From the category archives:

Existing Homebuyer

Though its demise drew little attention because of the partisan year-end brawl over the payroll tax cut extension in Congress, a key mortgage financing benefit disappeared at the end of December: the ability of large numbers of home buyers and owners to write off the premiums they pay for mortgage insurance. The loss of that [...]

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It didn’t take long for the lower mortgage limits that began October 1st to be changed. As of November 18th the mortgage rate limits were selectively revised with FHA loan limits increasing but with conventional loan limits staying the same. Does this change make a lot of sense? No. Is this change the law of [...]

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Bob Nielsen, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder from Reno, released a statement this week urging Congress to pass legislation to reinstate the higher loan limits for the Federal Housing Administration which expired on September 30, 2011. “Legislation pending in the House and Senate will restore the higher [...]

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Just answer my questions or I’ll use someone else.

September 28, 2011 Existing Homebuyer

Yesterday I got a call from a potential customer. It went like any other first time call. Then the customer asked me a series of question. What are the schools like in Crofton compared to Davidsonville? Which has less crime Crofton or Davidsonville? Do I live in Crofton or Davidsonville? This was the first time [...]

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5 Reasons Why Congress Should Let the High-Cost Mortgage Limits Expire

September 20, 2011 Existing Homebuyer

As October 1st grows nearer, realtors in places like Montgomery and Fairfax Co, are beginning to sweat. Unless Congress acts before that date, the government will be unable to guarantee mortgages in excess of $625,500. Since 2008, it could back mortgages as big as $729,750 in certain high-cost areas. Legislation to prevent this decline in [...]

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There is a bill in the senate to extend the loan limits to 2013

September 12, 2011 Current News

Mortgage and real estate trade groups are pressing Senate leaders to take action on a bill that would extend the maximum mortgage loan limits through 2013. The current conforming loan limit for government-backed mortgages is set to expire on Sept. 30. A bipartisan bill introduced in early August would allow the Federal Housing Administration, the [...]

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5 Tips to help you spot bad neighbors when buying a house

June 21, 2011 1st Time Homebuyer

After months of looking, you’ve finally found the house of your dreams. It’s the perfect size, the perfect price, and the perfect layout. However, there’s only one small problem. You think you might be living next door to a neighbor, or a neighboring property, that’s less than desirable. How do you know? The grass in [...]

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High-Cost Lending Expires After September 30, 2011

June 14, 2011 Existing Homebuyer

In February 2008, to help more Americans get financing, and to help the housing market recover more quickly, Congress agreed to let Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac securitize mortgages for more than $417,000, based on local home prices. Each U.S. metropolitan area was assigned a temporary loan size limit equal to 25% more than its [...]

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A home warranty is no guarantee

June 9, 2011 1st Time Homebuyer

Life spans for home systems and appliances Item Expected life (years) Item Expected life (years) Central A/C 15+ Dryers 14 Window A/C 10 Disposal 10 A/C compressor 15 Freezers 16 Electric water heater 14 Microwave ovens 11 Gas water heater 11 to 13 Electric ranges 17 Forced-air furnace 15 Gas ranges 19 Gas or oil [...]

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5 tips for home buyers this spring and summer

May 23, 2011 1st Time Homebuyer

1. Is the Location Still Desirable? The definitions around what a “good” real estate location is may have changed with the economic downturn. In the midst of the housing bubble, when the masses believed the trend of rapid home appreciation would continue, developers began breaking ground in “up and coming” neighborhoods, to meet demand. Unfortunately, [...]

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