicago-area home sales jumped last month compared with last year, but median prices fell again.
CHICAGO-AREA SALES
Local sales of single-family homes and condo rose in February for the eighth month.
Month 2010 2009 Change
January 3,922 3,035 29.2%
February 4,134 3,133 32%
March 6,310 4,339 45.4%
Month 2009 2008 Change
January 3,035 3,927 -22.7%
February 3,133 4,326 -27.6%
March 4,339 5,759 -24.7%
April 4,747 6,094 -22.1%
May 5,634 6,927 -18.7%
June 7,140 7,806 -8.5%
July 7,427 7,408 0.3%
August 7,009 6,917 1.3%
September 6,862 6,477 5.9%
October 7,286 5,467 33.3%
November 6,826 3,978 71.6%
December 5,752 4,320 33.1%
Full year 69,290 69,406 -0.2%
Source: Illinois Assn. of Realtors
In the nine-county Chicago region, sales of single-family homes and condos rose 45.4% to 6,310, compared with 4,339 in March 2009, according to a release Thursday from the Illinois Assn. of Realtors.
In the city of Chicago, sales rose nearly 50% last month, to 1,814 compared with 1,212 in March 2009, the Realtors said.
Chicago-area sales are up 36.7% so far this year compared with the first quarter of last year, according to the release. City sales rose 41.6% in the first quarter.
A tax credit of up to $8,000 for first-time homebuyers and $6,500 for other buyers is available for sales with contracts signed by April 30 and that close by June 30.
"Statewide and in the Chicagoland region we've seen double-digit sales increases for the past six months spurred largely by the tax credit and the strong buyer-market conditions, and the forecast for the next three months indicates this trend should continue," Mike Onorato, president of the Realtors association and broker-owner of Onorato Real Estate in Coal City, said in the release. "Strong sales are working off housing inventories and helping to stabilize the market, although the number of foreclosures remains a concern as these distressed properties continue to affect prices. The declines in median home prices have moderated significantly from last year signaling a regain of consumer confidence about home purchases."
The median price in the Chicago area — at which half the homes sell for more and half for less — fell to $184,000 in March compared with $192,900 in March 2009. But the March median was up from $165,000 in February and $175,000 in January.
In Chicago, the March median price of $209,000 was down from $219,000 in March 2009 but up from $176,400 in February and $195,000 in January.
Statewide, sales rose 32.8% last month and are up 23.5% for the first three months of the year.
The median statewide price has dipped just 0.3% in the first three months compared with the first quarter of 2009, according to the Realtors group. The Illinois Assn. of Realtors’ sales figures include new and existing homes. The nine-county Chicago Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area consists of Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will.
CHICAGO-AREA SALES
Local sales of single-family homes and condo rose in February for the eighth month.
Month 2010 2009 Change
January 3,922 3,035 29.2%
February 4,134 3,133 32%
March 6,310 4,339 45.4%
Month 2009 2008 Change
January 3,035 3,927 -22.7%
February 3,133 4,326 -27.6%
March 4,339 5,759 -24.7%
April 4,747 6,094 -22.1%
May 5,634 6,927 -18.7%
June 7,140 7,806 -8.5%
July 7,427 7,408 0.3%
August 7,009 6,917 1.3%
September 6,862 6,477 5.9%
October 7,286 5,467 33.3%
November 6,826 3,978 71.6%
December 5,752 4,320 33.1%
Full year 69,290 69,406 -0.2%
Source: Illinois Assn. of Realtors
In the nine-county Chicago region, sales of single-family homes and condos rose 45.4% to 6,310, compared with 4,339 in March 2009, according to a release Thursday from the Illinois Assn. of Realtors.
In the city of Chicago, sales rose nearly 50% last month, to 1,814 compared with 1,212 in March 2009, the Realtors said.
Chicago-area sales are up 36.7% so far this year compared with the first quarter of last year, according to the release. City sales rose 41.6% in the first quarter.
A tax credit of up to $8,000 for first-time homebuyers and $6,500 for other buyers is available for sales with contracts signed by April 30 and that close by June 30.
"Statewide and in the Chicagoland region we've seen double-digit sales increases for the past six months spurred largely by the tax credit and the strong buyer-market conditions, and the forecast for the next three months indicates this trend should continue," Mike Onorato, president of the Realtors association and broker-owner of Onorato Real Estate in Coal City, said in the release. "Strong sales are working off housing inventories and helping to stabilize the market, although the number of foreclosures remains a concern as these distressed properties continue to affect prices. The declines in median home prices have moderated significantly from last year signaling a regain of consumer confidence about home purchases."
The median price in the Chicago area — at which half the homes sell for more and half for less — fell to $184,000 in March compared with $192,900 in March 2009. But the March median was up from $165,000 in February and $175,000 in January.
In Chicago, the March median price of $209,000 was down from $219,000 in March 2009 but up from $176,400 in February and $195,000 in January.
Statewide, sales rose 32.8% last month and are up 23.5% for the first three months of the year.
The median statewide price has dipped just 0.3% in the first three months compared with the first quarter of 2009, according to the Realtors group. The Illinois Assn. of Realtors’ sales figures include new and existing homes. The nine-county Chicago Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area consists of Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Fighting Mortgage Fraud In Cook County
Is that Property Really Yours To Sell?
P.A. 095-0988A new Illinois law regarding the transfer of real property in Cook County goes into effect on June 1, 2009. Public Act 095-0988 amends the Illinois Notary Public Act by describing the manner in which a notary must sign each notary certificate at the time of notarization. The law requires that a paper or electronic form must be completed and retained, for a period of 7 years, for each notarial act relating to real property in Cook County. One key change is that finger-printing now is a part of the process. As part of the record to be kept, the law provides that the notary require the person signing the document of conveyance, including an agent acting on behalf of a principal under a duly executed power of attorney, to place his/her thumbprint on the notarial record.
In an effort to fight mortgage fraud in Cook County, the new law creates this process as a pilot program. Often times straw purchasers and fraudulent mortgage brokers will work together to commit mortgage fraud. This law places responsibilities on a notary to verify the identities to a real estate transaction in Cook County, and keep a thumb print of them as well. Proponents believe this will deter individuals from participating in these schemes, and reduce the amount of mortgage fraud in Cook County.
This nightmare actually happened to a client of mine. He found out that his tenant had worked with a (former) real estate agent to register a quit claim deed on a property he owned. Well, he was shocked to learn that the tax bill for his property (that he owned outright - there was no mortgage on the place) was being sent to someone he didn't know - and that this bogus owner was listing the property for sale. The bogus owner had contracted to have some renovations done to the property in preparation of a sale. If he hadn't missed the tax bill he might not have found out this little piece of skullduggery. When he went to court, he says the judge didn't bat an eye - says it happens all the time.
A Quitclaim deed DOES NOT guarantee that there is clear title to the property at all. If someone tells you they have a quitclaim deed to a property - RUN! It could very well be a scam. A quitclaim deed may only tell you that to the extent that a person has title to a certain property, they are claiming the property with right to sell. The extent of that right could very well be none at all. You should always request a warranty deed to any property you wish to purchase. That, along with doing a complete title search with a reputable title company through a reputable real estate agent, will ensure that years from now, while you are sitting on what you think is your porch, the Sheriff won't come up and toss you out. A lot of people were up in arms about this new law - especially since it is only a Cook County provision at this point - but seeing the year it took for my client to straighten it out - I applaud the new law and wait to see what new tricks property thieves will invent to circumvent the law this time.
Let that be a lesson to you - hell hath not fury like a woman scorned!
Dixie Kitchen and Bait Shop - 5225 South Harper 773-363-4943
I was asked to inform all who asked that the Dixie Kitchen is still open - and at this point has no plans to close or relocate. The Shrimp and Catfish Po' Boy sandwiches are the best I've had outside of New Orleans. You can't go wrong with the fried green tomatoes, which are still a treat.
My usual meal is the southern sampler, but I mix it up with the fried catfish filet from time to time. What are your favorites there?
DON'T MISS - The Piano Lesson at Court Theatre -5535 S. Ellis 773-753-4472
Master playwright August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play is the 1930s entry in his monumental 20th Century play cycle. A rich family history with origins in slavery is carved into the wood of the piano that could be Boy Willie’s ticket to self-sufficiency or Berniece’s legacy to her daughter. The Piano Lesson is the story of two siblings’ struggle to come to terms with their inheritance and the ghosts of their dead. On stage May 7 - June 8
Friday, April 16, 2010
How Foreclosures Ruin The Block
In the last few years you have seen several foreclosed homes - in the last year there has been an average of 200,000 posted foreclosures per month. A posted foreclosure doesn't necessarily mean the owner has lost the property - it means the bank has begun the procedure.
When a homeowner walks away from their home - several things happen quickly. The property either goes into or continues in greater disrepair. The disrepair lowers the ultimate amount the house may be sold for because the new owner has to do more to make it livable. It also has an impact on your property, because you can't sell your stellar home for all it's worth if the place next door is decreasing rapidly in value.
You can also expect a foreclosed home to have a chilling effect on new homebuyers because there is an instant and impactful reminder that there but for the grace of God go they....
Banks were supposed to make arrangements with homeowners in distress, but that isn't happening as quickly as advertised. I admit that many banks have such a store of inventory, they are swimming in distressed properties. That should make banks more willing to deal. The nation is suffering, and we won't find a solution sticking our heads in the sand and allowing it to continue. When Wall Street catches a cold, Main Street catches the flu, and King Drive catches pneumonia - we have to work together to solve this problem.
When a homeowner walks away from their home - several things happen quickly. The property either goes into or continues in greater disrepair. The disrepair lowers the ultimate amount the house may be sold for because the new owner has to do more to make it livable. It also has an impact on your property, because you can't sell your stellar home for all it's worth if the place next door is decreasing rapidly in value.
You can also expect a foreclosed home to have a chilling effect on new homebuyers because there is an instant and impactful reminder that there but for the grace of God go they....
Banks were supposed to make arrangements with homeowners in distress, but that isn't happening as quickly as advertised. I admit that many banks have such a store of inventory, they are swimming in distressed properties. That should make banks more willing to deal. The nation is suffering, and we won't find a solution sticking our heads in the sand and allowing it to continue. When Wall Street catches a cold, Main Street catches the flu, and King Drive catches pneumonia - we have to work together to solve this problem.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
You, Too Can Qualify For An FHA Mortgage
A long time ago, in a land right underneath our feet, there was such a thing as the 3-5 year mortgage and balloon payments were common - wonder when that was - it all started right before the Great Depression in 1929. Foreclosures were rampant and there were no other refinancing options for the average homeowner.
The National Housing Act was passed in 1934 to stem the bloodletting. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) was created to regulate interest rates and mortgage terms. They insured mortgage loans by purchasing outstanding mortgages, allowing banks to make more loans without depleting the bank's capital. When you think about it, banks have been on welfare for years.
This allowed more people to purchase homes, and after WWII home ownership flourished. Since it's inception, the FHA has insured over 30 million homes. Most of the urban home ownership you see is the result of the Federal Housing Authority.
The recent failure of "exotic" mortgage packages has brought things full circle and the FHA is back in vogue. It offers a safe mortgage package that won't blow up in your face or create a need to pay exorbitant mortgage payments.
Here are the general guidelines:
The National Housing Act was passed in 1934 to stem the bloodletting. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) was created to regulate interest rates and mortgage terms. They insured mortgage loans by purchasing outstanding mortgages, allowing banks to make more loans without depleting the bank's capital. When you think about it, banks have been on welfare for years.
This allowed more people to purchase homes, and after WWII home ownership flourished. Since it's inception, the FHA has insured over 30 million homes. Most of the urban home ownership you see is the result of the Federal Housing Authority.
The recent failure of "exotic" mortgage packages has brought things full circle and the FHA is back in vogue. It offers a safe mortgage package that won't blow up in your face or create a need to pay exorbitant mortgage payments.
Here are the general guidelines:
- Mortgage payments should be no more than 31% of your gross monthly income
- Monthly obligations overall should be no more than 43% of your gross monthly income
- Credit scores above 620 are preferred, but a score of less than that amount will be considered
- Bankruptcy filers are also eligible for FHA loans
- Federal tax debts and Student loans delinquencies will disqualify the prospective lender - so please make arrangements
Friday, April 9, 2010
What the State of Illinois Is Doing For Developers
The glut of affordable housing is making it harder for the Illinois Housing Development Authority to find eligible projects for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. If you know a developer who is looking for backers now that corporate money has dried up, you always have an option at the State.
The For Sale Programs allow sponsor agencies to help fix up or construct home for sale by individual low icome households.
Down Payment programs help sponsor agencies get help for down payments and rehab plans to low income families.
There are also Owner/Occupied Rehab programs that allow low income families to bring their dwelling up to code.
The Affordable Housing Trust has been in existence for twenty years (since 1989). The Fund allocates $16-20 million annually. Project sponsors can be awarded up to $1.5 million per project.
Low income is considered earning up to 80% of the state's median income. Very low income is considered earning up to 50% of the state's median income. This year the median income is $45,000.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Existing Home Sales Are Going Up!
Strong gains in existing-home sales were the predominant pattern in most states during the fourth quarter, with many more metro areas seeing prices rise from a year earlier, according to the latest survey by the National Association of Realtors ® .
Sales increased from the third quarter in 48 states and the District of Columbia; 32 states saw double-digit gains. Year-over-year sales were higher in 49 states and D.C.; all but three states had double-digit annual increases.
Total state existing-home sales, including single-family and condo, jumped 13.9 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate 1 of 6.03 million in the fourth quarter from 5.29 million in the third quarter, and are 27.2 percent above the 4.74 million-unit level in the fourth quarter of 2008. Distressed property accounted for 32 percent of fourth quarter transactions, down from 37 percent a year earlier.
Lawrence Yun , NAR chief economist, said the first-time home buyer tax credit was the dominant factor. “The surge in home sales was driven by buyers responding strongly to the tax credit combined with record low mortgage interest rates,” he said. “With inventory levels trending down over the past 18 months, we expect broadly balanced housing market conditions in much of the country by late spring with more areas showing higher prices.”
According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate on a 30-year conventional fixed-rate mortgage fell to a record low 4.92 percent in the fourth quarter from 5.16 percent in the third quarter; it was 5.86 percent in the fourth quarter of 2008.
In the fourth quarter, 67 out of 151 metropolitan statistical areas 2 repor
ted higher median existing single-family home prices in comparison with the fourth quarter of 2008, including 16 with double-digit increases; one was unchanged and 84 metros had price declines. In the third quarter only 30 MSAs showed annual price increases and 123 areas were down.
The national median existing single-family price was $172,900, which is 4.1 percent below the fourth quarter of 2008; the median is where half sold for more and half sold for less. “This is the smallest price decline in over two years, with the most recent monthly data showing a broad stabilization in home prices,” Yun said.
“Because buyers are taking on long-term fixed rate mortgages, avoiding adjustable-rate products, and trying to stay well within their budgets, the price recovery process appears durable,” Yun said.
NAR President Vicki Cox Golder , owner of Vicki L. Cox & Associates in Tucson, Ariz., said near-term market conditions will remain favorable. “Mortgage interest rates are expected to trend up later this year, but right now we have very good conditions with steadying home prices and favorable inventory in most areas, especially in the higher price ranges,” she said.
“The biggest issue is for repeat buyers, who will have to accelerate their buying plans if they want the expanded tax credit. Since you must have a contract in place by the end of April, the best advice is to consult a Realtor ® now about qualification criteria and options in your area,” Golder said.
Repeat buyers do not have to sell their existing home, but all buyers must occupy the property they purchase as a primary residence to qualify for the tax credit. Buyers who have a contract in place by April 30, 2010, have until June 30, 2010, to finalize the transaction to get a credit of up to $8,000 for first-time buyers and $6,500 for repeat buyers.
In the condo sector, metro area condominium and cooperative prices – covering changes in 54 metro areas – showed the national median existing-condo price was $177,300 in the fourth quarter, down 4.8 percent from the fourth quarter of 2008. Eleven metros showed increases in the median condo price from a year earlier and 43 areas had declines; in the third quarter only four metros experienced annual price gains. In the Midwest, existing-home sales jumped 14.5 percent in the fourth quarter to a pace of 1.38 million and are 29.9 percent above a year ago. The median existing single-family home price in the Midwest rose 1.1 percent to $141,100 in the fourth quarter from the same period in 2008, with the region accounting for the majority of metro areas experiencing double-digit gains.Yun said markets with high unemployment rates in Ohio and Michigan experienced large price swings. “Big price gains in many Midwestern areas are due to a more normal range of home sales in contrast with predominately foreclosed sales a year ago,” he said.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
The Government's Tax Credit Ends April 30, 2010
If you plan to buy a home, don't wait until May 1!!!!!
The tax credit of $8,000 for first time home buyers and the $6,500 tax credit for repeat home buyers is scheduled to end on April 30, 2010.
We got Health Reform - don't get greedy!
The Worker, Home Ownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 has extended the tax credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first time home buyers purchasing a principal residence. The tax credit now applies to sales occurring on or after January 1, 2009 through April 30, 2010. However, in cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, a home purcahse completed by June 30, 2010 will qualify.
For sales occurring on or after November 6, 2009, the Act establishes income limits of $125, 000 for single tax payers and $225, 000 for married couples filing jointly.
The income limits for sales occurring on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before November 6, 2009, were $75,000 for single tax payers and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly.
Go out there and get a house!
The tax credit of $8,000 for first time home buyers and the $6,500 tax credit for repeat home buyers is scheduled to end on April 30, 2010.
We got Health Reform - don't get greedy!
The Worker, Home Ownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 has extended the tax credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first time home buyers purchasing a principal residence. The tax credit now applies to sales occurring on or after January 1, 2009 through April 30, 2010. However, in cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, a home purcahse completed by June 30, 2010 will qualify.
For sales occurring on or after November 6, 2009, the Act establishes income limits of $125, 000 for single tax payers and $225, 000 for married couples filing jointly.
The income limits for sales occurring on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before November 6, 2009, were $75,000 for single tax payers and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly.
Go out there and get a house!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Bringing A Halt To Home Foreclosures
Fresh from the recent victory of Healthcare Reform, the President has proposed something to help our homeowners - those who are still looking for work, and those still paying more for their home than it could possibly be worth:
The Obama Administration has announced plans through the Home Affordable Modification Program of 2009 to encourage banks to re-finance troubled loans through the Federal Housing Administration's backed loan program. This will allow the bank to refinance the home loan at no more than 15% more than the actual assessed value of the home. This could allow many homeowners in foreclosure to remain in their homes, even if foreclosure proceedings are under way. Bank of America is one of the area banks participating.
The Obama Administration hopes to help up to 4 million homeowners by the expected end of the program - 2012.
Also, if you are unemployed, the Obama Administration hopes to offer unemployed homeowners a chance to take a break from paying their mortgage while they look for a job for up to six (6) months. Banks would be required to accept no more than 30% of what the unemployed home owner is earning while recieving unemployment compensation.
In related news, the Senate was not successful in extending unemployment and COBRA benefits before the Easter break. As a result the temporary unemployment benefits and COBRA extension may expire March 31, 2010 while lawmakers are out of town for the two week Easter break.
Call me for information!
The Obama Administration has announced plans through the Home Affordable Modification Program of 2009 to encourage banks to re-finance troubled loans through the Federal Housing Administration's backed loan program. This will allow the bank to refinance the home loan at no more than 15% more than the actual assessed value of the home. This could allow many homeowners in foreclosure to remain in their homes, even if foreclosure proceedings are under way. Bank of America is one of the area banks participating.
The Obama Administration hopes to help up to 4 million homeowners by the expected end of the program - 2012.
Also, if you are unemployed, the Obama Administration hopes to offer unemployed homeowners a chance to take a break from paying their mortgage while they look for a job for up to six (6) months. Banks would be required to accept no more than 30% of what the unemployed home owner is earning while recieving unemployment compensation.
In related news, the Senate was not successful in extending unemployment and COBRA benefits before the Easter break. As a result the temporary unemployment benefits and COBRA extension may expire March 31, 2010 while lawmakers are out of town for the two week Easter break.
Call me for information!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Are You Trying To Rent A Property???
Two bills related to landlord licensing and crime on rental property have been introduced. Representative Anthony DeLuca has reintroduced House Bill 6257 which is a repeat proposal from prior sessions that would permit all non-home rule municipalities to license and regulate landlords. The bill also permits these municipalities to require that landlords include in any and all leases prohibitions of criminal activity. Another bill, Senate Bill 3075, goes even further. This bill, sponsored by Senator Maggie Crotty, permits all non-home rule municipalities to adopt a crime-free rental housing ordinance for the purpose of deterring crime in residential areas.
The crime-free rental housing ordinance may require a property owner to obtain a valid residential rental license from the municipality and to attend a training program or seminar concerning crime prevention before he or she may obtain a residential rental license. This bill also provides that an ordinance may require that any lease entered into for residential property located in the municipality include a provision or an addendum that prohibits a tenant, a tenant's family member, or a guest of the tenant from engaging in, facilitating, or permitting any quasi-criminal or criminal activity as defined by federal, State, or local law.
January Statistics for the South Side
2 bedroom houses - average sales price $111K - Average time on the market 111 days
2 bedroom condos - average sales price $115K - Average time on the market 134 days
Call me for information 312-498-1138
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