Posts Tagged ‘guidelines’

New short sale guidelines broken down

Posted on December 14th, 2009, by DHW

The National Association of Realtors released guidelines for the new Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) program. The government’s program is designed to streamline the short sale process for qualifying homeowners.
DHW asks: Have you sold your home as a short sale? If so, how was your experience?
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Stevens: FHA sublime, not subprime

Posted on November 16th, 2009, by DHW

During a speech to the National Association of Realtors in San Diego, FHA Commissioner David Stevens said his agency is not headed for the same fate as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or the subprime sector. Concerns about the FHA’s financial well being were raised last week when it was revealed in an independent audit that [...]

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Audit: FHA’s reserve funds way below what law requires

Posted on November 12th, 2009, by DHW

From The Washington Post : ‘FHA’s cash reserves have dropped well below amount required by law, audit shows’
DHW asks: Do you think the FHA’s reserves will hit zero?
FHA loan limits in your area
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Foreclosures down but not out

Posted on November 12th, 2009, by DHW

U.S. foreclosures sank for a third consecutive month in October, down 3% from the previous month. However, many feel this trend will not continue. Foreclosure notices were curtailed in many states due to temporary, legislative intervention. CNBC reported Nevada foreclosures “dropped 26 percent from the previous month because of new legislation requiring mediation before initiating [...]

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Realogy CEO just doesn’t get it.

Posted on November 11th, 2009, by DHW

In a CNBC interview this morning, Realogy CEO, Richard Smith, called on FHA to increase its minimum required down payment of 3.5%. Mr Smith suggested the ‘risk profile’ will have to change to stave off foreclosures. This argument only perpetuates the myth that those who put less money down are somehow less attached to their [...]

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FHA loosens condo project guidelines

Posted on November 11th, 2009, by DHW

The Miami Herald reported the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is temporarily relaxing underwriting guidelines for some condominium communities. The changes are intended to increase condo sales and put occupants in otherwise vacant units. 
DHW asks: Do you agree with the FHA’s decision to relax condo underwriting guidelines?
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Citi and USA Today: 1 in 5 dressed like they want it

Posted on November 9th, 2009, by DHW

Last week, CitiMortgage suggested in a USA Today article that 1 in 5 homeowners currently in default of their mortgage are doing so strategically or voluntarily. They cite Sharon Sakson as one of these ’strategic defaults.’ Ms Sakson was laid off as a television writer and producer. After losing her job, she ‘burned through her savings to [...]

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DesperateHouseWise Update

Posted on November 7th, 2009, by DHW

DesperateHouseWise.com added a new page to its site. Modification Center offers helpful information for homeowners seeking a loan modification or refinance. Find information about Making Home Affordable and local foreclosure prevention events. You can even find a free, HUD-approved housing counselor.
DHW also added Housing Tax Credits. This page provides in-depth information regarding the recent extension and [...]

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Done! Obama signs bill extending, creating Tax Credits

Posted on November 6th, 2009, by DHW

President Obama signed bill  H.R. 3548, extending unemployment benefits for all states and extending the $8,000 Tax Credit for first home buyers. The bill also creates a $6,500 tax credit for those home buyers who have owned their current primary residence for at least 5 years.  See ‘Housing Tax Credits’ for more details. You can [...]

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Obama to sign unemployment benefits, $8000 tax credit bill

Posted on November 6th, 2009, by DHW

President Obama is scheduled to sign bill H. R. 3548, extending unemployment benefits to all states.  When signed, the bill will also extend the $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers as well as initiate a new $6,500 tax credit for those home buyers who have owned a primary residence for at least 5 [...]

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