Stone and brick home with arched doorway As we South Floridians in the Gables, Pinecrest, Key Biscayne and surrounding areas enjoy a Seller’s market once again, it is important to know that research shows that the average homebuyer has already  made their mind up about buying a particular home the second they see the house from the outside.  “And by outside, I am not just referring to the structure.  A beautiful, well architected landscaped home will most likely get your buyer in the door much quicker than one that is spared of landscaping, and heavily influence the market value of your home.”  Jacqueline A. Salcines, Esq.

Many university studies reveal that an investment in landscaping provides a return on investment of more than 100 percent.  100 PERCENT! That means, that if you invest $25,000.00 in landscaping, you are likely to see that return when you add the $25,000.00 to the selling price.  Studies also show that homes that have curb appeal sell up to six weeks faster than homes that do not.

While some areas sell by themselves, this is great news if you are trying to sell a distressed home in today’s market.

So where do you start.  Drive around.  Take a look at other well-manicured yards in highly sought after areas and ask the homeowners for their landscapers name.  If you are the “Do It Yourself” type, you can certainly find hundreds of books and magazines on the market these days that will teach you how to get that great yard in no time.  The trick is to remove dead plants or beds that have been taken over by weeds. Make sure the lawn is nicely manicured and GREEN and thriving.  Local stores like Home Depot, ACE and others, sell numerous fertilizers for every type of lawn.  And make sure you have plant beds and plenty of color to bring attention to areas of the property. Also make sure the green does not convert into a jungle.

“Addresss the landscaping with a buyers point of view.  Think about what a typical buyer  is looking for. They want a nicely manicured yard with enough greenery to frame complement your home, but not so much that it becomes the focus of the home. Trees have the biggest impact, so placing an attractive tree, or trees, in your yard to provide shade and frame your home or backyard may well be worth it. Furthermore, landscape experts add that the way your landscaping funds are invested has a great deal to do with the return you experience. Buying a ton of small homogeneous plants is far less desirable that a few well placed mature ornamentals that complement the rest of your yard. You should focus on the front yard first as this is what grabs a potential buyer’s attention. Make sure your beds are weed free and covered with a nice layer of mulch.”

While only one idea to bring value to your home, always consult an expert when buying or selling.  We are here to help.

Law Offices of Jacqueline A. Salcines, P.A.

 

 

 

If you have not checked to see what your home is worth lately, you may be in for quite a surprise.   Nationally, and statewide, property values are skyrocketing and the median prices of homes are rising in double digits, specially the South Florida luxury real estate market. foreclosure process

The best way to determine the fair market value, is always to hire the services of a knowledgeable and skilled real estate professional to run a Comparative Market Analysis of your property to determine the price per square foot. A low, median and high price will be provided in order to assess true and accurate price per square foot.  Since this technique is based on comparables to the most recent sales, it is by far the most accurate manner to determine worth.  Whether prepared by an attorney or real estate agent, choose someone with knowledge and skill to determine the most accurate price.

Of course, there is always the formal APPRAISAL.  Although you will typically pay between $250.00 and $450.00 for an appraisal, this will also provide you with an accurate report of value based on recent sales. For buyers, sellers and investors, knowing and having this information is crucial.

There are also numerous websites and apps available to calculate value, including:

Zillow (www.zillow.com)

This will provide you with a  “Zestimate”  of fair market value.

For investors, Zillow also has a great little tool that estimates what the property would rent for.

And the Make Me Move feature, for those not quite ready to sell but curious about what they could get if they placed the property on the market. This tool allows you to name your price and see if anyone bites

Trulia (www.trulia.com)

Simply by entering your address,  Trulia  will do the rest.  You can also add any information that is missing from the property description such as new roof, or other facts, that will be re-estimated into price

Trulia is a great tool for house hunting, as you can search for homes by city, state or zip code.  It also allows for more refined searches, such as number of bedrooms or bathrooms, how many days on the market, and to see what new listing come on the market as they come up.

Trulia’s unique Heat Maps provide a graphic picture of an area’s sales, price trends and popularity. Adjust the Heat Map by neighborhood, city, county and state. You’ll also find school ratings, information about nearby businesses and comments from local residents.

Realtor.com (www.realtor.com)

This is the Official site of the National Association of Realtors.  You can have access to any homes that are listed and can refine searches by price, maximum, minimum, number of rooms, pool, zip code. This is by far the most comprehensive tool for buyers and sellers.

It is also packed with great resources such as a mortgage calculator, real estates trends and topics as well as home improvement advice.

And for all those tech savvy individuals, there are new apps each and every day such as Realtor.com app and apps created by realtors themselves, that will permit you to subscribe to their service and obtain up to the minute information about new listings, and follow their blogs.

Keep in mind that all the information on these sites are only starting points.  There is no substitute for a professional appraisal or Opinion of Value from a qualified Real Estate Attorney or Realtor

TRUST  |   COMMITMENT  |  RESULTS  

LAW OFFICES OF JACQUELINE A. SALCINES, P.A.

 

I OFTEN HAVE PEOPLE CALL ME WHEN THEY ARE GOING TO PURCHASE A PROPERTY, AND ASK ME  TO GIVE THEM AN ESTIMATE OF WHAT THEIR CLOSING COSTS ARE GOING TO BE.

I HAVE HEARD OF REALTORS THAT CALCULATE IT USING A PERCENTAGE OF THE SALES/PURCHASE PRICE, AS DO SOME BANKERS. foreclosure_defense

HOWEVER, THE EXACT AMOUNT IS OFTEN VERY EASY TO CALCULATE.  BELOW IS AN EXAMPLE THAT CAN BE USED FOR YOUR PURCHASE

A BUYER’S TYPICAL COSTS AND FEES CAN BE CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS:

  1. ATTORNEY FEE
  2. SETTLEMENT OR CLOSING FEE  – THE FEE TO PERFORM YOUR CLOSING BY THE ATTORNEY OR TITLE COMPANY (TYPICALLY $295.00 IN MIAMI DADE COUNTY)
  3. SURVEY – IF A SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE (USUALLY BETWEEN $295.00 AND $300.00)
  4. COURIER FEE (USUALLY BETWEEN $25.00 AND $30.00)
  5. WIRE FEE (USUALLY BETWEEN $15.00 TO $25.00)
  6. HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE PREMIUM
  7. HOMEOWNERS FLOOD INSURANCE PREMIUM
  8. TITLE INSURANCE PREMIUM (THIS IS BASED ON THE PURCHASE PRICE AND IS A STANDARD FEE REGULATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE)
  9. LOAN FEES (CAN NOT EXCEED THE GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE PROVIDED BY YOUR BANKER BY MORE THAN 10% OR THE BANK MUST REFUND THE DIFFERENCE TO YOU)
  10. IF FINANCING, YOU MUST BE INTANGIBLE TAX ON THE  MORTGAGE LOAN AMOUNT AT .20 CENTS FOR EVERY $100.00 BORROWED
  11. IF FINANCING, YOU MUST ALSO PAY DOCUMENTARY STAMPS TAXES ON THE MORTGAGE AT .35 CENTS FOR EVERY $100.00 BORROWED
  12. IF FINANCING, YOU WILL ALSO PAY FOR THE RECORDING OF THE MORTGAGE AT $8.00 FOR THE FIRST PAGE AND $8.50 FOR EVERY PAGE THEREAFTER.

PROPERTY TAXES ARE PRORATED FROM JANUARY 1ST OF THE YEAR TO THE DATE OF CLOSING AND WILL APPEAR AS A REDUCTION IN THE AMOUNT THE BUYER IS REQUIRED TO BRING TO CLOSING.

ESCROWS WILL ALSO BE ADDED BY YOUR LENDER IS YOU HAVE ELECTED TO INCLUDE THE INSURANCE AND TAXES INSIDE YOUR MONTHLY  MORTGAGE PAYMENT. IF SO, THE BANK WILL REQUIRE THAT MONTHS BE COLLECTED AT CLOSING AND HELD IN RESERVE ON YOUR ACCOUNT UNTIL THE LENDER PAYS YOUR PROPERTY TAXES IN NOVEMBER AND YOUR INSURANCE ONE YEAR FROM NOW.

ASIDE FROM THESE COSTS, YOU NEED TO EXAMINE YOUR CONTRACT CLOSELY TO SEE IF YOU ARE LIABLE FOR ANY OTHER COSTS.

WHILE THIS IS THE TYPICAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION SCENARIO IN MIAMI DADE, BROWARD IS A BIT DIFFERENT.

  1. IN BROWARD, SELLER IS USUALLY THE ONE THAT PAYS THE TITLE INSURANCE PREMIUM
  2. IN BROWARD, THE DOCUMENTARY STAMP TAXES ON THE DEED PAID BY SELLER ARE $ .70 CENTS FOR EVERY $100.00.

WITH SO MANY FEES AND COSTS INVOLVED, A THOROUGH EXAMINATION OF THE CONTRACT SHOULD BE MADE BY AN EXPERIENCED REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY PRIOR TO SIGNING ANY CONTRACT.  YOU MAY NOT KNOW WHAT FEES AND COSTS ARE CUSTOMARY DEPENDING ON YOUR COUNTY, AND ONCE YOU SIGN, THERE IS NO FREEZING OFF PERIOD.  YOU ARE STUCK.

DONT GO IT ALONE. HIRE THE SERVICES OF AN EXPERIENCED REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY TO REPRESENT YOU IN YOUR PURCHASE OR SALE.

JACQUELINE A. SALCINES, ESQ.   305  |  669  |  5280

 

 

 

 

THE TRADITIONAL SHORT SALE HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH THE SIMPLIFIED HAFA SHORT SALE, WHICH IS MAKING SELLERS AND BORROWERS’ CHANCE OF APPROVAL MUCH EASIER THESE DAYS.short_sale

The main differences under the HAFA short sale that affect borrowers is the following:

  • No Occupancy Requirements – The borrower need not prove that the residence is their “primary residence” as defined under the Making Home Affordable rules.  The only restriction is that the borroewer may not have purchased a primary residence in previous 12 months.
  • The 31% Ratio No longer Used –  Mortgage payments are now permitted to exceed the 31% of gross monthly income if the borrower is current on their mortgage
  • Second Mortgage Paid $8,500.00 – Secondary lienholders (depending on investor) must now be paid $8,500.00 from the first lien holder
  • Relocation Assistance –  Seller/Borrowers must receive relocation incentices up to $3,000.00 (depending on investor and type of loan, and if occupied by the Tenant may receive the incentive $3,000.00
  • Credit Bureau Reporting –  Short Sale lender will now report the paid off account as account status code “13” which is account paid or close/account zero balance or code “65” account paid in full.foreclosure stated” as applicable.

Rules are also more lenient regarding whether the Short Sale is a result of a divorce, downsizing, as well as requriements regarding income reporting.

Of equal importance, is how the short sale and capital gains are being forgiven in the eyes of the IRS when the 1099-C is reported.

For up to the minute Short Sale information and to have you qualified, call THE LAW OFFICES OF JACQUELINE SALCINES, ESQ.

TRUST     |    COMMITMENT    |    RESULTS            TELEPHONE:  305.669.5280

 

 

You’ve all heard the story before, months and months of laboring to get the short sale approval, you finally get it and the second lien holder or mortgage company will not accept what the first lien holder is agreeing to pay them.  Result:  Now your short sale is held hostage.  The first will not pay more, the second will not accept less.  What are the alternatives to get this approved after so much hard work?short_sale

Well, first of all, anyone negotiating or selling their home in a short sale must be familiar with their rights. Under the HAFA (Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative) Program, the first lien holder MUST, not may, MUST, pay the 2nd lien holder $8,500.00. There are rules that regulate this payout and therefore the 1st lien holder can not wiggle its way out of this.  And the 2nd lien holders are keenly aware of these regulations.

Now, if the short sale falls outside of the HAFA Program, then you have a dilemma.  For the most part, the 1st lien holder will request a payoff statement of the first and typically (I say typically because in short sales there is nothing typical), they will pay 10% or a maximum of $6,000.00

“I have been negotiating short sales for quite some time and they (the lenders), for the most part, do adhere to the 10% rule.  But, in the event they pay less and the 2nd lien holder demands more, this is NOT necessarily the end of the line.  There are still options.  If the borrower is receiving an incentive at closing from the 1st lien holder, the 1st bank will allow the borrower/seller to contribute that money towards paying off the 2nd.  They will also permit you to enter into a promissory note, usually at 0% interest, ten (10) years, in order to reach that number.  Or, in the alternative, all the other parties in the game can make some contributions. Often times, realtors as well as the buyer are agreeable to making certain concession in order for the great deal to go through.  After all, if the closing falls through, the nobody gets paid and the buyer doesnt get their property.”  –  Jacqueline A. Salcines, Esq.

So, while the 2nd lien holder can certainly hold a short sale hostage and there are no laws you can use to force them to agree to a payout, there are still some alternatives to make the short sale go through to closing.

Short sales are crafty games played by crafty players.  Everyone has to have some skin in the game to make the process work smoothly.

And, if it goes smoothly, then as in any games, there will be many winners, and perhaps a few losers (the banks).

Dont go it alone. Consult a professional real estate lawyer to handle your mortgage problems.  We are a phone call away.

LAW OFFICES OF JACQUELINE A. SALCINES, P.A.

JACQUELINE A. SALCINES, ESQ.     TELEPHONE:  305  | 669 | 5280

 

 

The Responsible Homeowner Refinancing Act of 2013 was reintroduced this week for approval by Congress. Home floating on a life preserver.

This bill, if passed, will benefit responsible homeowners who have stayed afloat and maintained their mortgage payments current, despite their home values being upside down.  Responsible for the introduction of this bill are U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (NJ) and Barbara Boxer (CA).  First introduced in the 112th Congress but not passed, the bill is now gaining momentum again.  Perhaps more relevant now that the housing market is experiencing a recovery, though not quick enough for underwater homeowners  who have been unable to modify for too much income, and unable to refinance for too little equity.  This bill will also affect the impending wave of new foreclosures predicted for 2013, removing some homeowners from foreclosures all together.

Under the proposed bill, hardworking, responsible homeowners who entered into high interest, or interest only loans, will be able to refinance,  and reap the reward of current interest rates which are at 3.53 percent.  Responsible homeowners will be able to avoid foreclosure and have some money in their pockets.

The bill, which will enchance the current HARP program, seeks to eliminate the requirements that borrowers verify income or employment, as under the current HARP rules. The bill will also affect that manner in which appraisals are approved and handled, and reduce the cost and time for borrowers and lenders alike.  It will also extend the HARP program by one more year, through the end of 2014.

“This is great news for the underwater homeowner.  The HARP program has been fantastic in throwing a life preserver to the homeowner that is current on their mortgage and we have seen many mortgages reduced through principal reductions.  I am glad that Congress is taking note of the homeowners and how they are suffering in the current state of our real estate market.” Jacqueline A. Salcines, Esq.

So, this is more good news for underwater homeowners!  Now, if only the real estate market will continue to improve, we sseem to be almost out of the woods!!

DONT GO IT ALONE.  For more information on whether you qualify for a HARP Refinance, modificaiton, short sale or other relief, call me anytime.

Jacqueline A. Salcines, Esq.

Jacqueline A. Salcines, PA

A law firm dedicated to all of your real estate needs.

305 |  669  |  5280

Many buyers and sellers are on pins and needles… not knowing whether to take the plunge and buy a property or place their homes on the market and take a chance that they are making the best profit.  Certainly no one expected the housing market, paricularly the Miami, Coral Gables and Pinecrest areas, to go up so dramatically since the bubble exploded.  However, the wave of recent sales and the return to the 10 contract deals, has certainly put the market back in the sellers hands. 20130201-182045.jpg

So, to invest or not to invest?  That is the question.  TrustED market researchers and forecasters predict a steady 1% to 3 % increase in home prices in 2013, but is this accurate? Afterall, Miami, Florida is certainly not the norm, and in some areas, prices are inching back to 2003 and 2004 levels.  Certainly, the market has turned the corner and the chances of the bubble burting again, are very slender.

There is also the issues of the Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction that will impact recovery. While most tax specialists expect a “cap” rather than a full elimination, for the LUXURY HOME BUYER and higher income folks, this is something that needs to be considered as it may affect their benefits from the tax deduction.

Sales are also being helped by record low mortgage rates, lower unemployment and a decrease in distressed home sales.  This is causing an improved demand for homes, specifically in the South Florida area, where inventory is so diminshed.

The National Association of Realtors reported that while December sales were just slighly below November, sales for the full year (2011) were the best we’ve seen since 2007.  Source: National Association of Realtors.

“As a real estate professional in the business for more than 15 years, the best advice I can give for navigating the 2013 real estate market is to hire the right team of professionals, including a knowledgeable attorney to check title and a realtor who can assess home values, comparables in the area, as well as determine the best price to come in at or list at.  This will remove your competition and provide you with peace of mind that you are buying or selling at the best price, a price supported by our presend day real estate market.”  Jacqueline A. Salcines, Esq.

JACQUELINE A. SALCINES, ESQ.  WE ARE A LAW FIRM DEDICATED TO ALL OF YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS.

TRUST  |  COMMITMENT  |  RESULTS

CALL THE REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF JACQUELINE A. SALCINES, P.A. FOR A FREE CONSULTATION:  305 | 669 | 5280

 

foreclosure process 2013 MAY BE THE BEST YEAR TO BUY A HOME

Aside from mortgage interest rates being at the lowest in almost 30 years, and home prices still well below what they were 6 years ago (although positively climbing…good for sellers, bad for investors) numerous elements of the fiscal cliff bill favor buyers and sellers alike.  This may mean 2013 is the best time to buy a home.

After consistent declines last year in interest rates, the start of 2013 marked another drastic dip in rates, according to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey.  The average 30-year fixed rates in January 2013 was 3.34, down form 3.35 at the end of 2012, and well below 3.90 at the beginning of 2012.  15-year fixed averages slid below 2.65, down from 3.23 exactly a year ago.

Lenders have also finally faced the  cold hard facts (it took them long enough)!  They have finally realized that it is much more profitable to accept a short sale then take a harder hit through a foreclosure.  Bank statistics show they lose about 20 percent in a foreclosure sale compared to 14 percent in a short sale, according to the National Association of Realtors data.

For this reasons, banks are not only approving short sales in record time (my firm is seeing between 45 to 50 day approvals) but are giving homeowners, buyers and even tenants money incentives to sell and close the short sale.  Attorney Jacqueline Salcines states “As recently as December 2012, my client received a $26,000.00 incentive, $20,000 from his lender and $6,000 from the HAFA program, AND, wrote off his mortgage balance.  This translates into an overwhelming incentive and gift to the borrower that is selling.”  This is good news for sellers selling and the buyer/investors still looking for a good deal.

While experts such as Zillow.com predict that home prices will increase about 3.1 percent in 2013, which is great for sellers and their realtors, there is still lots and lots of good news for buyers.  New home buyer incentives have been reinitiated giving first time home buyers credits to buy again.

All in all, whether you are buying or selling, it makes no sense to go it alone.  Consult with an attorney who is qualified to provide solid advice in the field of real estate home purchases and investments.

REACH ME ANYTIME BY CALLING  305 | 669 | 5280  OR WRITE ME  J.SALCINES@SALCINESLAW.COM

 

foreclosure_defense NEW MORTGAGE RULES IN 2013 WILL IMPACT BORROWERS

Last week, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced new rules, known as the Qualified Mortgage (or QM for short), for mortgage financing. This new regulation, while creating a safer harbor for the lenders, reducing their risks, drastically impacts homebuyers and their ability to obtain loans.

At the start of 2013, lenders will face stricter guidelines in getting their loans approved. This translates into additional safeguards, additional manpower, additional fees and costs to borrowers. The rules will require tighter qualify control requirements for lenders including full documentation of applicant’s income, assets, employment, credit history, etc.

Plus, the Dodd-Frank Law in effect, limits points for qualified mortgages at 3 percent of the loan. This could heavily impact large lenders and home builders who provide incentives for home owners and use affiliated companies for their services, such as appraisers, title and surveyors.
Also affected are jumbo mortgages, which could affect higher end home sales in Counties and Cities with higher sales figures such as Coral Gables, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach. Jumbo loan limits in Florida counties are classified as follows:

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Under the new regulations, to achieve safe harbor status, a loan must not have a debt-to-income ratio in excess of 43%. David Stevens, Chairman and President of the Mortgage Bankers Association estimates that “between 22 and 25 percent of all jumbo loans that exceed those limits, have DTI’s beyone that cap” thereby they will be affected.

To read more on this go to:

http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/kenharney/new-mortgage-rules-could-crimp-lending

So, a few tips to make financing your home easier and allowing you to escape this bureacacy:

● Preserve your credit and keep your credit scores high
● Put down at least a 20% down payment on your purchase
● Avoid PMI mortgage insurance
● Use a qualified mortgage banker or broker to find the best possible programs and loans
out there for you based on your particular situation.

And the best advice of all… don’t go it alone.

Hire a qualified attorney to handle your closing! By hiring an attorney and accountant, you pay no more than a title company would charge BUT get additional services from a qualified professional including

● Review of Good Faith Estimates provided by mortgage brokers to check fees and costs

● Review and examination of title on the home you are purchasing to make sure title is free and clear of all encumbrances
● Preparation of the Closing Statement HUD-1 to make sure all charges are accurate
● Attendance at closing and review of all lender documents including mortgage and note

Contact me for more information on our real estate closing services.

Jacqueline A. Salcines, Esq. 305|669|5280

Or email me directly at J.Salcines@salcineslaw.com

HAPPY BUYING!!

On Friday, January 18, 2013, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced changes to their servicing requirements for short sales. These changes apply to all Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac short sales, with an offer and without an offer.

• Title Transfer requirement change:

o The buyer is prohibited from selling the property for any sales price for a period of 30 days from the date of the deed.

o After a 30 day period, and until 90 days from the date of the deed, the buyer is further prohibited from selling the property for a sales price greater than 120% of the short sale price.

This restriction runs with the land, meaning that it is not personal to the seller and will transfer to the new buyer.

Below is an example on how to calculate the 120%:

o Purchase Price is $100,000.00
o 120% of the purchase price would be $100,000.00 X 1.2 = $120,000.00

• Relocation Assistance:

o The borrower may be entitled to an incentive payment of $3,000 from Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac to assist with relocation expenses following successful completion of a short sale unless:

1. The borrower is required to contribute funds or execute a promissory note.

2. The borrower has Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders and receives a Dislocation Allowance (DLA) or other government relocation assistance.

3. The servicer has knowledge that the borrower is receiving relocation assistance from another source other than the servicer.

Note: If the borrower receives relocation assistance from a source other than Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac or the Servicer, the difference in the relocation assistance amount up to the $3,000 incentive maximum may be provided. If the borrower will receive relocation assistance from a source other than Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac or the Servicer and the amount is equal to or greater than $3,000, no relocation incentive will be provided.

With all these changes, now more than ever, it is crucial to have an attorney negotiate and close your short sale. THE LAW OFFICES OF JACQUELINE A. SALCINES, P.A. is dedicated to negotiating short sales, and providing both title work and title closing services for all closings. Call us for a free consultation. Tel: 305.669.5280. or visit us on the web WWW.SALCINESLAW.COM