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Nick Bertrand

Home Buyer Tax Credit for Boulder, CO

picutre of a stack of one dollar billsHome Buyer Tax Credit for Boulder, CO
If you're thinking about buying home, you may be eligible for up to a rebate. How??? Well, two versions of the tax credit are available: a maximum credit of $8,000 for first-time homebuyers, as well as a $6,500 credit for current homeowners. This credit applies only to the purchase of a primary residence that is below $800,000. If you've lived in your current residence for 5 consecutive years in the past 8 years, then you are eligible for the $6,500 rebate. Most importantly, you must enter into a purchase contract by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30, 2010.

The home buyer tax credit for Boulder, CO applies to single-family detached homes, townhomes, condominiums; newly constructed or pre-existing homes. One thing to keep in mind is that if you sell your home within three years, you may be subject to repaying the incentive. A good way to start if you haven't started looking already is visit www.homesincolorado.com for information on open houses, agents, and available properties.

Additionally, be aware of the following so you are able to take advantage of the tax credit:

If the home you want is a short sale getting the tax credit may be difficult. Waiting for lender approval on these properties could possibly leave you without a binding contract before April 30. On the flip side, don't get too excited about purchasing the wrong property in order to get a tax rebate of $8,000 or $6,500. In the big scheme of things, these values are small in comparison to the purchase price. You should feel confident the property you want fits your needs. Given the large inventory of homes to choose from in the current market,you may not have time to look at every available home. By establishing a specific criteria and selecting the right real estate agent, buyers can effectively cross off homes that won't fit their needs. Ask yourself: Where do I want to live? How much can I afford to invest? Finally, talk to a lender and go through the pre-approval process. That will tell you quickly how much you can actually afford. Either way, the process will help a buyer determine how much they are willing and able to spend on the home.

Reverse Mortgage in Boulder, CO

picture of a wall of dollar bills with a large light in frontReverse Mortgage in Boulder, CO

A reverse mortgage is a special type of loan that enables individuals aged 62 and older to convert some of their home's equity ino tax-free cash. Unlike the traditional equity loans, you'll receive payments instead of making them.

Interest Rate Options. These are available in either a fixed-rate or variable rate. Any adjustment in a variable rate mortgage has no effect on the amount or number of loan advances you can receive. However, a variable rate adjustment can cause the loan to grow at a faster or slower rate.

Cash Options. There are three options available for a reverse mortgage in Boulder, CO. Lump sum advances allow you to take cash immediately. Lines of credit allow cash to be disbursed upon request. Finally, tenure plans allow fixed, monthly cash advances.

picture of magnifying glass looking at a  model of a homeCosts Involved. Like other loans, closing costs are included and can be financed into the loan. These costs can include origination fee, title insurance, appraisal, mortgage insurance premium and attorney fees. The typical out-of-pocket expense required at closing is about $350. You'll be expected to continue maintaining the property, including paying real estate taxes and hazard insurance premiums.

Assuming you continue to live in the house, taxes and insurance are kept up-to-date, and the property is maintained to FHA standards, there is no need to repay the loan. Check with a reverse mortgage specialist to find out more about how this program is designed.

Sweat Equity in Longmont, CO

Sweat Equity in Longmont, CO

picture of a tan two story house with large trees and a red front doorIf you want a way to reduce your down payment, put a little elbow grease into your efforts. In some instances, a lender can credit your home improvement efforts toward your down payment. The work performed or materials furnished may be applied as equivalent to a cash investment for either existing properties or new construction. Before moving forward, listed below are some requirement you may want to consider before moving forward as a homebuyer using sweat equity in Longmont, CO:

Only work listed on an appraisal or sales contract are acceptable forms of sweat equity in Longmont, CO. Work that is completed prior to that is not eligible. All work must start after appraisal and finish before closing. It is also important to note that the value of your work must be verified through an unrelated third party bid for the same service that is being performed. Once the bid is on file with the lender, the loan processor will evaluate the cost estimate.

This program only applies to the home you are purchasing. The compensation for the work performed on other properties must be in cash and properly documented.

picture of a living room with large picture windows and a white lamp and couchSimple clean-up, such as debris removal or general maintenance are not acceptable forms of elbow grease for your down payment. While it will improve the property's appearance, there is no benefit to the structure of the property to be considered "sweat equity". It is important to document your ability when performing work that requires certain expertise. For example, if you're completing electrical or plumbing work, a license is required or a family member that is licensed can donate their services.

There can be cash back to the homebuyer on these improvements. They must be listed in an acceptable improvement and payments made to the vendor must be for the specific amount of the improvement.

Lastly, you must document the source of money used to purchase your materials, plus their market value, and you must also maintain receipts for the materials that were purchased.

Renovation Loans in Westminster, CO

Renovation Loans in Westminster, CO

picture of a silver metal wrench with a blue handle attached to a boltFor many homebuyers the task of selecting the right property can be difficult. Often, these properties are in need of a few repairs and can eventually become costly and time-consuming. A renovation loan can be a solution to your problem. The use of these loans can help speed up the process for your purchase, allowing repairs to take place much sooner. Listed below are just a few ways to improve your financing when pursuing home improvement repairs:

A Streamline 203(K) loan allows a customer flexibility and can provide financing for up to 110% of the home's appraised value and renovation amounts up to $35,000.picture of a two story house with tan shutters and a patio

The process for repairs can take considerably less time with these loans, as there is no work write-up and no inspection required. If repairs are less than $15,000, no HUD consultant is required. HUD consultant fees are eliminated and no post-close draw inspection fees are required if the repairs are less than $15,000.

The overall intent of the 203(K) renovation loans are designed to meet the homebuyers needs. For more information on renovation loans in Westminster, CO, visit my website www.comortgagesite.com.

FHA Loans for Longmont, CO

FHA Loans for Longmont, CO

picture of a houseWhether you are purchasing your first home or you are an experienced homebuyer, FHA loans for Longmont, CO homebuers are within reach. Some of the features available for prospective homebuyers include:

Convenience. One of the best features of this type of loan is the convenience from a financial standpoint. Down payments for these loans can be as low as 3.5%, allowing homebuyers to put other funds towards other financial commitments.

Flexibility. These loans also offer easier credit and income-qualifying guidelines. If you haven't consulted with a lender yet to answer these questions, I recommend that you check your local real estate agent to see if they have a preferred lender list.

Manageability. Unlike other loans, gift funds are acceptable forms of down payment or loan payments. Other picture of a calculator sitting on top of a spreadsheet with eyeglasses and a red penoptions may not allow gifted funds to be contributed towards the home purchase.

Accomodation. With many loan programs available, FHA loans offer a choice of fixed-rate or adjustable-rate financing. Check with your lender to find out what options are best for your financial situation.

Assumability. Qualified buyers may be able to take over the seller's existing mortgage, including the interest rate. A great financing opportunity, but before going this route I would consult with your lender.

These are just some of the broad tips for FHA loans for Longmont, CO. Many financing options may be available to you. I suggest sitting down with a lender to find out the best option for you.

If you still haven't found your home yet, check out this week's open house list. Happy house-hunting!