HAMP Basic Eligibility Requirements and How To Apply

Under both Tier 1 and Tier 2, homeowners must meet the following basic HAMP eligibility requirements. You must have taken out the loan before 2009 The property can have no more than 4 units You owe up to $729,750 on your primary residence or single unit rental property; up to $934,200 on a two-unit rental property; up to $1,129,250 on a three-unit rental property; or up to $1,403,400 on a four-unit rental Read More

Loan Modifications under HAMP Tier 2

As of June 1, 2012, the Obama administration expanded the HAMP program to borrowers who did not meet the eligibility requirements under HAMP Tier 1. HAMP Tier 2 is available to homeowners who want to modify a rental property, did not qualify for HAMP because their debt-to-income ratio was 31% or lower, received a HAMP trial period plan but defaulted in their trial payments, or received a HAMP permanent modification, Read More

Loan Modifications under HAMP Tier 1

HAMP Tier is the basic HAMP Modification. With Tier 1, a homeowner’s monthly mortgage payment, including their principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and association fees, is reduced through a series of steps, called a “waterfall”, so that it equals 31% of the homeowner’s gross monthly income. The servicer only moves on to the next step in the waterfall, if the target payment has not been reached. If the payment is Read More

Real Estate Closings HAFA Relocation

For borrowers who qualify, HAFA (Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives) increased the relocation incentive available from $3,000.00 to $10,000.00.  The new $10,000.00 payment became effective on February 1, 2015.  The incentive is made available to assist the property occupant with the expenses associated with moving (relocation) costs once the HAFA short sale is completed.  The occupant does not necessarily have Read More

Real Estate Closings In Fisher Island, Florida

When purchasing real estate at Fisher Island, Florida,  you should seek the advise of an experienced real estate attorney. You should also inquire as to whether the attorney your are considering hiring has performed real estate closings in Fisher Island, Florida prior to contracting the attorney. There are specific issues related to Fisher Island that prior experience  or prior dealings by the attorney representing Read More

Four Mistakes to Avoid While Selling Your Home

If you’re selling your house right now, you’re facing a buyer’s market. Unlike in recent years, buyers have a lot of choices, so they don’t have to grab the first property that appeals to them. To give you a competitive edge and maximize your chances of a successful sale, here are four mistakes to avoid. Mistake No. 1: Pricing your home too high Although you may have paid a certain amount for the house, it doesn’t Read More

Financial Trouble? Chapter 7 Bankruptcy May Offer the Solution

When possible, debtors generally prefer to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy because it discharges most debts. To qualify, an income limitation needs to be met. For a single person, the median income in Florida is $40,766. For a family of four, it is $62,742. Any debtor who meets this criterion can typically have most or all of their debts discharged in exchange for surrendering certain types of nonexempt property to the Read More

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Breaking Down the Basics

Chapter 13 is a form of bankruptcy that allows you to retain most assets but repay a portion of your debts over a period of three to five years. (This is one of the reasons why it’s also called reorganization bankruptcy.) This is different from Chapter 7, where you’re excused from your debts but may have to surrender property to your trustee for distribution to your creditors. Eligibility If you intend to file for Read More

Buying or Selling a Home? Four Tips for a Smooth Closing

It took a while, but you finally found the perfect home. The contract was signed and you’ve been approved for a mortgage. Now it’s time to close. Ideally, closing is when the buyer and seller wrap up the final details and go their separate ways, one securing a check while the other pockets the keys to their new home. But if you and the other parties involved in the deal don’t prepare for closing day well in advance, Read More

What Bankruptcy Can Do for You…and What It Can’t

Contrary to popular belief, bankruptcy doesn’t eliminate all types of debt. Before filing, it is important to confirm which debts will be erased and which will remain. Both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy will wipe out credit card debt, but some secured debts, student loans, child support, alimony, and most tax obligations may remain. Chapter 13 can stop some proceedings, like foreclosures, while Chapter 7 can’t Read More

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