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Short Sales Declining

By
Industry Observer with Retired

Short Sales Declining

 

National Mortgage News reports that “Mortgage servicers and troubled homeowners may be losing faith that Congress will pass legislation saving borrowers from paying a tax penalty when they do a short sale.”

Home sellers that are considering a short sale need to obtain professional advice on the possible tax consequences of a short sale. Congress has failed to extend the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act. Listing agents need to be alert to advise prospective short sale sellers to contact their tax advisors.

Short Sales Fall Out of Favor as Tax Penalty Looms

Senate Republicans are filibustering a tax-extender bill that contains a two-year extension to the debt relief act. The House is expected to delay any action on a tax extender bill until after the November elections.- National Mortgage News

 

Photo: Lily, Spring Photowalk, Kentlands IMG 6077 

Lily, Spring Photowalk, Kentlands IMG 6077

Photograph by Roy Kelley

 

Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs

Posted by

Roy Kelley, Retired, Former Associate Broker, RE/MAX Realty Group

Gaithersburg, Maryland  

Noah Seidenberg
Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL
Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

I have read this too Roy. It is a very good thing and shows maybe a better economy in our country? Hopefully the unemployment figures will get better too.

May 22, 2014 12:52 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Roy,

It seems like a good thing, but thanks to you, we read an article re the increase of foreclosures coming on the market...A

May 22, 2014 01:26 AM
Suzanne De Vita
RISMedia
Online Associate Editor

I've heard about this, as well. I agree with Noah - hopefully this indicates sellers have a bit more breathing room than in previous years. Thanks for sharing this, Roy. Lovely photograph!

May 22, 2014 01:32 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thanks for your comments. Many short sale prospects will opt for bankruptcy protection instead of a short sale. There are millions of families that are still under water with their mortgages.

May 22, 2014 01:36 AM
Diana White-Pettis
Bennett Realty Solutions - Upper Marlboro, MD
GRI, CDPE, CNE, WHC Upper Marlboro Homes for Sale

Bob,

Thanks for this information.  I love the flower photos.  Great photography!

Diana

May 22, 2014 02:07 AM
Maria Gilda Racelis
Home Buyers Realty, LLC-Manchester, Bolton. Vernon,Ellington - Manchester, CT
Home Ownership is w/in Reach. We Make it Happen!

Good Afternoon Roy: The debt forgiveness act was the strong impetus for homeowners who short sell their properties. Without this relief act, the tax to be owed by the sellers could be a huge concern.

May 22, 2014 03:54 AM
Robert Bob Gilbert
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties - Katy, TX
Your Katy TX ( West of Houston) Real Estate Expert

Roy, Typical political nonsense going on in Washington. They all worry too much about themselves and the heck with people and the country. Good advice from you. 

May 22, 2014 06:47 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I am seeing a huge decrease in them but still seeing some. the problem  here anyway is with a shortage of listings, agents are taking short sale listings that have never done one. 

May 22, 2014 06:58 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Your comments are very much appreciated. Listing agents need to make sure that short sale sellers contact their tax advisor to discuss the tax consequences. Putting that advice in writing is a good idea since they will blame it on the agent when they get the tax bill.

May 22, 2014 07:15 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Roy, it sure is nice not to see the MLS cluttered with short sales and foreclosures.  We have less than 1% distressed sales.

May 22, 2014 08:24 AM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Roy, As always we need to advise our clients to consult with tax professionals for any tax advice.

May 22, 2014 02:18 PM
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning Roy. The Tax Relief Act should have been passed months ago and allowed many to continue the short sale process. Most of these folks have already suffered enough.

May 22, 2014 07:15 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thanks for stopping by. I always appreciate your comments. I agree with Joe's comments.

May 22, 2014 08:50 PM
Conrad Allen
Re/Max Professional Associates - Webster, MA
Webster, Ma, Realtor

Congress's lack of action has pushed people into spending money on bankruptcy protection that they don't have to spend Roy.  Outrageous!!

May 22, 2014 08:53 PM
A. J. Zaki
REMAX Realty Pros - Boca Raton, FL
Home Finder In Florida

This was a great read. I appreciate you taking the time to post. Nice photo too!

May 22, 2014 11:23 PM