Friday, February 1, 2013

How to Keep Your Mortgage Approval Approved

Written by Broderick Perkins for the Realty Times
You know how tough it is to qualify for a mortgage.
Proof you've got a long-term job with ample income. A credit score to the moon. Your life's savings as a down payment. More cash stashed away. A debt-to-income ratio to die for. For some, tax returns for the last two years.
You've been there, done that. For weeks now. Maybe a month or more.
You've fought the good fight, you've run the gauntlet of mortgage qualifications and you have your signature-tired hands on that coveted home loan approval.
Now, all you have to do is not blow it.
For goodness sake, don't make any surprise financial moves that could cost you your home loan.
Your mortgage approval is primarily based on documenting your income and assets, your equity stake or down payment, your credit and the cash you'll have left over after the deal is done.
Once you have a mortgage approval, if you change the profile of any one of those qualifiers, you could have to kiss your mortgage goodbye.
Lenders today don't just check your qualifying information once or even twice. Three, four or more checks, of one document or another, aren't out of the question in today's tight lending market.
Avoid big purchases - If you buy a new car, change the lease, or acquire another large possession, it could show up on your credit report or bank statement.
The lender could think you've gone beyond the risk the lender is willing to accept on your mortgage - especially if you qualified by a hair.
If the new loan or purchase amount upsets the debt-to-income ratio the lender used to approve your home loan, your mortgage could go "poof."
No new credit - Likewise, don't open new credit cards, even for a zero interest rate. Those credit card offers will come streaming in after you close your mortgage. Just wait. The lender didn't approve you based on the additional card or extra loan.
Pay your bills - Also, pay your bills on time, even if there's a dispute. Stop paying a bill and the blotch on your credit report can block your mortgage.
Keep your job - Be kind to your boss and don't get fired. Also, don't go looking for new work right now, unless it's a second job to make more money.
Certain job changes also can affect how the lender rates your creditworthiness.
That includes a job change between industries, a job change to start a new company and changing from a job with a salary to a job that pays by commission.
On the other hand, get a promotion and a raise and you should be fine.
Don't cash out - Leave your stashes of cash alone. Don't transfer large sums of money between bank accounts. Don't make random, undocumented deposits to or withdrawals from your bank account.
Don't be stupid – It should go without saying, but criminal activity, trying to buy a second home and trying to add a co-signer or name to the loan, after approval, could all also get your mortgage canned.
Remember, stuff happens. There are events beyond your control that could cost you your mortgage. A pink slip. A divorce. Hospitalization. The co-signer bails.
However, once your mortgage is approved, do keep tight reigns on what you can control.

Written by Broderick Perkins for the Realty Times

Rent Vrs Own

How much evidence is needed to make a decision to get out of the rent race and become a homeowner?
Compare your rent with a mortgage payment on a similar size property. If you want a larger home than your current one, use the rent that property would require instead of what you're currently paying. If it's considerably cheaper, you may not need any further encouragement.
By the time you consider the principal reduction, appreciation and tax savings, your monthly cost of housing could be much less than the rent you're paying.
The principal reduction included in each payment is like a forced savings account that increases as your mortgage balance decreases. Your equity in the property will also grow due to appreciation. The equity is part of your net worth and an investment in your family's future.
The income tax savings can be an additional financial consideration if the combined interest and property taxes exceed the allowable standard deduction.
Trends are showing that both tenants and homeowners are staying in their homes longer. It's been said that whether you rent or own, you're paying for the home. Do you really want to buy the home for your landlord? Check out your numbers on a Rent vs. Own.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Shifting from A Buyer’s Market

As the market shifts from a buyer's market, it's good to know how to improve your chances to have the seller accept your offer.
Once you decide on a home, don't waste time; write an offer and submit it as soon as possible. Competing with another buyer happens more frequently than you'd expect. Multiple offers are a seller's advantage but here are some tips to level the playing field:
  • Realistic offer - don't give the impression you're trying to "steal" the property. Submit comparable sales that justify your offer.
  • Pre-approval letter - this satisfies seller's biggest concern that an unqualified buyer will unnecessarily take the home off the market and the seller will lose other opportunities.
  • More earnest money - it shows you're serious and makes the seller feel like the contract will actually close.
  • Minimize contingencies - from a seller's standpoint, each contingency is one more reason why the sale won't go through. They feel the home is "off the market" and they're in limbo.
  • Shorten inspection period - your agent can help you set a reasonable date but let the seller know you're willing to close prior to that if possible.
  • Write a personal letter to the seller telling them why you want their home - this can be the emotional connection to the seller that makes the difference in you getting the home.
A seller wants to feel confident that the offer they accept will actually close so they can plan for their next move. Following tips like these can definitely affect negotiations and help put together an offer that is more likely to be accepted.

Monday, January 14, 2013

The Market is “Looking Up”

January is always a good time to take a look at Market Trends. Just how did the previous year shake out when looking at the Total Volume in Residential Real Estate on Mt Hood? Also, where did the Median Price and the Number of Sales stack up when compared to the year before?

So, I decided to take a look at not just last year, but the last ten years of data for the Mt Hood Area, including Welches, Brightwood, Rhododendron, Government Camp and part of Sandy Oregon.
It took until the 3rd quarter of 2012 to finally see the market experience “appreciation” for the first time in years! We have to remind ourselves, that this indeed has been a very challenging real estate market nation wide.

Numbers don’t lie. We have indeed crawled out of a big Hole!!
10 Year Volume Trend on Mt Hood 2















The 2012 Mt Hood Residential Sale Volume was over $28,000,000 in 2012. The Median Sale Price was $172,000.
Median Sale Price Trend on Mt Hood 2The ten year Number of Sales per year is indeed one of the most dramatic graphs. Things are indeed back “On the Way Up!”
10 years of SalesperYear
Check out all unique Homes and Cabins in the Mt Hood area by property type:

Interest Rates are excellent and Home Prices are still affordable, a winning combination to to buy in 2013. When looking to buy Mt. Hood Real Estate come to MtHoodRealEstate.net

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Home Warranty or Not when Selling or Buying

It's common for sellers to consider offering and buyers might find it an incentive, but a growing number of homeowners are purchasing the home warranties themselves to limit the unexpected expenses of repairs and replacements.ProtectionPlan I have very simple common sense advise on these. Definitely consider it for homes that are in the upper price ranges and definitely for homes that have heat pumps older than 5 to 10 years.
A home protection plan is a renewable service contract that covers the repair or replacement of many of the components in a home. Some homeowners especially like the convenience that it organizes a qualified service provider as well as the cost of the items.
There are a variety of companies that offer home warranties and the coverage may differ but the majority of things will include heating, air conditioning most built-in and some free-standing appliances, as well as other specific items. Additional specific coverage may be available for other things like pool and spa equipment.
Some investors are even placing this coverage on their rental properties to limit the amount of maintenance repairs during the year. It is a viable alternative to managing the financial risk and the stress dealing with unexpected expenses.
If you're interested in home warranties, I'll be happy to send you more information This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

2012 Market Snapshot: A Year In Review

In 2012 there were 140 Home Sales which includes, homes, cabins and condos in the Mt Hood Area, including Brightwood, Rhododendron, Welches and Government Camp. This is a approximately a 35% increase in the number of sales over 2011! The overall % difference in average sales price compared to 2011 will be published any day from 2012 from RMLS and I will share it at that time.
2012 Volume 2
The Graph on the right shows the volume per quarter in 2012.
 
The Average Sale Price in 2012 was $138,257 and the Median Sale Price was $172,000. The Average Price went down but the Median ticked slightly up which is a good indicator of where the middle ground is going, hence the health of the local market.
 
 
Now some additional statistics:
Mt Hood Real Estate For Sale in the Villages of Mt Hood includes Welches Oregon Real Estate, Brightwood Oregon Real Estate, Government Camp Oregon Real Estate and Rhododendron Oregon Real Estate plus Mt Hood Lots and Land It is an excellent time to buy with interest rates the lowest they have been in close to FIFTY (50) Years!
When looking for Mt Hood Real Estate come to MtHoodRealEstate.net for the latest information.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

The Question All Tenants Should Ask: Should I Continue Renting?

The question plaguing every tenant who wants a home of their own is whether they should continue to rent or is it the right time to buy?
The combination of good prices and low mortgage rates make it considerably cheaper talto own than rent in most markets. Assuming a person is qualified with a down payment and won't be moving for several years, there may not be a better time to buy a home.
In the example below, the total house payment is $1,281.01 compared to $1,500 to rent the same home. Before you consider any of the financial benefits attached to home ownership, it's cheaper to own than to rent.
The net cost of housing falls to $764 or just more than half the house payment when you consider the principal reduction due to normal amortization, a modest appreciation and the tax savings along with a reasonable maintenance expense that a tenant would not have to pay.
One of the biggest benefits is the growing equity. As the value goes up, the unpaid balance goes down. A favorable leverage causes their low down payment to grow to $40,609 in a short seven years based on a modest 1% appreciation.
alt
There's an expression often heard in real estate circles: "Whether you rent or buy, you pay for the house you occupy." You're either buying it for yourself or you're helping the landlord buy it.
Check out a Rent vs. Own to see how your numbers will compare to this example or call me to do it for you.

Mortgage Debt Relief Act Extended Through 2013


Good News!
Lawmakers managed to extend the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act as part of their 11th hour deal to avoid the fiscal cliff. For those owners contemplating a short sales, this means that you may not be liable for taxes on debt forgiven. The law, established in 2007, was set to expire Dec. 31, 2012 and was extended for another year.
For sellers, the Act only applies if you lived in the property as your personal residence for two of the five last years and it only applies to purchase money or money used to make capital improvements to the property.
Always consult a legal professional when reviewing the option of a short sale.
Mt Hood Real Estate For Sale in the Villages of Mt Hood includes:
It is an excellent time to buy with interest rates the lowest they have been in close to FIFTY (50) Years….still!!!
When looking for Mt Hood Real Estate come to MtHoodRealEstate.net for the latest information

A Very Happy and Prosperous New Year for 2013

After spending the holidays with family and friends, this is a time of the year to start thinking about changes to make in our lives, both personal and in business. We wanted to share one of ours with you.
Our goal is to become your REALTOR® for life. We want you to think of us first when you need to buy or sell and IT-resolutionsthat you’ll recommend us to your friends too. That kind of trust has to be earned and we’re committed to helping you be a better homeowner even when you’re not buying or selling.
The strategy is simple. A well-informed homeowner will make better decisions. We’ll periodically offer information through articles and social media on a wide variety of home-related topics like maintenance tips, tax law changes, financing suggestions, insurance, equity building strategies, and rental property investments.
Please contact us if you need a recommendation on a service provider. Our experience has built a list of reputable and reasonable contractors that you can rely upon. When you have any kind of home-related questions, I hope you’ll have the confidence to call us.
Happy New Year. We sincerely look forward to helping you or your friends.
Mt Hood Real Estate For Sale in the Villages of Mt Hood includes:
It is an excellent time to buy with interest rates the lowest they have been in close to FIFTY (50) Years….still!!!
When looking for Mt Hood Real Estate come to MtHoodRealEstate.net for the latest information

November 2012 Mt Hood Closed Residential Sales

Here is a list of Homes, Condos and Cabins closed in the month of November in the Villages of Mt Hood from Alder Creek to Government Camp on the Western slopes of Mt Hood. This area includes homes in Welches, Brightwood, Rhododendron, Government Camp and Sandy, Oregon.
November Sales2012

Check out all unique Homes and Cabins in the Mt Hood area by property type:
Interest Rates are excellent and Home Prices are still affordable, a winning combination to to buy in 2013. When looking to buy Mt. Hood Real Estate come to MtHoodRealEstate.net

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Major Change in FHA Home Loan Program

FHA has announced a major change to its loan program which allows borrowers to cancel the mortgage insurance premium (MIP) when their unpaid balance reaches 78% of the original purchase price. While no specific date has been set for the change, sometime in 2013, new FHA loans will require the mortgage insurance for the life of the loan.

At existing rates, the monthly MIP on a $168,875 mortgage is $178.99 per month. Under the current rule with normal amortization, the MIP would no longer be required in 9 years and 9 months. However, under the new rule, it would last for the entire 30 year term.
They also announced that the annual MIP will also be increased from 1.25% to 1.35% at some point in the near future. HUD, the parent agency for FHA, is making the changes to restore the capital reserves of the program that are needed to fund failed loans.
People that can close a FHA loan before the change takes place will fall under the old rules for canceling MIP and the lower rates. Since no date was announced, it is not known exactly when the changes will take effect.
While this information will probably not make the evening news, it will have a big impact on borrowers planning to use an FHA loan. Please pass it on to anyone you know who might be considering purchasing or refinancing with a FHA loan.

Check out all unique Homes and Cabins in the Mt Hood area by property type:

Interest Rates are excellent and Home Prices are affordable, a winning combinationto to buy in 2012. When looking to buy Mt. Hood Real Estate come to MtHoodRealEstate.net

When Pre-paid Interest is Tax Deductible

Pre-paid interest, sometimes called "points", is generally tax deductible when a person pays them in connection with buying, building or improving their principal residence. When points are paid on a refinance, they are not a current deduction but have to be taken pro-rata over the life of the mortgage.

For instance, if $3,000 in points were paid on refinancing a 30 year mortgage, deduction of $100 per year is allowed. When the loan is paid off or replaced by refinancing again or the home is sold and the mortgage paid off from the proceeds, the balance of any un-deducted points may be taken in that tax year.
Your tax professional needs to be made aware of any of these situations so that he can accurately reflect the deduction in your return. Currently, the most common situation is where homeowners may be refinancing their home for the second, third or even fourth time. If there are points that have not been completely deducted, they need to be treated in the year of refinancing.
For more information, see points in IRS Publication 936 , there is a section on refinancing in this publication. For advice considering your specific situation, contact your tax professional.

Mt Hood Real Estate For Sale in the Villages of Mt Hood includes:

It is an excellent time to buy with interest rates the lowest they have been in close to FIFTY (50) Years!
When looking for Mt Hood Real Estate come to MtHoodRealEstate.net for the latest information

Monday, November 26, 2012

Sept & Oct 2012 Mt Hood Closed Residential Sales

The Following list of Homes, Condos and Cabins closed in the month of September and October in the Villages of Mt Hood from Alder Creek to Government Camp on the Western slopes of Mt Hood. This area includes Welches Oregon Real Estate, Brightwood Oregon Real Estate, Rhododendron Oregon Real Estate and Government Camp Real Estate.


Check out all unique Homes and Cabins in the Mt Hood area by property type:

Interest Rates are excellent and Home Prices are affordable, a winning combinationto to buy in 2012. When looking to buy Mt. Hood Real Estate come to MtHoodRealEstate.net

Market Snapshot: Nov 26, 2012

Homes, Cabins & Condominiums: Mt Hood Area (153)

  • 119 Active homes and Cabins Currently listed for sale. Includes Single Family Residences, Condos & Cabins.(Trending down in inventory)
  • 25 Pending Sales
  • 8 Short Sale Pendings (This is a New Multiple Listing Category)
  • 121 Homes and cabins have sold to date in 2012 compared to 93 sales year to date for 2011. This is a 30% increase over 2011 for Closed Sales in the Mt Hood Area!

Lots and Acreage: Mt Hood Area (153)

  • 47 Active land listings in the Mt Hood Area or Villages of Mt Hood
  • 2 Pending Sales
  • 10 Sold Undeveloped Land Properties to date in 2012.  
 
Mt Hood Real Estate For Sale in the Villages of Mt Hood includes:


Market Snapshot is a Periodic Peek at Mt Hood Real Estate Market Conditions provided by Blythe Creek.

It is an excellent time to buy with interest rates STILL at the lowest rates they have been in 50 years.   When looking for Mt Hood Real Estate come to MtHoodRealEstate.net for the latest information.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Recently Sold

    WELCOME YOUR NEW MOUNTAIN NEIGHBOR to the Villages of Mt Hood!



Photo layout, courtesy of the Mountain Times Monthly Publication.

Check out all unique Homes and Cabins in the Mt Hood area by property type:

Interest Rates are excellent and Home Prices are affordable, a winning combinationto to buy in 2012. When looking to buy Mt. Hood Real Estate come to MtHoodRealEstate.net

Saturday, November 10, 2012

A Little Mortgage History

A 30 year fixed-rate mortgage hasn't always been the standard. As part of FDR's New Deal in 1934, the Federal Housing Administration was created to help Americans purchase homes with affordable terms.

Prior to then, many loans had an amount due at the end of the term called a balloon. Most mortgages had adjustable interest rates even though some might be fixed for a short time. While banks would loan money on a home, they retained the right to call the note due at any time which could exert considerable stress on borrowers.
FHA, during this time, introduced mortgages that offered a fixed rate of interest to the borrower for a 30 year term. This fully amortized loan provided borrowers a financial vehicle that would help them achieve the American Dream while minimizing the risk of having a loan called without the resources to pay it off. It brought long-term stability to the housing market and helped stimulate the economic recovery at a very difficult time in our nation's history.
Roughly, a third of the mortgages created in 2011 were less than 30 year terms. Many homeowners, similar to those after the Great Depression, would like to get their home paid for as soon as possible. Shorter term mortgages typically have a lower interest rate but higher payments due to fewer years to amortize the mortgage.

Check out all unique Homes and Cabins in the Mt Hood area by property type:

Interest Rates are excellent and Home Prices are affordable, a winning combinationto to buy in 2012. When looking to buy Mt. Hood Real Estate come to MtHoodRealEstate.net

November's Pick



Photo layout, courtesy of the Mountain Times Monthly Publication.
 

 
Check out all unique Homes and Cabins in the Mt Hood area by property type:

Interest Rates are excellent and Home Prices are affordable, a winning combinationto to buy in 2012. When looking to buy Mt. Hood Real Estate come to MtHoodRealEstate.net

Save on Energy Costs

Automatic thermostats can lower your monthly utility costs while conveniently regulating your comfort by adjusting temperatures on your heating and cooling systems. These can be particularly effective in homes with zoned systems where you live in one area during the day but sleep in a different zone.

There are programmable thermostats available at home improvement stores that can make the adjustments for specific times during the day and specific days of the week. They'll allow you to override the setting when needed without tampering with the programming. They'll even remind you to change your filter.
An exciting development is the Wi-Fi enabled thermostat that allows adjustments from any Internet connection such as computer or Smartphone. Imagine how convenient it can be to change your temperature from the car before you get home.
Reasonably priced under $100 for most models, it makes it easy to recapture the cost of the thermostat quickly. Most of the thermostats are designed for do-it-yourselfers; however, you can always have a heating and cooling professional install it for you.

Check out all unique Homes and Cabins in the Mt Hood area by property type:

Interest Rates are excellent and Home Prices are affordable, a winning combinationto to buy in 2012. When looking to buy Mt. Hood Real Estate come to MtHoodRealEstate.net

Friday, October 26, 2012

Market Snapshot:October 26, 2012

Wow:Pending Sales SOAR on Mt Hood!


Since September Sept 25,2012 there has been a 76% increase in the number of Pending Sales on Mt Hood!!

Homes, Cabins & Condominiums: Mt Hood Area (153)

  • 121 Active homes and Cabins Currently listed for sale. Includes Single Family Residences, Condos & Cabins.(Trending down in inventory)
  • 37 Pending Sales
  • 8 Short Sale Pendings (This is a New Multiple Listing Category)
  • 101 Homes and cabins sold to date in 2012 compared to 69 sales year to date for 2011.

Lots and Acreage: Mt Hood Area (153)

  • 47 Active land listings in the Mt Hood Area or Villages of Mt Hood
  • 1 Pending Sales
  • 9 Sold Undeveloped Land Properties to date in 2012.

Mt Hood Real Estate For Sale in the Villages of Mt Hood includes:

Market Snapshot is a Periodic Peek at Mt Hood Real Estate Market Conditions provided by Blythe Creek.
It is an excellent time to buy with interest rates the lowest they have been in close to FIFTY (50) Years!
When looking for Mt Hood Real Estate come to MtHoodRealEstate.net for the latest information

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Market Snapshot: September 25, 2012

THE NUMBER OF SALES year to date in 2012,  UP BY 36% COMPARED TO 2011!

Homes,Cabins & Condominiums: Mt Hood Area (153)
  • 130 Active homes and Cabins Currently listed for sale. Includes Single Family Residences, Condos & Cabins.(Trending down in inventory)
  • 21 Pending Sales
  • 8 Short Sale Pendings (This is a New Multiple Listing Category)
  • 94 Homes and cabins sold to date in 2012 compared to 69 sales year to date for 2011. 
Lots and Acreage: Mt Hood Area (153)
  • 48 Active land listings in the Mt Hood Area or Villages of Mt Hood
  • 1 Pending Sales
  • 9 Sold Undeveloped Land Properties to date in 2012.  Just a note: IN 2011 YEAR TO DATE 5 PARCELS OF LAND HAD CLOSED FOR AN 80% INCREASE IN 2012 CLOSED LOTS AND ACREAGES SALES.
Mt Hood Real Estate For Sale in the Villages of Mt Hood includes:
Market Snapshot is a Periodic Peek at Mt Hood Real Estate Market Conditions provided by Blythe Creek.
It is an excellent time to buy with interest rates the lowest they have been in close to FIFTY (50) Years!

When looking for Mt Hood Real Estate come to MtHoodRealEstate.net for the latest information