Kathryn Vatsula's Blog

Short Sales Information for Sellers

Kathryn Vatsula (Imortgage) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 15:16:36 -0700

SHORT SALEINFORMATION FOR SELLERS

If you're thinking of selling your home, and you expect that the total amount you owe on your mortgage will be greater than the selling price of your home, you may be facing a short sale. A short sale is one where the net proceeds from the sale won't cover your total mortgage obligation and closing costs, and you don't have other sources of money to cover the deficiency. A short sale is different from a foreclosure, which is when your lender takes title of your home through a lengthy legal process and then sells it.

1. Consider loan modification first. If you are thinking of selling your home because of financial difficulties and you anticipate a short sale, first contact your lender to see if it has any programs to help you stay in your home. Your lender may agree to a modification such as: Refinancing your loan at a lower interest rate; providing a different payment plan to help you get caught up; or providing a forbearance period if your situation is temporary. When a loan modification still isn't enough to relieve your financial problems, a short sale could be your best option if:

Your property is worth less than the total mortgage you owe on it.
You have a financial hardship, such as a job loss or major medical bills.
You have contacted your lender and it is willing to entertain a short sale.

2. Hire a qualified team. The first step to a short sale is to hire a qualified real estate professional and a real estate attorney who specialize in short sales. Interview at least three candidates for each and look for prior short-sale experience. Short sales have proliferated only in the last few years, so it may be hard to find practitioners who have closed a lot of short sales. You want to work with those who demonstrate a thorough working knowledge of the short-sale process and who won't try to take advantage of your situation or pressure you to do something that isn't in your best interest. A qualified real estate professional can:

Provide you with a comparative market analysis (CMA) or broker price opinion (BPO).
Help you set an appropriate listing price for your home, market the home, and get it sold.
Put special language in the MLS that indicates your home is a short sale and that lender approval is needed (all MLSs permit, and some now require, that the short-sale status be disclosed to potential buyers).
Ease the process of working with your lender or lenders.
Negotiate the contract with the buyers.
Help you put together the short-sale package to send to your lender (or lenders, if you have more than one mortgage) for approval. You can't sell your home without your lender and any other lien holders agreeing to the sale and releasing the lien so that the buyers can get clear title.

3. Begin gathering documentation before any offers come in. Your lender will give you a list of documents it requires to consider a short sale. The short-sale "package" that accompanies any offer typically must include:

A hardship letter detailing your financial situation and why you need the short sale
A copy of the purchase contract and listing agreement
Proof of your income and assets
Copies of your federal income tax returns for the past two years

4. Prepare buyers for a lengthy waiting period. Even if you're well organized and have all the documents in place, be prepared for a long process. Waiting for your lender's review of the short-sale package can take several weeks to months. Some experts say:

If you have only one mortgage, the review can take about two months.
With a first and second mortgage with the same lender, the review can take about three months.
With two or more mortgages with different lenders, it can take four months or longer.

When the bank does respond, it can approve the short sale, make a counteroffer, or deny the short sale. The last two actions can lengthen the process or put you back at square one. (Your real estate attorney and real estate professional, with your authorization, can work your lender's loss mitigation department on your behalf to prepare the proper documentation and speed the process along.)

5. Don't expect a short sale to solve your financial problems. Even if your lender does approve the short sale, it may not be the end of all your financial woes. Here are some things to keep in mind:

You may be asked by your lender to sign a promissory note agreeing to pay back the amount of your loan not paid off by the short sale. If your financial hardship is permanent and you can't pay back the balance, talk with your real estate attorney about your options.
Any amount of your mortgage that is forgiven by your lender is typically considered income, and you may have to pay taxes on that amount. Under a temporary measure passed in 2007, the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act and Debt Cancellation Act, homeowners can exclude debt forgiveness on their federal tax returns from income for loans discharged in calendar years 2007 through 2012. Be sure to consult your real estate attorney and your accountant to see whether you qualify.
Having a portion of your debt forgiven may have an adverse effect on your credit score. However, a short sale will impact your credit score less than foreclosure and bankruptcy.

Seven reasons to own your home

Kathryn Vatsula (Imortgage) — Tue, 31 May 2011 16:15:48 -0700

7 reasons to own your home1. Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home.

2. Appreciation. Real estate has long-term, stable growth in value. While year-to-year fluctuations are normal, median existing-home sale prices have increased on average 6.5 percent each year from 1972 through 2005, and increased 88.5 percent over the last 10 years, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. In addition, the number of U.S. households is expected to rise 15 percent over the next decade, creating continued high demand for housing.

3. Equity. Money paid for rent is money that you'll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.

4. Savings. Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.

5. Predictability. Unlike rent, your fixed-mortgage payments don't rise over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs will increase.

6. Freedom. The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and benefit from your investment for as long as you own the home.

7. Stability. Remaining in one neighborhood for several years gives you a chance to participate in community activities, lets you and your family establish lasting friendships, and offers your children the benefit of educational continuity.

Get Your Finances in Order: To do List

Kathryn Vatsula (Imortgage) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 13:43:58 -0800

Get your Finances in Order: To do List. Develop a household budget. Instead of creating a budget of what you'd like to spend, use receipts to create a budget that reflects your actual spending habits over the last several months. This approach will factor in unexpected expenses, such as car repairs, as well as predictable costs such as rent, utility bills, and groceries.

2. Reduce your debt. Lenders generally look for a total debt load of no more than 36 percent of income. This figure includes your mortgage, which typically ranges between 25 and 28 percent of your net household income. So you need to get monthly payments on the rest of your installment debt - car loans, student loans, and revolving balances on credit cards - down to between 8 and 10 percent of your net monthly income.

3. Look for ways to save. You probably know how much you spend on rent and utilities, but little expenses add up, too. Try writing down everything you spend for one month. You'll probably spot some great ways to save, whether it's cutting out that morning trip to Starbucks or eating dinner at home more often.

4. Increase your income. Now's the time to ask for a raise! If that's not an option, you may want to consider taking on a second job to get your income at a level high enough to qualify for the home you want.

5. Save for a down payment. Designate a certain amount of money each month to put away in your savings account. Although it's possible to get a mortgage with only 5 percent down, or even less, you can usually get a better rate if you put down a larger percentage of the total purchase. Aim for a 20 percent down payment.

6. Keep your job. While you don't need to be in the same job forever to qualify for a home loan, having a job for less than two years may mean you have to pay a higher interest rate.

7. Establish a good credit history. Get a credit card and make payments by the due date. Do the same for all your other bills, too. Pay off the entire balance promptly.

How to keep Buyers Focused

Kathryn Vatsula (Imortgage) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 14:37:02 -0800

How to Keep Buyers Focused
Many buyers are paralyzed by the vast selection of houses for sale and by the fear that the value of the property they choose will fall as soon as they own it.

"Buyers have read a lot about foreclosures, short sales and how desperate sellers are," says Sarah Ritter, an associate with RE/MAX Properties in Western Springs, Ill. "They feel there is this fabulous deal out there, a mansion with all the bells and whistles. ...They are convinced the next house they look at will be a better deal, and with so much inventory now on the market, they keep looking and looking."

Here are a few ways to keep a potential buyer on track:

· Line up financing. Find out what your buyers qualify for so you don't end up looking at houses they can't afford.
· Decide what they want. Make a list of the most important features and then refine the search.
· Use technology. Help clients get organized by previewing as many properties as possible via the Internet.
· All real estate is local. Remind buyers that those news reports they are hearing of falling prices are often in places other than where they are looking.
· Make an offer. Even a low offer is a starting point. The worst that can happen is that the sellers will refuse to negotiate.

5 Factors that Decide your Credit Score

Kathryn Vatsula (Imortgage) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 20:13:03 -0800

5 Factors that decide your credit score

Credit scores range between 200 and 800, with scores above 620 considered desirable for obtaining a mortgage. The following factors affect your score:

1. Your payment history. Did you pay your credit card obligations on time? If they were late, then how late? Bankruptcy filing, liens, and collection activity also impact your history.

2. How much you owe. If youowe a great deal of money on numerous accounts, it can indicate that you are overextended. However, it's a good thing if you have a good proportion of balances to total credit limits.

3. The length of your credit history. In general, the longer you have had accounts opened, the better. The average consumer's oldest obligation is 14 years old, indicating that he or she has been managing credit for some time, according to Fair Isaac Corp., and only one in 20 consumers have credit histories shorter than 2 years.

4. How much new credit you have. New credit, either installment payments or new credit cards, are considered more risky, even if you pay them promptly.

5. The types of credit you use. Generally, it's desirable to have more than one type of credit - installment loans, credit cards, and a mortgage, for example.

For more on evaluating and understanding your credit score, visit www.myfico.com.

For other quesitons on real estate home loans, you can contact me @ kathryn.vatsula@imortgage.com or http://www.facebook.com/kvatsula

Tips for Buying a Home in a Tight Market

Kathryn Vatsula (Imortgage) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 17:56:37 -0800

Tips for Buying a Home in a Tight Market

Increase your chances of getting your dream house in a competitive housing market, and lower your chances of losing out to another buyer.

1. Get prequalified for a mortgage. You'll be able to make a firm commitment to buy and your offer will be more desirable to the seller.

2. Stay in close contact with your real estate agent to find out about the newest listings. Be ready to see a house as soon as it goes on the market - if it's a great home, it will go fast.

3. Scout out new listings yourself. Look at Web sites such as REALTOR.com, browse your local newspaper's real estate section, and drive through the neighborhood to spot For Sale signs. If you see a home you like, write down the address and the name of the listing agent. Your real estate agent will schedule a showing.

4. Be ready to make a decision. Spend a lot of time in advance deciding what you must have in a home so you won't be unsure when you have the chance to make an offer.

5. Bid competitively. You may not want to start out offering the absolute highest price you can afford, but don't go too low to get a deal. In a tight market, you'll lose out.

6. Keep contingencies to a minimum. Restrictions such as needing to sell your home before you move or wanting to delay the closing until a certain date can make your offer unappealing. In a tight market, you'll probably be able to sell your house rapidly. Or talk to your lender about getting a bridge loan to cover both mortgages for a short period.

7. Don't get caught in a buying frenzy. Just because there's competition doesn't mean you should just buy it. And even though you want to make your offer attractive, don't neglect inspections that help ensure that your house is sound.

5 Common First Time HomeBuyer Mistakes

Kathryn Vatsula (Imortgage) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 21:14:00 -0700

5 Common First Time HomeBuyer Mistakes1. They don't ask enough questions of their lender and end up missing out on the best deal.

2. They don't act quickly enough to make a decision and someone else buys the house.

3. They don't find the right agent who's willing to help them through the homebuying process.

4. They don't do enough to make their offer look appealing to a seller.

5. They don't think about resale before they buy. The average first-time buyer only stays in a home for four years.

Short Sale Tips for Sellers

Kathryn Vatsula (Imortgage) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 16:20:00 -0700

Short Sale Tips for Sellers

Your property is worth less than the total mortgage you owe on it.
You have a financial hardship, such as a job loss or major medical bills.
You have contacted your lender and it is willing to entertain a short sale.

Provide you with a comparative market analysis (CMA) or broker price opinion (BPO).
Help you set an appropriate listing price for your home, market the home, and get it sold.
Put special language in the MLS that indicates your home is a short sale and that lender approval is needed (all MLSs permit, and some now require, that the short-sale status be disclosed to potential buyers).
Ease the process of working with your lender or lenders.
Negotiate the contract with the buyers.
Help you put together the short-sale package to send to your lender (or lenders, if you have more than one mortgage) for approval. You can't sell your home without your lender and any other lien holders agreeing to the sale and releasing the lien so that the buyers can get clear title.

A hardship letter detailing your financial situation and why you need the short sale
A copy of the purchase contract and listing agreement
Proof of your income and assets
Copies of your federal income tax returns for the past two years

If you have only one mortgage, the review can take about two months.
With a first and second mortgage with the same lender, the review can take about three months.
With two or more mortgages with different lenders, it can take four months or longer.

You may be asked by your lender to sign a promissory note agreeing to pay back the amount of your loan not paid off by the short sale. If your financial hardship is permanent and you can't pay back the balance, talk with your real estate attorney about your options.
Any amount of your mortgage that is forgiven by your lender is typically considered income, and you may have to pay taxes on that amount. Under a temporary measure passed in 2007, the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act and Debt Cancellation Act, homeowners can exclude debt forgiveness on their federal tax returns from income for loans discharged in calendar years 2007 through 2012. Be sure to consult your real estate attorney and your accountant to see whether you qualify.
Having a portion of your debt forgiven may have an adverse effect on your credit score. However, a short sale will impact your credit score less than foreclosure and bankruptcy.

5 Factors that decide your Credit Score

Kathryn Vatsula (Imortgage) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 11:09:34 -0700

5 Factors that Decide your Credit Scores:

5 Things to Know about Homeowners Insurance

Kathryn Vatsula (Imortgage) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 15:36:16 -0700

5 Things to Know about Homeowners Insurance

1. Know about exclusions to coverage. For example, most insurance policies do not cover flood or earthquake damage as a standard item. These types of coverage must be bought separately.

2. Know about dollar limitations on claims. Even if you are covered for a risk, there may be a limit on how much the insurer will pay. For example, many policies limit the amount paid for stolen jewelry unless items are insured separately.

3. Know the replacement cost. If your home is destroyed you'll receive money to replace it only to the maximum of your coverage, so be sure your insurance is sufficient. This means that if your home is insured for $150,000 and it costs $180,000 to replace it, you'll only receive $150,000.

4. Know the actual cash value. If you chose not to replace your home when it's destroyed, you'll receive replacement cost, less depreciation. This is called actual cash value.

5. Know the liability. Generally your homeowner's insurance covers you for accidents that happen to other people on your property, including medical care, court costs, and awards by the court. However, there is usually an upper limit to the amount of coverage provided. Be sure that it's sufficient if you have significant assets

Tips for Finding the Right Neighborhood

Kathryn Vatsula (Imortgage) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:10:03 -0700

Tips for finding the Right Neighborhood

Your neighborhood has a big impact on your lifestyle. Follow these steps to find the perfect community to call home.

Is it close to your favorite spots? Make a list of the activities - movies, health club, church, etc. - you engage in regularly and stores you visit frequently. See how far you would have to travel from each neighborhood you're considering to engage in your most common activities.
Check out the school district. This is especially important if you have children, but it also can affect resale value. The Department of Education in your town can probably provide information on test scores, class size, percentage of students who attend college, and special enrichment programs. If you have school-age children, visit schools in the neighborhoods you're considering. Also, check out www.schoolmatters.com.
Find out if the neighborhood is safe. Ask the police department for neighborhood crime statistics. Consider not only the number of crimes but also the type - such as burglaries or armed robberies - and the trend of increasing or decreasing crime. Also, is crime centered in only one part of the neighborhood, such as near a retail area?
Determine if the neighborhood is economically stable. Check with your local city economic development office to see if income and property values in the neighborhood are stable or rising. What is the percentage of homes to apartments? Apartments don't necessarily diminish value, but do mean a more transient population. Do you see vacant businesses or homes that have been for sale for months?
See if you'll make money. Ask a local REALTOR® or call the local REALTOR® association to get information about price appreciation in the neighborhood. Although past performance is no guarantee of future results, this information may give you a sense of how good of an investment your home will be. A REALTOR® or the government planning agency also may be able to tell you about planned developments or other changes in the neighborhood - like a new school or highway - that might affect value.
Make personal observations. Once you've narrowed your focus to two or three neighborhoods, go there and walk around. Are homes tidy and well maintained? Are streets quiet? How does it feel? Pick a warm day if you can and chat with people working or playing outside.

Take the Stress out of Homebuying

Kathryn Vatsula (Imortgage) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:25:48 -0700

Take the Stress out of Homebuying

Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your dream home, keep in mind these tips for making the process as peaceful as possible.

1. Find a real estate agent who you connect with. Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It's critical that the REALTOR® you chose is both highly skilled and a good fit with your personality.

2. Remember, there's no "right" time to buy, just as there's no perfect time to sell. If you find a home now, don't try to second-guess interest rates or the housing market by waiting longer - you risk losing out on the home of your dreams. The housing market usually doesn't change fast enough to make that much difference in price, and a good home won't stay on the market long.

3. Don't ask for too many opinions. It's natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas from too many people will make it much harder to make a decision. Focus on the wants and needs of your immediate family - the people who will be living in the home.

4. Accept that no house is ever perfect. If it's in the right location, the yard may be a bit smaller than you had hoped. The kitchen may be perfect, but the roof needs repair. Make a list of your top priorities and focus in on things that are most important to you. Let the minor ones go.

5. Don't try to be a killer negotiator. Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate process, but trying to "win" by getting an extra-low price or by refusing to budge on your offer may cost you the home you love. Negotiation is give and take.

6. Remember your home doesn't exist in a vacuum. Don't get so caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself - room size, kitchen, etc. - that you forget about important issues as noise level, location to amenities, and other aspects that also have a big impact on your quality of life.

7. Plan ahead. Don't wait until you've found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage, investigate home insurance, and consider a schedule for moving. Presenting an offer contingent on a lot of unresolved issues will make your bid much less attractive to sellers.

8. Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-home buying budget. Even if you buy a new home, there will be costs. Don't leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate.

9. Accept that a little buyer's remorse is inevitable and will probably pass. Buying a home, especially for the first time, is a big financial commitment. But it also yields big benefits. Don't lose sight of why you wanted to buy a home and what made you fall in love with the property you purchased.

10. Choose a home first because you love it; then think about appreciation. While U.S. homes have appreciated an average of 5.4 percent annually over from 1998 to 2002, a home's most important role is to serve as a comfortable, safe place to live.

What is Appraised Value?

Kathryn Vatsula (Imortgage) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:23:47 -0700

What is Appriased Value?

Appraisals provide an objective opinion of value, but it's not an exact science so appraisals may differ.

For buying and selling purposes, appraisals are usually based on market value - what the property could probably be sold for. Other types of value include insurance value, replacement value, and assessed value for property tax purposes.

Appraised value is not a constant number. Changes in market conditions can dramatically alter appraised value.

Appraised value doesn't take into account special considerations, like the need to sell rapidly.

Lenders usually use either the appraised value or the sale price, whichever is less, to determine the amount of the mortgage they will offer.

Home Buyers: Why you should choose to work with a REALTOR

Kathryn Vatsula (Imortgage) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 18:41:36 -0700

Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here are five reasons why it pays to work with a REALTOR®.

1. You'll have an expert to guide you through the process. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multi-page settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.

2. Get objective information and opinions. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They'll also be able to provide objective information about each property. A professional will be able to help you answer these two important questions: Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?

3. Find the best property out there. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your REALTOR® to find all available properties.

4. Benefit from their negotiating experience. There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment. In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

5. Property marketing power. Real estate doesn't sell due to advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner's contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family. When a property is marketed with the help of a REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

6. Real estate has its own language. If you don't know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it's important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.

7. REALTORS® have done it before. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. And even if you've done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS®, on the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an expert on your side is critical.

8. Buying and selling is emotional. A home often symbolizes family, rest, and security - it's not just four walls and a roof. Because of this, home buying and selling can be an emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they'll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you.

9. Ethical treatment. Every member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® makes a commitment to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a customer of a REALTOR®, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. It is mandatory for REALTORS® to take the Code of Ethics orientation and they are also required to complete a refresher course every four years.

Simple Tips for Better Home Showings

Kathryn Vatsula (Imortgage) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 13:16:20 -0700

Simple Tips for Better Home Showings

1. Remove clutter and clear off counters. Throw out stacks of newspapers and magazines and stow away most of your small decorative items. Put excess furniture in storage, and remove out-of-season clothing items that are cramping closet space. Don't forget to clean out the garage, too.

2. Wash your windows and screens. This will help get more light into the interior of the home.

3. Keep everything extra clean. A clean house will make a strong first impression and send a message to buyers that the home has been well-cared for. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates, mop and wax floors, and clean the stove and refrigerator. Polish your doorknobs and address numbers. It's worth hiring a cleaning service if you can afford it.

4. Get rid of smells. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Open the windows to air out the house. Potpourri or scented candles will help.

5. Brighten your rooms. Put higher wattage bulbs in light fixtures to brighten up rooms and basements. Replace any burned-out bulbs in closets. Clean the walls, or better yet, brush on a fresh coat of neutral color paint.

6. Don't disregard minor repairs. Small problems such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or a dripping faucet may seem trivial, but they'll give buyers the impression that the house isn't well-maintained.

7. Tidy your yard. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, add new mulch, trim the bushes, edge the walkways, and clean the gutters. For added curb appeal, place a pot of bright flowers near the entryway.

8. Patch holes. Repair any holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable.

9. Add a touch of color in the living room. A colored afghan or throw on the couch will jazz up a dull room. Buy new accent pillows for the sofa.

10. Buy a flowering plant and put it near a window you pass by frequently.

11. Make centerpieces for your tables. Use brightly colored fruit or flowers.

12. Set the scene. Set the table with fancy dishes and candles, and create other vignettes throughout the home to help buyers picture living there. For example, in the basement you might display a chess game in progress.

13. Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones that let in more light. Show off the view if you have one.

14. Accentuate the fireplace. Lay fresh logs in the fireplace or put a basket of flowers there if it's not in use.

15. Make the bathrooms feel luxurious. Put away those old towels and toothbrushes. When buyers enter your bathroom, they should feel pampered. Add a new shower curtain, new towels, and fancy guest soaps. Make sure your personal toiletry items are out of sight.

16. Send your pets to a neighbor or take them outside. If that's not possible, crate them or confine them to one room (ideally in the basement), and let the real estate practitioner know where they'll be to eliminate surprises.

17. Lock up valuables, jewelry, and money. While a real estate salesperson will be on site during the showing or open house, it's impossible to watch everyone all the time.

18. Leave the home. It's usually best if the sellers are not at home. It's awkward for prospective buyers to look in your closets and express their opinions of your home with you there.

Selling your Home: 5 things to do before puttng your home on the market

Kathryn Vatsula (Imortgage) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:19:31 -0700

Selling your home: 5 things to do before putting your home on the market

1. Have a pre-sale home inspection. Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you'll be able to make repairs before open houses begin.

2. Organize and clean. Pare down clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large blenders and other kitchen tools, out-of-season clothes, toys, and exercise equipment. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or basement. Clean the windows, carpets, walls, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house shine.

3. Get replacement estimates. Do you have big-ticket items that are worn our or will need to be replaced soon, such your roof or carpeting? Get estimates on how much it would cost to replace them, even if you don't plan to do it yourself. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home, and will be handy when negotiations begin.

4. Find your warranties. Gather up the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items that will remain with the house.

5. Spruce up the curb appeal. Pretend you're a buyer and stand outside of your home. As you approach the front door, what is your impression of the property? Do the lawn and bushes look neatly manicured? Is the address clearly visible? Are pretty flowers or plants framing the entrance? Is the walkway free from cracks and impediments?

12 Questions to Ask when Choosing a Realtor

Kathryn Vatsula (Imortgage) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:24:49 -0700

Make sure you choose a REALTOR® who will provide top-notch service and meet your unique needs.

1. How long have you been in residential real estate sales? Is it your full-time job? While experience is no guarantee of skill, real estate - like many other professions - is mostly learned on the job.

2. What designations do you hold? Designations such as GRI and CRS®, which require that agents take additional, specialized real estate training, are held only by about one-quarter of real estate practitioners.

3. How many homes did you and your real estate brokerage sell last year? By asking this question, you'll get a good idea of how much experience the practitioner has.

4. How many days did it take you to sell the average home? How did that compare to the overall market? The REALTOR® you interview should have these facts on hand, and be able to present market statistics from the local MLS to provide a comparison.

5. How close to the initial asking prices of the homes you sold were the final sale prices? This is one indication of how skilled the REALTOR® is at pricing homes and marketing to suitable buyers. Of course, other factors also may be at play, including an exceptionally hot or cool real estate market.

6. What types of specific marketing systems and approaches will you use to sell my home? You don't want someone who's going to put a For Sale sign in the yard and hope for the best. Look for someone who has aggressive and innovative approaches, and knows how to market your property competitively on the Internet. Buyers today want information fast, so it's important that your REALTOR® is responsive.

7. Will you represent me exclusively, or will you represent both the buyer and the seller in the transaction? While it's usually legal to represent both parties in a transaction, it's important to understand where the practitioner's obligations lie. Your REALTOR® should explain his or her agency relationship to you and describe the rights of each party.

8. Can you recommend service providers who can help me obtain a mortgage, make home repairs, and help with other things I need done? Because REALTORS® are immersed in the industry, they're wonderful resources as you seek lenders, home improvement companies, and other home service providers. Practitioners should generally recommend more than one provider and let you know if they have any special relationship with or receive compensation from any of the providers.

9. What type of support and supervision does your brokerage office provide to you? Having resources such as in-house support staff, access to a real estate attorney, and assistance with technology can help an agent sell your home.

10. What's your business philosophy? While there's no right answer to this question, the response will help you assess what's important to the agent and determine how closely the agent's goals and business emphasis mesh with your own.

11. How will you keep me informed about the progress of my transaction? How frequently? Again, this is not a question with a correct answer, but how you judge the response will reflect your own desires. Do you want updates twice a week or do you prefer not to be bothered unless there's a hot prospect? Do you prefer phone, e-mail, or a personal visit?

12. Could you please give me the names and phone numbers of your three most recent clients? Ask recent clients if they would work with this REALTOR® again. Find out whether they were pleased with the communication style, follow-up, and work ethic of the REALTOR®.

12 Questions to Ask when Choosing a Realtor

Kathryn Vatsula (Imortgage) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:24:43 -0700

12 Questions to Ask when Choosing a Realtor

Kathryn Vatsula (Imortgage) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:24:28 -0700

8 Reasons Why You Should Work With a REALTOR®

Kathryn Vatsula (Imortgage) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:24:29 -0700

8 Reasons Why You Should Work With a REALTORNot all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here's why it pays to work with a REALTOR®.

1. Navigate a complicated process. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multipage settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.

2. Information and opinions. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They'll also be able to provide objective information about each property. A professional will be able to help you answer these two important questions: Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?

3. Help finding the best property out there. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your REALTOR® to find all available properties.

4. Negotiating skills. There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment. In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

5. Property marketing power. Real estate doesn't sell due to advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner's contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family. When a property is marketed with the help of a REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

6. Someone who speaks the language. If you don't know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it's important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.

7. Experience. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. Even if you have done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS®, on the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an expert on your side is critical.

8. Objective voice. A home often symbolizes family, rest, and security - it's not just four walls and a roof. Because of this, homebuying and selling can be an emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they'll every make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you.®

Credit Reports

Kathryn Vatsula (Imortgage) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 20:35:38 -0700

Lenders will now be requiring Credit Reports to be pulled prior to funding. This is huge! What this means to a buyer is : Please Please Please, do not go out and buy anything until you get your keys, do not co-sign for someone, do not charge anymore on your credit cards, do not do anything which may either have a negative affect on your credit score, or increase your debt, both of which could jeapordize your presently qualifying. What this means to a Loan officer: Please prep your buyer/clients on this issue. Many time we know buyers are so excited and can't wait to go to Lowe's and purchase a new washer, dryer and refrigerator because it is ON SALE! Yikes! What this means for our Realtor partners is also make mention of this to the buyers. No one wants to sign your loan papers and then not make it to funding and recording. Another lending tip from Kathryn Vatsula. www.facebook.com/KathrynVatsulaHomeLoanAdvisor

Tips for First Time HomeBuyers

Kathryn Vatsula (Imortgage) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:42:07 -0800

Tips for First time home buyers: If you are a first time home buyer thinking about buying a home, some easy tips for you to keep in mind. 1) Get your credit checked and determine your credit score. Many times buyers are out and about looking yet have no idea that there is some work to be done to clean up their credit. 2) Develop a savings pattern: Save, save, save, Have some funds in the bank to contribute to your down payment and closing costsis favorable to a lender. Having a pattern of saving money shows the lender your are financially responsible 3) Keep consistency in your employment. Normally a 2 year history of consistent employment is the guideline for lenders,any gaps in employment need to be addressed. What the lender is looking for is stability of income and the ability and willingness of the buyer to repay the debt. Like I always say, take the view from the lenders side (after all, they have the money). They want to lend, but don't want to make a loan to someone who will have a hard time making the payments. Your credit payment history, job stability and financial patterns all play a significant role is your loan approval. Bottom line. Be responsible and accountable. If you have questions as a home buyer, ask me your questions@ http://www.facebook.com/kvatsula.

FHA 90 DAY FLIPPING RULE WAIVER

Kathryn Vatsula (Imortgage) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 20:33:38 -0800

FHA 90 DAY FLIPPING RULE WAIVER: Effective February 1st for all home loan purchases where an investorhas purchased a property aand intends to flip it and sell to a home buyer within a 90 day of investor purchase. HUD thought it would be a grand idea to allow for this to open up the market in hopes of gaining momentum for home purchases and sales for all! Well, as usual with HUD waiver, there are always some requirements and here they are: 1) If the percentage of profit to the seller is 20% or more of the original acquisition cost, the lender will require a 2nd appraisal (cost to the buyer) and or require supporting paperwork for the increase in value. AND the underwriter will want to review the home inspection report. Now generally most buyers would already have paid for this directly to the home inspection company and the lender would never review. So be careful here... The lender/underwriter at their discretion can call for any health and safety issues which may show on this home inspection report. In the past lenders never saw this report and if your purchase is not involved in a flip transaction, no worries, none is called for . I have had a few of these FHA flip purchase transactions, always ordered the 2nd appraisal, one came in lower than the 1st. In this case, the lender will now use the lower value. HOWEVER, the appraiser is open to receiving additional supporting comps and if justified can make adjustments to appraised value. The bottom line is: These are not for the faint of heart. These loans are good for the buyer, can be tough on the seller (due to 2nd appraisal, document work on property and home inspection review). In any event, the reason for HUD to allow this waiver is, again, to increase home sales for home buyers and sales for sellers which ultimately opens up opportunity for Realtors to sell and list, lenders to perform on home loans title companies to have open title account, home inspectors to inspect, appraisers to appraise and on and on. So this is good right? yes, I do believe it is. HUD wants to make sure home buyers are not being taken advantage of with these flip properties and this is there way of doing so. I am happy to say the FHA loan is a good loan product and the waiver of the 90 day flipping rule does indeed help the market movement. Just be careful with the 2nd appraisal and home inspection. Don't be blind sided if that home inspection has listed some health and safety issue and the underwriter/lender calls for this item to be repaired. As a final comment, please note that each lender may or may not have decided to follow along with the waiver policy, so before you go into contract and pick a lender, make sure the lender you choose will allow the flip.

FHA Home Loans

Kathryn Vatsula (Imortgage) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 21:36:47 -0800

FHA HOME LOANS: So I have been doing some reading on the potential changes to the FHA Home Loan program. An increase in the upfront Mortgage Insurance and an increase in the down payment, in addition to a minimum credit score. Down payment changes on this home loan program from it's present 3% to 5%. Then I hear the arguments for both sides. So, here is my opinion. I'm okay with the change as I am looking at the long term residual on this action. Let's see, people will have to take care of their credit..mmm what a concept, AND they might actually have to save money. Now I get this whole saving money thing, things are tight, the economy, blah, blah, blah, BUT, when people know the rules in lending and understand they are going to need 5% down payment to purchase a home, well then they either save or they don't. And those who save are hence rewarded with the opportuntiy to puchase a home. Home loans have gotten back to being safe and secure and the result to safe and secure home loan financing are happy homeowners and a small percentage of foreclosures! I know, I know, we all thought that eliminating the ANehemiah Down Payment Assistance program was going to weed out all 1st time homebuyers in the market, but it did not. Come to find out, looks like FHA home loan programs with that type of down payment assistance program have a higher rate of delinquency (I'll have to get the exact stats on that). So let's look at the positive, if you know,as a homebuyer, just like the old days, that you have to take care of your credit, save some money and show that you are financially responsible, you will have an opportunity to apply for a for a home mortgage loan and buy your first home. Just like the good old days. And then, hopefully, never again, will we see such a debacle in the lending industry as we have these past few years. Like I said, just my opnion. Happy House Hunting.

Home Buyers

Kathryn Vatsula (Imortgage) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:28:23 -0800

What a joy it is to see our home buyers happy at the end of the home process. With the ability to close their home loan on time or sooner makes the home loan buying process stress free. When a home buyer knows that they can give notice, make plans and prepare to celebrate their new home; these buyers become clients for life. Educating the buyer of the home loan process, being with them every step of the way, is really what it is all about. It is important to make sure the home buyer knows what their new home loan payment will be in addition to any costs out of pocket for them. A good faith estimate is a home buyers best friend. Always get a good faith estimate when you meet with your loan officer-the good faith estimate is an overall picture of the basic financing terms of the loan. Buyer knowledge of the home loan process is very important for our home loan financing future and the future of the real estate market. Let's hope that we will never again see the Option Arm home loan program. 93% of the clients who took out an Option Arm loan made the minimum payment, 80% of these loans were stated income. Sound home loan financing is essentional for our home buyers. FHA/VA and Conventional loans provide the safest home financing options. When seeking a home loan, work with someone in your community. Someone you can trust and know that your interest as a buyer is first and foremost.