Real Estate Tips
US Treasury to Sell off Mortgage Backed Securities
During the mortgage crisis, the US Department of the Treasury purchased approximately 144 billion dollars worth of mortgage backed securities to help stabalize the mortgage markets. Mortgage Backed Security prices dropped 50 basis points this morning on the news that the Treasury Department is going to systematically sell-off it’s holdings of MBS’s purchased in 2008… Read More
FHA increasing Mortgage Insurance Premium
FHA mortgages that are assigned FHA case numbers or after April 18, 2011 will have the Annual Mortgage Insurance Premium — often referred to as the Monthly MIP — increase by 25 basis points. Currently, the Annual MIP is .90%; this increase means that the Annual MIP will be 1.15% of the base mortgage amount…. Read More
Liens Placed on Properties will be Reduced
Since the start of the recession, tax liens have risen more than 60% making it difficult for individuals to obtain affordable housing and jobs. This month, the IRS announced the number of liens placed on properties owned by delinquent tax payers will be significantly reduced, making it easier to get them withdrawn. A tax lien… Read More
Jobs and Homeownership ~ You can’t have one without the other
Good jobs enable people to achieve the American Dream of homeownership. Everytime a house is built, bought or sold jobs are created, lots of them…right here at home. Home sales in the United Estates generate more than 2.5 million private sector jobs in an average year. For every two homes sold, a job is created…. Read More
Tax Season is Here ~ Review your Homeowner Tax Advantages
One of the advantages of owning a home is that it can reduce the amount of income tax you pay every year. With tax season here, prepare all your documentation in advance to factor in all your tax advantages. Here is a list of benefits for homeowners: Home Buyer tax credits: You are entitled to… Read More
Check out the Minneapolis Housing Fair on February 26, 2011
FREE and Open to the Public! This event will take place on February 26 from 10 AM to 3 PM. The Housing Fair is centrally located in South Minneapolis at South High School. There will be almost 100 vendors to answer your questions and advice on home remodeling, basement finishing, kitchen and bath transformation, landscaping plus woodcraft for… Read More
Fannie Mae Launches WAYSHOME Interactive Video Tool to Help Struggling Homeowners
In an effort to connect with homeowners across the country affected by a variety of hardships during this challenging economy phase, Fannie Mae has launched WaysHome, a free multi-media tool designed to educate homeowners about their options to avoid foreclosure. Homeowners have a significantly better chance of finding a solution by maintaining proactive working with… Read More
HAFA – Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program
Keeping families in their homes is a top priority for REALTORS®. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to meet this goal. While there are loan modification and other programs that can help families, not everyone will qualify. For many families who are at risk of losing their home through foreclosure, a program from the Treasury… Read More
