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Tag Archives: 1st time home buyers
What Turns Renters Into Home Owners?
It’s not what you know about home ownership that makes you want to own a home, but rather how you value it. Or so says a new study from Fannie Mae that concludes having a personal experience like being unable to pay a mortgage, thinking home values will fall in the future, or being underwater on a home loan don’t play a big part in renters wanting to be home owners.
The key drivers pushing renters toward home ownership are attitudes and beliefs. Those who believe “owning makes more sense financially over the long term” do indeed go on to buy homes.
Things that are much less important factors for renters:
· The perceived ease of getting a mortgage
· Knowing someone who defaulted on a mortgage
· The belief that home values will rise or fall
· The desire to have a good place to raise and educate children
· Safety
· More space and control over your living environment
The study suggests Americans’ desire to own homes is strong, even when the housing market undergoes dramatic challenges.
“Our study shows that the negative housing events of the past few years have not discouraged
people from wanting to own a home,” the study authors wrote. “Exposure to mortgage default, perceived home value appreciation/depreciation, and self-reported underwater status are not significant factors in the models predicting individuals’ intentions to own a home for their next move.”
Source: Fannie Mae
Housing bargains abound, but try closing the deal quickly! Short Sales and pre-foreclosures are painful
If you are like many home buyers who are trying to break into the real estate market in Tampa Bay, you know there are some amazing deals out there. Homes that sold in 2005 for over $200,000 are now selling for $100,000 or less in some areas! This makes buying a home a lot of fun today, you would think!
Many buyers are frustrated, 70% of the homes sales in recent months in the Tampa Bay area are distressed properties, short sales and pre-foreclosures. Getting these homes closed it just too much for some buyers. Often by the time it takes to get a short sale or pre-foreclosures approved by the seller’s lender, 50% of the buyers have walked before getting lender approval.
Most short sale deals take at least four months or more to get approval from the seller’s bank and if they have a PMI or MI insurance, a second mortgage or HELOC you could be looking six to twelve months or not getting approved at all! After the seller gets the lenders approval, the seller than has to agree to the lenders terms of the short sale. Which could include them signing a note for the balance or bring cash to the closing table. If the seller isn’t willing or able to accept these terms the deal could be dead! The buyer is then out 4-6 months of waiting.
Adding to this, homes under $100,000 are now starting to see bidding wars. Buyers used have been able to think about a home overnight but these days you need to move quickly to snatch up a good deal!
Home sales in the Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater areas rose 28 percent in the fourth quarter of 2009, and the median sales price hit $138,800. That’s down 42 percent since prices peaked at $239,600 in June 2006.
Time is also running on federal tax credit for 1st time and move up home buyers, putting a short sale under contract at this point and getting it closed in time to meet the dead lines may not be possible. Buyer’s must be under contract by 4-30-10 and close no later than 6-30-10 to get the tax credit.
I’m telling my buyers at this point they need to make a decision, if the tax credit is the big reason they want to buy a home this year they many need to focus on REO (bank owned properties) or look for homes where the seller has equity so they can close in time.
If you don’t care about the tax credit, and you are focused on just getting the right home for you and your family as the market is returning from the bottom then short sales and pre-foreclosures should be on your list.
If you are looking for a newer community, taking the trip across the Skyway Bridge could get you more than you could dream of. I’ve been showing property in Manatee County over the past few weeks, where newer homes that were selling in the $500,000 range that can be purchased at a 50% discount. I’ve shown property built in 2005 with 4 beds 2.5 baths 2 car garage and 2,500 sqft selling for only $180k. Pulte Homes will build you a new 3,000 sqft home for just $212,000 WOW!
Let me know if I can help you with your home search!
Nine tips to sell your home in 2010
Signs of a recovery in the real estate market indicate this may not be the “Winter of your Discount Tent.” Home sales, value and mortgage applications have risen slightly as mortgage rates stand at a historic low.
This slight glimmer of positive news is offset by estimates that about 48 percent of all U.S. mortgages will be underwater by 2011. Foreclosures and short sales continue to plague the market, keeping a lid on home prices. As a result, 2010 will continue to be a buyer’s market.
That doesn’t mean, however, that all hope is lost of selling your home this year. Here are nine tips to sell your home in 2010.
1. Don’t wait for a recovery
Home values aren’t likely to rebound to previous highs for several years, perhaps even a decade. While you may face a loss by selling now, that negative figure may only be a paper loss, particularly if you’ve owned your home for some time.
2. Make improvements
If you have access to credit, invest in improving and repairing your home before placing it on the market, rather than trying to go for a quick as-is sale. Rehabs are more affordable now, thanks to the availability of low financing, reduced construction materials costs and lower contractor charges. Focus on upgrades to kitchens and bathrooms, especially counters and cabinets, as these yield the highest returns. Get three different estimates from contractors and add another 10 percent for unexpected costs.
4. Hire professionals
You need professionals, not friends or relatives, to repair, upgrade and sell the biggest investment you’ll likely own. Ask for credentials, references and a history of recent performance. Your appraiser should have at least five years experience with an appropriate license or certification. The same applies to hiring a home inspector. Talk to at least two or three appraisers and inspectors before selecting one.
5. Get downpayment assistance
Federal and local governments offer several downpayment assistance programs for first-time home buyers. Look for other city, county and state programs that will piggyback on federal programs for assistance. Search for “downpayment assistance programs” with the name of your region.
6. Take Uncle Sam’s help
The $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit program that helped jump-start the real estate market in 2009 has been extended into 2010 and expanded. First-time homebuyers qualify if they sign a binding contract to buy a home by April 30 and close by June 30. The program’s maximum income limits have jumped from $75,000 to $125,000 for individuals and from $150,000 to $225,000 for couples.
A separate $6,500 tax credit has been added for those who have owned their homes for at least five years and want to upgrade. Homeowners drowning in their present real estate loans are eligible for a loan-modification program with their current mortgage company or loan service through the Making Home Affordable Program (http://makinghomeaffordable.gov/).
7. Price accordingly
Listings move when a property is appropriately priced. Others gather dust because the owners haven’t adjusted their expectations to the present market. This doesn’t mean, however, you should severely drop your price on a well-maintained home to avoid extended problems. Research your market and price accordingly.
8. Energy tax credits
Through Dec. 31, homeowners who buy and install specific energy-efficient windows, insulation, roofs, doors and heating and air-conditioning equipment can apply for a 30-percent tax credit of up to $1,500 of their costs on each product.
Go one step further and earn a 30-percent tax credit through 2016 (without a spending limit) when you purchase such energy-saving products as solar energy systems, geothermal heat pumps, small wind systems, residential fuel cells and micro-turbine systems. Visit EnergyStar’s Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency (http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?ctax-credits.tx-index) for a complete summary.
9. It’s not personal
Buyers want to imagine themselves in your house for years to come. Excess decor and knick-knacks distract from this vision. Ask your Realtor’s advice or hire a home stager to bring your house back to zero before beginning to show it. A general rule of thumb is to eliminate or store at least half the items in every room.
Don’t get defensive about colors, design patterns or flooring you installed. Just grit your teeth and think of the closing check while your agent serves as a buffer. Remember the customer is always right, unless, of course, they’re low-balling you.
www.freeshipping.org. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
FHA Financing Requirements – The Changes to FHA Financing Requirements For 2010
OK, there are some interesting changes which will take pace later this year to FHA financed loans. The government has been facing higher defaults with FHA insured loans over the past couple of year’s, in order to build up reserves they are making some changes.
If you are looking to buy a home using FHA financing the window to closing and avoid higher fees is closing quick.
Also, I hear the government is going to adjust the key interest rate at which they loan money to banks this will adjust the interest rate you will be able to get when buying a home. Just a 1% jump in interest rates, is like seeing a 10% increase in the price of a home. My advice would be don’t delay, if you find a home you love and plan on living there for 3+ years you should buy now.
Future changes with FHA:
FHA financing requirements, change from time to time to match the market and the risk of loss. Since the collapse of the financial markets in 07,08 FHA financing has been the primary source for home buyers to obtain a real estate loan with a low down payment. This is the reason for the changes you are about to see.
Imagine the market slips by another 5-10% and the unemployment numbers go about 10%, many borrowers who used FHA financing in the past 3-4 years could find them selves in foreclosure or needing to do a short sale to get out of their home because they have little to no equity in their home. FHA being the #1 source for finding for these low down payment loans could find them selves in a very bad situation. The tax payers could also be facing another bailout. So in order to protect government backed loans and us the tax payers these are the latest rounds of changes.
Initial up-front MIP increase will be raised by.50 to 2.25% will be released in a Mortgagee Letter tomorrow Jan 21 and will go into effect in the spring (example $200,000 loan will now costs the borrower $1,000 more, this is to help cover the losses already seen by FHA)
Borrower will be required to have a min credit score of 580 to qualify for 3.5% down, if score less than 580 must have 10% down this will go into effect in early summer
Seller concessions will be reduced from 6% to 3%, will be posted in February will go into effect in the early summer.
Lender performances, Neighborhood watch will be available on HUD website on February 1
Enhanced monitoring of lender performance, implement credit watch termination through lender underwriting ID in addition to origination ID will be released in Mortgagee Letter tomorrow Jan 21 and is effective immediately
Pursuing authority to increase enforcement on lenders to assume liability for all the loans they originate and underwrite
Legislative authority permitting HUD flexibility to establish areas of review and termination to withdraw originating and underwriting approval for lender nationwide on the basis of the performance of its regional branches.
FHA financing is still the only program that allows a borrower to purchase a home with 3.5% down payment. These changes could effect your ability to qualify for a loan so check with your lender to make sure you will meet the minimum requirements before you make an offer.
The Waterford town homes in Clearwater FL
David Price with Coldwell Banker is pleased to announce 2525 Harn Blvd #5, Clearwater, FL 33764. A 2 bedroom 1.5 bath town home listed with Coldwell Banker and The Price Group.
First time home buyer and investors! This like new townhouse built in 2004 is light bright, open and has a very functional floor plan with high ceilings. Huge living and dining room, large kitchen w/island for the gourmet cook, wood cabinets and great storage. Inside laundry room on the 2nd floor. Covered front porch for morning coffee and an open back patio for the BBQ. You are walking distance to the Morningside pool & recreation center & the Trail, the perfect place to bike, roller blade & walk.
This property qualifies for FHA financing with a low 3.5% down payment. First time buyers may be eligible for the $8,000 tax credit. You would need to be under contract before 4/30/10 and close by June 30th 2010. Close to Clearwater beach just 8 miles away, malls, medical facilities, Starbucks and local restaurants. 20 minutes to downtown St. Pete. Not a short sale! So no waiting for 3-6 months to close, you could be living in this home in just 3 weeks.
For a private showing call David Price 727-851-6189 anytime.
First Time Homebuyers $8,000 Tax Credit – New Form and Some Delays
The IRS released the form Tax credit form 5405 “first time home buyers”
What this means is there have been a whole lot of very frustrated people waiting for the first time homebuyers $8,000 tax credit. I don’t think most people buying a home anticipated the IRS would wait a little over 2 months to get the new form out, leaving people who purchased homes between Nov 6th and today unable to ammend their 2008 tax returns for the credit or file early in 2010.
Things got a little sticker today as well. Now anyone claiming the first time homebuyers $8,000 tax credit, or the step-up credit of $6,500, will not able to E-File! causing longer delays in seeing any money from the credit.
The problem is not necessarily the fault of the IRS but rather the sheer amount of scammers scamming the program. Because of the amount of false claims filed, claiming the credit now requires a few steps previously not in place Print out form 5405
-Provide proof of residency
-Provide signed HUD settlement statement
-Provided signed mortgage statement
-Provide drivers license copy
The IRS has no way to process the extra documentation, except the old fashioned way – by hand. Therefore, no e-file, and expect at least a 3 month wait for your paperwork to make it through the process and receive the credit.
Even with the delay in receiving the credit, and the extra paperwork, the credit is still and excellent way to help homebuyers.
Feel free to contact David Price with Coldwell Banker for more information on how the $8,000 first time homebuyers take credit can help you purchase your Tampa Bay FL property.
December 2009 MLS Stats for Pinellas County FL
Lot’s of great info here! Take a look at the number of active homes on the market today compared to the past couple of years. The median home price is also on the rise. If we see the unemployment rate go down we could see a much faster recovery in Pinellas County. The number of bank owned homes is also on the way down! Does this mean the end of the great deals? I don’t think so. I’ve seen some great deals in the past few weeks! Like mutiple 3 & 4 bed, pool homes in Clearwater for under $130,000!
Click on the links below and view the pdf. files.
Pinellas December 2009 All Reports: “Condo’s & Single Family”
November 09 monthly foreclosure &short sales report
You still have time to negotiate and buy a “Short Sale” property before the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit and the $6,500 move up credit runs out! But don’t delay because what I experienced last year was at about 60 days before the end of the tax credit sellers of non “short sale” homes got a higher sold price to list price percentage because they negotiated harder with buyers because they knew that they had the only homes buyers could close on and still get the credit! The morale of the story here is if you want negotiating power, start early.
Have questions? Call or Email me
What does the tax credit mean to you?
A Great Deal in Real Estate is Now Better
ote: This is intended to provide an overview only – for specific information or individual concerns, please contact your lawyer, accountant and/or financial advisor.
The federal income tax credit for homebuyers has been extended and expanded to now include homeowners who wish to “move on” after 5 years of living in their current property, as well as first-time homebuyers.
First-time homebuyers, or those who have not owned in the last three years, can receive up to an $8,000 tax credit
Homeowners who have lived in a current home consecutively for 5 of the past 8 years can receive up to a $6,500 tax credit
There may be no future extensions, so all qualified homebuyers are urged to act and have a written, binding contract by April 30, 2010 (close by June 30, 2010)
Income limits are now $125,000 for singles, $225,000 for married couples with a $20,000 phase-out of the credit for both.
According to The National Association of Realtors News Release, dated 11/5/09, an estimated $22 billion has already been added to the general economy resulting from the bill and approximately 2 million people will utilize the tax credit in 2009.
For me information call The Price Group today!
Homebuyer Tax Credit
Real estate Tax credit chart $8,000 & $6,500
Thanks to the newly extended and expanded homebuyer tax credit, first-time homebuyers may still qualify for an $8,000 tax credit and existing homeowners may qualify for a $6,500 tax credit when they buy a new home. That’s a guaranteed federal tax credit that directly reduces the amount of taxes you owe for the entire year. Even if you have little or no federal income tax liability to offset, you may be able to claim the full $8,000 or $6,500 as a refund.
You may qualify for the newly extended $8,000 federal tax credit if*:
You are a first-time buyer or have not owned a home for the past 3 years
You make $225,000 or less if filing as a couple ($125,000 or less if filing single)
You enter into a written contract for sale before May 1, 2010 and close on the new home before July 1, 2010
You don’t sell the home within 3 years of closing
You use the new home as a principal residence, which can be a single-family home, condominium or townhome
The purchase price of the home is $800,000 or less and you did not buy it from a lineal ancestor or descendent
You are not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
You may qualify for the newly expanded $6,500 federal tax credit if*:
You are an existing homeowner who has owned and lived in your home for any 5 consecutive years out of the last 8 years
You make $225,000 or less if filing as a couple ($125,000 or less if filing single)
You enter into a written contract for sale before May 1, 2010 and close on the new home before July 1, 2010
You don’t sell the home within 3 years of closing
You use the new home as a principal residence, which can be a single-family home, condominium or townhome
The purchase price of the home is $800,000 or less and you did not buy it from a lineal ancestor or descendent
You are not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return