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Time for the 4th of July, Tooele County style!

It's that time again.

Independence Day in Tooele.

For those of you that have been reading this blog awhile, you will know the drill. For those of you that don't, here we go.

The day starts off at 7am with the annual Tooele Chamber of Commerce breakfast.

By 8am we'll have served nearly a thousand meals of ham & eggs with all the fixin's. Folks will get done in time to get a good spot to watch the Tooele City parade on Main St.

After that will be the traditional fun and games at City Park, or for you parade junkies, time to make the short trip to Grantsville for their parade.

An afternoon of car shows and real rodeo fun will get you to the fun part of the evening.

This year, it's the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, performing on the Tooele High School football field, followed by an awesome fireworks show.. Tickets are still available at Tooele City Hall or at Macey's, and for 5 bucks you'll have a tough time beating the 4th in  Tooele County.

I do want to plug another County as well as the Cache Valley Cruise-in car show is also this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. I mention this one because it's the biggest car show in the State with close to 1000 cars and bikes of all kinds. They also have a great auto-mobilia swap meet.

It's not Tooele, but.....Have a great 4th! 

Loan pre-qualification can prevent home-buying headaches

Loan pre-qualification can prevent home-buying headaches

President’s Message

Chris Sloan

                Because most home buyers purchase real estate using a mortgage, one of the most important steps in the home-buying process is securing affordable financing. And with today’s tighter lending standards, knowing that you’ll be able to secure a mortgage with favorable terms and conditions is more important than ever.

                The earlier you know where you stand in terms of your home financing, the better. It can be frustrating for buyers to find the home of their dreams only to learn they don’t qualify for the mortgage they thought they would, especially if the buyers have spent money on a home inspection, survey or other due diligence.

                One way to prevent these types of problems is to get pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage before you shop for a home.

                In basic terms, a pre-qualification is when a mortgage lender will tell a buyer before his or her official application how much he or she can afford to borrow. This amount is usually determined by the buyer’s income, current debt, estimated down payment and credit history.

Even better is a pre-approval where a lender will commit to lend the money as long as the buyer still qualifies when he or she is ready to borrow. Securing a pre-approval is a little more difficult than getting a pre-qualification because more documentation is required. Nevertheless, a pre-approval provides more certainty that your financing will be in place when you need it. Once pre-approved, you may even be able to lock in your interest rate so you don’t risk having your financing costs increase while you’re shopping for a home.

One of the biggest benefits of pre-qualification or pre-approval is that you will know your price range as you shop for homes. Not only will this save you time since there will be fewer properties to consider, but it will make your purchase offer look more attractive to a seller because it is less likely that your financing will fall through. Sellers will know they are working with a serious buyer who has taken the time to get his or her financing in order.

                Knowing a price range also helps you decide what home features are most important to you. For example, when you have a price you cannot exceed, it may be easier to decide that you don’t really need granite countertops and would rather put the money toward having a garage. Just knowing how much you can afford helps you distinguish your wants from your needs.

When you talk to a lender early in the process, you will also be able to discover, and possibly solve, any issues that could prevent you from getting a loan. For example, if an incorrect item was listed on your credit report, you would have time to contact the entity that made the mistake. Other problems, such as an insufficient down payment, could also be resolved by being discovered early in the home-buying process.

As you work to get pre-qualified or pre-approved, you’ll want to shop for a lender and a loan. One way to start is by getting the names of three lenders with whom your Realtor has previously worked. Talk to each of the lenders and compare their costs using the Good Faith Estimate that each will provide to you. If you are considering using an out-of-state mortgage lender or an Internet broker, be particularly careful when comparing costs because their fees can be higher.

As you shop, ask the lender questions. The National Association of Realtors suggests asking the following questions when shopping for a loan: “What is my credit score? Can I have a copy of my credit report?”, “What is the best interest rate today? Do I qualify?”, “Is the loan’s interest rate fixed or adjustable?”, “What is the length of the loan?”, “What are the total loan fees?”, “What is the total monthly payment? Does this include property taxes and insurance?”, “Is there an application fee? Is so, what is it, and how much is refundable if I don’t qualify?”, and “Are there any prepayment penalties? If so, what are they are how long do they last?”

Also remember that you don’t have to spend the amount for which you are approved. Make sure that you are comfortable with the monthly payments and are confident they will fit in with your lifestyle, regardless of how much the lender says you can borrow.

For more home-buying tips and other information about the benefits of pre-qualification and pre-approval, contact your local Realtor.

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Grantsville Bank Owned Property Only $94,000

 

 

 

Grantsville, Tooele County  - 

1,160 sq. ft.,

3 Bedroom

1 bath,'

Property information

Deseret Peak Complex living up to it's potential In Tooele?

I remember not too many years ago, when many of us around here were questioning the logic of building a huge, multi-purpose recreation facility between Tooele and Grantsville UT.

How could we justify all of the recreational stuff in a county our size? Indoor arena, outdoor arena, huge outdoor swimming pool (in Utah where it can only be open for 3 months a year!), BMX/Motocross track, Fireman's Museum, softball complex. etc.

It has been a drain on the County budget since it was built, but I've come around.

I spent a VERY rainy Friday and Saturday out there watching my niece ( and a few hundred of her closest friends) play in a very wet softball tournament.

Most of the girls were here with a ton a family. The place was packed with people. There were also dozens of RV's and trailers parked in the campground.

Parking was definitely full, not just with softball players, but there was a rodeo going as well. Add the hardcore demolition derby folks saving their seats for Saturday's derby, and it was a buzz of activity, even with the lousy weather.

When you factor in the car and motorcycle racers just over the chain-link at Miller motorsports park, and you have quite a weekend of recreation at Deseret Peak.

It appears I was wrong (again!)

Tooele County has another jewel, for the families, and that's just one of the reasons for considering a move to Tooele.

If you would like more information about moving your family to Tooele, Grantsville UT, Stansbury Park or adjoining places, stop by our website @ Tooele Real Estate.

We'd love to talk to you about a great place to raise a family.

Tips for purchasing a condo

Tips for purchasing a condo

President’s Message

Chris Sloan

                As condominium and townhomes choices have increased in recent years, many buyers have turned in their lawn mowers and garden tools in exchange for the ease and convenience of multi-family living.  

                While single-family homes are still the majority of homes purchased overall in Utah, a fair segment of buyers are turning to condos and townhomes as a maintenance-free way of living. In fact, the National Association of Realtors reported in its “2008 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers” that 22 percent of all buyers surveyed did not purchase a detached single-family home.

                Condos and townhomes can be smart purchases for many buyers, but because most developments include certain restrictions and some shared ownership, it’s smart to thoroughly do your research before buying. Start by taking the following steps, and ask your Realtor for additional information and tips.

Consider Your Lifestyle

                When considering buying a condo or townhome, start by looking at your lifestyle. If you hate yard work and desire amenities like a swimming pool or fitness center, one of these developments could be a perfect fit. However, if you prefer a more private location and personal outdoor space, you may be better suited with a single-family home.

                Also take into account that condos and townhomes are part of homeowners’ associations that require monthly fees for maintenance and include restrictions on what you can do with your property. While the restrictions are designed to protect both you and the other owners in the development, they may not fit your particular lifestyle.

 Carefully read the associated covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) before deciding to buy a particular unit so you know exactly what will be expected of you. Also see if there are any grandfather clauses in place that may restrict you from conducting activities that earlier buyers are allowed to do.

Understand the Types of Ownership

                There are several types of property ownership that could apply to property within a condo or townhome development.

                In general with a condo, the owner holds the title to his or her individual unit, but does not own the land underneath or the air above the unit. All the condo owners in a particular development hold title to shared areas that are used by multiple owners, such as hallways, walkways, clubhouses, swimming pools, etc.

The property ownership of a townhome may or may not be the same as that of a condo. For example, in some developments, the owners own the land beneath their units; in others, they do not.  Because of the variations from development to development, make sure you understand beforehand what your purchase includes. As with condos, the owners typically share title to the common areas, and an owners’ association collects fees for maintenance.

Research the Homeowners’ Association

                Find out as much as you can about the homeowners’ association before you buy. Make sure you understand what your monthly payment covers and how often the association can raise fees.

                A careful look at the association’s finances and minutes could reveal red flags. If there are unresolved maintenance issues, find out if the association plans to take care of the problems. Also determine whether there are adequate funds available to pay for the repairs. If not, there could be an upcoming assessment that condo/townhome owners will be required to pay. Any litigation issues could also signal problems.

                These are just a few of the issues you should review when considering the purchase of an attached home. Because buying a condo or townhouse can be complex, make sure you are working with an experienced Realtor who can guide you through the process and help you avoid potential pitfalls.

If you don't have an agent, but would like to see how to to look for one. Stop by our web site @ Utah Real Estate and take a look.

Or you can call, 435-840-5029. We'd be happy to help.

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How to save on closing costs

How to save on closing costs

President’s Message

Chris Sloan

                When it comes to purchasing a home, many buyers invest considerable effort in negotiating the best price possible and asking the seller for various extras as part of the deal. But when it comes to the fees they’ll pay at settlement, buyers are less knowledgeable about getting the best deal.

Closing costs are the charges associated with getting a loan and transferring ownership. They may include fees for the loan application, mortgage origination, credit report, title search and insurance, appraisal, recording, etc. — costs that can ultimately add up to thousands of dollars.

While some of the costs, like the government’s recording charge, cannot be negotiated, others can. The key is to be prepared and do your research before and throughout the process.

A recent article in USA Today, “Savvy home shoppers can save at settlement,” reminded buyers that one of the best ways to save on closing costs is to prepare early during the house hunt. Buyers should start by becoming familiar with their credit score, which at a minimum should be 620 for an FHA loan and 720 for a conventional loan. Then buyers should learn about what to expect during the mortgage process by doing some Internet research and asking friends and family members about their experiences.

That know-how alone could provide savings since lenders appeared to make lower-price offers to borrowers who seemed more familiar with market terms, said a 2008 Urban Institute study quoted in the article. As you work to build your own knowledge, valuable online resources will include the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Web site, www.hud.gov, and the Federal Reserve’s site, www.FederalReserve.gov. Both offer valuable information about what to expect in regard to settlement costs.

Once you’re ready to visit the mortgage office, make sure to bring your paycheck stubs, recent bank statements, tax information, and numbers for savings accounts, stocks and cash-value insurance accounts, recommends one expert quoted in the USA Today article. Then request that the lender give you their best rate because you are comparing fees between multiple lenders.

As you compare the costs from various lenders, take a close look at the Good Faith Estimate, a document that lenders are required to provide three days after you apply for a loan. The 800 section of the form deals with the lender’s fees and the costs of services the lender will contract. While many of the third-party services like the credit report are probably non-negotiable, ask your loan officer if he can reduce any of the administrative-type costs.

The 1100 section may also provide savings, since you can also shop for your own title company. Just make sure to let the lender know of your intent, and ask the title companies to include all relevant costs in their price quotes.  In its publication, “A Consumer’s Guide to Mortgage Costs,” the Federal Reserve Board suggests another way to save on title insurance: Ask the seller’s title company for a “re-issue” rate if the seller has only owned the home for a few years. There will be less work for the title company, which means potential savings for you.

Because the costs noted on the Good Faith Estimate can change between application and closing, ask the lender if you can get a guarantee on any of the costs quoted. One day before settlement, you can also request to see the HUD-1 statement which outlines all the final costs. Carefully scan this document and question any discrepancies between it and the Good Faith Estimate before you sign any closing papers.

Asking your lender about any questions you have along the way will also prove valuable, because the more you know about the settlement process, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to save money at closing.

To learn more about the entire real estate purchase process, contact your local Realtor.

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HUD Home for sale in Tooele County $108,000

2,024 sq. ft.,

3 Bedroom

1 Bath

1992

Basement 30% finished for more information click the link below 

Property information

HUD HOME SOLD "AS IS" BY ELECTRONIC BID ONLY.FHA #521-628550,BEG. 06/19/09,BIDS DUE ON OR BEFORE 06/28/09 AT 11:59PM OR DAILY TILL SOLD. INS. Escrow repair amount $2750. Sq ft. 1,012 per hud.

Tooele, UT Foreclosures As A Statistical Concept !

80-20 Rule of Foreclosures May 2009The Pareto Principle is a statistical concept most commonly known as the 80/20 Rule. 

It says 80 percent of the effects come from 20 of the causes.

Apparently, the 80/20 Rule applies to foreclosures, too -- at least according to data compiled by foreclosure-tracking firm RealtyTrac.

Based on data from May, 11 states accounted for 80% of the country's foreclosure activity. The remaining 20% was spread across the 39 others.

That's 80/20 almost to the tee.

Utah was 12th on that list for Foreclosures (foreclosed homes)

The disparity goes deeper that that, though.  The top three states in RealtyTrac's list -- California, Florida, Nevada -- were home to half of May's foreclosure-related actions.

Clearly, foreclosures are concentrated in certain geographies.

But, no matter in which state you live, foreclosures still impact you.  This is because mortgage lenders are often national companies, lending in all 50 states.  

When home loans go bad -- in any state -- lenders respond by increasing down payment requirements and by adding new borrowing hurdles.  If you've applied for a mortgage in the last 18 months, you've experienced this phenomenon personally.

On the other side, if you're a home buyer in a foreclosure-heavy state, you're finding terrific value versus several years ago.  It's one reason why Existing Home Sales in the West Region are up by 19 percent from last year, for example.

To see all of the foreclosed homes in Tooele County, specifically Stansbury Park, Grantsville UT, and Tooele City visit our website @ Tooele Real Estate to see all of the homes listed that are foreclosures, preforeclosures, short sales, REOs, and HUD Homes. Or give us a call @ 435-840-5029 to discuss Foreclosures in Tooele County as more than a statistical concept.

HUD: Tax credit can be used for closing costs

HUD: Tax credit can be used for closing costs
President’s Message
Chris Sloan

                First-time Utah home buyers will soon be able to use the federal home-buying tax credit to pay for their closing costs on a Federal Housing Administration loan, according to new guidance released by the Obama administration last week. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, FHA lenders can now begin developing bridge loans that will enable consumers to use the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit to help cover the costs of closing on an FHA-insured home mortgage.

“Families will now be able to apply their anticipated tax credit toward their home purchase right away,” said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan.

The $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers, or those who haven’t owned within the past three years, was included as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 as an effort to stimulate U.S. home sales. The tax credit does not have to be repaid and is fully refundable, which means each qualifying individual or household will receive a check for any portion remaining after paying taxes.

The tax credit “monetization” plan, initially announced in mid-May but without details, is part of an effort to give buyers immediate access to the $8,000 tax credit, which is officially only available after filing with the IRS. Rather than delay access to the funds until 2010, the bridge loans allow home buyers to put the funds directly toward purchase expenses like closing costs or an interest-rate buy-down. The money can also be used for down payments in excess of 3.5 percent, FHA’s minimum down payment.

In essence, monetization of the tax credit means a buyer will get a short-term loan, which will be reflected as a second lien on the home, from an FHA-approved lender that will have to be paid back after the buyer files his or her tax return. Borrowers, who would have to find an approved lender, should note that the loan products and repayment terms will vary from lender to lender, and they should carefully shop for a bridge loan as they would any other loan.

“Home buyers should be aware of mortgage scams and carefully compare benefits and costs when seeking out tax monetization services,” HUD said in a statement. “Programs will vary from organization to organization, and borrowers should consider whether the services make sense for them, as well as what company offers the most suitable and affordable option.”

HUD will collect the name, employer identification number and fees charged for each lender participating in the tax monetization program. The new guidelines say FHA would consider any loan with costs above 2.5 percent of the tax credit to be excessive.

“We are putting safeguards in place to ensure that consumers will be protected from unscrupulous lenders,” Donovan said.

Although FHA still requires a minimum 3.5 percent down payment, the program will make big strides in helping lower some of the upfront costs associated with buying a home. Plus, those in need of down payment assistance can still turn to state and local entities, like Utah Housing Corporation, for financial assistance. For a list of local government down payment assistance programs, visit HomeSweetHomeUtah.org. Parents and employers can also contribute toward the down payment.

The $8,000 tax credit is only available to those who close on a home before Dec. 1, and buyers should be aware of the income and other restrictions associated with the tax credit. Given FHA's current market share, HUD said it is estimated that thousands of families will be able to purchase a home as a result of the new program.

To learn more about the tax credit, visit UtahHousingFacts.com. To learn more about getting the tax credit at closing through a bridge loan, talk to an FHA-approved lender.

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Grantsville Short Sale

797856
Short Sale

• 3,396 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story - MLS® $249,900 - Short Sale

 -  Subject to Bank Approvals on SHORT SALE*Countrywide holds paper*Several BPO and Appraisals done*One accepted offer where Buyer cancelled*New Construction Project, Fully complete home*Never Lived In! Original Purchase Price $335K +/- $5K*Average now $247K.

For a detailed information sheet on this home just send us a email or give us a call

Property information

Mortgage Rates Up In Tooele ! Are You Left Out?

Mortgage rates In Tooele County as well as around the country are inching up and in some cases they are more than inching,they are skyrocketing.

Homes for sale In Stansbury Park, Grantsville and Tooele became more costly to buy in just a few hours of Home Mortgage rate volatility last week.

To see what I'm talking about visit these blogs from our Salt Lake office.

Want a lower interest rate?

Mortgage rates increase, house payments up!

I hope you haven't been caught without a loan commitment or a home to apply it to.

 Even though we have blogged about this almost every week, we are not going to say "we told you so" if you seem to have been left behind.

What we will say though is GET ON IT AND GET ON IT TODAY !    It may not be too late!!

Heres what to do!

Step 1.   Call us today and let us know what you would like to have happen for you and your family, before the door of opportunity closes.

Step 2.   Log on to our site (Tooele Real Estate) and begin to look for homes, read the blogs about buying a home in Stansbury Park, Grantsville, or Tooele City and pay attention to any article that you think could help you buy a home or Condo in Tooele.

Step 3.   Either find a lender on our site, or call us @ 435-840-5029 and we will recommend someone we have worked with that we know will take care of you. START THE QUALIFICATION PROCESS!!!

Step 4.   Get with us, get in the car, and lets find a home that you can afford, that you can love, and that will be a place for you to take care of your family. 

You need to be ready, Mortgage rates will probably bounce around for awhile and you need to be in position to buy that home when all things are right. 

How to Sell Your Utah Home in a Buyer’s Market

How to Sell Your Home in a Buyer’s Market

President’s Message

Chris Sloan

                A relatively recent survey of Utah home buyers and sellers found that 63 percent of respondents believed it was a good time to buy a home, while only 3 percent said it was a good time to sell a home. As suggested by the results of this survey, many areas in Utah are experiencing buyer’s markets, where purchasers of real estate have great opportunities to take advantage of competitively priced properties and ample selection.

                But for owners who need to sell their homes because of a job change, marriage or other reason, today’s market can make the selling process more difficult. Here are some tips for getting your Utah home sold quickly.

Price your property competitively

                Putting the right price tag on your home is without a doubt the most important step you can take in selling your home quickly. This is even more important in today’s marketplace, where there are more properties competing for fewer buyers, including bargain-priced foreclosures and short sales.

                As you determine an appropriate asking price, your Utah Realtor will be a valuable resource. He or she will help you evaluate the value of your home by looking at comparable properties that have recently sold or are under contract. Your Realtor will also help you make price adjustments depending on your home’s unique characteristics. If your home is bigger than the one that recently sold, you may want to price it higher; however, if your home is near a freeway, unlike the comparable one that sold, you may want to price it lower.

                Looking at nearby homes on the market, including new construction and foreclosures, is also vital. These homes will compete with yours for buyers, so you want to make sure that yours is the best value available to them.

Consider all your options

                In a buyer’s market, some homeowners may need to take a financial loss in order to sell. If, after calculating a fair asking price for your home, you find that you’ll take too much of a financial hit, you may want to consider other options.

Look at the possibility of renting the property. The rental income will help you make the mortgage payment while you wait for your home’s equity to pick up again. Or you could consider a lease-option agreement, where a buyer signs a lease to rent the home for a specified time period then has the option to purchase the house, in many cases for a predetermined price. Make sure to ask your Realtor for more information about this option.

Another choice is to look at swapping your home. Although relatively uncommon, The Associated Press recently described how some homeowners are connecting through the Internet to find homeowners who need to relocate to their area and vice versa.

Set the stage

                A clean, clutter-free appearance will play a big role in getting your home sold. The goal is to get your home looking as close as possible to a model home, so buyers can imagine themselves living there.

Start by cleaning the home so it’s spotless. Then clear out excess furniture and other items to help make the rooms look bigger. Clear off countertops and take down photos and personal mementos. Modern decorations and artwork will also help depersonalize the home. Investing in new fixtures or neutral paint can also freshen up the home’s appearance at a reasonable cost.

 And don’t forget that a well-maintained exterior is crucial to getting buyers in the door. A manicured lawn, new shrubs and flowers, and a fresh coat of paint on the door can make huge improvements to the home’s curb appeal.

Promote your home

                Buyers also have to know your home is available. That means having an advertising and marketing plan. A Realtor will provide expertise in this area as well. He or she will share your home with other agents and their prospective buyers thru listings on the Wasatch Front Regional Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and will advertise the property on well-known home-buying Web sites and in other publications. Make sure to ask your Realtor specifically what he or she will do to advertise your house to potential buyers.

                These are just a few of the many tips for a successful home-selling experience. For more information, contact your local Realtor or find one at UtahRealtors.com. 

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Home Sales All Over The Board In Tooele County

Existing Home Sales April 2009As this week's signal that home buyers are returning to the market, both Existing Home Sales and New Homes Sales posted improvement versus month-prior figures this April.

According to the National Association of REALTORS, the number of Existing Home Sales rose by 130,000 units in April.

In Tooele County however existing home sale decreased by 26.6%.

To prove that Real Estate is local 2 major population areas in Tooele county show different levels of home sales.IE:

Tooele Home Sales decreased 51% in April 2009 as compared to homes sold last year.

Stansbury Park homes sold in April 2009 increased two and a half times over homes or Condos sold a year ago.

New Home Sales rose by a modest 1,000 units in April.

As a twist in the story, however, although sales activity is rising, the available housing inventory is rising faster. 

Versus March 2009, there were 300,000 more homes for sale in April -- an increase of 9 percent.  In addition, the "housing supply" rose to 10.2 months, its highest level since October.

This is good news for home buyers, of course, because home prices are a product of Supply and Demand.  Depending on local conditions, buyers may find themselves in a position to demand lower sale prices or additional seller concessions.

As recent home sales in Stansbury Park have demonstrated we are already there, but in Tooele City, not so much.

The housing market has not fully rebounded but it continues to show signs of strength.  With a few more months like March and April, it's reasonable to assume that home buyers will lose some of their leverage for contract negotiation.

When that happens, expect home prices to rise.

For a list of all the available homes for sale in Tooele, Stansbury Park and Grantsville, check out our website @ Tooele homes for sale. You'll get prices of homes and condos, photos of homes for sale and directions of how to find your new home.

Or, for more Real Estate information give us a call @ 435-840-5029.

Utah Home Buyers & Homes Sellers Catch A Break !

Last week I had the opportunity of attending the National Association of Realtors’ Midyear meetings in Washington, D.C., where each year Realtors and government officials talk about all things housing-related.

                While many of the topics are usually targeted to Realtors and the successful operation of a real estate business, this year there were several announcements of particular interest to Utah home buyers and owners. Here are three such updates that could influence your home-buying and selling decisions:

Home buyer tax credit keeps getting better

                During the first day of the conference, the secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Shaun Donovan, announced to attendees that HUD would provide short-term bridge loans that would allow first-time home buyers to use the federal government’s $8,000 tax credit as part of their down payment and closing costs.

                The step essentially allows home buyers to get their $8,000 tax credit at closing rather than waiting until after filing their 2009 taxes. For many potential buyers, the fact that the tax credit couldn’t be received until 2010 made it difficult to make a purchase before the Nov. 30 deadline— especially if they planned on using the tax credit as part of their down payment. Under this new program the $8,000 can be used right at closing.

                The short-term loan program would be available to buyers using FHA mortgages. It is expected the loans could be made by FHA-approved lenders, HUD-approved nonprofits, and state and local entities.

                HUD officials say more details on the program will be published shortly. When that happens, more information will be available on Realtor.org.

Short sales poised to get easier

                The Obama administration also announced last week that it was putting in place a program that would make it easier for “underwater” homeowners to sell their homes using a short sale.

                A short sale occurs when an owner owes more on a home than it is worth and, rather than allow the property to go into foreclosure, a lender agrees to a sale for less than the mortgage amount. The short sale saves the lender money and leaves a less-severe mark on the borrower’s credit report.

                However, short sales in Utah are known to be time-consuming and fraught with pitfalls. That’s why the Obama administration is taking steps to create a simplified and uniform process for the transactions.

Under the program, the government would provide incentives to banks and borrowers to encourage the “quick private sale or voluntary transfer of property, which will save homeowners money and protect their financial future,” according to U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. The incentives include $1,000 for servicers who complete a successful short sale, $1,500 for borrowers to help with relocation expenses, and $1,000 toward paying junior lien holders to release liens that may be hindering the process.

To learn more about buying or selling a home using a short sale, contact a Realtor experienced in short sales.

Economy shows signs of hope

                Along with the information about the home buyer- and seller-assistance programs, the conference also presented several optimistic economic reports.

                During one session, former Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan said he could see “seeds” of a bottom in the housing market, while NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said U.S. home prices could stabilize by the end of the year.

 “My projection is home sales will be 10 to 20 percent higher the second half of this year than last year and we will come out of this recession in 2010,” Yun said.

Yun said it would be critical to watch housing activity in the summer, because at that point buyers will have had a chance to respond to the government’s $8,000 tax credit and other incentives. If sales activity does pick up, home prices should stabilize, triggering a broader economic recovery.

Nevertheless, Yun cautioned that if sales did not pick up in the summer, a recovery could take longer. He also said local price forecasts would vary depending on location.

For more information about home sales and prices in your area, contact your local Realtor or find one at UtahRealtors.com.

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