HARP II Refinance Program Update

Breaking Down The HARP II Refinance Program and what homeowners should expect from the Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac refinance program.

This program is available for those homeowners that:

1.Currently have a mortgage backed by either Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac (no FHA or VA)
2.Their current mortgage must have been securitized prior to June 1, 2009

HARP II is a reworked version of the original HARP I refinance program, first launched in 2009. The original HARP program was positioned to assist more than 9 million U.S. households. However, less than a million homeowners were able to utilize the program. The revised HARP II incorporates some key changes.

The most notable change is that the loan to value limit has been waived (I'm sure some lenders will still require a maximum loan to value). Therefore, no matter how far underwater you are, you are still eligible for HARP. That means the program is now in reach for homeowners in states such as Nevada, Michigan and Arizona where LTVs can exceed 200 percent.

HARP II is expected to be rolled out by most lenders sometime in mid to late November. The process starts with a loan application.

Rates Remain Calm Post Fed Comments

The Federal Open Market Committee voted to keep the Fed Funds Rate static at this time. The vote was nearly unanimous with only one dissenting voter. In its press release, the Federal Reserve presented an improved outlook for the U.S. economy since its last meeting in September. There's new evidence that the economy "strengthened somewhat" in the third quarter, led by consumer and business spending. The economy remains hampered by a number of factors including :

  1. Continuing weakness in the labor market
  2. Weakness in commercial real estate
  3. A depressed housing market

The good news is that inflation remains stable which will help keep mortgage rates in check.

HARP Homeowner Refinance Program II Introduced

HARP Phase II Announced to Rescue Underwater Mortgages

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), along with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs), has announced a series of changes to the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) in an effort to attract more eligible borrowers who can benefit from refinancing their mortgage. Dubbed Harp Phase II.

Not only will these changes allow more borrowers to qualify, but they will streamline the process and reduce the cost to borrowers and should lessen risk for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Lenders are particularly gratified that the refinements will provide relief from some representations and warranties that lenders face when originating new loans. These changes alone should encourage lenders to more actively participate in HARP."

These enhancements will not only help responsible homeowners who have been unable to refinance because the equity in their home has disappeared, but it will also help spur the economy by allowing homeowners to reduce their monthly payment, thus allowing homeowners to spend the extra savings on much-need household expenses to spur the economy.

Enhancements to HARP Phase II address several other key aspects of HARP including:

-Eliminating certain risk-based fees for borrowers who refinance into shorter-term mortgages and lowering fees for other borrowers;

-Removing the current 125 percent LTV ceiling for fixed-rate mortgages (FRMs) backed by the GSEs;

-Waiving certain representations and warranties that lenders commit to in making loans owned or guaranteed by the GSEs;

-Eliminating the need for a new property appraisal where there is a reliable automated valuation model (AVM) estimate provided by the GSEs; and

-Extending the end date for HARP until Dec. 31, 2013 for loans originally sold to the GSEs on or before May 31, 2009.

HARP Phase II includes key elements proposed by U.S. Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) in their bipartisan Helping Responsible Homeowners Act.

A coalition of bipartisan U.S. Senators, led by Sens. Boxer, Sen. Isakson and Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), recently joined 13 of their colleagues in urging the Obama Administration to quickly implement administrative reforms to help millions of responsible homeowners refinance and take advantage of today’s record low interest rates.

The GSEs plan to issue guidance with operational details about the HARP changes to mortgage lenders and servicers by Tuesday, Nov. 15. Since industry participation in HARP is not mandatory, implementation schedules will vary as individual lenders, mortgage insurers and other market participants modify their processes.

Lower Mortgage Rates Are Not Translating Into More Home Sales Activity

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, the number of homes under contract fell 1 percent in August on a seasonally-adjusted basis. The numbers are a part of the monthly Pending Home Sales Index, a report that measures homes under contract nationwide. Unlike most reports describing past activity the Pending Home Sales Index is a future projection of housing sales.

The Pending Home Sales Index showed a overall slowing  in August however a region-by-region basis showed a variance.

By region :

  • Northeast Region: -5.8%
  • Midwest Region : -3.7%
  • South Region : +2.6%
  • West Region : -2.4%

The above data shows that closed home sales will be lower in the Northeast and Midwest parts of the county through the next few months. Real estate is local so your market may be different ( talk to a Realtor ).

Home Loan Limits Change

Conforming loan limits October 2011

Conforming Loan Limits Drop To $625,500 And Lower

In 2008, Congress passed "temporary loan limits" to help U.S. homeowners. In 2008, the financial sector was in the early stages of crisis. Private mortgage lending had essentially disappeared. It was worse in places like Washington, D.C., Newport Beach, CA and New York City.

To correct the short fall left by the distruction of the finance markets and assist more Americans get mortgages, Congress agreed to let Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac securitize mortgages for more than $417,000 temporarily.

The government assigned each U.S. metropolitan area a temporary loan size limit that was 25% above than its local median home sale price. A loan limit floor of $417,000 was established so lower-cost areas such as McHenry Illinois wouldn't be punished.

New Mortgage Loan Limits Affect Purchases, Refinances

Starting October 1, 2011, conforming loan limits are reduced. You can Google loan limits for your area or call for details.

Chase Mortgage Refinance Rates Intentionally High... (?)

Chase Mortgage Refinance Rates Intentionally High...(?)

Borrowers looking for a home loan from Chase Mortgage may get a surprise if they bank with Chase. The bank and mortgage lender is currently advertising mortgage rates in excess the national average. The Wall Street Journal first reported on the rate problem and stated that Chase is trying to slow loan originationa because they can't keep up.

During my review I looked at refinance rates for a 30-year fixed which were at 5.00%, while a 15-year fixed was 4.375%.

chase refinance rates

These compare to rates of 4.375% for a 30-year, 3.375% for a 15-year, and 2.625% for a 5-year ARM seen over at Wells Fargo and other lenders I deal with.

wells fargo rates

That’s right, the 15-year fixed is somehow pricing an entire percentage point higher at Chase, while the 30-year is more than a half point higher. Perhaps Chase doesn't have the capacity to originate, underwrite, and process all those loans. There are a lot of people looking for work though.

Short Sales: How Do Short Sales Work and Why are Short Sales So Prevalent?

Short Sales: How Do Short Sales Work and Why are Short Sales so Prevalent?

I hope the below overview helps you understand the short sale process.

What is a Short Sale?:

A Short Sale, also known as a pre-foreclosure sale takes place when a homeowner needs to sell his or her home because they may be having a hard time making payments or are required to move and can't sell the property due to market conditions. If a full foreclosure process is executed, the homeowner will experience severely ruined credit. By conducting a Short Sale, the homeowner can reduce losses while having a easier time rebuilding credit. Homeowners in a Short Sale situation must seek out potential buyers at a price that the market can bear, not what is owed on the property.

When the buyer and seller are brought together, the first step is to decide on a fair price for the home. Often times the price can be 5-15% below market in order to generate sales activity in order to expedite an offer to purchase. The buyer will typically offer a settlement amount for less than what is due on the mortgage. Most Short Sale home sellers do not receive any net profits from the sale of the property because all of the funds are used to pay off the debt.

If the buyer and seller can agree on a price, they will enter into a contract. This should be prepared by a knowledgeable short sale Realtor and short sale transaction coordinator for the protection of both parties.

Approval by Bank:

Though the buyer and seller agree to the sale, the bank must approve the final price, market value of the property and terms. A Short Sale package outlining the settlement offer is sent to usually to several departments at the bank but will finally end up given to the head of the loss mitigation department. The bank's lawyers, REO manager or case managers will review the offer and determine whether or not the amount of the price is sufficient to negotiate down the mortgage balance. The bank will speak with its investors in an effort to secure approval for the Short Sale. Realtors and transaction coordinators often spend 3-4x more effort to close Short Sales for their clients. Short Sale sellers need to be committed to the process and their service providers. Sellers must also be very PATIENT with the process.

The likelihood of success will rely on many factors but mostly; the real estate market, the value of the property and the mortgage balance. Be prepared for a slow process- banks are very slow about getting back to buyers and sellers. Agressively pricing a home for sale is important in the beginning in order to quickly secure a purchase offer and commence the liquidation process. Banks sometimes take up to 6 months before giving an answer. If the bank agrees to the sale, that's when the ownership transfer starts to finalize.

Tax Implications:

Sellers should consult a tax attorney prior to listing a property for sale. You may have to pay taxes on the amount of the mortgage that was forgiven because of the short sale. In many situations, that will not be the case and tax laws have changed to make it easier for sellers to sell. You will want to know this information before deciding on a course of action. If you are the buyer of the property, you should rely on your Realtor to find out the status of the property: Many homes have hidden liens against them because of second and third mortgages. As a buyer you will want to have a clean title and the best way to do that is to work with a short sale Realtor.

Why are Short Sales so Prevalent?:

With the Wall Street initiated financial crisis came a collapse in housing prices. In some regions of the country property values tumbled 50%, cutting the homeowner equity in half.

Prior to the financial crisis, many homeowners utilized home equity loans and cashout refinance transactions to pay for many of lifes expenses. Some used the cash to improve their properties and others to buy material goods. Regardless of the reason, millions of homeowners drew down much of the equity in their homes. As a result homeowners ended up with too much debt and little to no equity. This impacted millions of homeowners across the country which has been the primary reason for so many foreclosures. Because so few homeowners understand Short Sales, they have been guided to take the less desirable path of foreclosure- it doesn't have to be this way.

If you would like more information regarding Illinois Short Sales, please call (847) 873-7295

 

 

 

Illinois Real Estate Licensing Questions and Answers

Division of Professional Regulation

Real Estate Frequently Asked Questions

INTRODUCTION

The following sets forth common questions and answers involving the practice of real estate in Illinois. References to the “Act” are to the “Real Estate License Act of 2000" and references to the “Rules” are to the “Rules for the Administration of the Real Estate License Act of 2000.” It is strongly recommended that every licensee carefully study and review the Act and the Rules.

The Act and Rules may be found on the DPR website:

* To find the Act: On the main page click on “Legal” then click on “Illinois Compiled Statutes” and then scroll down to “Chapter 225" and click on “Act 454.”

* To find the Rules: On the main page click on “Legal” then click on “Administrative Rules” then scroll down to “Title 68 Illinois Administrative Code” and click on “Part 1450"

The Act and Rules each contain a helpful Table of Contents.

Disclaimer - the information contained in this question/answer format is intended for general reference only. In any instance where there is a discrepancy between the question/answer format and the language in the Act or Rules, the Act or Rules govern.

Real Estate License Act Update FAQ:

Do I need to worry about the conversion right now?
Not immediately. The conversion/transition period will not begin until May 1, 2011. Administrative Rules will be drafted to further clarify the transition process.

What are the new license categories under the revised Act?
Two main categories of licensure will exist under the revised Act:
    a) Managing Broker
    b) Broker
There are no changes to the Leasing agent requirements.

I am a real estate salesperson with an active license. How long will my license remain in effect?
The expiration date on all actively-licensed real estate salesperson licenses will be extended an additional year and will expire April 30, 2012. Your current license is acceptable to use until this date.

What will the requirements be for a Salesperson converting to a Broker?
The salesperson must take 30 hours of post-licensure education that will be further defined by Administrative Rule and application made to the Division prior to April 30, 2012.

Or … successfully pass a one time only proficiency examination

What will the requirements be for a Broker converting to a Managing Broker?
The broker needs to be licensed as a broker and must take 45 hours of post-licensure education that will be further defined by Administrative Rule and make application to the Division prior to April 30, 2012.

Or … be licensed as a broker and successfully pass a one time only proficiency examination

What will the requirements be for a newly licensed Broker effective May 1, 2011?
90 hours of pre-license coursework including 15 hours of “situational” offerings in a classroom or interactive setting and pass the state exam.

What will the requirements be for a newly licensed Managing Broker effective May 1, 2011?
165 hours of pre-license coursework including 15 hours of “situational” offerings in a classroom or interactive setting to ensure that licensees obtain practical knowledge before acquiring a license.

As a broker, how will these changes affect my broker license for the 2010 renewal?
Renewal fees and CE requirements for real estate brokers will remain the same. A licensee that was licensed for the full two-years will need to take:
    6 hours of core coursework
    6 hours of elective coursework
    6 hours of broker management

Brokers that did not renew their license in 2008 have until April 30, 2010 to do so by taking 18 hours of CE and paying the both the current renewal fee ($150) and lapsed renewal fee plus late fee ($200) to renew their license, totaling $350.00

Where is more information available on the new Act?
The revised Real Estate License Act of 2000 is available at http://www.idfpr.com/DPR/RE/REALEST.asp Select the Real Estate License Act of 2000 link.

I am a real estate salesperson who did not renew my license in 2009. Can I still renew my license, how much are my fees, how many hours of CE are required?
Yes, you may still renew your license. The Division will continue to issue real estate salesperson licenses through April 30, 2011. Fees will be $150 (includes $50 late fee). Your CE requirement will be 12 hours consisting of 6 core and 6 elective hours.

Do I need to notify the Division of address changes?
Yes, under Section 5-41 of the license Act, licensees are required to notify IDFPR of any change of office address.

Have any new definitions in the Act been revised?
“Broker” is amended to include the performance of licensed activities through the use of “any media or technology”

“Lead” is defined as a name of a potential buyer, seller, lessor, lessee or client of a licensee. Lead is now clearly included under the definition of “Broker” so, if a person exchanges a lead for another and for compensation that person will need a real estate license to do so.

“Proctor” is any person, including but not limited to, an instructor, who has a written agreement with a pre-license school or a continuing education school to administer exams “fairly and impartially.”

“Regular Employee” is a “person working an average of 20 hours a week” who would be considered a regular employee under IRS tests. This will affect the “by owner” exemption in Section 5-20.

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GENERAL LICENSE ISSUES
 
Q. When do I need an Illinois real estate license?
Q. Are there any exemptions from the license requirement?
Q. What kind of real estate licenses are available for individuals?
Q. What kind of real estate licenses are available for business entities?
Q. What do I need to do to obtain an Illinois real estate license?
Q. Do Illinois real estate licensees have continuing education (CE) requirements?
Q. How do I renew my license?
Q. Does Illinois offer license Reciprocity with any other states?
Q. What are the procedures regarding termination of sponsorship?
 
GENERAL PRACTICE ISSUES
 
Q. What are the requirements for operating a real estate “office”?
Q. What are the requirements regarding compensation of licensees?
Q. What is a Corporation for Indirect Payment of Compensation?
Q. Must the managing broker ensure that every brokerage agreement is in writing?
Q. What should a licensee know about filling-out real estate contracts or leases and about modifications to real estate contracts or leases?
Q. May compensation be paid to a principal to a transaction, even if the principal does not have a real estate license?
Q. May a licensee offer compensation to solicit clients?
Q. What must a licensee disclose to a client regarding compensation and ownership of related entities?
Q. What are the requirements regarding Licensed Personal Assistants?
Q. What are the requirements regarding Unlicensed Personal Assistants?
Q. What are the requirements regarding referral fees or finder fees?
Q. How long must a real estate office save real estate records?
Q. If I have a real estate license, can I sell my property "by owner" or do I have to list the property with a broker?
Q. Must I disclose my status as a real estate licensee every time I am a principal in a real estate transaction?
Q. Can an individual work both as a real estate licensee and as a mortgage brokerage or loan officer?
Q. Can the same broker serve as the managing broker for more than one office?
Q. When do I need to register my real estate business under an ASSUMED BUSINESS NAME?
Q. Is a real estate license required for Property Management?
Q. What are the requirements for real estate advertisements?
 
ESCROW
 
The Escrow Rule is found at 1450.175. The Escrow Rule is relatively long and detailed. The Escrow Rule is strictly enforced. All managing brokers who accept escrow money should carefully study the Escrow Rule.
 
Q. What is escrow money?
Q. Can any real estate licensee hold real estate escrow money?
Q. Is it required that sponsoring brokers accept real estate escrow money?
Q. What information must a managing broker provide to DPR regarding escrow accounts?
Q. Does a managing broker have a choice whether to deposit escrow money into an interest bearing or non-interest bearing escrow account?
Q. What are the time requirements for the deposit and disbursement of escrow money from the escrow account?
Q. What must a managing broker do if escrow monies that are required to be deposited into the broker's escrow account are not tendered or do not clear?
Q. What does the prohibition against “commingling” mean?
Q. What are the escrow records that must be maintained?
Q. What are the obligations of the managing broker when there is a dispute between the principals to a transaction regarding an escrow deposit?