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Frequently Asked Questions about Short Sales

by Group One Realty Team - Real Estate One

What type of property qualifies for a short sale?

 

  • Banks may consider a short sale for various reasons
  • A Home in any location, size, style and condition may be considered

 

Normal steps to start the short sale process.

 

  • The property must be in distress and have a sales offer in writing
  • Discuss the potential short sale option with the homeowner
  • The homeowner must sign an authorization to release form.
  • You must have a signed sales contract for an amount less than what will cover all of the sellers’ costs
  • Contact the Loss Mitigation department at the bank

 

Fax your offer along with the following to the bank.

 

  • Include a cover letter explaining why the offer is less than full price, the sales contract, justifying comps for the area and pictures, if you have them.
  • A net sheet or closing statement (a sheet that shows the bank exactly how much they will net after closing costs, taxes, etc are paid)
  • A hardship letter from the homeowner that mentions the dreaded word….bankruptcy
  • Estimate a cost of repairs using retail repair prices that the normal homeowner would pay for these items

 

What happens to the homeowner’s credit?

 

  • Keep in mind that the agreed upon price is payment in full.  However, the homeowners may still owe the difference between the mortgage balance and the discounted amount via a deficiency judgment.
  • If granted, this judgment will affect the homeowners and their credit report just as any other judgment.  You must get the bank to agree to accept payment in full without pursuit of any deficiency judgment.
  • In addition, the difference between the mortgage balance and the short sale may be declared as income on your income tax returns by means of a 1099.
  • Homeowners should speak with their accountant for advice.

 

What other options are available?

 

  • Since Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have additional programs to assist sub prime borrowers, many lenders are more willing to offer loan modification options.  This option can extend the term of the loan, add on delinquent payments to the loan principal, and/or reduce the interest rate to make the loan more manageable for the homeowner.
  • Also, there may be an option to utilize a repayment plan that requires homeowners to increase their monthly payments until the loan is current.  Check with the mortgage lender and a real estate consultant who specializes in short sales.  It may be possible to refinance an adjustable rate loan with a Federal Housing Authority (FHA) or Conventional Fixed Loan.  Noe that lenders will not postpone a foreclosure just because a property is listed, although they may delay the process, if you have a reasonable offer in the works.
  • The idea candidate for a short sale is still making loan payments and has a credit rating worth preserving.  Otherwise, it may not be worth going through the complicate process.

 

What are the seller’s options if a short sale is rejected by the lender?

 

  • There are a variety of reasons a bank will reject a short sale – from too low a price to too many files on the loss mitigator’s desk.  You can look for another buyer or even try resubmitting the same contract.
  • A short sale might be rejected if the loan is less than a year old.  In this case, the loan servicer that bought the loan may require the original lender to buy it back.

 

What financial liability will the sellers incur as a result of the short sale?

 

  • Many lenders ask sellers to sign a promissory note for all or part of the difference between the proceeds of the short sale and the debt obligation as a condition to a short sale.  In such cases, the note gives lenders the right to sue a seller and attach other assets if the note is not paid when due.
  • According to many professionals, it’s important to understand this difference if you work in a non-recourse state which may not allow the lender to pursue a deficiency judgment against a seller for any deficiencies after a property is foreclosed.  Seek the advice of an attorney and your lender to determine what financial obligations exist for both parties involved within your state.

 

Are there tax liabilities as a result of a short sale?

 

  • Seek the advice of a tax expert.  The IRS requires lender to submit a Form 1099 stating the forgiven amount.  Sellers who meet the Internal Revenue Service definition of insolvency (either bankruptcy or with debts exceeding assets) may not have to pay taxes on the forgiven amount.
  • The U.S. house of Representatives has introduced the Mortgage Cancellation Tax Relief Act (H.R. 1876), which would eliminate taxes on any debt forgiven on a principal residence through either short sale or foreclosure.
  • Ask an accountant or attorney to provide more information on this bill.

 

Are For Sale By Owners qualified for Short Sales?

 

  • Homes that qualify for short sales are identified primarily by word of mouth.  However, we have agents that specialize in short sale counseling which happens prior to filing bankruptcy.
  • For Sale by Owners are another source since many homeowners look for ways to cut their costs when selling their property.  Their concern may not be warranted because many FSBO’s don’t realize that the bank covers the commission.
  • With many more adjustable rate mortgages ready to reset to higher loan amounts in the next couple of years, short sales represent a growing sector of the market.
Click here to get a price on your home .  Or if you are looking for property that might be a foreclosure or otherise.

Warning Signs of a Predatory Lender

by Group One Realty Team - Real Estate One

Legitimate businesses generally don’t advertise on utility poles or on temporary signs along the side of the road.  Be wary of anyone who calls or stops by your Home with an offer too good to be true.  Predatory buyers or scam artists may pretend to help you.  What they really want is your property.  A potential predatory buyer/lender:

 

  • seeks you out to “solve” your financial problems
  • pressures you to make a quick decision
  • demands large up-front fees
  • tells you not to contact your current lender or bank
  • tells you not to contact a lawyer
  • asks you to sign papers without giving you a chance to read them
  • asks you to sign papers with blank spaces
  • asks you to sign a deed
  • offers to file bankruptcy for you

 

Legal Services of South Central Michigan

Click here for More Info on Predatory Lendors

 

Green Path Debt Solutions

1-800-630-7410

Stop by Tom Stachler's web site or call us should you need further assistance. Or you can Click Here to get an email report providing you with a valuation of your property.

Click here to get a price on your home .  Or if you are looking for property that might be a foreclosure or otherise.



What is a Sheriff's Sale?

by Group One Realty Team - Real Estate One

Sheriff Sale (also called Mortgage Sale)

                    

  1. A Sheriff Sale occurs after 4 consecutive weeks of newspaper publication (“insertions”) and posting of a notice on the property.
  2. Sheriff Sales are scheduled every Thursday, at 10:00, in the Washtenaw County Courthouse in downtown Ann Arbor.  You are not required to attend a Sheriff Sale.  Sheriff Sales for individual properties are sometimes adjourned for a week at a time.  The homeowner is not given additional notice of an adjournment; it is only posted at the Courthouse.
  3. Most properties are purchased by the bank that holds the loan (a “credit bid”) for the amount of the outstanding loan balance plus various fees and interest.  Sometimes another person or company will outbid the bank.
  4. The purchaser receives a Sheriff’s Deed (Sheriff’s Deed on Mortgage Sale) but does not yet own the property.
  5. The purchaser records the Sheriff’s Deed with the County Register of Deeds.  Once the sale occurs, the redemption period begins.

 

Your Rights After Sheriff Sale

 

  1. Even though an auction has been held and a Sheriff’s Deed issued, you have not yet lost your property.
  2. Most foreclosures give you a 6-month redemption period which usually begins on the date of the Sheriff’s Deed (if your property is large or you have a lot of equity, your redemption period may be longer).  If you know you won’t be able to redeem, you can use this time to find new housing.

a.)    You do not have to pay anything to your lender; save your money for moving expenses and/or a rental deposit.

b.)    Seniors can contact the Housing Bureau for Seniors for assistance in finding rental housing; others can call SOS for help:

Housing Bureau for Seniors: (734) 998-9339

SOS Community Services Housing Crisis Center: (734) 484-4300

c.)    Don’t feel pressured by the lender or its attorney or property management company to move out during the redemption period unless you are ready to go.  If you do move early, your property can be declared “abandoned” and the redemption period can be shortened.  If you get a notice of abandonment and you have not abandoned your property, be sure to respond quickly and in writing that you have no abandoned.

 

  1. You can get your property back if you can “redeem” it by paying the full amount to the holder of the Sheriff’s Deed, often your original lender or its attorney.  The amount due may change from the amount noted on the Sheriff’s Deed; so ask the lender’s attorney or the owner of the Sheriff’s Deed for the correct amount.  If you are able to redeem the Sheriff’s Deed, make sure that your redemption is recorded so your ownership remains clear in the public record.
  2. You can also try to sell your home during the redemption period, especially if you have a lot of equity (“equity” means the difference between the value of your Home and the remaining amount of the loan).  Again, work with the lender’s attorney or the owner of the Sheriff’s Deed so that you know for certain the mount needed to pay off the debt.  You may have to pay a broker’s commission and there may be other costs.
  3. At the end of your redemption period, if you have not already moved out, you will be served with eviction papers.  A court hearing will be scheduled, usually within 10 to 20 days.  You will then have an additional 10 days after the hearing date to move and remove your possessions (lenders’ attorneys will often give you more time if you ask).  If you don’t, a court officer will go to the house to remove you.  Your lender or its attorney or property management company may imply that you must move out immediately but the only legal eviction is one that is court ordered by a judge.
  4. Once your redemption period ends, you no longer own your home.  It is rare but possible that your lender will sue you for any deficiency.  “Deficiency” means the difference between the amount of the Sheriff’s Deed and the amount your former home is sold for (plus additional costs).  Being sued for a deficiency is somewhat more common with second mortgages or home equity loans.  If this happens to you, you should contact an attorney to respond to the lawsuit.

 

Being sued by your lender is very rare.  It is more common that the lender may file an IRS form 1099 which treats the deficiency as income to you.  You would then owe taxes on the deficiency.  You can protest this with the IRS – contact an attorney, certified public accountant, or qualified tax preparer to assist you.

 

  1. Scam artists target people who are facing financial difficulties, including foreclosure.  You should be very suspicious of anyone who contacts you offering to “help.”  One common scam is someone who offers to help save your house if you pay a fee.  Another scam is an offer to buy your house and allow you to stay on as “renters.”
Click here to get a price on your home .  Or if you are looking for property that might be a foreclosure or otherise.

Options to Prevent Foreclosure

by Group One Realty Team - Real Estate One

There are different options available to you when you no longer have enough income in the household to support the mortgage and all other bills.  These options assist with preventing the foreclosure, but do not mean keeping the Home.

 

Short Sale

 

The mortgage company allows the homeowner to sell the home for less than what is owed on it.  This option can be utilized before the Sheriff’s Sale.  Prior arrangements need to be made with the mortgage company before the official sale of the home.

 

Deed-in-Lieu

 

The mortgage company allows you to give back the deed to the home in exchange for “forgiveness” of the debt.  This must be done before the Sheriff’s Sale.  The mortgage company may require you to have the home listed on the market for a period of time before considering this option.

 

Sale of Home

 

List the home for sale.  This can be done before or after the Sheriff’s Sale.  However, to prevent the foreclosure from going on your record, the sale must be completed before the Sheriff’s Sale date.

 

During this time, the best thing for you to do is to stay in contact with the mortgage company.  This is important to prevent the foreclosure of your home, if at all possible.  Unfortunately, it may not mean keeping your home, but will allow you to “spare” your credit, so that you may purchase a home in the future when your situation improves.

 

You have up until the date of a Sheriff’s Sale to “work out” arrangements with your mortgage company.  So, if you can re-establish sufficient income before that date, then options that involve keeping your home become available to you.

Click here to get a price on your home .  Or if you are looking for property that might be a foreclosure or otherise.

What is a Short Sale?

by Group One Realty Team - Real Estate One

While a short sale may be a last resort for many homeowners facing foreclosure, it also represents a great opportunity for potential Home buyers and real estate investors. This article is designed to help answer a few basic questions about the substantial risk and reward involved in this extremely complex and often drawn out process.

What is a Short Sale?

A short sale is a legally-binding agreement to allow a home to be sold for less than the amount that is owed. And, while short sales are not by any means common or easy, because of increasing inventory levels and foreclosures in some parts of the country, lenders are much more eager to negotiate with borrowers who are having trouble paying their mortgages. For potential home buyers and real estate investors, a short sale also offers a great opportunity to purchase property at a significant discount.

However, don't expect a lot of help from the lender without first providing a sales contract from a qualified buyer and all the information required by the lender's loss mitigation department.

Of course, lenders are not looking to bail out "flippers" or other borrowers who simply overextended themselves. In most cases, a borrower must have suffered a serious financial hardship that directly caused him or her to default on the mortgage: the loss of a job, a serious illness, or the death of a loved one.

A written declaration and supporting documentation demonstrating financial hardship will definitely be required by the lender. This may include pay stubs, tax returns, and liquid asset statements, among other documentation.

Key Considerations to Keep in Mind

The lender will likely issue a 1099 to the seller for the difference between what is owed and the final amount the lender collects after the costs of the sale, including real estate commissions and possibly other charges. This means that the difference or deficiency can be considered as taxable income to the borrower. Some lenders may even attempt to get the existing homeowner to sign a note for the remaining amount due.

If there are multiple liens against the property, all lien holders will have to be involved in the negotiation process, not just the first lien holder. Therefore, communication and patience are essential components of any short sale. This is why an experienced real estate agent and mortgage professional become so valuable to this process.

Options for Saving your Home

by Group One Realty Team - Real Estate One

Loss Mitigation

Loss mitigation is the terms used by mortgage companies to describe their programs and department that can assist borrowers in bringing their mortgages current.

 

The number one requirement of Loss Mitigation is affordability of the mortgage.  To be able to assist you, the mortgage company must see a budget that demonstrates to them that the income coming into your Home is sufficient to support all of the household bills.

 

When speaking to your mortgage company, ask to speak to their Loss Mitigation Department, which is sometimes called the Loan Counseling Department.  These are the people that have the authority and knowledge to assist you with becoming current on your mortgage.  Request from them a Loss Mitigation Package for your loan.

 

Find out what type of loan you have (i.e. Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, VA, or FHA).  When you contact your mortgage company, ask them who the investor is on your loan, or if you have mortgage insurance.

 

Options You May Have

 

         Repayment Plan

This is when the mortgage company can take the amount that you are delinquent and add it on to your regular payment, and spread it out over 3-12 months (some mortgage companies will allow longer).

 

         Loan Modification

This is when the mortgage company adds the amount that you are delinquent to the principal balance of your loan.  If they think that it is necessary, then they may consider extending your loan term to 30 years and/or adjust your interest rate.

         Partial Claim

This strategy is used on FHA loans or those with PMI insurance only.  This is when the insurer of your mortgage gives you a loan for the amount that you are delinquent.  This is a non-interest loan that does not require payment until the sale of the home or until you pay off the first mortgage.


For more real estate information, please call Tom Stachler directly at (734) 996-0000 or go to his web site.

Timeline of Mortgage Foreclosure

by Group One Realty Team - Real Estate One

First Month Missed Payment:  The first month your payment is missed your mortgage company is likely to contact you by mail and/or telephone to inform you of your delinquent status.  A late charge is assessed on the missed payment.

 

Second Month Missed Payment:  The second month your payment is missed your mortgage company is likely to begin calling the contact numbers they have for you, in order to discuss why you have not made a payment.  It is important that you not avoid their telephone calls.  Try to stay calm on the telephone and explain to them your situation and what you are trying to do to resolve it.  You still may be able to make one payment at this time to prevent yourself from falling three months delinquent.

 

Third Month Missed Payment:  At this point, you are likely to receive a letter from the mortgage company stating the amount you are delinquent, and that you have 30 days to bring it current.  This is called your “Demand Letter” or “Notice to Accelerate.”  If you do not pay the specified amount or make some form of arrangement by the date given, they are allowed at that time to refer you to foreclosure or accelerate your mortgage.  They are unlikely to accept less than the total due without prior arrangements if you have received this letter.  Foreclosure/acceleration means that they forward your account to their attorneys.  You still have time to work something out with the mortgage company.

 

Fourth Month Missed Payment:  Now you are usually nearing the end of the time allowed in your Demand Letter or Notice to Accelerate.  If this expires and you have not paid the full amount or worked out arrangements, then you will be referred to their attorneys.  At this time, you incur all attorney fees as part of your delinquency.  The attorney then schedules a Sheriff’s Sale, which is the actual date of foreclosure.  The Sheriff’s Sale will be scheduled for approximately six weeks after the attorney receives your file.  You will be notified of this date by mail, along with a notice taped to your door.  This is NOT a move out date.  The attorney publishes notice of foreclosure over four successive weeks in the local legal newspaper.  After the insertion on your property is published in the legal news, you have 4 weeks until the Sheriff’s Sale! Contact your lender NOW!

 

Sheriff’s Sale:  You have up until the date of the Sheriff’s Sale to work out arrangements with the mortgage company or to pay the total amount owed (reinstatement amount).  At the Sheriff’s Sale your house will be sold.  An outside party may bid on your Home.  If no bids are received, the home goes back to the lender.

 

Redemption Period:  If nothing is done to resolve the situation and the Sheriff’s Sale is completed then you enter the Redemption Period.  The redemption period starts from the date of the Sheriff’s Sale.  State Law requires that this period is not less than 30 days and no more than one year.  Most mortgages allow the homeowner six months to redeem property with the lender/bidder, paying the amount owed plus interest and fees.  If property is over 3 acres, you may have a 12 month redemption period.  You will be notified of your time frame on the same notice that states your Sheriff’s Sale date.  This is still your time to reside in the home.

 

 

End of Redemption Period:  If the homeowner has not redeemed the property, ownership is transferred to lender or bidder.  If the homeowner has not left, the new owner starts eviction proceedings.  An eviction hearing is held within two weeks, followed by a 10 day grace period for the former homeowner to vacate the premises.  When the grace period ends, eviction is certified.  Court bailiffs are notified and empty the premises.

Metro Detroit Market Summary YTD August 2006 vs August 2007

by Group One Realty Team - Real Estate One

 

 Here is a market snap shot of August to date this year compared to last.  One positive sign is the chance of selling a Home in the next 120 days has actually improved in most markets over last year, more of an indication of fewer homes on the market than more sales, but still a healthy sign. The drastic drop in median home values for the City of Detroit is a reflection of the foreclosure/investor market (we are also trying to verify the MLS numbers to be sure they are correct). The median sales price drop reflects what we are feeling in home value shifts. Please call our office if we can be of any assistance at 734-996-0000.  Remember to get the lastest information and listings directly from the MLS click on this link.  For an idea on your homes current market value try this link.

 

Struggling with your ARM mortgage payments?

by Group One Realty Team - Real Estate One

SUBJECT:    The FHASecure Initiative

                       

 The Federal Housing Administration is pleased to announce an initiative that will enable homeowners to refinance various types of adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) that have recently “reset.”  This mortgagee letter describes how lenders and homeowners may refinance mortgages that, due to the increased mortgage payment following the reset, have become delinquent.  The mortgagee letter also reiterates guidance to lenders about making objective decisions regarding the underlying collateral in declining markets. The FHASecure initiative, which is a temporary program designed to provide refinancing opportunities to homeowners and to increase liquidity in the mortgage market, requires that the loan application be signed no later than December 31, 2008.

 

Refinancing Non-FHA Adjustable Rate Mortgages Following Resets 

 

FHA is currently doing a significant business in refinancing non-FHA mortgages for borrowers who are current under their existing mortgage.  This mortgagee letter extends eligibility to borrowers who became delinquent under their current mortgage following the reset of the interest rate. 

 

FHA recognizes that many lenders are engaged in a variety of loss mitigation activities to keep borrowers in their homes, and applauds these efforts.  This mortgagee letter explains credit policies for refinance transactions involving non-FHA adjustable rate mortgages where the homeowner’s mortgage payment history during the 6 months prior to the reset showed no instances of making mortgage payments outside the month due.

 

These instructions are designed to permit homeowners, who previous to their reset, demonstrated an ability to meet their mortgage obligations, an opportunity to refinance into a prime-rate FHA-insured mortgage.  In many cases homeowners may be permitted to include mortgage payment arrearages into the new loan amount, subject to existing geographical mortgage limits and the loan-to-value limit shown below. 

 

 

 

 

 

Eligibility Highlights of the FHASecure Initiative

 

·        The mortgage being refinanced must be a non-FHA ARM that has reset.

 

·        The mortgagor’s payment history on the non-FHA ARM must show that, prior to the reset of the mortgage, the mortgagor was current in making the monthly mortgage payments, i.e., the homeowner’s mortgage payment history during the 6 months prior to the reset showed no instances of making mortgage payments outside the month due.

 

  • If there is sufficient equity in the Home, under additional eligibility instructions provided below, FHA will insure mortgages that include missed mortgage payments.  

 

·        Under certain conditions explained below, FHA will insure first mortgages where (1) the existing note holder writes off the amount of indebtedness that cannot be refinanced into the FHA insured mortgage; or (2) either the FHA-approved lender making the new mortgage or the existing note holder may take back a second lien that includes closing costs, arrearages or previous secondary financing if the indebtedness exceeds FHA prescribed LTV and maximum mortgage amount limits. 

 

·        Mortgagees must determine, as part of the underwriting process, that the reset of the non-FHA ARM monthly payments caused the mortgagor’s inability to make the monthly payments and that the mortgagor has sufficient income and resources to make the monthly payments under the new FHA-insured refinancing mortgage.

 

Additional Information About the FHASecure Initiative

 

·        Maximum FHA loan-to-value ratios 

 

The maximum loan-to-value limits are shown below and are applied to the appraiser’s estimate of value, exclusive of any upfront mortgage insurance premium.  

 

Maximum Loan-to-Value Ratios

 

States with Average Closings Costs At or Below 2.1 Percent of Sales Price

 

·        98.75 percent:  For properties with appraised values equal to or less than $50,000.

·        97.65 percent:  For properties with appraised values in excess of $50,000 up to $125,000

·        97.15 percent:  For properties with appraised values in excess of $125,000.

 

States with Average Closings Costs Above 2.1 Percent of Sales Price

 

·        98.75 percent:  For properties with appraised values equal to or less than $50,000

·        97.75 percent:  For properties with appraised values in excess of $50,000


Please let Tom know if you need a good lender referral.  Also, if you are wanting to list your home please contact our office at (734) 996-0000.  Or for those who need help with a property search click the link to get started. 

Ann Arbor Area July Real Estate Housing Statistics

by Group One Realty Team - Real Estate One
HOUSING MARKET HOLDS STEADY

The housing market will hold close to present levels in the months ahead, according to Lawrence Yun, the National Association of REALTORS® senior economist. "Existing-Home sales should be relatively stable over the next few months, holding in a modest range, with some pent-up demand growing from buyers who’ve been on the sidelines," he said.

"Mortgage disruptions will hold back sales over the short term, but long-term fundamentals are favorable. A modest up turn is projected for existing-home sales toward the end of the year, with broader improvement to include the new-home market by the middle of 2008."

The Ann Arbor Area Board of REALTORS® July Housing Statistics demonstrate the economic outlook of Lawrence Yun’s projections. When compared with July 2006, median residential and condominium sales prices are on the rise. New listings show a decline of 13 percent, while pending sales increased 21 percent and average list and sale prices increased by $2,730 and $3,970 respectively.

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