May 10

Fannie Offers Spur to Avoid Foreclosure
Posted on May 10th, 2010 at 5:30 AM by socar

Fannie Mae will make it easier for some struggling homeowners to buy houses in the future if they avoid foreclosure in the present.

Under rules released this month that will take effect in July, some troubled borrowers who give up their homes by voluntarily transferring ownership through a “deed in lieu of foreclosure” or by completing a short sale, where a home is sold for less than the amount owed, will be eligible in two years to apply for a new mortgage backed by Fannie.

Currently, borrowers who complete a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure must wait four years before they can take out a loan that Fannie is willing to purchase.

 The new policies from Fannie, a government-backed mortgage-finance company that together with Freddie Mac backs about half of the U.S. mortgage market, don’t relax waiting periods for borrowers who go through foreclosure.

In 2008, Fannie lengthened that waiting period to five years from four.

To quality for the reduced waiting period, most borrowers will need to make a down payment of at least 20%, although borrowers with extenuating circumstances, such as a job loss, will be required to put down just 10%.

Even if waiting periods are shortened, many borrowers may be unlikely to repair their credit that quickly in order to get a loan in the first place. Foreclosures and short sales generally have the same effect on a borrower’s credit score and can stay on a credit report for up to seven years.

The new rules are designed to make foreclosure alternatives more attractive to borrowers at a time when the Obama administration is ramping up its effort to encourage banks to consider alternatives such as short sales. That program sets pre-approved terms for short sales and offers financial incentives to borrowers and lenders to complete such sales.

Freddie Mac requires borrowers to wait five years after a foreclosure and four years after a short sale or deed-in-lieu.

Those periods can fall to three years for a foreclosure or two years for a short sale when borrowers show extenuating circumstances.

Officials at the Federal Housing Administration, the government mortgage insurer, say they are considering changes to their rules, which require borrowers with a foreclosure to wait at least three years before becoming eligible for an FHA-backed loan.

“We are beginning to think about post-recession, how you address borrowers who became unemployed through no fault of their own … and now deserve the right to re-enter the housing-finance system,” said FHA Commissioner David Stevens.

But some worry that policies enabling defaulted borrowers to more quickly resume homeownership could encourage more people to default.

“We don’t want to say that there’s a ‘get out of jail’ card during recessions to walk away from your house,” Mr. Stevens said.

In December, the FHA unveiled rules for borrowers who completed a short sale.

Those who have missed payments prior to completing a short sale or who didn’t face a hardship and simply took advantage of declining market conditions to buy a new home must wait three years.

February 16

We Are Selling Homes!! Call Us if you need you home SOLD
Posted on February 16th, 2010 at 11:06 AM by socar

We have seen a huge increase in the market for Stanly County. Last month we sold 9 homes and this month we are working on 8 that are due to close. March is already shaping up to be the same. I have taken 12 listings and we have already sold a few of those and are showing buyer clients everyday. This is the best time to buy and also sell. The price points have dropped but property is moving and we are moving properties. call us if you are thinking of buying or selling and let us help you make your move with Southern Carolina Realty Inc. We are her for YOU!!

July 14

Housing Prices Appreciate in Charlotte, Stanly, Union, Cabarrus and Mecklenburg North Carolina
Posted on July 14th, 2008 at 1:29 PM by socar

Locust area’s only Golf Cart planned, Upscale Cottage Community.

Charlston Place, Locust New Home CommunityThis one of a kind community will feature convenient connectivity to the new Locust Town Center where shops, restaurants, banks, and many other businesses can be easily accessed. Stroll along private walking trails and enjoy 4 acres of park space with covered picnic tables. Or, take advantage of the nearby Locust City Park and Jeff Shelton Memorial Park only 1 block away. If you’re feeling competitive, horseshoe pits and bocci courts are sure to offer friendly fun. A gorgeous clubhouse with fitness room and outdoor fireplace patio will serve as a gathering place for neighbors, family and friends. The Craftsman style homes in Charleston Place will include luxurious features such as granite countertops, hardwood floors, custom cabinets, whirlpool tubs, and much more. You can even park your golf cart conveniently in your included golf cart garage. Enjoy quiet country living with the conveniences of the city in a community where neighbors are truly friends. A patio Home Community with golf cart access to the new 130 acre Locust Town Center!