Neighbor: Pay Thy Bill!

You already knew your neighbors could impact your sale.  How their home looks, how they act when they see someone coming to look at your home… it all matters because it impacts the buyer’s view of the neighborhood and of the home.  But neighbors can impact your ability to sell in other ways, too, like if they don’t pay their bills.

Delinquency: It’s long been a standard on FHA loans for condo purchases. The number of households who are delinquent in their condo association dues can not exceed 15% of the total homes in the association.  Today we’re seeing lenders for other types of loan looking at the delinquency rate of condo associations and, even home owner associations, before they will make a loan.  It’s a sign of the times.  More and more home owners and condo owners associations are being impacted by a growing number of households who are unable to pay the fees.  And, when that delinquency exceeds 15% it can be a big issue… It can mean difficulty finding a buyer for ANY HOME in the association.

I have a transaction I am working on right now… We ratified the contract rather easily.  The listing agent is available, cooperative, even pleasant to deal with.  The home inspection and appraisal went through without a hitch.  The lender is assuring me the buyers qualifications look good. Things are rolling along.  AND THEN… Then came the call from the lender.  The condo questionnaire came back and the delinquency is over 15%… Just barely over, but it’s over, and that means no loan.

In this case, we only need 3 people to pay their bill to reduce the delinquency to below the threshold and the loan can go through – THREE PEOPLE.

Neighbor, PAY THY BILL!

I am not sure how this will work out – I will keep you posted, but it’s a terrible situation to be in, because none of the parties to the transaction are responsible for this issue… and yet, we’re all being held accountable for the late payments of a few.  So, I will keep you posted.  I won’t let this kill the deal for my clients, although I do not know what the resolution will be – yet.

What I do know is that homeowners everywhere should take note.  When you’re interviewing management companies ask about their collection procedures, and hold them accountable.  Their ability to collect association dues can impact your ability to sell your home.

Stay tuned for the resolution – there will be one.  In the meantime, call your association and get a copy of your delinquency report.

And, Psst... If you're only reading this blog, you're not keeping up with the latest greatest updates from the real estate whisperer.  Check out the new blog at "The Real Estate Whisperer" and join me on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TheRealEstateWhisperer.

Refinancing Your FHA Loan Now

Yesterday I received another "Mortgage Minute" video from one of my favorite lenders, Pat Cunningham at Home Savings Trust. These videos are sent to his sphere of real estate agents so we can provide updates and information to our clients. In this video (as always) he gives some good information. But the most exciting news in this update won't even impact my real estate business. It could, however, impact your life.

Did you buy a home prior to May 2009 with an FHA loan? If so, this new deal effects YOU. Pat said they have a new option to refinance those loans - which are likely about a 5% interest rate - into today's loan prices (approximately 3.75%), and you will NOT have to pay the new mortgage insurance rates, there will be no appraisal, and no closing costs. For many of you, this could save a couple hundred dollars a month.

Watch the video yourself (note: He talks about this last, so you can skip to a little more than half way through the video if this is all you wish to hear.)

Want more information? Talk to Pat: Patrick Cunningham Main Number: (703) 766-4636 Fax Number: (703) 352-1289 Email: pcunningham@hstmortgage.com

 

I will be forwarding this post to several of my past clients... I hope you pass this on to anyone else you know. I want you to remember that I am always looking out for you, and will be sharing news that I think you can use whether you're in the market to buy or sell, or not. So, stay tuned to my business facebook page at www.Facebook.com/TheRealEstateWhisperer.

Also, if you're a client you may notice my web site has a new format... and I am loving it. It is a work in progress, I am still customizing things, so please explore and give me your feedback. What do you love? What do you think should be added? I want it to me the type of interesting web site that keeps you coming back to use resources regularly...and something you will likely be sharing with others.

As always, please know I rely on you, my friends and clients, to help feed my business. If you know of anyone who is looking to buy or sell a home in the Loudoun or Dulles area, be sure to connect me!

Vicky Chrisner, REALTOR

MyAgentVicky@Gmail.com

703.669.3142