HAFA under HAMP: What is it?

With the current state of the economy and more particularly, the housing market, it is easy to get lost and confused about the programs available for distressed homeowners. In March, 2009. President Obama introduced the Home Affordable Modification Program in connection with his Making Home Affordable (MHA) plan. These plans and programs represent efforts on behalf of the Obama Administration to allow borrowers who are eligible (according a specific set of standards and guidelines) to avoid foreclosure by modifying their loans to a level that is affordable and sustainable for the long-term.

The recently announced Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives program (HAFA), which provides instructions for lenders and servicers participating in the Making Home Affordable Program and HAMP. HAFA is designed to streamline the short sale and deed-in-lieu process. Specifically, the program is aimed at presenting an alternative to foreclosure homeowners who were either ineligible or unable to get loan modifications for their existing loans and mortgages, as prescribed by HAMP. Additionally, another of HAFA's goals is to establish and maintain clear and easily understandable timelines, that are capable of being enforced against servicers. These timelines are intended to urge the servicers of these loans to respond and grant relief to the homeowners in a timely manner.

Under HAFA, short sales will be permitted if they are pre-approved before a property is listed on the market. This way, the servicers of the loans will not be able to reduce the commissions available to the hardworking professionals helping the distressed homeowners. Additionally, borrowers will be freed from future liability for the debt and there will be financial incentives created for borrowers, servicers and investors alike.

Specifically, HAFA sets a deadline of three business days to submit an executed purchase offer to the servicer with regard to a short sale and the servicer then has ten business days to respond to the offer, thereby speeding up and clarifying the process. This standardization works to the benefit of everyone involved. Although servicers are still allowed to negotiate commissions (not to exceed 6 percent), they are only allowed to do before the property is listed and not after.

Also, the servicer will still be able to decide on the minimum net proceeds for a short sale; however if an offer presented to the servicer by the borrower or listing broker meets the net proceeds requirement, then the servicer must accept it. This creates a beneficial environment for the selling homeowners and the potential buyers making offers.

To further facilitate this process, each participating servicer is also required to establish and uphold a written policy that describes the basis and terms upon which it will offer the HAFA program to its borrowers. However, it must be noted that all borrowers must be evaluated for a loan modification under HAMP before they can avail themselves of benefits under HAFA.

Finally, HAFA goes into effect on April 5, 2010, however the industry rumors are leaning toward the earlier implementation of this program by servicers. Currently, the program is available only for non-Fannie Mae- or Freddie Mac-owned loans up to $729,750 but this may change in the future.

We at Crestico Realty believe in staying informed and up to date regarding events in the market that can affect each and every current and future client we may have! Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you have and we will do our best to help!

Conforming Loans: What Are They and What Does An Extension Mean To You?

Recent Developments Regarding Conforming Loans

Media outlets are constantly reporting on the state of the economy, the housing crisis and mortgage defaults and delinquencies. Amidst these reports is the constant use of many terms the average American (homeowner or not) may not be too familiar with or even have a complete understanding of their definitions. One of these terms is "conforming loan." Now, we all know what a loan is; generally a borrowed sum of money that is to be repaid with interest to a lender. A conforming loan however, is a specific type of loan. Loans are classified as meeting and not-meeting GSE guidelines. GSEs, Government Sponsored Entities, are financial services corporations that have been formed by congress, the most popular of which are Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These GSEs set guidelines for the types of loan programs that are available to homeowners. Conforming loans meet these guidelines and, as a result, are part of the uniform mortgage documents and national standards that have been set for loans.

On October 30, 2009 President Obama signed a congressional resolution regarding conforming loans. This resolution basically allows the loan limit of $729,750 (the limit for high-cost areas, such as Southern California) to be extended into next year. This means that there is now a longer time period available for potential buyers to seek and gain approval for government loans to purchase their homes. Government loans offer advantages such as lower interest rates, government guarantees and lower down payment requirements to homebuyers which make the purchase of a home a bit easier and more widely accessible. This extension is the result of a move by the government in 2008 Housing and Economic Recovery Act which was originally intended to be temporary. Homes are becoming increasingly affordable in the Southern California area, and this is one more step in that direction.

If you are considering buying a home or simply have questions regarding the process, a knowledgeable and qualified real estate agent is the best resource you can have to guide you in making your decisions. Real estate agents are on the cutting edge of breaking news and in the best position to explain your options and most beneficial decisions to you.

Breaking News for First Time Homebuyers and Homebuyers Seeking a Tax Credit

An Update on Recent News Surrounding the Homebuyer Tax Credit

Much discussion and controversy have been surrounding the impending end of the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit. Initially set to expire in November, the government is now considering extending the credit into next year. In this article, you will find some of the recent developments in this topic.

In order to be eligible, the cost of the home may not be more than $800,000 and there would be $125,000 and $225,000 income limits for single and joint filers (over the age of 18), respectively. Additionally, as long as the new home is the buyer's "principal residence" for at least 3 years after the date of purchase, the credit will not need to be repaid.

$8,000 is the amount of the credit for first time homebuyers and there is now talks of adding a $6,500 credit for move-up buyers (people who have been using the home they are leaving as their "principal residence" for at least 5 years) who purchase homes between December 1, 2009 and April 30, 2010, as long as the transaction closes by June 30. Any purchases made in 2010 would be acceptably filed on 2009 tax returns, as long as a HUD-1 settlement statement is attached when the credit is being claimed.

As always, buying a home is a big task and there are lots of questions anyone considering buying or selling will have. For this reason, it is a very good idea to get the assistance of a qualified, experienced and helpful real estate agent. Your real estate agent can mean the difference between happy holidays in your new home or spending the holidays stressed out and worried about just one more unnecessary thing!

The Market is Ready for You, Future Homeowners of America!

The Market is Ready for You, Future Homeowners of America!

Our country's economy, like many things, is on a cycle and just like the old adage says, what goes up, must come down. We experienced a boom in real estate in the early 2000s and we are merely seeing the after effects of that boom now. While perhaps you may not be able to purchase a million-dollar oceanfront property this year, or even next; you will still be able to realize your very own version of the American dream.

The Mortgage Bankers Association issued a statement saying "Sales of existing homes will rise 11 percent in 2010, and sales of new homes will climb 21 percent over this year." This is great news for everyone, particularly future homeowners! What this means is that we are entering a part of the real estate cycle where things will start going back up. Just like everything else, you have to practice patience and good judgment when buying a home. Homes in the lower end of the market, also known as "entry level" or "starter" homes are a great place to start. Buying a starter home will not only ease you into the concept of owning a home, but will also familiarize you with the process of actually purchasing it. Additionally, while living in your new home, you will be able to experience the trials, tribulations and joys associated with being a homeowner.

Having a great real estate agent is the first step in this process. You will need someone to guide you through the market, not only in terms of prices and mortgages but also in terms of choosing a home that fits your lifestyle. Remember, your agent has access to multitudes of customers, buyers and sellers and the best way for you to take advantage of everyone else's experience is to work with an agent who is experienced!

DTI - Debt to Income Ratio - What is it and How Does if Affect Buying a Home

It's a buyer's market!! You've read it, you've heard it and you see it everywhere you go. Signs, slogans and ads telling you it's a buyer's market and to get out there and buy a home! But before you log on to your local MLS or start going to open houses in your dream neighborhood, there's one thing you should do to prepare yourself. You need to figure out HOW MUCH of a home you can afford to get out there and buy. There is no worse feeling in my opinion, then taking a tour of a gorgeous house, falling in love with it, mentally moving in and arranging your furniture JUST to find out that you can not afford it after all.

A major factor in owning a home is being able to afford it. Now, I'm not just talking about the expenses that come with home ownership in terms of maintenance, decorating, furnishing and tax. I am talking about the mortgage. Now, unless your rich Uncle Frank is leaving you a hefty inheritance, you are going to need to figure out your total monthly income and something called your DTI. This is your Debt to Income Ratio. This little fraction is going to be a key factor in the bank's decision regarding how much money to loan you to buy your home. Basically, this is going to be a numerical expression of how much of your monthly income is already spent on bills and other expenses.

Now there are two different types of DTI: front and back. Front DTI is basically the amount of your income that is going towards your current housing costs, rent for renters and principal, interest, tax and insurance for homeowners. The other DTI is back which is basically the amount of your income that goes towards expenses like car payments, phone bills, credit cards and other kinds of recurring debt.

In order to get an FHA Loan, your front DTI needs to be about 31% which means that if your monthly income (gross) is $5,000, your payment cannot be more than $1,550. Conventional loans allow for a DTI as high as 33% which would make your payment a maximum of $1,650. Next you will need to determine your back DTI which is also based on your monthly income. Your back DTI reflects your debt and for an FHA loan is about 43% and a conforming is about 45%.

So, on that $5,000 monthly income of yours, you can have $2,150 in monthly payments for an FHA loan and $2,250 for a conventional loan. So if your car payment, student loans, credit cards, phone bill and child support expenses are less than $600 ($2,150 - $1,550), you will effectively qualify for an FHA loan.

This is something you should consider when deciding on buying a home. Although it is a buyer's market, and there are several great deals out there; you want to make sure that a home you buy will be a home you can KEEP and that your home won't turn into someone else's great deal after you realize you can't make your mortgage!

Struggling Homeowners - Help From the President!!!

President Barack Obama has introduced many ideas and programs in efforts to provide guidance and aid to the millions of struggling homeowners in this country. The sub prime mortgage crisis, fueled by the greed and often negligence of the lending industry's major players has left millions of homeowners facing the worrisome prospect of losing their homes. On February 18, 2009, President Obama introduced the nation to his housing plan.

This plan involves several programs which are designed to help over seven million families potentially facing foreclosure to avoid the grief and stress of a foreclosure by giving them options. These options will include either refinancing or modifying their existing mortgages in hopes of ultimately making those mortgages become affordable and bearable once again. Additionally, Obama's program intends to reinforce and revitalize the federal government's commitment to Government Sponsored Entities, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, leaders in the secondary mortgage market.

On March 4, 2009, President Obama's administration released news and information that detailed the intricacies of the program and provided guidance on the Making Home Affordable Program.

While there are several characteristics and facets of this program, the main points for homeowners to know are listed below.

1. The Home Affordable Refinance Program. Under this program, eligible borrowers may refinance loans that Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac (the government sponsored enterprises, or GSEs) own or guarantee. The program can help homeowner-occupants who are current in making loan payments and have loan-to-value ratios (LTVs) above 80 percent but not more than 105 percent. Cash out refinancings are not permitted. The program ends in June 2010.

2. The Home Affordable Modification Program. This is a $75 billion program with lender, servicer, investor, and borrower incentives to make it work. The program is limited to homeowner-occupants who are at risk of default or already in default and who have loans at or below the maximum GSE conforming loan limit of $729,750 (or higher for 2-, 3-, and 4-unit properties). Loan modifications under the program may be made until December 31, 2012.

3. More Support for the GSEs. President Obama also announced more support for the GSEs, including doubling of potential Treasury investment from $100 billion to $200 billion for each GSE, to maintain their positive net worth. The plan also raises the cap on mortgages that the GSEs may hold in their portfolios by $50 billion to $900 billion.

Ultimately, this program intends to set this country back on the path to growth, profitability and success. Hopefully, with the government's continued support and diligence on the part of homeowners, we, as a nation, will begin to see the signs of recovery soon.

Mitra Karimi, President Crestico Realty http://www.crestico.com

Should I Buy A Home in This Market?

Is It A Good Time To Buy A Home? The simple answer is YES! It is still a good time to buy a home. With the help of the right agent, you can make this "good time" into a "great time" for you and your family. The news is full of stories about the housing crisis, homeowners losing their homes, and the overall bad state of the economy. Not all of this news, however, has to translate into dissuading you from buying a home. In fact, right now is a very good time, especially for some, to jump in and achieve the American dream of home ownership. As of late, the housing market is starting to look better. Read on for more information about why it is still a good time to buy a home.

First, the government is looking to help you. If you are a first time buyer (which, to the government, is defined as anyone who has not owned a home in the last three years), you are entitled to a maximum $8,000 tax credit. Additionally, interest rates are at all-time lows and the Federal government is taking steps to insure and make these loans available to more and more people.

Leverage. Leverage is defined basically as borrowing money to supplement existing funds for
investment. Imagine if you invested ten thousand dollars in stocks and those stocks earned ten percent, you would have earned one thousand dollars. But investing ten thousand dollars on a home, and having that home's value increase ten percent; effectively, you would have earned ten thousand dollars. Which sounds like a better investment to you?

Next, you have to live somewhere. And so does everyone else. According to nationwide statistics, approximately 800,000 new households are created each year in the United States alone. Each of these households will need housing, regardless of the state of the economy. This fact alone ENSURES the recovery of the housing market.

Cycles. The economy is a cycle, and like a cycle, what goes down must come back up. Once this happens, it will create INSTANT equity for you. That means you will have earned FREE money just by living in your home, which you are going to do regardless of where you live. Why not buy a home and earn free money in the process?

Mortgages. Many people think a mortgage is just like paying rent, right? WRONG! With the right fixed-rate mortgage, you are basically ensuring the same payment for thirty years. If you try to rent an apartment for thirty years, odds are that every year or so, your rent will be increased. That does not happen with mortgages.

Ownership. Owning a home is a GREAT accomplishment and it allows you to express yourself in the best way possible. You can decorate it any way you want, furnish it, paint it, and improve it and all the while you will be increasing its value and the value of your investment. Ownership also gives you and your family a sense of stability and a place to lay your roots.

These are only a FEW of the reasons why right now is a good time to buy a home. A qualified agent will be able to answer any questions you may have and also give you more reasons to consider investing in your next home!

Mitra Karimi, President Crestico Realty http://www.crestico.com