Want to pay less on your property taxes? Apply for a decline-in-value eassessment.

What is a Decline-in-Value Reassessment The values of single-family residences and condominiums throughout the State have been declining. While the declines in Los Angeles County have not been as dramatic as those in other parts of the State, property values have dropped in nearly every area of Los Angeles County. How does this impact your property taxes? In 1978, California voters passed a constitutional amendment that allows a temporary reduction in assessed value when a property suffers a "decline-in-value." A decline-in-value occurs when the current market value of your property is less than the assessed value as of January 1. The assessed value is the value shown on your most recent property tax bill. Typically, an application is required to initiate a review of your property’s value by the Assessor. However, in 2008 the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office began doing a proactive review of single-family residences and condominiums based on an analysis of market trends in Los Angeles County. For 2008, single-family residences and condominiums purchased between July 1, 2004 and June 30, 2007 were reviewed. For 2009, the review was expanded to include single-family residences and condominiums purchased between July 1, 2003 and June 30, 2008. For 2010, the review included single-family residences and condominiums purchased between July 1, 2003 and June 30, 2009. In some particularly hard-hit areas of the county, the review included properties purchased prior to July 1, 2003. You can check our "Will My Property Be Reviewed for a 2011 Decline-in-Value" webpage to find out if your property automatically qualified for a review. Property owners whose property was included in the review were notified of the results in writing by June 2010. Click the Title of this article to take you to the Assessor's website.

Fewer than three of five short sales close in California

Fewer than three of five short sales close in California

C.A.R. released the results of a statewide survey on short sales and the challenges REALTORS® face in working with lenders and servicers.

The most frequent problems REALTORS® cited in working with lenders and servicers during the short sale process include unresponsiveness, onerous procedures, and long processing delays. The survey also found that fewer than three of five short sales close in California, illustrating the complexity and difficulty of navigating lenders’ and servicers’ short sale procedures.

“The lack of standardization, long approval process, and lack of lender approvals are hampering what should be a 45-day short sale process,” said C.A.R. President Beth L. Peerce. “Instead we’re hearing the typical response time for lenders is at least 60 days, and in many instances, their response time exceeds 6 months.”

Autumn and Cassidy have closed 13 short sales are are negotiating 3 as of today. We have 100% success rate on all our Short Sales, so if your in need of our help or know someone who is looking to short sale then give us a call.

Get Money for Making your Home More Energy Efficient While Buying You New Home

Energy Efficient Mortgage Program FHA's Energy Efficient Mortgage program (EEM) helps homebuyers or homeowners save money on utility bills by enabling them to finance the cost of adding energy efficiency features to new or existing housing as part of their FHA insured home purchase or refinancing mortgage. Purpose In 1992, Congress mandated a pilot demonstration of Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs) in five states. In 1995, the pilot was expanded as a national program. EEMs recognize that reduced utility expenses can permit a homeowner to pay a higher mortgage to cover the cost of the energy improvements on top of the approved mortgage. FHA EEMs provide mortgage insurance for a person to purchase or refinance a principal residence and incorporate the cost of energy efficient improvements into the mortgage. The borrower does not have to qualify for the additional money and does not make a downpayment on it. The mortgage loan is funded by a lending institution, such as a mortgage company, bank, or savings and loan association, and the mortgage is insured by HUD. FHA insures loans. FHA does not provide loans. Type of Mortgage: EEM is one of many FHA programs that insure mortgage loans--and thus encourage lenders to make mortgage credit available to borrowers who would not otherwise qualify for conventional loans on affordable terms (such as first time homebuyers) and to residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods (where mortgages may be hard to get). Borrowers who obtain FHA's popular Section 203(b) Mortgage Insurance for one to four family homes are eligible for approximately 96.5 percent financing, and are able to add the upfront mortgage insurance premium to the mortgage. The borrower must also pay an annual premium. EEM can also be used with the FHA Section 203(k) rehabilitation program and generally follows that program's financing guidelines. For energy efficient housing rehabilitation activities that do not also require buying or refinancing the property, borrowers may also consider HUD's Title I Home Improvement Loan program. How to Get a EEM: To apply for an FHA insured energy efficient mortgage, contact an FHA approved lender. Eligible Customers: All persons who meet the income requirements for FHA's standard Section 203(b) insurance and can make the monthly mortgage payments are eligible to apply. The cost of the energy improvements and estimate of the energy savings must be determined by a home energy rating system (HERS) or an energy consultant. The cost of an energy inspection report and related fees may be included in the mortgage. Cooperative units are not eligible. EEM can also be used with FHA's Section 203(h) program for mortgages made to victims of presidentially declared disasters. The mortgage must comply with both Section 203(h) requirements, as well as those for EEM. However, the program is limited to one unit detached houses. Eligible Activities: EEM can be used to make energy efficient improvements in one to four existing and new homes. The improvements can be included in a borrower's mortgage only if their total cost is less than the total dollar value of the energy that will be saved during their useful life. Other eligibility requirements may be found in the Homeowner's Guide. Eligibility Requirements The borrower is eligible for a maximum FHA insured loan, using standard underwriting procedures. The borrower must make a 3.5 percent downpayment. This 3.5 percent downpayment is based on the sales price or appraised value. Any upfront mortgage insurance premium can be financed as part of the mortgage. Eligible properties are one to four unit existing and new construction. EEMs may be added to some other loan types, including streamline refinances. The cost of the energy efficient improvements that may be eligible for financing into the mortgage is the lesser of A or B as follows: A. The dollar amount of cost-effective energy improvements, plus cost of report and inspections, or B. The lesser of 5% of: The value of the property, or 115% of the median area price of a single family dwelling, or 150% of the conforming Freddie Mac limit. To be eligible for inclusion in the mortgage, the energy efficient improvements must be cost effective, meaning that the total cost of the improvements is less than the total present value of the energy saved over the useful life of the energy improvement. The cost of the energy improvements and estimate of the energy savings must be determined by a home energy rating report that is prepared by an energy consultant using a Home Energy Rating System (HERS). The cost of the energy rating report and inspections may be financed as part of the cost effective energy package. The energy improvements are installed after the loan closes. The lender will place the money in an escrow account. The money will be released to the borrower after an inspection verifies that the improvements are installed and the energy savings will be achieved. The maximum mortgage limit for a single family unit depends on its location, and it is adjusted annually. Look online to find FHA's maximum mortgage limits by county. Technical Guidance: EEM is authorized under Section 513 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992. Program regulations are listed on the EEM mortgagee letter web page. For More Information: Visit the FHA Resource Center to search the FAQs, ask a question or send an email.
Content current as of 25 January 2011

Five signs that say “buy”

Home buyers sitting on the fence wondering if now is the right time to buy should consider five factors when making this decision: Jobs, recent sales activity, construction, mortgage availability, and anecdotal evidence. Each of these issues can help consumers make the best choice for their situation and financial circumstance.
MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY
Jobs: Although many areas of the country were deeply impacted by the recession, some areas were less affected by job loss. If employment stability is a concern, prospective buyers should review job-growth data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics at www.bls.gov. The data provided by the Bureau is approximately one month old and shows the direction of the local economy.


Recent Sales Activity: Housing inventory and sales volume should be taken into consideration while house hunting. A large inventory of homes with few actual transactions can be a negative indicator. On the other hand, if inventory is falling and transactions are rising, that is a good sign. In January, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®’ Unsold Inventory Index stood at 6.7 months, up from 5 months in December 2010, but down from 5.7 months in January 2010. The index indicates the number of months needed to deplete the supply of homes on the market at the current sales rate.


Construction: Staying up-to-date on the number of building permits issued for local builders is useful for gauging builder sentiment and the future of housing activity. The California Building Industry Association recently announced that California homebuilders pulled 2,920 total housing permits in January, registering a 5-percent decline compared with a year ago and a 56-percent decline compared with December. However, the Construction Industry Research Board is projecting 62,000 total permits will be pulled in 2011, an increase of 38 percent compared with 2010’s total of 44,893 permits.


Mortgage Availability: Home buyers hoping to be approved for a mortgage should monitor local lending patterns. Following the financial crisis, most national banks tightened lending standards; however, some local banks haven’t been impacted as much as large lenders and are more willing to lend, even for higher-priced homes.


Anecdotal Evidence: Although buyers can access home listings online, one of the best ways to monitor the local housing market is to work with a REALTOR® and gather intelligence using their expertise and guidance.

---From The Wall Street Journal (click the title to read full article)---