You just bought a new house and want to make sure you get the most professional efficient cost effective relocation. You can follow these simple steps to ensure this happens.
First, educate yourself on what kind of move you have and how you are being charged for the process. Different types of moves have different types of charges.
- Local Move: You are moving within a local area less than 60 miles. These estimates are based on an hourly rate, depending on how many workers are needed and how much time it will take to pack, load and deliver your possessions. This is called a time and material estimate.
- Out of State Move: Your move is out of the state, estimates will be based on the distance of the move and the weight of your goods. To provide you with an accurate estimate, your sales consultant will need about an hour of your time to walk through your home. He or she is viewing and quantifying everything that will be relocated on your move.
Other factors can influence the price of your move, including what optional services you select for your relocation.
- Packing: Are you going to pack all the loose items in boxes for transport? Or is this a service you would like the professionals to handle?
- Specialty Items: Do you have unique, heavy or delicate pieces, such as automobiles, pianos, large exercise equipment, or large appliances that may need special servicing and attention?
On a local move time is of the essence. The faster the move gets done, the more money you will save. The key is to have everything as ready as possible when your moving crew arrives. Have all boxes taped, labeled and ready to go. You don’t want to end up paying $100 or more an hour for movers to tape boxes. You want your professional crew doing the things that make them the professionals; prepping and wrapping the important items, and handling your precious items with care.
Labeling boxes is also very important. I recommend labeling the boxes with a room location and a brief description of what is in the box. This will save time at destination when items are going into the new home. This avoids the headaches of opening the boxes to see the contents then deciding where it goes. You will be too busy showing the movers where you would like the bigger pieces set and placed.
Additionally, if you have everything prepped and ready there are a couple other time saving tips that can save you time and money. You can disassemble tables, beds and anything else that needs to be disassembled to get out of the house. You can also make items more easily assessable by eliminating stair carries and long walks. Bringing some items from basement to main floor or garage will knock tons of time off your final bill. If manual labor isn’t your thing and you don’t want to take the risk of getting injured you always have the option to just sit back and point and let the experts take care of everything, as they are on your clock and would be happy to assist you with anything.
Finally, if you are moving over 60 miles within the state or out of state your estimate will be based on distance and weight. You really can’t control the distance of your relocation but you can control the final weight of your shipment. Moving provides a great opportunity to sort and eliminate items and household goods no longer needed. You can focus on eliminating heavy items in order to save costs on your move. For example excess books, weight equipment, tools, and large appliances can sneak up on you very quickly towards the final weight of your move. I am not saying to get rid of items you use on a daily basis and are necessities, but a good example would be if you have 20 boxes of old college texts books at 50 pounds a box totaling 1,000 pounds. This is 1,000 pounds of weight you may not want to pay to have moved. Make sure you get things as organized as much as possible before the estimator arrives. This will allow the consultant to quote the move as close as possible to the actual final shipping weight.
It is my hope these small tips will help you understand what is needed to have your most cost effective relocation. If you have any additional question, or would like a free in home estimate, please e-mail me at csabolik@morsemoving.com or call me at (734) 740-2072 to schedule an appointment. I look forward to the opportunity to add you or your client to our growing list of satisfied customers.
Chris Sabolik
Regional Manager
Morse Moving/agent for ALLIED van lines
Visit our website at www.morsemoving.com
Article From HouseLogic.com
By: G. M. Filisko
Published: January 05, 2012
Don’t rouse the IRS or pay more taxes than necessary — know the score on each home tax deduction and credit.
As you calculate your tax returns, consider each home tax deduction and credit you are – and are not – entitled to. Running afoul of any of these 10 home-related tax mistakes – which tax pros say are especially common – can cost you money or draw the IRS to your doorstep.
Sin #1: Deducting the wrong year for property taxes
You take a tax deduction for property taxes (http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/taxes-incentives/property-tax-exemptions/) in the year you (or the holder of your escrow account) actually paid them. Some taxing authorities work a year behind – that is, you’re not billed for 2011 property taxes until 2012. But that’s irrelevant to the feds.
Enter on your federal forms whatever amount you actually paid in 2011, no matter what the date is on your tax bill. Dave Hampton, CPA, tax manager at the Cincinnati accounting firm of Burke & Schindler, has seen home owners confuse payments for different years and claim the incorrect amount.
Sin #2: Confusing escrow amount for actual taxes paid
If your lender escrows funds to pay your property taxes, don’t just deduct the amount escrowed, says Bob Meighan, CPA and vice president at TurboTax in San Diego. The regular amount you pay into your escrow account each month to cover property taxes is probably a little more or a little less than your property tax bill. Your lender will adjust the amount every year or so to realign the two.
For example, your tax bill might be $1,200, but your lender may have collected $1,100 or $1,300 in escrow over the year. Deduct only $1,200. Your lender will send you an official statement listing the actual taxes paid. Use that. Don’t just add up 12 months of escrow property tax payments.
Sin #3: Deducting points paid to refinance
Deduct points you paid your lender to secure your mortgage (http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/tax-deductions/deduct-mortgage-interest/) in full for the year you bought your home. However, when you refinance, says Meighan, you must deduct points over the life of your new loan. If you paid $2,000 in points to refinance into a 15-year mortgage, your tax deduction is $133 per year.
Sin #4: Failing to deduct private mortgage insurance
Lenders require home buyers with a down payment of less than 20% to purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI). Avoid the common mistake of forgetting to deduct your PMI payments (http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/tax-deductions/deducting-private-mortgage-insurance/). However, note the deduction begins to phase out once your adjusted gross income reaches $100,000 and disappears entirely when your AGI surpasses $109,000. Also, unless Congress acts to extend the PMI deduction again, 2011 is the last tax year for which you can take this deduction.
Sin #5: Misjudging the home office tax deduction (http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/tax-deductions/tax-deductions-when-you-work-home/)
This deduction may not be as good as it seems. It’s complicated, often doesn’t amount to much of a deduction, has to be recaptured if you turn a profit when you sell your home, and can pique the IRS’s interest in your return. Hampton’s advice: Claim it only if it’s worth those drawbacks. If so, here’s what to know about what you can write off (http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/tax-deductions/tax-deductions-when-you-work-home/).
Sin #6: Missing the first-time home buyer tax credit
While the original home buyer tax credit deadline passed in April 2010 (and isn’t available in 2012), military families and some government workers on assignment outside the U.S. were given an extension until April 30, 2011 (http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=215594,00.html), to get a home under contract and take advantage of up to $8,000 in tax credits for first-time buyers and $6,500 in credits for repeat buyers.
It applies to any individual (and, if married, the individual’s spouse) who serves on qualified official extended duty service outside of the United States for at least 90 days during the period beginning after Dec. 31, 2008, and ending before May 1, 2010.
Sin #7: Failing to track home-related expenses
If the IRS comes a-knockin’, don’t be scrambling to compile your records. Many people forget to track home office and home maintenance and repair expenses, says Meighan. File away documents as you go. For example, save each manufacturer’s certification statement for energy tax credits, insurance company statements for PMI, and lender or government statements to confirm property taxes paid.
Sin #8: Forgetting to keep track of capital gains
If you sold your main home last year, don’t forget to pay capital gains taxes on any profit. However, you can exclude $250,000 (or $500,000 if you’re a married couple) of any profits from taxes. So if you bought a home for $100,000 and sold it for $400,000, your capital gains are $300,000. If you’re single, you owe taxes on $50,000 of gains. However, there are minimum time limits for holding property to take advantage of the exclusions, and other details. Consult IRS Publication 523 (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p523.pdf).
Sin #9: Filing incorrectly for energy tax credits
If you made any eligible improvement (http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/tax-deductions/how-to-claim-energy-tax-credits/), fill out Form 5695 (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5695.pdf). Part I, which covers the 30%/$1,500 credit for such items as insulation and windows, is fairly straightforward. But Part II, which covers the 30%/no-limit items such as geothermal heat pumps, can be incredibly complex and involves crosschecking with half a dozen other IRS forms. Read the instructions carefully.
Sin #10: Claiming too much for the mortgage interest tax deduction
You can deduct mortgage interest (http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/tax-deductions/deduct-mortgage-interest/) only up to $1 million of mortgage debt, says Meighan. If you have $1.2 million in mortgage debt, for example, deduct only the mortgage interest attributable to the first $1 million.
This article provides general information about tax laws and consequences, but shouldn’t be relied upon by readers as tax or legal advice applicable to particular transactions or circumstances. Consult a tax professional for such advice; tax laws may vary by jurisdiction.
Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.
Categories:
1st Time Home Buyer, Energy Savings, Home Buyers, Home Owner, Mortgages, Refinance, Short Sales, Taxes Tags:
Home Owner, Income Taxes, Property Taxes, Tax Savings
Energy Efficiency: Pick Upgrades that (Actually) Drive Down Costs
By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon
Published: November 3, 2011
A new study says home owners won’t see their utility bills drop until they’ve conducted four or more energy upgrades. Here are projects that will give you the greatest bang for your energy buck.
I’ve long suspected that saving energy is like saving calories: Small measures add up, until a Thanksgiving pecan pie — or a dazzling holiday light display — wrecks a year’s worth of small though consistent efforts.
Evidently I’m right, according to a new study claiming that doing a couple of small, energy-saving measures actually increase utility bills. And that a home owner must perform at least four energy upgrades before their utility bill drops.
The 450-page study, conducted by the eco-curious Shelton Group, found that energy-efficient home owners think they should replace water heaters and install a higher-efficiency HVAC system, though they actually replace windows and add insulation.
We think they’re half right: Adding insulation, especially in the attic, is a low-cost way to reduce utility bills. But replacing windows requires a huge upfront cost, which you probably won’t live long enough to earn back.
To see net-net savings — in your lifetime — select upgrades that reduce energy consumption by 5% and require modest initial investments. We suggest:
Seal and insulate ductwork through unfinished and unheated areas, such as the attic, garage, and crawl spaces.
Install a programmable thermostat so you don’t overheat your house when you’re away or asleep.
Seal air leaks around windows, doors, attic access, and recessed lights.
How many energy-efficient improvements did you make last year? Did you see a drop or increase in your utility bills?
Categories:
Energy Savings, Home Buyers, Home Owner, Home Sellers, New Construction, Safety, Security, Uncategorized Tags:
Cost Savings, Efficiency, Energy, Energy Savings
The market has definitely changed
After the last five or six years of very little to no new construction homes 2012 is set to be the year that new construction starts up again. Since there were virtually no new homes built over the last few years there is some pent up demand for new homes. Most of the homes on the market have been distressed in some way either foreclosed or short sale with deferred maintenance. In the areas that I work (about a 25 mile radius around Canton) whenever a home priced properly and in good shape hits the market there are instantly many showings and in many cases multiple offers. There is definitely demand for homes in move in condition.
There are a couple of savvy local builders that have continued to build homes the last few years because they have adapted their business plan to the market conditions. The entry level new construction homes priced from $160k to $250k up have been moving very quickly. The homes that I have walked through have been very well built but typically don’t have a lot of the details that homes were built with five or six years ago.
There are many advantages for buyers to look toward new construction rather than existing homes. The obvious is that there is a builder warranty and everything is new. So with a new home you don’t have to be worried about replacing a roof or furnace. New construction homes are also a clean slate so a buyer can move in and not have to worry about removing traces of a previous owner. Another huge issue that has been prevalent in existing home sales is the appraisal. Appraisals are typically not in issue with new homes.
Builders that have been on the sidelines for the last five years are testing the market and building one or two homes to get back into the marketplace. I firmly believe that this trend will continue and will ramp up significantly as we get closer to the summer months. Communities like Canton, Northville, Novi and Commerce are already seeing a lot of builder activity.
If you are interested in seeing new home constructions that are currently available check out the New Construction tab at DiscoverGreatHomes.com. This site will give you links to available new construction homes available in various communities. When you are ready to start shopping for a new construction home be sure to have a Realtor with the Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) professional designation working for you. The ABR will help you look at the purchase objectively and help with details such as site selection, options/upgrade selection, new construction financing and negotiating with the builder.
So let’s see if 2012 really shapes up to be the year of New Construction. I welcome you to leave your thoughts and comments on this subject. Have you been looking at homes? I would love to hear your thoughts on this article and also on the market conditions for new construction in Michigan.
Gordon Johnson
Realtor, ABR, SRES
Coldwell Banker Preferred, Realtors
44644 Ann Arbor Road
Plymouth, MI 48170
(734) 658-3662
Gordon@DiscoverGreatHomes.com
www.DiscoverGretHomes.com
You only get one chance to make a first impression
Creating good curb appeal has never been more important than in the current real estate market. Buyers have many choices since there are many homes on the market and sellers are competing with bargain foreclosures and bank owned properties. Here are a few tips to help you spruce up the curb appeal of your house and make it stand out from the competition.
View from the Street – Make sure the grass is cut and bushes are trimmed and all of the kid’s toys are put away and not laying around the yard. It would also be a good idea to put some of the lawn gnomes in storage. It is best to have a crisp look and minimal lawn ornaments
Sidewalks & Driveway – Make sure that the sidewalks and driveway are clean and there are no weeds growing in the cracks. A container of Roundup can help with this, simply spray the grass or weeds that are growing in the cracks and it will be dead and gone in just a few days. The nice thing about using Roundup in the crack is that it will help prevent more weeds from growing. Usually two applications will address the issue for the entire summer.
Lawn – The grass should be kept cut and if there are weeds popping up you can always spot spray them with weed killer. The grass around the walks and drive should be neatly edged, so it isn’t growing over the cement.
Porch – A couple of chairs on the porch and maybe a small table so there is a place to set your iced tea. Just make sure there is enough room to move around on the porch.
Front Door – the door should be clean and if the paint is faded or chipped it would be well worth the effort to give the door (and trim) a fresh coat of paint. As potential buyers are standing in front of the door waiting for their agent to unlock it they will look around and if they see evidence of a lack of maintenance they will automatically assume that the rest of the house is not properly cared for either.
Windows – The windows should be clean, again to show that the home is well cared for and it will also allow plenty of light in.
Gutters & Roof – If there is debris (sticks, leaves, weeds) visible in the gutters or on the roof when you are standing in the yard be sure to clean them out. Take a look out any second floor windows and if you can see in any gutters or on the roof you will want to make sure that these areas are kept clean.
Bonus Tips – Exterior Photos
Since the initial impression buyers have often comes from the main exterior photo on the listing in the MLS there are some dos and don’ts for the photo.
| Don’t |
Do |
| Leave the garage door open |
Make sure the yard is orderly |
| Take a photo with the pet in the yard |
Remove all cars from the driveway |
| Shoot the photo through traffic |
Get the entire front of the house in the photo |
| Take a photo with the trash at the curb |
Get a couple of shots up close to the entry |
| Get the neighbor’s kids in the photo |
Pick the most inviting photo for the MLS |
I hope these tip help you when preparing to sell your house. These tips come from observations of thousands of homes that I have shown and seen in the MLS. Most of these tips will cost nothing to implement and could make a huge impact in the number of showings your house draws. As I’m sure you already know the more showings the more potential for offers. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavor to sell your house. If you are in the Metro Detroit area I would be more than happy to help you get your house sold for the highest price the market will bear.
Check out our other posts on preparing a home for sale and selling; Kitchen Staging, Good Smelling Equals MORE Selling, and 3 Ways Sellers Unwittingly Kill Deals
Gordon Johnson
Realtor, ABR, SRES
Coldwell Banker Preferred, Realtors
44644 Ann Arbor Road
Plymouth, MI 48170
(734) 658-3662
Gordon@SellMyMichiganHouse.com
www.SellMyMichiganHouse.com
The government announced changes to its HARP program November 15, 2011. This post is accurate and up-to-date
If you’re underwater on your conforming, conventional mortgage, you may be eligible to refinance without paying down principal and without having to pay mortgage insurance.
Here are the details of the government’s new 2011 HARP refinance program.
What Is HARP?
HARP was started in April 2009. It goes by several names. The government calls it HARP, as in Home Affordable Refinance Program.
The program is also known as the Making Home Affordable plan, the Obama Refi plan, DU Refi +, and Relief Refinance.
In order to be eligible for the HARP refinance program:
- Your loan must be backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
- Your current mortgage must have a securitization date prior to June 1, 2009
If you meet these two criteria, you may be HARP-eligible. If your mortgage is FHA, USDA or a jumbo mortgage, you are not HARP-eligible.
HARP: Questions and Answers
Do these question-and-answers account for the “new” HARP mortgage program?
Yes, everything you are reading is accurate as of today, November 21, 2011. This post includes the latest changes as rolled out by the Federal Home Finance Agency on October 24, 2011, and as confirmed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on November 15, 2011.
Is “HARP” the same thing as the government’s “Making Home Affordable” program?
Yes, the names HARP and Making Home Affordable are interchangeable.
How do I know if Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac has my mortgage?
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have “lookup” forms on their respective websites. Your loan must appear on one of these two sites to be eligible for HARP.
If my mortgage is held by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, am I instantly-eligible for the Home Affordable Refinance Program?
No. There is a series of criteria. Having your mortgage held by Fannie or Freddie is just a pre-qualifier.
My mortgage is held by Fannie/Freddie. Now what do I do?
Find a recent mortgage statement and write “Fannie Mae” or “Freddie Mac” on it — whichever group backs your home loan — so you don’t forget. Give that information to your lender when you apply for your HARP refinance.
What if neither Fannie Mae nor Freddie Mac has a record of my mortgage?
If neither Fannie nor Freddie has record of your mortgage, your loan is HARP-ineligible. However, you may still be eligible for a “regular” refinance to lower rates. Please contact a licensed mortgage professional to see your options. Or, if your mortgage is insured by the FHA, use the FHA Streamline Refinance program. The FHA Streamline Refinance helps underwater homeowners, too.
Does HARP work the same with Fannie Mae as with Freddie Mac?
Yes, for the most part, the HARP mortgage program is the same with Fannie Mae as with Freddie Mac. There are some small differences, but they affect just a tiny, tiny portion of the general population. For everyone else, the guidelines work the same.
Am I eligible for the Home Affordable Refinance Program if I’m behind on my mortgage?
No. You must be current on your mortgage to refinance via HARP.
Will the Home Affordable Refinance Program help me avoid foreclosure?
No. The Home Affordable Refinance Program is not designed to delay, or stop, foreclosures. It’s meant to give homeowners who are current on their mortgages, and who have lost home equity, a chance to refinance at today’s low mortgage rates.
What are the minimum requirements to be HARP-eligible?
First, your home loan must be paid on-time for the prior 6 months, and at least 11 of the most recent 12 months. Second, your mortgage must have been sold to Fannie or Freddie prior to June 1, 2009. And, third, you may not have used the HARP mortgage program before — only one HARP refinance per mortgage is allowed.
If I refinanced with HARP a few years ago, can I use it again for HARP II?
No. You can only use the HARP mortgage program one time per home.
Is there a loan-to-value restriction for HARP?
No. All homes — regardless of how far underwater they are — are eligible for the HARP program.
I am really far underwater on my mortgage. Can I use HARP?
Yes, you can. There is no loan-to-value restriction under the HARP mortgage program so long as your new mortgage is a fixed rate loan with a term of 30 years or fewer. If you use an adjustable-rate mortgage, your loan-to-value is capped at 105%.
Maybe I wasn’t clear. I am really, really far underwater on my mortgage. Are you sure I can use HARP?
Yes, I am sure. The new HARP mortgage program specifically has no loan-to-value restriction so that homeowners can take advantage of it. You can have 300% loan-to-value, and still be HARP-eligible. HARP is now unlimited LTV for fixed rate loans with 30-year terms or less.
If I refinance with HARP using an ARM, do I still get “unlimited LTV”?
No, if you use an ARM for HARP, you are limited to 105% loan-to-value. Only fixed rate loans get the unlimited LTV treatment.
Will my home require an appraisal with the HARP mortgage program?
Sort of. Although your home’s value doesn’t matter for the HARP mortgage program, lenders will run what’s called an “automated valuation model” (AVM) on your home. If the value meets reliability standards, no physical appraisal will be required. However, your lender may choose to commission a physical appraisal anyway — just to make sure your home is “standing”.
Is HARP the same thing as an FHA Streamline Refinance?
No, the HARP mortgage program is administered through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. FHA Streamline Refinances are performed through the FHA. The programs have similarities, however.
Does Ginnie Mae participate in the HARP Refinance program?
No, Ginnie Mae does not participate in the HARP Refinance program. Ginnie Mae is associated with FHA mortgages — not conventional ones. HARP II is for conventional mortgages only.
Do I have to HARP refinance with my current mortgage lender?
No, you can do a HARP refinance with any participating mortgage lender.
So, I can use any mortgage lender for my HARP Refinance?
Yes. With the Home Affordable Refinance Program, you can refinance with any participating HARP lender.
My current bank says that they’re the only ones who can do my HARP Refinance. Is that true?
No, that’s not true. Or, at least it shouldn’t be. There are very few instances in which a HARP applicant will be precluded from shopping for the best rate. It’s doubtful that your situation is one of them.
My current mortgage is with [YOUR BANK HERE] and I don’t like them. Can I work with another bank?
Yes, with HARP, you can work with any participating lender in the country.
I put down 20% when I bought my home. My home is now underwater. If I refinance with HARP, will I have to pay mortgage insurance now?
No, you won’t need to pay mortgage insurance. If your current loan doesn’t require PMI, your new loan won’t require it, either.
I pay PMI now. Will my PMI payments go up with a new HARP refinance?
No, your private mortgage insurance payments will not increase. However, the “transfer” of your mortgage insurance policy may require an extra step. Remind your lender that you’re paying PMI to help the refinance process move more smoothly.
My current mortgage has Lender-Paid Mortgage Insurance (LPMI). Can I refinance via HARP?
No. If your mortgage has lender-paid mortgage insurance (LPMI), you are HARP-ineligible.
How do I know if my mortgage has Lender-Paid Mortgage Insurance (LPMI)?
To find out if your mortgage has lender-paid mortgage insurance (LPMI), locate your loan paperwork from closing. There should be a clear disclosure that states that your mortgage features LPMI, and the terms should be clearly labeled for you.
I don’t see an LPMI disclosure in my closing package but I think that I have it. How do I know if my mortgage has LPMI?
If there is no LPMI disclosure, first check if your first mortgage’s loan-to-value exceeded 80% at the time of closing. If it did, look to see if you are paying monthly mortgage insurance. If you are not paying monthly PMI, you’re likely carrying LPMI (and are HARP-ineligible).
What’s the biggest mortgage I can get with a HARP refinance?
HARP refinances are limited to your area’s conforming loan limits. In most cities, the conforming loan limit is $417,000. However, there are some cities in which conforming loan limits are as high at $625,500.
Can I do a cash-out refinances with HARP?
No, the HARP mortgage program doesn’t allow cash out refinance. Only rate-and-term refinances are allowable.
Can I refinance a second/vacation home with HARP?
Yes, you can refinance a second/vacation property with HARP, even if the home was once your primary residence. The loan must meet typical program eligibility standards.
Can I refinance an investment/rental property with HARP?
Yes, you can refinance an investment/rental property with HARP, even if the home was once your primary residence. You can refinance a home on which you’re an “accidental landlord” via HARP. The loan must meet typical program eligibility standards.
I rent out my old home. Is it HARP-eligible even though it’s an investment property now?
Yes, you can use the HARP Refinance program for your former residence — even if there’s a renter there now.
These things I’m reading here… Why, when I call my bank, do they tell me it’s not true?
It’s possible that the call center representative to whom you’re speaking is neither knowledgeable about HARP, nor the actual mortgage underwriting process. This post is researched and cross-referenced against Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines, and publicly-available reports from the FHFA.
Are condominiums eligible for HARP refinancing?
Yes, condominiums can be financed on the HARP refinance program. Warrantability standards still apply.
Can I consolidate mortgages with a HARP refinance?
No, you cannot consolidate multiple mortgages with the HARP refinance program. It’s for first liens only. All subordinate/junior liens must be resubordinated to the new first mortgage.
Can I “roll up” my closing costs with a HARP refinance?
Yes, mortgage balances can be increased to cover closing costs in addition to other monies due at closing such as escrow reserves, accrued daily interest, and a small amount of cash. In no cases may loan sizes exceed the local conforming loan limits, however.
I am unemployed and without income. Am I HARP-eligible?
Yes, you do not need to be employed to use the HARP mortgage program. HARP applicants do not need to be “requalified” unless their new principal + interest payment increases by more than 20%. If the new payment increases by less than 20%, or falls, there is no requalification necessary.
My original mortgage was a stated income loan. Will my income be verified with a HARP refinance?
No, your income will not be verified via the HARP refinance program unless your new principal + interest payment increases by more than 20 percent. If you’re new principal + interest payment increases by less than 20%, or falls, there is no income verification necessary.
I am now divorced. I want to remove my ex-spouse from the mortgage. Can I do that with HARP?
Yes. With HARP, a borrower on the mortgage can be removed via a HARP refinance so long as that person is also removed from the deed; and has no ownership interest in the home.
What are the HARP program’s mortgage rates?
Mortgage rates for the HARP mortgage program are the same as for a “traditional” refinance. There is no “premium” for using the HARP program.
Do HARP refinances use Loan-Level Pricing Adjustments (LLPAs)?
Yes, HARP mortgages use loan-level pricing adjustments, but LLPAs are dramatically reduced on a HARP refinance and, in some cases, waived entirely. For example, there are no LLPAs for fixed-rare HARP refinances with terms of 20 years or fewer. For all other loans, loan-level pricing adjustments are capped at 0.75 points.
Does a HARP Refinances require LLPAs for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage?
No, there are no LLPAs for 15-year fixed rate mortgage via the HARP Refinance program.
Is there a minimum credit score to use the HARP program?
No, there is no minimum credit score requirement with the HARP mortgage program, per se. However, you must qualify for the mortgage based on traditional underwriting standards.
Do I have to refinance my mortgage with my current lender?
In most cases, no. You can do a HARP refinance with any lender you want.
What does the term “DU Refit Plus” mean?
“DU Refi Plus” is the brand name Fannie Mae assigned to its particular flavor of the HARP mortgage program. “DU” stands for Desktop Underwriter. It’s a software program that simulates mortgage underwriting. “Refi Plus” is a gimmicky-sounding term that could have been anything. The name has been trademarked, however.
What does the term “Relief Refinance” mean?
“Relief Refinance” is the Freddie Mac equivalent of DU Refi+.
For how long should I lock my mortgage rate via the HARP Program
Lock for 45 days, at minimum. This is because the HARP mortgage program, while streamlined for simplicity, still has some grey areas that can lead to delay. It’s better to have a rate lock that lasts too long than not long enough.
When does the HARP program end?
If you are HARP-eligible, you must close on your mortgage prior to January 1, 2014 –days from now.
Lastly, don’t forget! The Home Affordable Refinance Program is not meant to save a home from foreclosure. It’s meant to give underwater homeowners a chance to refinance without paying PMI. If you need foreclosure help, call your current loan servicer immediately.
About the Author
Kyle Drake (NMLS #395575) is an active loan officer with Summit Funding. Email Kyle at kyle@goldenmc.com or call 734-634-9450.
The New and Improved (REALLY) Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP)…What You and Your Friends Need to Know!
Monday, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced their enhancements to the HARP refinancing program. Operational details of the plan are to be released on November 15. Only loans that were purchased or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac on or before May 31, 2009 and have a current LTV over 80% are eligible. In addition, the loan must be current, no late payments in the last six months and no more than one late in the last 12 months. There are no restrictions on who may refinance these loans. Program guidelines include:
- No limit on Loan to Value (LTV), if new loan is a fixed rate loan (current LTV must be above 80%)
- Loans previously refinanced under HARP not allowed
- No cash out is allowed
- Certain agency fees will be waived if new loan is a shorter term loan
- Appraisals not required where Agency AVM is available
- Certain originator Reps and Warrants will be waived
So what does that mean in non-mortgage geek speak?
This may be the one Government sponsored refinance program that actually helps homeowners and halts the slide of the housing market!
If you owe more on your home than it is worth and have a conventional loan (not FHA, VA, USDA or portfolio loan), you may be able to refinance into a lower rate…even if you were not previously able to do so. From what I can see about this program, there are NO Loan-to-Value limits…which mean that even if you owe $100,000 more than your home’s current value, you may still be able to qualify for a lower rate refinance.
What do you need to do now?
If you (or someone you know) would like to know if you qualify for this program, please call Kyle at 734-634-9450 or Linda at 248-334-9400 and we will help you determine if your loan qualifies to be refinanced under this program.
Folks, there will literally be MILLIONS of homeowners inquiring to take advantage of this program. It is safe to say the lenders, banks and investors will be bottle-necked with loan applications by the middle of December or early January. If you want to be at the FRONT OF THE LINE, please call us this week and we’ll put you at the top of our list of clients to call when the details are released. The bottom line is that luck favors the prepared…don’t wait on this one.
Thanks and have a great week!
New HARP Information available, check out our latest post at HARP Details and FAQ’s
Kyle Drake
Phone: 734-634-9450
E-mail: Kyle@goldenmc.com
Summit Funding – Home loans made SIMPLE!
A recent article published on MSN looks at some mistakes people often make when choosing a neighborhood to relocate to. Most people comb over a potential new home but neglect to spend sufficient time investigating the surrounding neighborhood.
Andrew Schiller, founder and CEO of NeighborhoodScout, told the source, “Most people focus on the house… and only secondarily look at the neighborhood. “
Only thinking in the short-term
One of the most common mistakes made by people
buying a home is that they only think in the short-term, MSN reports. Many people move into a new home during a major life transition, such as starting a family or following a separation. For example, a young couple with a baby on the way might not want to move away from an urban environment, but they would need to consider whether a suburban area would be better suited for childrearing.
Neglecting to verify information
People looking at
homes for sale often neglect to verify information they gather on a potential new neighborhood. MSN states that people might hear from co-workers and friends that an area has good schools and low crime rates, but many people don’t bother confirming any of this data. Checking out statistics and ensuring that a potential home is indeed within the radius of a desired school can ensure that a new
homeowner doesn’t receive unpleasant surprises down the road.
Overlooking or underestimating the commute
Many people looking into a new home overlook or underestimate the commute. Home buyers need to keep in mind that visiting a neighborhood in the middle of the day won’t give them an accurate portrayal of commute times during rush hours. While a nice home in a beautiful suburb seems ideal, people may want to reconsider if they’re going to be spending several hours getting to and from work each day.
Not checking out the neighbors themselves
A final mistake people often make when buying a home is not checking out the neighbors, according to MSN. Inspecting the surrounding homes can give a person an idea about potential neighbors, but the only way to really make sure is to walk around and talk to people. Ask about habits, lifestyles and likes and dislikes about the neighborhood to get an understanding of potential new neighbors.
If you are considering a move to the Metro Detroit area be sure to contact Gordon Johnson at Coldwell Banker Preferred, Realtors. Gordon has earned the ABR (Accredited Buyers Representative) and SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) professional designations and is willing to put his education and experience to work for you. Gordon’s Office is located at 44644 Ann Arbor Road in Plymouth, MI 48170. Gordon can be contacted by phone or text at (734) 658-3662 or by e-mail at
Gordon@DiscoverGreatHomes.com
There is no doubt, a Kitchen can make or break the sale of a home. No matter how well the rest of the home looks, if the kitchen is not properly prepared for showings buyers will pass up the home with the poorly prepared kitchen. Here are a few tips for preparing your kitchen for showings.
- Declutter – This is the first rule of staging any room, but it is more important in the kitchen than in any othe rpart of the home. Be sure to show every square inch of counter space to potential buyers. Put away small appliances, utensil holders, cook books and anything else that is on the countertop.
- Clean – Clean your kitchen like the sale of your house depends on it (’cause it does) Nothing else will turn off a buyer faster than a dirty kitchen.
- Refigerator – Many stagers will tell you to take every magnet, calendar and artwork off of your refigerator. This is good advice, but I think one or two magnets will hurt much. But be sure to wipe out the inside of the refigerator because many buyers will peek inside (especially if it stays with the house).
- Cabinets – Wipe them down inside and out. If the hardware is outdated it may help to dress up the kitchen if you replace the hardware.
- Lighing - Turn on the lights and make sure the fixtures are clean. Clean the windows and open the curtains/blinds to let in sunlight.
Finally, once the kitchen is spotless you can make a couple of final touches. Place some fresh cut flowers in a vase on the table. Another nice touch is a bowl of fruit on the counter (unless the counter is very small). Be sure to check out the article titled “Good Smelling Equals More Selling” for some tips on getting the proper aroma in your house for showings.
Reminiscing about how much I loved coming home from school to the scent of Mom’s baking, I wanted to give my kids the same experience. I timed it so the chocolate chip cookies would be warm and ready to eat when they walked in the door. While smelling the cookies as they baked, I was reminded of when my husband and I were in the market to buy a home five years ago. Some homes had no scent at all, some smelled nice, and some had very unpleasant scents. The funny thing is it’s the homes with the very nice or very bad scents that we remember most. One homeowner was at home cooking while we were viewing her house. She probably loved the scent of her dish, but it was hard for us to take. While it shortened our visit there, I still remember that house very well years later. Everything about it was nice, except the smell.
Looking back, I realize that scents have a powerful effect on our experiences and on the decisions we make. Even if the home had great curb appeal and was nice on the inside, we walked away because it had unpleasant smells. Sometimes we don’t realize that the unpleasant scents exist because we’re so used to them. These scents could be from various things like cooking herbs and seasonings, pets, garbage cans, musty pipes, even diaper genies which aren’t perfect. I remember getting a call from the realtor who wanted to bring a potential buyer over within twenty minutes to view the home. I scrambled to get my infant triplets’ diapers changed and get out of the house in time for their arrival. I was so worried that the scent of dirty diapers would linger in their bedroom while the guests were viewing it. If only I had known about Scentsy wickless warmers then. I would have had one in my kitchen and one in the nursery. I would have left the house stress-free and felt confident that the potential buyers would stay longer, want to come back, and maybe even make an offer.
You certainly shouldn’t light a scented candle and leave your home. Thankfully, there’s a safer alternative. Scentsy makes a ceramic warmer that melts scented wax by the heat of a small light bulb. There’s no wick, so they are safe unattended even if left on for hours and forgotten. They come in many different styles and are attractive to look at. Scentsy has basic scents that are generally pleasing to everyone like sugar cookie and clean, laundry scents. Everyone oohs and ahhhs over the sugar cookie scent and asks where the bakery is when I’m at a craft show. I’ve learned to set out a small plate of sugar cookies near the warmer since their mouths are watering from the scent. If you turn it on about 30 – 60 minutes before an open house or scheduled appointment, it would be in full effect. Your guests will remember the house – positively!
To see the warmers and smell the over 80 sample scents, please email me at safeindoorscents@rockdoggy.com or call me at 734-956-0747 to schedule an appointment. My website is http://www.safeindoorscents.scentsy.us where you can view the many warmers – plug-in, medium, and full-sized. Orders can be placed online.
Kristine Barnes
Certified Scentsy Consultant
May 2011
