Archive for the ‘Money Talk’ Category

Home Tax Credit Funds now delayed because of scams

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

Plan on filing for a Home Tax Credit? Don’t plan on spending the money quickly!
You can now expect delays of up to four months to receive your money. Because of scams, the IRS is now requiring new forms with letters of home purchase proof that must be mailed in when filing your taxes (meaning NO E-Filing). Whether you are ammending 2008 returns or filing 2009, if you purchsed after Nov 6th, these are the new guidelines. The IRS started sending back amended returns asking for proof. You can’t really blame them however…….it’s people scamming the system who are at fault.

Possibly Tax Credit Extended and now includes Everyone!

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

Great News! Senate Voted yesterday to exend the $8,000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit to June 1st (meaning a purchase agreement would need to be in place by April 3oth, 2010). They have also voted to give existing home owners a $6,500 tax credit to expire on the same date.
The House is supposed to vote on it today…….hopefully it passes and improves the housing market.

Effective July 30th- New federal rule protects loan applicants

Tuesday, August 18th, 2009

New federal rule makes several changes lenders are required to adhere to when making a loan application. They must give applicant estimated mortgage costs disclosures within three days of loan application and cannot charge any application fees to consumer until they have received those disclosures.  Go to this link to see full article and description of all changes.

http://www.latimes.com/classified/realestate/news/la-fi-harney19-2009jul19,0,1179820.story

Foreclosure Prevention Part 2

Saturday, May 23rd, 2009

The NC Realtors Association and three partners recently launched a new website that helps homeowners possibly facing foreclosure to receive free counseling assistance at no charge.  It’s called “Fight NC Foreclosure” and you can get there by goint to http://fightncforeclosure.org/main.html

Foreclosure Prevention Hotline!

Saturday, April 18th, 2009

Beware of predators……..many are going through financial struggles and not sure where to turn or what to do and are making poor choices or being taken advantage of. 

Please do this first……The Attorneys General’s Office and the Commissioner of Banks have established a hotline for consumers facing foreclosure. Consumers may call the HOPE Hotline toll-free at 888-995-HOPE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for free counseling on options to avoid foreclosure. The hotline will connect callers with non-profit housing and credit counselors in their local community who can advise the homeowner about various options such as modifying their loan, selling or refinancing their home, or arranging a repayment plan with the lender to satisfy over time any arrearage.

What is a loan modification under Obama’s plan?

Thursday, April 9th, 2009

Zillow did a good article spelling out the new plan and who is eligible. You can see the article  by going to http://www.zillow.com/loan-modification/

They also give you a link to the official government site where you can go through a series of questions for eligibility purposes. That link is: http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/

Rates have dropped again!

Friday, March 20th, 2009
WOW!!!
Can it get much better.  For those of you with qualified credit, rates on FHA mortgages have dropped to the MID 4s!!!! Keep in mind, THE GOVERNMENT IS GIVING UP TO $8000 TO FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS WHO BUY A HOME IN 2009!!!!!!!!!!  That coupled with the extremely low rates is a DREAM COME TRUE!!!

New revised First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit…The Details!

Monday, February 23rd, 2009

Tired of Paying Rent? It’s official!…The new revision was signed last week. Take note first time homebuyers……..this is YOUR time to jump into the market!

A. Tax Credit is increased to $8,000

B. The income limits remain the same ($75,000 for an individual; $150,000 for a couple).

C. First Time homebuyers and Principal Residences only.

D. Tax credit is available until December 1st (previously it expired on July 1st).

E. Waiver of recapture (i.e. no repayment requirement) for properties purchased in 2009 prior to December 1st

  1. The provision is retroactive to purchases made on or after January 1, 2009.
  2. Recapture section does not apply to properties sold in first three years.

F. Waiver of prohibition on financing by mortgage revenue bonds is included.

There has never been an easier, better time to buy a home. Call me and ask about my rent buster program……I may be able to help you out of your lease.