Boost Credit Scores with Rental Payment History

Did you know? Experian became the first credit reporting agency to add on-time rental payments to its database. Rental payment data being added to credit files can potentially help renters become homeowners and we can only hope the other credit agencies will follow suit. For many Americans establishing credit can be difficult because many credit card companies and retail stores are not approving credit applications as easily as in past years. Potential buyers are now going to see they will have a credit score and hopefully help them achieve a lower risk category too, Experian says. “Consumer financing rapidly changed during the economic upheaval, and regulatory changes forced lenders to tighten the standards for the underwriting process,” says Genevieve Juillard, president of Experian Consumer Information Services. “This excluded many Americans from the opportunity to attain credit due to a limited or no credit history. Residents who pay their rent on time month after month should be rewarded and not overlooked simply because they rent instead of own the place they call home.”

Experian recently conducted an analysis to determine how the new rental information has aided consumers’ credit files. The study shows that the addition of rental history on a subprime mortgage moved the participant up at least one higher(or less risk) by the addition of the newly added field. What does this mean for potential buyer? It means more affordable credit and additional credit opportunities.

To read more about the lead being taken by Experian click here>>>>>>Experian-rentbureau-credit-for-rent-analysis

 

“Real difficulties can be overcome; it is only the imaginary ones that are unconquerable.”

– Theodore Newton Vail U.S. telephone industrialist

Source: http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2014/08/08/study-rental-payment-history-can-help-boosts-credit-scores?om_rid=AAEWoH&om_mid=_BT5TNOB87s9Kmy&om_ntype=RMODaily

Shorts Sale and Foreclosure SOLD in 2013 Could Owe Federal Income Taxes

Are You Thinking About Trying to Sell Your Home via Short Sale or Considering Walking Away?

Uncle Sam is still giving homeowners until Dec. 31st 2012, to go through the short sale or foreclosure without tax consequences-AS LONG AS THE LENDER RELEASES THE DEBT. But on January 1, 2013 the rules change: The amount the lender forgives, for either short sale or foreclosure, on primary residence will be taxable on federal income taxes.

Example: If a house sold $50,000 short of what is owed on the mortgage, then the selling homeowners will owe federal income taxes on that $50,000. Homeowners would owe $12,500 if they’re in the 25 percent bracket; $7,500 if in the 15 percent tax section. Homeowners would be on the hook even if the house sold but the bank had not formally forgiven the loan in a letter: THE BANKS MUST OFFICIALLY SIGN OFF IN WRITING BEFORE DEC. 31, 2012

Homeowners declaring bankruptcy could escape paying income taxes on any cancellation of debt income if the debt is forgiven in the bankruptcy even if the debtor is solvent, said Nick Jovanovich, a board certified tax attorney in Fort Lauderdale, FL..

In Short…

Homeowners should decided sooner than later this year to begin whichever process they chose to avoid the tax law changes coming in 2013. Short sales can takes months to years depending on lender, type of mortgage, market activity and many other variables. Contact a local REALTOR for more information on the services they can provide to assist in your decision.

Some major lenders are offering quicker short sale programs as an alternative to foreclosure. Owners benefit from reduced documentation and smoother processing.

In some cases, owners may be eligible for cash incentives from a couple thousand dollars to upwards of $30,000.

“Until Next Time”

How to Use Comparable Sales to Price Your Home

  • What are comparable sales?
  • Where can you find comparable sales?
  • What do the sales mean and how does it affect the value of my home?
  • These are all great questions and the answers can vary depending on your location. Comparable sales are sold homes similar/comparable to yours. The trick is to find the closest match; including, but not limited too, location (same subdivision would be ideal or within certain radius of miles), home type (single family residential, waterfront, farm, acreage, etc.), upgrades(pool, oversized garage/workshop), sale date (in todays current market we only look at the previous 3 months).

    Comparable sales can be found much easier with the accessibility of the Internet. But, you do need to know where to go. Marion County Property Appraisers has tons of great information @ http://www.pa.marion.fl.us/ including property details, assessed values, legal descriptions, links to court filed document, and so much more right at your fingertips. The coolest part is the spatial mapping data where you can check school & flood zones, utilities, elected officials, previous sales, Sheriff locations and on and on and on. OK WAIT! I got off track, the comparable sales for an area can be found with the above mentioned mapping, and then researching each sale and property carefully. After the data is collected I create a Comparable Market Analysis making adjustments for the differences in each comparable property. You will be left with an Adjusted Recommended Sales Price.

    OR

    visit “zillow.com” for what they call their “Zestimate”. Beware, the “Zestimate” should only be used for general information purposes and other tools should be used in determining your ideal listing price.  The website has some great information about many neighborhood features including schools, sales trends, homes for sale, etc. www.zillow.com

    Pricing of your home should not be taken lightly! It may be best for a seller to view comparable properties for sale in the area before deciding on list price. When selling your home there are 2 choices, #1 is living in Fantasy Land and #2  in Reality land. The fantasy is you can ask anything you want for your home; the reality is, what is a ready, willing, and able buyer willing to pay for your home? More importantly, if an appraisal or bank financing is needed will the comparable homes in the area support your contract price. I always say, “THE PROOF IS IN THE NUMBERS!”

    Comparable Market Analysis are always “FREE of Charge” with me. Contact me today for more details.

    Tips for Buying Foreclosure / REO Properties

    Tips for Buying Foreclosure / REO Properties

    BE INFORMED!!!    BE PREPARED!!!    BE READY!!!

    Being informed about the process. Finding a REALTOR with experience in working with buyers on these type of properties can provide a wealth of information. Many REO properties will bring multiple offers in a short period of time. The benefit of a quick market analysis and consultation during negotiations can make all of the difference in a successful  transaction.

    Being prepared is probably the simplest. If you are paying cash you will need a recent letter form your bank stating “proof of funds” and if you are financing the property you will need a pre-qualification letter. The bank/ asset manager will not accept an offer without one of these items. Be ready to look frequently at great priced/location properties. Maybe reading contract and necessary paperwork prior to signing.

    Be ready to act when the time comes. Inexpensive Foreclosure/REO properties have created a huge demand with first time home buyers and investors driving the market. Most desirable properties are only on the market a few days and receive multiple offers during that period. A buyer can expect to pay more than the current list price in many foreclosure and REO sales.

    Remember with Foreclosure / REO properties finding the right property is only maybe 25% of the battle. The other 75% is Offer, Negotiating, Final Signatures, Loan Approval, Inspections, Surveys, Title work and several other task to make it work. HAPPY HOUSE HUNTING!