Peter 's Blog

California has brought its tax code up to match the federal standards when dealing with short sales, foreclosures and loan modifications.  Under Senate Bill 401, homeowners who have or will experience one of these potentially-taxable situations can rest assured that government finally believes t...

Well, according to the new HAFA program rolled out earlier this week, homeowners who short sale their home can receive a "moving allowance" check of $3,000! The new Housing Affordable Foreclosure Avoidance program, named HAFA, is here to hopefully make life for homeowners in distress a little mor...

Since cynicism runs deep in my blood, I thought I would ask the ever-present question on every skeptic's mind- is this new foreclosure avoidance program REALLY going to help anybody?  I ask this because, not only did the last government-authored homeowner-assistance program not help anyone (I exa...

The window of opportunity is closing for Californians looking to take advantage of up to $18,000 in tax credits.  Here is how it breaks down: The federal government is chipping in the follwng funds: First time home buyers can receive a tax credit of up to $8,000 IF they are in escrow by April 30,...

To help keep interest rates low, the Federal Reserve has been purchasing mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac since early last year.  This week, the Fed has stated that they will no longer be purchasing these loans.  This was a planned move by the Fed, that has brou...

Copied from ForeclosureRadar.com.  Check out up-to-date foreclosures EVERYWHERE in the US at http://www.bobcarlseen.com/mx/Foreclosure/index.cfm? Updated California Foreclosure Report:  After reaching the lowest level in a year last month, Notice of Defaults, the start of the foreclosure process,...

     Every real estate market, no matter the time or place, is bound to be influenced in some way or another by "distressed" properties.  In a "healthy" market, anywhere from 1-3% of the homes are generally distressed sales.       So what qualifies as a distressed sale?  A distressed property wil...

When it comes to great loan ooprtunites, VA definitely seems to be the way to go for anyone who qualifies.  Well, just when I thought it couldn't get any better, it did!  VA loan limits have now increased to $625,500 effective now!  Here are just a few reasons why buyers choose to go VA: Generous...

When it comes to great loan ooprtunites, VA definitely seems to be the way to go for anyone who qualifies.  Well, just when I thought it couldn't get any better, it did!  VA loan limits have now increased to $625,500 effective now!  Here are just a few reasons why buyers choose to go VA: Generous...

Good news for first-time home buyers that are looking at new homes in California!   As many people are now aware, there is an $8,000 tax credit for first time buyers, thanks to the "stimulus" package that was recently signed.   In addition to this however, the state of California is also offerin...