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Eric Reid

Reverse Mortgages - Good ? Bad ?

10-27-09
Eric Reid

Reverse mortgages have hidden dangers

Panelists at the Information Management Networks 15th annual ABS East gathering in Miami Beach conference said that in the last two years reverse mortgages have moved beyond the needs-based senior and now see a significant mix of borrowers tapping into the market. This year alone, the percentage of owners with homes valued at above $400,000 is increasing to up to 39% of the reverse mortgage claims in some markets. The panel also said the market is set to grow dramatically, with predictions that the next leg of growth in structured finance will come by way of reverse mortgage resecuritizations, despite warnings that the product is particularly vulnerable to misuse and even fraud.

Annual reverse mortgage volume has topped 110,000 units and $17bn, with top banks like Wells Fargo and Bank of America and large insurance companies like Genworth and MetLife leading the way. Despite a slowdown in originations due to the recession, reverse mortgage originations are continuing at a record pace. In the reverse mortgage market, seniors face some of the same aggressive lending practices that were common in the subprime lending boom, said Tara Twomey, an NCLC attorney and author of the report. Well-funded marketing campaigns and perverse incentives to brokers are targeting seniors home equity and using reverse mortgages as their tools.

Fannie Mae announces relief for investors

10-27-09
Eric Reid

Fannie Mae announces relief for investors

Fannie Mae announced that its new Payment Reduction Plan (PRP) will provide forbearance for borrowers who are ineligible for the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP). The mortgage principal and interest payments will be reduced by up to 30% for borrowers qualified for PRP, which replaces Fannies HomeSaver Forbearance program. PRP reduces the payments by 30% rather than the previous 50% under HomeSaver Forbearance, because permanent solutions are closer to 30%, Faith said. Faith added that non-owner-occupied properties became eligible under PRP, and owners will receive new options and support for their investment properties and second homes even though they do not fit under the HAMP umbrella. The US Treasury Department provides capped incentives to servicers for the modification of eligible loans on the verge of foreclosure through HAMP. The PRP will grant transitional support for borrowers who do not qualify for HAMP while more permanent mortgage solutions ar e determined, according to Brian Faith, a vice president at Fannie Mae.

case-Shiller reports Home Prices Rise

10-27-09
Eric Reid

Home prices rise - Case-Shiller

The Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller home price index of 20 major cities climbed 1 percent from July to a seasonally adjusted reading of 144.5. While prices are down 11.4 percent from August a year ago, the annual declines have slowed since February. It shows a widespread turnaround with prices rising month-over-month in 15 metro areas since June. "If the increases are consistent across the markets, this is key," said Susan Wachter, Wharton School real estate professor, before the index was released. "Then we're seeing the formation of a bottom." However, rising unemployment and more foreclosures could stifle the rebound. Another unknown is whether a temporary federal tax credit for first-time buyers will be extended to help boost sales. The real estate industry is lobbying Congress to extend the credit past the Nov. 30 deadline. Top Democrats in the Senate are pressing a plan that would prolong the credit but gradually phase it out over the next year.

Twingate Dr., Alpharetta, GA Elegant home in Doublegate

10-24-09
Eric Reid
Renaissance Realty Group, Inc. | Renaissance Realty Group | 770-277-6652
10140 Twingate Dr., Alpharetta, GA
REDUCED!! Come see this elegant home in Doublegate swim/tennis community. Beautifully maintained w/ full finished basement. Hardwoods on most of main
5BR/4.5BA Single Family House
offered at $399,000
Year Built 1992
Sq Footage 3,092
Bedrooms 5
Bathrooms 4 full, 1 partial
Floors Unspecified
Parking 2 Car garage
Lot Size 0.4359 acres
HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

JUST REDUCED!! Beautifully maintained home inside and out. Interior features hardwood flooring in 2-story entry, solarium/sunroom, kitchen and formal dining room. Main level also includes formal living room and family room. Kitchen offers granite counters, wall ovens, dishwasher, disposal, center island, storage pantry, and large breakfast area.

With front and back entry stairways, the upper level offers a generous master suite with his and her closets, jetted garden tub, separate shower, and his and her vanity. There are three additional guest rooms on the upper level.

Basement is fully finished and includes a full guest bath, kitchenette, and multiple bonus rooms.

There is a terrace level covered patio, a large upper deck, and low maintenance landscaping.

Located in the prestigious Doublegate swim/tennis community, this home is convenient to major interstates.

see additional photos below
PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C - Central heat - Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling - Walk-in closet - Hardwood floor
- Family room - Living room - Bonus/Rec room
- Dining room - Breakfast nook - Dishwasher
- Stove/Oven - Granite countertop - Attic
- Basement - Laundry area - inside - Balcony, Deck, or Patio
- Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Swimming pool(s) - Tennis court(s)


ADDITIONAL PHOTOS


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Contact info:
Renaissance Realty Group, Inc.
Renaissance Realty Group
770-277-6652
For sale by agent/broker

powered by postlets Equal Opportunity Housing
Posted: Oct 19, 2009, 8:13am PDT

Freddie Mac - increased delinquencies

10-24-09
Eric Reid

Freddie Mac announced today that its mortgage investment portfolio grew by an annualized 7.3 percent rate in September, while delinquencies on loans it guarantees accelerated. The portfolio increased to $784.2 billion, for an annualized 3.4 percent decrease year to date, and delinquencies, which increase stress on the company's capital, jumped to 3.33 percent of its book of business in September from 3.13 percent in August and 1.22 percent in September 2008. The multifamily delinquency rate accelerated slightly in September to 0.11 percent from 0.10 percent in August. A year earlier it was 0.01 percent.