Category Archives: Lending

How Much Fixup to Sell?

I believe that you can get the most for your money  by limiting the repairs to the fire damage and deferred maintenance. Forget updating the kitchen and bath. Keep the money in your pocket. In today’s market a home seller must compete with distressed properties; short sales and foreclosures. They are generally in need of

Why Can’t I Finance Another Residence and Rent My ‘Under-Water’ Home?

Mostly it’s probably because of a strategy called ‘buy and bail’. Some borrowers with good credit have qualified for a second loan by proposing to rent out their existing residence. They close the loan on the new purchase and then walk away from their current residence often not even renting it out. Some borrowers stop

How Much Can I Save With Bi-Weekly Payments?

A huge savings can be realized by making bi-weekly mortgage payments. For example, a $200,000.00, 30 year loan with 5% interest can be paid off 5 years earlier with a $33,000.00 savings in interest just by making bi- weekly payments. This can be a very good long term savings plan. The strategy is simple. The

How Long After Foreclosure to Get a New Loan?

Fannie Mae’s current guidelines pertaining to one’s primary residence state that if one does a short sale, Fannie Mae will insure a new loan within three years of the short sale. If one has a foreclosure they won’t be eligible for a Fannie Mae insured loan for seven years.

I Heard About a Government Program 50% Off?

HUD just announced a new loan program designed for potential homebuyers that are in law enforcement, fire fighting, teaching and EMT’s. It’s called the Good Neighbor Next Door buyers program. Under the program a HUD owned home will be sold for 50% of the purchase price! It’s an amazing program. HUD will in essence act

So Banks Aren’t Making Loans?

You hear this a lot. It’s just not true.  If you have decent credit history and enough income to support the payments you’ll get a loan at the best interest rates in recent history!  Your income must be verifiable and your employment history must span at least two years. If you’ve changed jobs, the new job description

Can You Buy a New Home After a Short Sale?

2010 welcomed thousands of borrowers that sold their homes short two years ago. They were able to buy a new home within two years of completing a short sale. Some borrowers were able to qualify for a new loan in less than two years. Here’s some more great information about short sales: http://www.short-sale.info/

Do You Have to Be Behind in Your Payments to Get a Short Sale?

Getting behind in payments makes no sense if you want a short sale approved!

Can It Take A Year to get Short Sale Approval?

It may take a year for Short Sale approval, but the average last year was 60 days!

Can The Lender Go After My Retirement Funds?

Retirement accounts are protected in California. Talk to your tax or real estate attorney. They can write a letter addressed to your lender stating that your savings is in a protected retirement account. This should be adequate. Lenders are doing everything they can to minimize their losses.