Susan Baltaragis's (susanbaltaragis) Blog

Some banks are reconsidering the idea that forgiving principal on underwater loans may be the best way to deal with our high rate of short sales and foreclosures. This may offer the best incentive for borrowers to continue to make their monthly mortgage payments instead of just walking away from ...

Borrowers with loans that are 60 days or more past due, will drop by almost 3 percent by the end of 2010 according to the annual credit forecast by TransUnion. This is very good news! This decrease would reverse a trend in which mortgage delinquencies posted year-over-year increases of 54 percent...

The housing market has taken a turn for the better.  Here are some facts: *Home sales rose to their highest level in two years (June-July) - due to the lower prices and tax credit for first time home buyers. *Foreclosures and short sales reflect 31% of those sales. We need to get rid of the inven...

It looks like there are some zip codes in my market area (Naperville,IL - DuPage, Will counties, IL.) that have been elevated from a depreciating market to a stable market. This is wonderful and joyous news.  Hope it keeps up!

Pending home sales nationally are up for the 5th straight month. This is the longest upward streak since 2003!  How do we interpret this?  Well, first time home buyers are out in droves to take advantage of the $8000 first time home buyer tax credit and bargain hunters are picking up incredible d...

Time to get energy efficient, save money and get a tax credit to boot!! Windows and Doors - 30% of cost, up to $1500 - Make sure they qualify for tax credit Insulation - 30% of cost, up to $1500 - Meets 2009 IECC & Amendments HVAC - 30% of cost, up to $1500 - Check Consortium for Energy Efficienc...

Part of the Obama stimulus plan is geared to helping responsible homeowners "refinance" their loans. You may be eligible if: *You own and currently occupy a one-to-four unit home. *Your mortgage is owned or controlled by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac *You are CURRENT on your mortgage payments*The amo...

Well things have changed since my last blog about the incentive.  If you bought and closed in 2008 - you only get the $7500 and it has to be re-paid (what a bummer!) If you close on your home before December 1, 2009 you will get an $8000 credit and it doesn't have to be repaid.  First-time home b...

In the latest version of the stimulus package which was passed by Congress yesterday, the first time buyer incentive is now $8000, doesn't have to be repaid and is extended through November 2009. Don't forget to mention that you are a first time home-buyer to your accountant so you will get the c...

I have a client who's daughter died from congenital heart disease.  She lived only 8 short months. Since then my client has worked selflessly to raise awareness and money for the American Heart Association. Her son has also been active in raising money in elementary school, raising thousands of d...