Real Estate Information Archive

Scams seem to be common across all facets of life, and real estate is no exception. Real estate scams target Home buyers, sellers, and owners alike, and they're fairly common. While no one wants to be the victim of a scam, it's possible if you're not aware of the tactics scam artists employ. Read on for some of the most common scams aimed at homeowners today.

Loan Modification Scams

When it comes to modifying your mortgage loan, be wary of anyone offering to do it that you don't directly contact. Loan modification scams occur when a scammer offers to negotiate with a homeowner's lender to lower the owner's interest rate for a certain fee. Often, scammers will guarantee results, even going so far as to offer a "money-back guarantee." The scam results in the homeowner paying the fee, only to receive no modification and possibly end up behind on mortgage payments and/or short on funds. There are a number of online resources that identify companies that have been or are being sued by the Federal Trade Commission for their loan modification businesses.

Deed Theft

Always be cautious of any actions regarding the deed of your property. Deed theft scams involve the fraudulent transfer of a home or property to a third party. Deed theft can come in different forms:

• homeowners get tricked into signing over their deed via a fake document
• homeowners may be aware they're signing over the title of their property but only temporarily while they seek to refinance or take out a second mortgage; they eventually realize they've signed over their property outright

If you're contemplating anything that may modify your current mortgage, make sure you ask questions and read the fine print before you sign anything, and always ensure you're working with a reputable company.

Impersonation Scams

Foreclosure and other financial issues related to home ownership can make people desperate when trying to avoid losing one's home. Impersonation scams occur when homeowners are tricked into thinking they're hiring a company to prevent their homes from falling into foreclosure. Homeowners will pay the company hundreds of dollars a month to prevent foreclosure, only to find out later that their homes are being foreclosed on and the company pocketed the cash. If you're struggling with your mortgage payments, the best first step is to contact your lender and ask about a new repayment schedule. Be wary of companies touting something that may seem too good to be true.

Mortgage Scams

There are predators in every industry, and the mortgage loan lending industry is no different. Mortgage loan scams abound, so be aware! Scammers will:

• advertise low-interest rates that aren't actually available
• forget to inform buyers of high closing costs associated with their mortgage loans
• steer buyers toward a more expensive loan with higher closing costs although they qualify for a loan with better terms
• offer adjustable-rate mortgages but fail to inform buyers that the rates can increase or fluctuate in the future
• and even offer negative-amortization loans (these loans are illegal in most of the U.S. and result in a loan's principal balance increasing over time rather than decreasing)

If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying a home and looking at mortgages, know the signs of a possible scam and look up company reviews before you take any next steps.

Fake Lawsuits & Forensic Audit Scams

When you buy a home, you want to believe you're not going to get taken advantage of, but many fall prey to dishonest people targeting homeowners. Fake lawsuits are those lawsuits that promise to 'sue greedy banks' on behalf of homeowners. Many times, the lawsuits are fake, and the homeowner can be out thousands of dollars and many month's worth of time. Be wary of anyone touting a lawsuit, especially when your home or mortgage are concerned.

Another scam not easy to recognize is a forensic audit scam. This scam is focused on making the homeowner believe there are flaws in the mortgage document that could lead to an affordable modification or even nullify the mortgage loan. When it comes to this scam, check the background and references of anyone claiming to be a forensic loan 'auditor,' 'mortgage loan auditor,' or 'foreclosure prevention auditor.'

There will always be people looking to take advantage of others, especially when economies are struggling and people are desperate. If you're a homeowner, don't fall prey to a scam. Ask as many questions as possible. Research everything you can. Talk to your agent for more information. If you're applying for a mortgage loan, get multiple quotes. And remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

As your agent, I am your valuable asset in all things real estate. Reach out to me with any questions you may have about buying or selling. If you're getting contacted about things that seem too good to be true, reach out to me for more information: 734-996-0000 You can also contact me via my website: www.TheRealtyTour.com  Don't hesitate to reach out! 

Tom Stachler is a real estate broker working in the Saline, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Milan, Dexter and surrounding markets.  Listing and selling homes, condos, commercial spaces, income properties and other style houses. Experience with over 30 years in the business.  

SPRING IS TIME TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING

Tom Stachler is a state licensed real estate broker working in the Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Ypsilanti, Milan and other surrounding communities.  Please contact us for more realty information or spring maintenance and care assistance for your home or condo.  

Did you know that you can get an 11% rebate on your purchases from Lowes, Home Depot and Menards?  

Check out the Links below to submit your sales slips for your monthly rebates.  I think the practice started when Menards started offering the 11% rebates and so the other two big box stores felt they had to compete.  However the later two do not advertise this practice and only seem to provide you with the link when confronted with the Menards shopping option and their desire to compete.  

https://www.homedepotrebates11percent.com/#/home

https://www.lowes.com/l/help/rebate-center

"Saving Energy and Money with High-Tech Solar and Wind Power Home Improvements in Saline, Michigan by Tom Stachler, Real Estate Broker"

As a real estate broker in the Saline, Michigan area, I often receive questions about home improvements that can save homeowners money on their energy bills. With the advancements in renewable energy technology, solar and wind power have become increasingly popular and affordable options for homeowners. Here's what you need to know about high-tech solar and wind power home improvements in Washtenaw county.

1. Solar panels: Solar panels are a great way to reduce your energy bills by generating electricity from the sun. With the advancements in solar panel technology, they are now more efficient and affordable than ever before. Installing a solar panel system can greatly reduce your energy costs and even allow you to sell excess electricity back to the grid.

2. Wind turbines: If you have a large property in Saline, a wind turbine can be a great way to generate electricity from the wind. While wind turbines have traditionally been large and expensive, advances in technology have made them more accessible for homeowners. A wind turbine can generate enough electricity to power your entire home and even sell excess electricity back to the grid.

3. Energy storage systems: Energy storage systems, from companies such as Tesla who make battery banks, are essential for homeowners who want to generate electricity from renewable sources. They store excess energy generated by solar panels or wind turbines for use when it's needed, reducing the amount of electricity you need to purchase from the grid.

4. Smart home systems: Smart home systems, such as smart thermostats, can help you manage your energy usage more efficiently. They allow you to control your home's temperature, lighting, and appliances from your phone, reducing your energy usage and saving you money on your bills.

5. Green roofing: Green roofing, or the installation of plants and vegetation on a building's roof, can provide insulation and reduce your home's energy usage. In addition to saving you money on your energy bills, green roofing also provides a number of environmental benefits, such as reducing stormwater runoff and improving air quality.

By implementing these high-tech solar and wind power home improvements, Saline and Ann Arbor homeowners can save money on their energy bills while reducing their impact on the environment. If you have any questions or need help finding a professional to assist with these upgrades, don't hesitate to contact me.

"Maximizing Energy Efficiency in Your Saline, Michigan Real Estate Property by Tom Stachler, Realty Broker"

As a realty broker in the Saline, Michigan area, I often advise homeowners on ways to save money on their energy bills. Improving energy efficiency in your Home not only saves you money, but also helps the environment and can increase the value of your property. Here are some simple steps you can take to maximize energy efficiency in your Saline home.

1. Insulate your home: Adding insulation to your walls, attic, and floors can help keep warm air in during the winter and cool air in during the summer, reducing your energy costs.

2. Upgrade to Energy Star appliances: Replacing your old appliances with Energy Star-rated ones can greatly reduce your energy usage and save you money on your monthly bills.

3. Install a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat allows you to set your home's temperature at different times of the day, ensuring you're only using energy when you need it.

4. Seal air leaks: Check for air leaks around doors, windows, and electrical outlets, and use caulk or weather stripping to seal them. This can prevent heated or cooled air from escaping and reduce your energy costs.

5. Replace old windows: Old, single-paned windows can let a lot of heat escape in the winter and let heat in during the summer, driving up your energy costs. Replacing them with energy-efficient windows can save you money and improve the comfort of your home.

6. Switch to LED light bulbs: LED light bulbs use far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer, saving you money on your energy bills and reducing your impact on the environment.

7. Upgrade to a high-efficiency HVAC system: A high-efficiency heating and cooling system can greatly reduce your energy usage, saving you money and improving the comfort of your home.

By implementing these simple steps, you can maximize energy efficiency in your Saline, Michigan home and reduce your energy bills. If you have any questions or need help finding a professional to assist with these upgrades, don't hesitate to contact me

What Are French Drains?  

Occasionally I recommend creating a french drain.  It is not high tech and is something a landscaper, excavation company or homeowner can install, depending on what the owner wishes to spend on the project and their willingness to maybe do some or part of the work on their own.  

There are different types of french drains, but the one used most often for standing water in yards basically consists of a trench lined with plastic or gravel and filled with a corrugated black drainage pipe surrounded by more gravel and then covered with sand and top oil and either grass or river rock or decorative stone to enhance your landscaping on the surface. 

Sometimes the tops are left open on these drains and they are used with river rock and plantings on the surface the the water seems in from the sides and the surface just as well.  The idea is to channel water from areas with poor soil or lower elevations to a release point at a lower elevation or drainage ditch.  Homeowners can contract with a contractor or do the work themselves often digging by hand or renting a mini excavator, neighbors tractor with backhoe attachment or a bobcat for the day.  

To some degree, trenches leading from active downspouts are a form of a french drain as well and help to channel the roof run off water away from the foundation walls.  Always good to keep water draining away from the foundation.  

Feel free to contact us with any questions or Check out this interesting article for more info.  

French Drains: Are They Worth It?
https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/articles/french-drains-are-they-worth-it

tom stachler is a state of michigan licensed real estate broker & builder working and marketing homes, houses, income property and condos in the ann arbor, saline, dexter, ypsilanti, milan and surrounding communities. check out this website for property for sale and other realty related issues or concerns. 
 

Winter in Michigan can be beautiful yet it is often met with ice, snow and cold days . Helping you protect your Home is our ultimate goal and we want you to be aware of a common scenario that we deal with in the winter. Ice dams forming on your home's roof is a situation that can stir up a lot of stress and possible damage.

Here's a quick breakdown on ice dams and how to prevent them.

What is an ice dam?

An ice dam is a buildup of water that collects on the roof of heated buildings that results from melting snow under a snow pack reaching the eave and freezing there. The ice forms at the edge of the roof, under shingles and on the gutters.  Ice dams can often lead to leaks and roof collapses, creating an expensive problem.

How do you prevent ice dams?

Ice dams are not always preventable however, the best way to prevent ice dams is to be proactive. Good ventilation, drainage and proper insulation are all great ways to keep your roof free of ice dams.

Here are a few actions you can take:

• Clear your gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris
   
• Check and seal places where warm air could leak from your home into the attic (vent pipes, exhaust fans, light fixtures, etc)
   
• Check for signs of bad ventilation - hot air rises, so without proper ventilation, the heat that inevitably makes its way into the attic will be unable to escape, melting the snow on the rooftop.
   
• Keep snow from accumulating on the lower sections of your roof (you can get a snow rake or a broom that allows you to get snow off of your roof while staying on the ground). Be careful when performing this task.
   
• Consult a professional; a snow removal contractor will inspect your room to ensure that it is able to handle the winter months. They can also come out and remove the build up from the roof so you can avoid a hazardous situation.

Reach out today with any questions or to chat about your current home or possible upgrade! 

Tom Stachler is a state of Michigan Licensed Broker selling homes and condo in the Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Ypsilanti and Milan and surrounding area real estate markets.  Call us today to get information about your home value or finding your dream home .  Use Tom's 30+ years of experience to successfully negotiate and transaction today.  

Tom Stachler is a state of Michigan Licensed Broker selling homes and condo in the Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Ypsilanti and Milan and surrounding area real estate markets.  Call us today to get information about your home value or finding your dream home .  Use Tom's 30+ years of experience to successfully negotiate and transaction today.  

Using Modern Tech to Buy or Sell Real Estate

With much of the country mostly staying Home, it's not your typical spring homebuying season.  You might think social distancing has made it difficult to meet with lenders, view properties and sign paperwork, but fortunately that's not the case.

In fact, prospective buyers and sellers continue to move forward with their housing needs and doing so with safety in mind.

While the process may look a little different, modern technology is making it possible and, in some ways, more convenient.

So how does it work?

• Virtual Open Houses and Showings: Facebook Live, HouseParty, FaceTime and Zoom are all being used to show properties. And many listings include a prerecorded tour of the home.
   
• 3D Floor Plans, HD Videos and Interactive Walk-Throughs: Online tools make it easy to create interactive 3D walk-throughs, or our unique HD Videos and even allow for decor and furniture placement to give buyers a more lifelike feel of the space.
   
• Electronic Signatures and Deed Filings: E-signing technology means there’s no need to meet in person to sign offers, contracts or any other paperwork needed in the process. 
   
• Desktop and Drive-By Appraisals: If sellers are hesitant to have an appraiser visit their property in person, desktop and drive-by appraisals are a good alternative. These use city data, prior appraisals and comparable sales information to assess a home’s value. Homeowners can video chat with the appraiser to show them the interior and exterior elements of the property.

Curbside & Video Closings: E-signing technology means there’s no need to meet in person to sign most of the closing documents, or any other paperwork needed for closings though many lenders still want "wet signatures" prompting curbside or reserved closing rooms.  

So bottom line, the way we buy and sell homes may have changed for now, but it’s still an active and essential market. If you have any questions about making a move, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Tom Stachler and his team are always on the cutting edge of technology and marketing success.  Check out this website for listings and more resources for the Dexter, Saline, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Milan and surrounding home purchase or listings communities.  

Fannie Mae Assistance Options for Homeowners Impacted by COVID-19

WASHINGTON, DC – Fannie Mae (FNMA/OTCQB) wants to help ensure families are given options in these uncertain times in the case of job loss, a reduction in work hours, illness, or other issues. We want to remind those impacted by COVID-19 of available mortgage assistance and relief options. Under Fannie Mae's guidelines for single-family mortgages:

• Homeowners who are adversely impacted by this national emergency may request mortgage assistance by contacting their mortgage servicer
• Foreclosure sales and evictions of borrowers are suspended for 60 days
• Homeowners impacted by this national emergency are eligible for a forbearance plan to reduce or suspend their mortgage payments for up to 12 months
• Credit bureau reporting of past due payments of borrowers in a forbearance plan as a result of hardships attributable to this national emergency is suspended
• Homeowners in a forbearance plan will not incur late fees
• After forbearance, a servicer must work with the borrower on a permanent plan to help maintain or reduce monthly payment amounts as necessary, including a loan modification

Fannie Mae also offers help navigating the broader financial effects of this national emergency to homeowners with a Fannie Mae-owned mortgage through its Disaster Response Network*, including:

• A needs assessment and personalized recovery plan
• Help requesting financial relief from insurance, servicers, and other sources
• Web resources and ongoing guidance from experienced disaster relief advisors 

Homeowners can find out if they have a Fannie Mae-owned mortgage and access to the Disaster Response Network™* by visiting www.KnowYourOptions.com/loanlookup.

"Our thoughts are with everyone who may be impacted by COVID-19 and we urge you to stay safe and well during these unprecedented times. Fannie Mae, along with our lending and servicing partners, is committed to ensuring assistance is available to homeowners in need. We encourage residents whose employment or income are impacted by COVID-19 to seek available assistance as soon as possible," said Malloy Evans, Senior Vice President and Single-Family Chief Credit Officer, Fannie Mae.

Homeowners can reach out to Fannie Mae directly by calling 1-800-2FANNIE (1-800-232-6643). For more information, please visit www.knowyouroptions.com/covid19assistance.

About Fannie Mae
Fannie Mae helps make the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and affordable rental housing possible for millions of Americans. We partner with lenders to create housing opportunities for families across the country. We are driving positive changes in housing finance to make the Home Buying process easier, while reducing costs and risk. To learn more, visit:
fanniemae.com | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | Blog

Tom Stachler is a licensed realty broker and retired builder working in the Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter,Ypsilanti, Milan and surrounding Michigan communities.  Check out the Links herein for more topics and information

Winter May Be Over, But It Can Affect Your Home Well Into Spring

Spring is finally here, and winter weather and cooler temperatures are moving out for the season. However, the damaging effects of snow, ice, and wind can linger well into summer. As a homeowner, it’s in your best interest to tackle these issues now. Failure to make minor repairs as they are needed can result in a big repair bill down the road. Keep reading for information on parts of your home that you might want to inspect now that things are thawing out.

The Foundation

While your home’s foundation is required to be buried under what’s known as the frost line, things like erosion and poor planting of shrubs and trees can compromise this protective layer of soil. Heavy rains followed by days or weeks of subzero temperatures, snow, sleet, and other precipitation can leach into your home’s foundation, causing a cycle of freezing and thawing. This can lead to damage that can put your family's safety — not to mention your financial investment — at risk. This is not a do-it-yourself job, and you should leave the foundation service to trusted experts, which you can find via the Better Business Bureau.

A quick note here: If your home requires extensive repairs, you can make the process easier by moving large pieces of furniture and unnecessary belongings out. This is especially important if you have a basement since your repair professionals will need unrestricted access. In this case, look for a storage unit, which should cost you around $81 per month in the Ann Arbor area.

The Roof and Gutters

Just as ice can damage your foundation, so too can freezing temperatures take a toll on your roof. Likewise, clogged gutters can be ripped from your home when they are weighed down by heavy ice dams. If you have a ladder, you can visually inspect your roof for damage. Use house Logic’s checklist, which includes scanning for rust spots and cracked caulk, buckled and missing shingles, and worn rubber boots around ventilation pipes. You’ll also want to look out for moss and algae growing on the shingles. If you have a chimney, give it a glance as well to ensure there are no cracks in the crown, which can allow water to pour into your fireplace.

Similar to foundation repairs, major roof damage may require you to remove items from the home. And if you have a water leak, it’s also wise to have a mold and water mitigation company give you an estimate on repairs. The long-term consequences of living in a home with mold, according to EnviroMed, include frequent sinus infections, wheezing, watery eyes, and potentially serious neurological symptoms, including vertigo and migraines.

The Brick and Siding

Whether your home is brick or siding, its side- and front-facing exterior may have also sustained damage. Fortunately, brick repair is typically an easy fix and requires that you replace old mortar. This Old House notes that just $22, two days, and a few common tools can help you rectify cracked or crumbling joints. Siding may need to be sanded and repainted. While you are inspecting your brick or siding, also pay attention to the windows. If the caulk has dry-rotted or been otherwise compromised over the long winter, plan to scrape it away and replace it once the weather is consistently between 40 degrees and 80 degrees. If the thermometer stays on the low side, some silicone caulk may be applied in much cooler conditions.

Your home is your most substantial investment, and the time and money you spend fixing winter damage will help to ensure its value. Remember, everything you let slide now will only get worse when winter returns. And repairs will only get more expensive with each passing month.

How Can we Help You and your Real Estate Needs?  Tom Stachler has been a state of Michigan Licensed Broker for over 30 years.  Check out the Links on this website and let us know if we can help you in the Ann Arbor, Dexter, Saline, Ypsilanti, Chelsea or their surrounding communities for home purchase, listings, property marketing or general realty advice.