Atlanta Real Estate Blog

Advantage Realtors joined Georgia MLS on Friday January 22, 2010 and are now members of both of the big main Multiple Listing Services in Georgia – GA MLS & FMLS. This means Advantage Realtors clients and the general public can go to the Advantage Realtors Homescanner Search Engine on any of the company or agent websites and see virtually every home listed by every real estate agent and firm in Georgia. This also means Advantage Realtors listings will now have a much wider exposure to more agents in Georgia working with buyers. To compensate for not being a GAMLS member, Advantage Realtors targeted advertising to various GAMLS agent offices to advertise thier northside listings to those southside offices - sometimes at considerable expense – now its all done automatically and at significantly less cost.

While Advantage agents always had manual access to GAMLS listings for thier clients, visitors to the Advantage Realtors websites did not have this same access - visitors were seeing primarily FMLS listings which cover 20+ counties around Atlanta.  FMLS and GAMLS have always overlapped, however among industry users such as realtors, FMLS has always been associated with listings in In-Town and Downtown Atlanta and the Greater North Atlanta area. GAMLS has always been associated with southside and outerlying counties including most other counties all over GA. While that still largly holds true, both MLS’s have expanded thier listings into each others “historical” coverage area and all over Georgia as well.

Broker/Owner, Robert Whitfield said the move to join GAMLS was a good one and will help every area of the companies business, as more buyers and sellers from outside of the metro Atlanta area seek to do business with the company.

    Both the House and Senate have passed the extension to the Homebuyer Tax Credit and it is on the way to the Presidents desk to be signed, possibly as early as today. The bill will extend the Tax Credit to buyers who have a home under contract as of April 30, 2010, and can close by July 1, 2010. There are significant improvements and additions to the bill, including increased income limits for buyers, and now a Tax Credit of $6500 is available for CURRENT HOMEOWERS as well , who want to purchase a new home – as long a they have lived in thier current Primary Home for at least 5 out of the last 8 years!

Who Qualifies for the Extended Homebuyer Tax Credit?

·     First-time home buyers who purchase homes between the date the bill is signed by President Obama and April 30, 2010.

·     Current home owners purchasing a home between the date the bill is signed by President Obama and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight.

To qualify as a “first-time home buyer” the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

Which Properties Are Eligible?

The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.

How Much Is Available?

The maximum allowable credit for first-time home buyers is $8,000.

The maximum credit allowed for current homeowners is $6,500.

How is a Buyer’s Credit Amount Determined?

Each home buyer’s tax credit is determined by two additional factors:

1.            The price of the home.

2.            The buyer’s income.

Price

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, credit may only be awarded on homes purchased for $800,000 or less.

Buyer Income

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit which is effective on the date the bill is signed by President Obama single buyers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000—may receive the maximum tax credit.

These income limits have changed from the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit limits, and will now allow home buyers with higher incomes to qualify for the credit.

If the Buyer(s)’ Income Exceeds These Limits, Can He/She Still Get a Credit?

Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit.

The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000 for single buyers and between $225,000 and $245,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income—over $145,000 for singles and over $245,000 for couples are not eligible for the credit.

Can a Buyer Still Qualify If He/She Closes After April 30, 2010?

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, as long as a written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close.

Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?

No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during this three-year period, the full amount credit will be recouped on the sale.

By Robert Whitfield

Update: Foreclosures, Short Sales and Deed in Lieu Actions

As foreclosure moratoriums provided temporary relief to troubled borrowers earlier this year, two other kinds of home forfeiture–short sales and deed-in-lieu-of-foreclosure actions — rose sharply.

In a mortgage study released in early July, federal financial regulators reported a 176% jump in short sales and deed-in-lieu proceedings from the first quarter of 2008 to the first quarter this year.

Short sales and deed-in-lieu actions require borrowers to forfeit their homes to eradicate their mortgage debts, usually for less than the full amount owed. Both these actions require the lenders approval.

Selling a home or handing it back to the bank in this manner does less damage to a borrower’s credit rating than a foreclosure, and is less of a hassle for the lender.

Year-over-year first-quarter short sales jumped from 5,523 to 17,036, according to the report from the Comptroller of the Currency and Office of Thrift Supervision, the U.S. Treasury Department agencies that oversee banks and S&Ls.
Quarterly deed-in-lieu actions (voluntarily giving your home back to the lender to avoid foreclosure action) edged up from 1,065 to 1,158.

Completed foreclosures still far outnumbered the alternate forfeitures. They totaled 78,936, up from 76,548 in the year-earlier quarter but far below the high of 126,266 in the third quarter of 2008.

But things are NOT getting better. In fact, they will probably get worse.

Foreclosure statistics are expected to spike again soon as federal, state, local and lender-imposed moratoriums expire.
The regulators said their report covered 64% of current home loans in the United States. Astonishingly, they noted that most of the short sales involved borrowers with prime loans, not subprime or alt-A mortgages!

Whether you’re an investor, second home buyer, or a first time home buyer, you don’t need a Doctorate in Economics to see this market is a golden opportunity! Now is the time to buy real estate – and because of the new first time buyer $8500 tax credit (which does not have to be paid back) on home purchases through the end of 2009, now may be the best opportunity first time buyers will ever see to get into a home.

We are not just talking about deals – there are literally Steals out there in all price ranges and property categories – if you know where and how to look. This opportunity includes starter homes, residential and commercial investment properties, luxury homes, second and retirement homes in costal and mountain resort areas and everything in between.

Those who can take advantage of the market now will reap great rewards for years to come as they simply ride the tide of rising values over time – and the market will come back and values will rise as it always has after every economic downturn in history.

I can help you buy your next Atlanta Home, Atlanta Luxury Home, Atlanta Investment Property, and now even Costal and Mountain Resort Properties (more in a future blog) – give me a call to learn more!

Robert Whitfield

“Some of us have elder parents who are losing their friends and family. Depression can become a problem in these situations. Social Networking has proven to be a wonderful way to get Seniors back into life! Click on this link to read this article on how Social Networking is giving Seniors a reason to get up in the morning! ” – Robert

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WASHINGTON – Credit squeeze, credit freeze, credit system seizures: Everybody knows how severe and painful the global financial breakdown has been – with banks unwilling to lend even to other banks.

But what about mortgages and real estate? Can you still get a home loan with less than a 20 percent or 30 percent down payment? Or with a credit score below 720?
Absolutely. It would be a big stretch to label housing the sunny side of the market at the moment, but there’s a lot more light there than in most other financial sectors. Consider these facts:

• There is no shortage of money available for home mortgages, no freezing of credit to purchase or refinance a house. Why? Because the American mortgage market has been federalized – at least for the time being. More than 90 percent of new loans now are being made through FHA, the Federal Housing Administration insurance program, plus Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. FHA is owned by the federal government, and Fannie and Freddie are operating under federal conservatorship. All three have unfettered access to global capital markets at rock-bottom costs because their borrowings are fully guaranteed by the Treasury.

• Loan terms and credit underwriting standards have been toughened up, but you can still put down 3 percent (3.5 percent after Jan. 1) on an FHA-insured mortgage and 5 percent on certain Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan programs with private mortgage insurance. FHA’s credit standards are generous and forgiving – the agency exists to help people with less-than-spotless credit histories. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have raised their credit score requirements over the past year, but buyers and refinancers with scores in the upper 600s can still qualify for loans carrying reasonable rates and fees.

• Despite the global financial system’s quakes, mortgage rates not only remain low by historical standards, but for the week ended October 30, 2008 while 30 year fixed rates ticked up to 6.46% from 6.04% a week earlier – that is still among the lowest rates for a 30 year mortgage in the last 25 years!

• Maximum “jumbo” loan amounts through FHA, Fannie and Freddie in high-cost local markets on the West and East coasts continue to be $729,750 through December. In January, the high-cost maximum is projected to dip to approximately $625,000.

• Home prices – pushed by foreclosures and short sales – have rolled back to 2003 and 2004 levels or lower in many of the former boom markets. As a result, growing numbers of buyers are coming off the sidelines, making offers and writing contracts. The pending home sales index jumped by 7.4 percent based on purchase contracts signed in August, according to the National Association of Realtors. The heaviest increases – pointing to higher closed sales in the coming two to three months – were in California, Florida, Nevada and the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.

Housing and mortgage leaders say consumer worries about the stock market have obscured positive developments under way in real estate, where pricing pain and downsizing have been facts of the life for the past two and a half years.

David G. Kittle, president and CEO of Principle Wholesale Lending Inc. and incoming chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association, says “the mortgage market has never shut down” despite the global financial crisis. Money is “clearly available as long as you can qualify for it” with at least a modest down payment and decent credit history.

On the front lines, mortgage company owner Jeff Lipes, president of Family Choice Mortgage near Hartford, Conn., says “I don’t think consumers really know how free-flowing capital is right now in the residential mortgage market. There are no shortages, no breakdowns. People ought to be aware of that.”

Bottom line: Scary as the news has been about stocks and banks, this is not the case for mortgages. Besides shopping at large national lenders, check in with local banks and credit unions who may be originating loans for their own portfolios – not for Fannie, Freddie or FHA. Many of them are healthy, have plenty of cash to lend, and may be surprisingly competitive on terms and rates compared with the big boys.

Contact Robert Whitfield at Advantage Realtors if you need a good source for home equity lines – we have a local North Atlanta lender with more relaxed underwriting guidelines and better rates than the big national banks.

From one of the greatest Presidents of all time, and the writer of perhaps the best speech ever delivered in human history – and to this writer, the single Greatest American who ever lived…Abrahm Lincolin.

I received the following email from my favorite closing attorney, Brian Dubuc, and had to post this.

During this political season let’s be reminded of these wise words:

You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.

You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.

You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.

You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.

You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.

You cannot build character and courage by taking away people’s initiative and independence.

You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves.

Abraham Lincoln

Beleive it or not I am about to share some with you – both nationally and locally! I know everyone is tired of the bad financial news so here goes – a little upbeat housing market news…

Existing Home Sales Rise on Improved AffordabilityWASHINGTON, October 24, 2008

Existing-home sales increased last month as buyers responded to improved housing affordability conditions, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

Existing-home sales – including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops – rose 5.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.18 million units in September from a level of 4.91 million in August, and are 1.4 percent higher than the 5.11 million-unit pace in September 2007.
Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said more markets are seeing year-over-year gains. “The sales turnaround which began in California several months ago is broadening now to Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri and Rhode Island,” he said. “The South was hampered by much lower home sales in Houston in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike.”

NAR President Richard F. Gaylord, said low home prices and low interest rates have been attracting buyers. “This is the first time since November 2005 that home sales have been above year-ago levels,” he said. “Credit tightened at the end of September, but the improvement demonstrates that buyers who’ve been on the sidelines want to get into the market to make a long-term investment in their future.”

Total housing inventory at the end of September fell 1.6 percent to 4.27 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 9.9-month supply at the current sales pace, down from a 10.6-month supply in August. This marks two consecutive monthly declines since inventories peaked in July.
“Compared to a fairly small share of foreclosures or short sales a year ago, distressed sales are currently 35 to 40 percent of transactions. These are pulling the median price down because many are being sold at discounted prices,” Yun explained. “The current market is not being dominated by speculative investors. Rather, 80 percent of current buyers are purchasing a primary residence, which is a bit higher than historic norms.”

Now for Metro Atlanta…

According to Smart Numbers, after 18 consecutive monthly year-to-year percentage closing declines metro Atlanta will post an increase in the number of single family closings once the September closing lags are reported. Additionally, the number of closed transactions for September may be close or even exceed August 08′s 4180 closings. This is especially good news since historically September experiences a 10 to 25% decline in closed transactions compared to August.

Finally, according to the Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller Home Price Indexes as reported by Reuters on September 30 2008, markets in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Denver and Minneapolis showed the most evidence that a bottom has formed, with home price increases for the past three months or more.

While the two presidential candidates were taking time away from their campaigns this week to attend congressional hearings on the $700 billion dollar “bail out”, the internet and chat rooms in Atlanta have been on fire. Apparently a local Atlanta real estate Broker has been endorsed by people all over the country as a possible candidate! CNBC’s Wolf Blitzer says this is nothing short of a Phenomenon! Click the following video for this emerging story.

 
The Robert Whitfield Home Selling Team hope you enjoyed the video and the consensus is, there is very little chance of Robert being called away to Washington – at least for the near and far foreseeable future! Robert in a recent press release stated emphatically, My skill sets and intersts will keep me here in Atlanta – I am still available to assist the public with unmatched service for all their Atlanta Real Estate needs!

The Current Market Is Allowing More Atlantan’s To Treat Themselves To The Solitude And Splendor Of A Second Home Or Vacation Home - With More Options And Better Deals Than Anytime In Recent Memory

Today there are over 7 million vacation homes in the United States. With interest rates extremely low and hundreds of very desirable vacation home opportunities within a 2-5 hour drive from Atlanta, your dream of owning a vacation home may be easier than you think.

Whether you dream of a mountain lodge or a beach house on the Gulf of Mexico or off the coast of South Carolina, there are many options to choose from, and Robert Whitfield can help you.

According to  Walter Molony a spokesman for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), sales of second homes hit a new record in 2006, with over one million buyer purchasing vacation homes. In 2007, second homes and vacation homes accounted for more than 12 percent of all home sales. A NAR study found that the typical vacation home buyer in todays market is 46 years old, with a median annual income of $99,000.

“There are some great deals to be made in real estate right now,” said Molony, citing the large number of homes on the market, low interest rates and a 2.5 percent decline in home prices in 2007. “Buyers, especially financially fit baby boomers, are looking to diversify their portfolios. Historically speaking, real estate typically appreciates in value considerably over the years making it an excellent long term investment,” he said.

NAR reports that about 60 percent of vacation homes buyers choose locations within easy driving distance of where they live, with the average distance being about 220 miles, just a 4 to 5 hour drive. Because of Atlanta’s close proximity to the North GA and Blue Ridge mountains and even sections of the Gulf of Mexico, there are wonderful options that are anywhere from one to three hours away.

There has been a surge of interest in vacation home communities anchored among scenic natural settings, near a gorgeous mountain range, or the sandy beaches of a clear lake or sea coast.

Things To Consider Before Buying

Location, Location!

Select homes that are near outdoor recreation attractions and nature, especially those with or near breathtaking views – and homes where the return has been historically high. Properties along the Gulf Coast are popular with Atlantan’s and continue to have a great resale and return on investment potential.

Talk To Your Lender!

Lenders may require a larger down payment and charge a higher rate for second homes. To keep your costs down, you may want to consider financing a portion of your vation home with a home equity loan on your primary home. Home equity loans have lower rates than conventional mortgages. Robert can not only help you find a great vacation home, but refer a great home equity lender with some of the lowest rates around as well.

Check With Your Insurance Agent

Premiums for homeowners insurance for vacation homes are usually higher than your primary home, especially if you are far from a fire hydrant or fire station, or, you plan to rent the home out while you aren’t using it.

Consult With Your Tax Adviser

Have your tax adviser explain all the tax issues that pertain to a second home especially if you plan to rent it out, and if you don’t treat it as an investment property.

For more information, contact Robert Whitfield, Broker/Owner Advantage Realtors

Early reaction to the Fannie-Freddie takeover by the Fed has been roundly positive. Mortgage rates dropped almost a half point and that will be a boon to homebuyers with decent credit as rates are in the 5% range again as they were in 2005.

As Treasury secretary Paulson had hoped, the spread between the yield on mortgage-backed securities and risk-free Treasury bonds narrowed sharply Monday and mostly held those gains Tuesday. The tightening of those spreads has the effect of bringing down rates on the mortgages the companies are eligible to buy or guarantee – so-called conforming loans, typically those of $417,000 or less though up to $729,000 in some pricier areas. The rate for a conforming 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 5.88% Monday from 6.26% a week ago, according to BankRate.com.

The steep decline in mortgage rates will be good news for the housing market if it holds, by allowing some troubled homeowners to refinance and by generally making financing more available.

“Mortgages tightened a ton,” says Merrill Lynch mortgage-backed securities strategist Akiva Dickstein. “The question now is whether there’s more tightening to come.”

If so, people looking to buy houses could find purchasing a house more affordable. That could bring more buyers into a market struggling to digest near record levels of houses for sale, and slow the decline of prices. Prices in 20 big metro areas have fallen 16% over the past year, according to data from the S&P/Case-Shiller national survey.

In an additional bit of good news, Treasury bond prices rose in the wake of the rally in mortgage-backed bonds, and the dollar continued its two-month-long ascent against other major currencies.

Now is one of those windows of opportunity to refinance, buy a new home, or buy a second home – especailly now that the deal out there can be acquired with cheaper money.