La Quinta Real Estate Blog

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Disputing a Charge on Your Credit? Read this!

The Los Angeles Times and California Association of Realtors are reporting that credit account disputes on your credit report could stall mortgage applications!  For more information read below:

Some consumers with exceptional credit reports and high FICO scores are being denied mortgages by Fannie Mae's automated underwriting system because there is a notation in the credit report that the consumer has disputed an item.

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, consumers are guaranteed the right to dispute inaccurate information on any account in their credit files.  Once a consumer disputes an item in their credit report, a notation to this effect is made in the file.  Until the notation is removed, most credit-scoring system generally will not factor the disputed item into the computation of the consumer's score.

However, with the recent surge in companies claiming to "clean up" and "erase" blemishes on consumers' credit reports, some lenders are finding that these credit companies are disputing accurate, but negative items, hoping the consumer will qualify for a loan before the dispute is resolved.

Applications that are denied through Fannie Mae's automated underwriting system, which is used by virtually all lenders doing business with Fannie Mae, are sent back to the lender for manual underwriting.  It is then up to the lender to determine and document whether the disputed information is accurate and underwrite the borrower's credit accordingly.

Fannie Mae, however, says it is reviewing its policy, so maybe there's a chance for a change.  In the meantime, you might ask your lender what their policy is toward credit disputes.

To view La Quinta developments, custom estates & golf course communities visit our comprehensive website at www.LQ-Homes.com.  Contact us at 1-760-567-9100, we are here to help you find the desert home of your dreams or sell your home for top dollar!

Copyright © 2010 Laxson Realty. All Rights Reserved. Information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. 

Often Over-Looked Tax Deductions & Credits

Here is a handy list provided by my tax advisor of often overlooked tax deductions & credits to pass on to your clients before taxPiggy Bank Savings season:

1) Military Reservists' Travel Expenses:  Military reserve forces and National Guard troops are allowed a deduction for travel expenses attending drills or meetings provided you travel more than 100 miles and stay overnight for the training exercise. This deduction includes mileage reimbursement at 55 cents per each mile traveled. Parking toll fees also qualify. You receive this deduction whether or not you itemize your deductions.

2) Charitable Volunteering: If you volunteer for a charitable organization you may have deductible expenses. Did you purchase supplies or required equipment? Perhaps you volunteer in a hospital and need to purchase a uniform. The costs for the apparel AND the costs to clean the uniform can qualify as charitable deductions. And don't forget mileage, it too can often be deducted. 

3) Child and Dependent Care Credit:  Did you know the popular Child and Dependent Care tax credit also applies to summer day camp costs? As long as the camp is a day-camp and camp officials supervise the child while the parents work you can claim the credit for the camp costs.

4) Moving Expenses:  While job related moving expenses are a well known deduction, many clients don't realize moving expenses for a first job may also be deducted if the job passes a 50 mile distance test from the place the newly employed person has been living.

5) Mortgage Refinancing Points:  If you refinance your house or buy a second residence, any "points" you pay for the loan can be deducted proportionately each year over the life of the loan. If you sell your home or refinance before you have deducted the full cost of your "points", you can then deduct the remaining amount in the year of the refinancing or sale. Warning: The lender in the subsequent refinancing must be different to deduct points this way.

6) Job Hunting Costs:  Workers can often deduct job hunting costs provided the expenses are associated with looking for a new job in your present occupation. Qualifying costs include resume preparation, printing, postage, phone calls and outplacement/employment agency fees. Remember these costs, along with other miscellaneous itemized expenses, must exceed 2 percent of your adjusted gross income before they produce any tax savings.

To view all many of the desert developments, including the private golf clubs visit our website at www.LQ-Homes.com.  Contact us at 1-760-567-9100, we are here to help you find the desert home of your dreams!

Copyright © 2009 Susan Laxson. All Rights Reserved. Information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. 

 

To view La Quinta developments, custom estates & golf course communities visit our comprehensive website at www.LQ-Homes.com.  Contact us at 1-760-567-9100, we are here to help you find the desert home of your dreams or sell your home for top dollar!

Copyright © 2010 Laxson Realty. All Rights Reserved. Information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. 

Energy Saving Information Via AARP

Good information on how to save money on your energy bills!

Via Myrl Jeffcoat (GreatWest GMAC Real Estate):

AARP currently has a terrific resource on their website.  They have announced Operation Energy Save, a new initiative, to encourage friends; family and neighbors to conserve energy by making small changes around the house that are proven to reduce energy costs.

Some of their suggestions include:

  • Lowering thermostats in the winter by 10 percent (like from 74° to 67°) for eight hours, which can shave 10 percent off the household heating bill.
  • Closing the heat vents and the doors in rooms that aren't being used.
  • Turning off kitchen and bathroom ventilating fans when not in use. If left on for an hour, they can suck all the heat out of the house.
  • Making sure furniture is not blocking a heat register and moving furniture away from cold exterior walls and windows.

Information on where to volunteer or to get local community groups involved can be found at www.AARP.org/CreateTheGood.

For the complete article visit: AARP Operation Energy Save.

To view La Quinta developments, custom estates & golf course communities visit our comprehensive website at www.LQ-Homes.com.  Contact us at 1-760-567-9100, we are here to help you find the desert home of your dreams or sell your home for top dollar!

Copyright © 2010 Laxson Realty. All Rights Reserved. Information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. 

So how long is my Pre-Approval Good for?

Good way to describe what happens with a pre-approval letter from your lender...  read below.

Via Jason Sardi, Mortgage Banker (FHA-VA-USDA-Conventional-Pennsylvania Loans):

Easy answer, 60 days.  But I guess that depends on what kind of Pre-Approval you received or want for that matter.  Actually, the answer to such a question depends upon three factors:

-  You, as the consumer. 

-  The Buyer's Agent who is helping you find a home.

-  And the quality of the Pre-Approval you receive in the first place.

Ten Seconds, GO - You're interested in buying a home.  You even find a few that tickle your family bone.  But you need financing because you probably don't have the cash to buy it outright. Which leads to...

Nine Seconds - You're smart and seek out a Buyer's Agent to represent you. This will provide protection in your favor.  They represent you and only you. 

Eight Seconds - That agent may turn you onto a few folks like me who can help you out from the financing end.  And that doesn't mean you shouldn't shop on your own.  But buying a home isn't just about getting the lowest rate with no fees (an oxymoron if I've ever encountered one), it's about trust.  Interview those who express interest in earning your business and keeping it.  If they have the lowest rate with no fees, I can only hope they are in business when you need to do business again.

Seven Seconds- The Pre-Approval is more than just an application and credit check. There's some serious competency going on. They ask for your most recent pay-stubs, W-2's, bank statements, and the last time you had a wet dream about Richard Gere. 

Six Seconds - You find a house that you want to call home and a Sales Agreement has been signed and accepted by all parties. And there you are.

Five Seconds- You're hopefully just padding the documentation that you've already given to the Mortgage Company you choose.  I recommend Sardi Mortgage Inc, who isn't licensed just yet ... but when you hear Sardi, that should mean something. I'm not sure what, but it means something. Maybe it just means that there is an individual who is all over your particular file like white on puss.

Four Seconds - Appraisal is ordered and done. The rest of your file is pretty complete because everyone got along and did what needed to be done.

Three Seconds -  The complete transaction goes into Underwriting, those dastardly folks we think of who hate closing loans.  I'll give you a bit of info here, and I usually don't stick up for Underwriters.  They only get paid when folks close loans.  Without us, there is no them.  So, that's that.  In business, there's more to it than that, but that is a pretty accurate description.

Two Seconds - You are CLEAR TO CLOSE.  If there were three words that were magical in this industry, those are they. 

One Second Left - It's a proclamation of your destination.  You hit home!

And when there's no time left, that's the perfect time to be imperfect.  And that's the perfect way NOT to close.

 

Jason Sardi

Mortgage Consultant

610-653-0317

jsardi@ihmci.com

 

To view La Quinta developments, custom estates & golf course communities visit our comprehensive website at www.LQ-Homes.com.  Contact us at 1-760-567-9100, we are here to help you find the desert home of your dreams or sell your home for top dollar!

Copyright © 2010 Laxson Realty. All Rights Reserved. Information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. 

Regina Homeowners: Get Organized, Declutter, and Change Your Life

Not just for the Regina Homeowners... but for anyone who has "stuff" they just can't part with!

Via Clair Whittington (Exit Realty Fusion):

clutterAll of us have heard people talk about the benefits of organization, and when it comes to our homes, many of us here in Regina in say we could use more.  While often considered a lofty goal, decluttering our homes is more than simply creating coloured labels on boxes.  Instead, organization can be a crucial first step to living a whole, complete life.

How does a little organization lead to a more relaxed and fulfilled life?  So many of us get caught up in the lie that the more we own, the happier we’ll be.  It's really quite the opposite - our level of happiness in life is determined by the quality of our relationships, not the quantity of our belongings. 

Many people blur the lines between stuff and life - believing that losing some of your stuff translates into losing part of your life.  Ask yourself if holding on to that trophy from high school really enriches your life, and if getting rid of it will truly diminish those fond memories.  And, do you really need to keep that punch bowl you haven’t used in years just because someday you might need it? 

Recognizing the connection between physical clutter and emotional clutter will go a long way toward freeing you up to be more effective, efficient, and happy.  Eliminating clutter and getting organized removes the stuff that is standing between you and the best life you could be living.

If you’re ready to tackle the clutter in your home, start with these tips:

  1.  Start by doing a thorough inventory of things rarely used (how many times in the past year?) and take a second look at your available space.  Get rid of things you haven’t used in the past year - chances are, you don’t need them anyway.
  2. Invest in furniture that doubles as storage space (like an ottoman with wheels, which can be used as a stool, seat, tray, and storage).
  3. Rearrange kitchen shelves and counter space so healthier foods and cooking utensils are more accessible and put fine china on top shelves or pack them away to make room for the dishes you regularly use.
  4. Declutter your home office - clear your desk of unnecessary papers (throw them away or file them).  An uncluttered work space maximizes your efficiency - you’ll get more done in less time.
  5. Clean out your garage by removing broken or unused items and install a wall unit or another storage system to protect what you must keep.


More ideas can be found in this online article and the book It’s All Too Much, by Peter Walsh.

If you take inventory and realize you need to buy a home that better fits your needs, I’d be thrilled to be your real estate expert!  Give me, Clair Whittington, a call!  In the meantime, visit my website for more tips on home buying.  I look forward to working with you to find your perfect home and enrich your life!

To view La Quinta developments, custom estates & golf course communities visit our comprehensive website at www.LQ-Homes.com.  Contact us at 1-760-567-9100, we are here to help you find the desert home of your dreams or sell your home for top dollar!

Copyright © 2010 Laxson Realty. All Rights Reserved. Information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. 

IRS Issues New Form for Aiding Mortgage Applications

Yesterday the IRS came out with a new guideline related to aiding the process of mortgage applications.  Read below...

New Form Aids Processing of Mortgage Applications, Makes Ordering Tax Transcripts Simpler 

WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service today issued a new form to aid the processing of mortgage applications under the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) as part of the Making Home Affordable Program. The new form will make it simpler for people, especially homeowners trying to modify or refinance their mortgages, to order copies of their tax return transcripts.

Taxpayers often need copies of their tax return information, especially when they are obtaining a new mortgage or when they are refinancing or modifying an existing mortgage. Taxpayers can use Form 4506T-EZ, Short Form Request for Individual Tax Return Transcript, to order a Form 1040 series tax return transcript free of charge.

A transcript is a computer print-out that includes most lines on the original return. A transcript often is an acceptable substitute for a copy of the original tax return for purposes of verifying income.

Form 4506T-EZ is a streamlined version of the Form 4506T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return.

The Form 4506T-EZ is only for individuals who filed a Form 1040 series. Businesses, partnerships and individuals who need transcript information from other forms must still use the Form 4506T.

Transcripts ordered through the Form 4506T-EZ can be mailed to a third party, such as a financial institution. The IRS cautions taxpayers that they should complete all required fields, especially the requested years, before signing and dating the form.

Taxpayers can obtain Form 4506T-EZ at IRS.gov. It is a fillable form so people can complete the form online and print a copy. They can mail it or fax it to the addresses and numbers listed in the instructions. It generally takes 10 days to process the request.

The IRS also recommends that people retain copies of their original tax returns in a safe, secure place. Exact copies of tax returns are available by filing Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, but each copy costs $57 and can take 60 days to process.

To view La Quinta developments, custom estates & golf course communities visit our comprehensive website at www.LQ-Homes.com.  Contact us at 1-760-567-9100, we are here to help you find the desert home of your dreams or sell your home for top dollar!

Copyright © 2010 Laxson Realty. All Rights Reserved. Information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. 

FHA Rate Updates for: Oct. 21, 2009

Interest rate information for FHA loans..

Via Pam Jank (Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty):

 Many banks have tightened up standards on their mortgage loans in the current lending enviorment.   Many Homebuyers are being turned away becasue their Bank does not offer FHA financing options.

FHA  is a great way to go if the borrower is putting down less than 20%, even if the borrower has an excellent credit score.   Today, many banks are not offering conventional loans with private mortgage insurance for borrowers under 740 with less than 20% available for the down payment.  This makes FHA Insured loans loans the only alternative for a homebuyer to obtain financing.

APR based on 3.50% down payment on a $300,000 sale price

 FHA Rate Updates for: 
10/21/2009 

FHA Insured  Program

Rate

APR

30 Year Fixed

5.000%

5.497%

15 Year Fixed

4.500%

5.853%

5/1 ARM

4.250%

3.718%

3/1 ARM

3.875%

3.389%


An FHA loan can be obtained with a credit score as low as 640.  Many banks are not lending borrowers with a credit score under 680 and some even require a 740 credit score, certainly for the best terms.  FHA offers great rates with reduced monthly mortgage insurance, more liberal debt to income allowance, only a 3.50% down payment requirement and up to a 6.0% seller contribution toward your buyers closing costs.

Below is a comparison of FHA and Conventional financing requirements for a $300,000 sale price on a single family residence in Orange County, California. 

Loan Program

FHA

Conventional

Best Option?  

Credit Score Requirement 

  640

740+

FHA

Maximum Qualifying Ratio                                           

 55%

44%

FHA

Down Payment Requirement

3.50%

20.00%

FHA

Base Loan Amount

$289,500

$240,000

FHA

Cash Required to Close

$11,500

$60,000

FHA

Average Closing Time

30 days

60 days

FHA

All of the the above information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.  Please verify through your local FHA Lender.

Please feel free to contact me to find a local FHA lender.   I would also love to help you find your North Idaho Dream home!

Your North Idaho Real Estate Pro:

Pam Jank, Realtor, ABR, GRI, CRS, RSPS, PPS
Previews Property Specialist
Web:  Coeur d'Alene Idaho Homes for Sale
email to:pamjank@hotmail.com
Phone:  208-661-2282
Fax:  208-772-628 Toll Free:  800-829-2555 EXT.1275
COLDWELL BANKER SCHNEIDMILLER REALTY
435 W. Hanley Avenue
Coeur d'Alene, ID  838315 

ABR Designation - Accredited buyer's representativeGRI Designation - Graduate Realtor InsituteCRS Designation - Certified Residential SpecialistRSPS Designation - Resort & Second Home Property SpecialistPreviews Property Specialist Designation

Pam Jank

To view La Quinta developments, custom estates & golf course communities visit our comprehensive website at www.LQ-Homes.com.  Contact us at 1-760-567-9100, we are here to help you find the desert home of your dreams or sell your home for top dollar!

Copyright © 2010 Laxson Realty. All Rights Reserved. Information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. 

Palm Desert Homes for Sale Under $250,000

Can't find what you are looking for in La Quinta?  Check out these bargains under $250,000 in Palm Desert or give us a call to help you find your desert dream home at 1-760-567-9100.

Via Laxson Associates l Desert Communities:

Looking for a bargain in real estate?  Palm Desert has some wonderful homes in every price range. Palm Desert Bargains

To view the detached homes in Palm Desert Under $250,000 (click here).

To view the attached homes in Palm Desert Under $250,000 (click here).

To view more developments and price ranges visit our website at www.LQ-Homes.com.   There you will learn more information about each development, including private golf clubs, new developments in Palm Desert, Palm Springs, La Quinta, and other desert communities in the Coachella Valley.  Give us a call if you would like to begin your search for a desert home to call your own or if you would like to sell your desert retreat!  Laxson Associates 1-760-567-9100

To view all many of the desert developments, including the private golf clubs visit our website at www.Resort-Home.com.  Contact us at 1-760-567-9100, we are here to help you find the desert home of your dreams!

Copyright © 2009 Susan Laxson. All Rights Reserved. Information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. 

To view La Quinta developments, custom estates & golf course communities visit our comprehensive website at www.LQ-Homes.com.  Contact us at 1-760-567-9100, we are here to help you find the desert home of your dreams or sell your home for top dollar!

Copyright © 2010 Laxson Realty. All Rights Reserved. Information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. 

Piazza Serena in South La Quinta

PIAZZA SERENA is a gated community consisting of luxurious residences dedicated to sophisticated Piazza Serena in South La Quintadesert living built in 2005.  Ranging from approximately 2,903 to 3,066 square feet, these elegant single-story homes have open, flexible floorplans with up to 6 bedrooms and 4 baths.  Some plans offer optional 4-car garages.  There is currently one listing available in Piazza Serena and it is a 4 bedroom/4 bath home with approx. 3,105 sq. ft and listed at $699,000.

To view all the developments in La Quinta, including the private golf clubs and PGA West, visit our website at www.LQ-Homes.com.  To view homes in a specific development, click on the "For Sale" button to view all available properties anytime.  Contact us at 1-760-567-9100, we are here to help you find the desert home of your dreams!

Copyright © 2009 Susan Laxson. All Rights Reserved. "Piazza Serena in South La Quinta".  Information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. 

To view La Quinta developments, custom estates & golf course communities visit our comprehensive website at www.LQ-Homes.com.  Contact us at 1-760-567-9100, we are here to help you find the desert home of your dreams or sell your home for top dollar!

Copyright © 2010 Laxson Realty. All Rights Reserved. Information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. 

Parc La Quinta in South La Quinta

PARC LA QUINTA is a development of single and two story homes in South La Quinta.  This neighborhood Parc La Quintawas built in 1990 and features three and four bedroom homes up to 2,222 square feet.  This is a gated community with HOA dues that cover the common area maintenance. 

To view all the developments in La Quinta, including the private golf clubs and PGA West, visit our website at www.LQ-Homes.com.  To view homes in a specific development, click on the "For Sale" button to view all available properties anytime.  Contact us at 1-760-567-9100, we are here to help you find the desert home of your dreams!

Copyright © 2009 Susan Laxson. All Rights Reserved. "Parc La Quinta in South La Quinta".  Information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. 

 

To view La Quinta developments, custom estates & golf course communities visit our comprehensive website at www.LQ-Homes.com.  Contact us at 1-760-567-9100, we are here to help you find the desert home of your dreams or sell your home for top dollar!

Copyright © 2010 Laxson Realty. All Rights Reserved. Information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.