Joe Knows Mortgages

Many Thousands of Americans have had to sell their house through a short sale in the past few years.  Who would have guessed a few years back that prices would plummet like they did?  Here in Brevard County, home prices in some areas have been more than cut in half. 

If you had to sell your house short, more than likely the credit report will show a mortgage settled for less than owed.  If you go to apply for a mortgage, there are new rules surrounding this type of derogatory credit.  The new rules  for Fannie Mae says that it must be 2 years from the completion of the short sale, with no exceptions.  This is fairly straightforward.  If you had a short sale in the last two years, you are ineligible for a loan which is bought by Fannie Mae (that is all conforming loans, or anything that is not government). 

US Department of Housing and Urban Development  (HUD), who determines the rules for FHA loans, has not made a ruling on short sales as of when this article was written.  While this may sound promising, the majority of the lenders are treating short sales on an FHA mortgage like they do on a conventional mortgage.  However, there are a few lenders out there that will entertain a short sale if there are extreme extenuating circumstances prior to two years.  Otherwise, like on a conventional loan, you must wait two years.

So here is the long and short of it:  if you have recently experienced a short sale, you will be ineligible for  a conventional loan for at least 2 years; you may be eligible for FHA financing, however, you will have to prove that there were extenuating circumstances.  These extenuating circumstances could include loss of job, death of a wage earner, hospitalization, or some of these sorts.  Additionally, you cannot have had any mortgage lates in the last year.  For a loan to be considered prior to 2 years, it must be strong.

There is life after short sales, however, it seems as though for loan qualification purposes, it starts after 2 years for most.  This is really not that long of a time, and there are probably some people who went through a short sale a few years back that are ready to buy again.  For more information, contact Joe Harris.

First Time Homebuyers…The Clock is ticking…

Uncle Sam wants you to buy a house!  If you are a first time homebuyer, he is even willing to give you an $8000 tax credit to do so.  Time is ticking away…this deal only lasts through November of 2009.  With rates still low, many properties to choose from that are aggressively priced, it really is the time to take advantage of the deals and get $8000 from Uncle Sam.

As I have outlined before, the program is simple, however, if you have any questions, you may want to check with your accountant or CPA.  You can also check on the IRS’s website.  However, here is an outline of the program:

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  • Must be first time homebuyer – That means you haven’t owned a home in the past three years, and your spouse hasn’t either if you’re married.

  • Purchase home before December 1^st 2009

     

  •  File an amended return on your 2008 tax return, or wait to file on your 2009 tax return

     

  •  The credit is for 10% of the purchase price, up to $8000

     

  •  The credit amount starts phasing out if you make more than $75,000 or $150,000 if you’re filing a joint return.

     

  •  Enjoy the benefit of an $8000 tax credit

     

Again, with interest rates at historic lows, homes being aggressively priced, and an $8000 tax credit, now is an outstanding time to be a first time homebuyer!  But don’t forget, this offer does have an expiration date.  To be eligible for this money, you must purchase before December of this year.  So call a Mortgage Professional, get pre-approved, and go out there and find your dream home!