Buying a Home? Ask About Murderers and Ghosts

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Remember “The Amityville Horror”? It was a huge late-1970s bestseller and movie about a family that was terrorized by a house of evil spirits. It turned out to be a hoax, but there was one part of the story that was just as terrifying, yet absolutely true.

In 1974, 23-year-old Ronald DeFeo, Jr., used a rifle to kill his parents and four younger siblings as they slept in their large Dutch Colonial home at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, N.Y. The house remained empty until it was purchased by the Lutz family 13 months later at a bargain price of $80,000.

When notorious murders make headlines for weeks or even months, homebuyers typically know what they’re getting themselves into. But what happens when someone dies in a house by way of murder or natural causes? Does the real estate agent have to disclose this potential deal-breaker to the buyer?

Yes and no.

According to an article on boston.com, real estate agents are “not required to affirmatively disclose that there might have been a homicide or suicide on the property.” This means that they are not required to offer the information, but they are expected to confirm the information if asked. So, ask.

The article goes on to talk about paranormal activity, which is another little detail that may be left out by an agent looking to unload a property that may or may not have a few ghosts rattling chains in the master bedroom at midnight.

If you’re a buyer, do your homework before you embark on a tour of available properties. If you’d like help creating a list of questions, please get in touch.

Ready to buy a new home or refinance the one you own? Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to answer your questions and help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.

When is an ARM Better Than a Fixed?

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The world of mortgages has a short menu. Will it be an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) or a Fixed Rate Mortgage? You’ll often hear people say that a fixed-rate mortgage is always the best move
— that’s not necessarily the truth. Homebuyers sometimes have unique circumstances that allow them to take advantage of the initial lower rate of an ARM.

First, let’s distinguish between the two. The interest rate of a fixed-rate mortgage never changes. An adjustable-rate mortgage, on the other hand, resets its interest rate at pre-specified times. For example, a “7/1 ARM” indicates the interest rate is locked in for the first seven years and adjusts annually after year seven. Because rates have been lower in recent times, homeowners generally opt for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage to lock in that low rate for the life of the loan.

So when might it make more sense to go with an ARM? Here are a few scenarios:
Changing Cities, Changing Jobs. If you think you’ll be moving within a short time frame but prefer not to rent, an ARM is option that could work very well. For example, a student who’s doing a medical residency may wind up practicing in another state after she graduates. Because she’s uncertain where she’ll land after graduation, an ARM may be the better choice for a few years.
Investment Property. If you’re buying an investment property but only plan to hold onto it for a limited period, why not take the lower rate?
Salary Bump. If your budget is stretched now, but you’re confident your salary will increase in the next 5-7 years, you could start with an ARM and then refinance your mortgage before the rate goes up.
First-time Homebuyers. In cases where financing a 30-year fixed is not a viable option, first-time homebuyers may choose an ARM and either sell or refinance later.
While ARMs usually have caps in place for rate increases, there are usually no caps or limits to how much the first adjustment after the reset point will be. If you wind up staying beyond the first interval of your ARM, you could face a larger rate increase than you can afford. This is why we only recommend ARMs for the short term, even though it’s entirely possible the rate could adjust down.

Ready to buy a new home or refinance the one you own? Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to answer your questions and help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.

3 Downpayment Myths Debunked

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When it comes to mortgage downpayments, there seems to be some confusion about how much you really need to put down on a new property. Let’s take a look at three common misconceptions.

1. The 20% Rule. If you were to ask the average person on the street about downpayments, the majority of them would say 20% is required. While 20% is a common guideline, it’s not necessarily the reality. In fact, there are a number of low downpayment programs available.

2. It Has to be ONLY my money. Gift funds are a great option. A gift may be provided by a spouse, child, or anyone related to the borrower. It must specify the dollar amount and an official gift letter is required stating that the funds were a gift and no repayment is expected.

3. First-time Homebuyers Only. While the industry has always encouraged first-time homebuyers, it’s a myth to think current and previous homeowners will be forced to submit 20% and not a penny less. I have worked with numerous clients over the years who have preferred a smaller downpayment so they can keep some money for repairs and additions to their new home.

Don’t be fooled by these misconceptions that have seeped into the general consciousness. There are more options for low downpayments than you may have imagined. If you or someone you know would like to explore the possibility of a low downpayment option, I can help. Call me at 617-965-1236.

Ready to buy a new home or refinance the one you own? Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to answer your questions and help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.

The One Question That Saves Thousands of Dollars

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I’ve been working with homeowners for many years and I discovered long ago that eager buyers set themselves up to fail by taking the wrong approach in their excitement of making what is often the largest purchase of their lives.

Whether I’m advising couples, divorced women, single men or anyone else across all demographics, the majority of these home buyers start house-hunting with the amount of money in mind that has been determined with their pre-approval. It’s a mistake and can lead to serious financial issues.

The question I start with is a simple one: What do you need to live happily and comfortably over the next several years? That change of mindset–focusing on their needs rather than what the bank tells them they can afford–makes a huge difference.

Let’s face it: in many ways, we are a nation of impulse buyers. Why buy a Toyota when you can buy a Lexus, right? I’ll tell you why. Because you can’t afford it. You only think you can.

First-time homebuyers often find themselves in serious debt when they learn of unexpected costs to maintain their homes in addition to their monthly mortgage payment, property taxes, utility bills and more. Then suddenly one winter they have ice dams and roof repairs and mold remediation. The typical homebuyer thinks of a dream home, not a nightmare scenario that stretches their budget to the limit and beyond.

When buyers work with me they have a professional who helps them make practical decisions that will serve them well over the life of the mortgage. Consider me the reality check you never asked for, but really need. You can’t put a price on good advice, but you can always afford it. I’m happy to help.

Ready to buy a new home or refinance the one you own? Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to answer your questions and help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.

Appraisal vs Assessment: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between an assessment and an appraisal is significant. The two words are not interchangeable, contrary to popular thought. A look at each of these terms will show two very different looks at your home’s value.

An appraisal determines the market value of a specific home at a specific time. The appraiser determines this value based on recently sold homes within the past 90 days. They are of equal (or similar) comparison and are located within approximately one mile from your home. Adjustments are made for differences that might include location and square footage as well as the number of bathrooms.

An assessment, on the other hand is notably different. It is determined by the town or municipality to set property taxes. The amount of taxes you’ll pay is based on the assessment. But here’s the thing: the number is based on stats from previous fiscal years.

For example, a home sold in 2016 has a tax assessment based on sales from 2013 or 2014.

In a nutshell, an appraisal is based on very recent sale prices and are used to determine value. Assessments are based on the past and are specifically used for taxes.

I hope this helps clear up any confusion. If you need further clarification, please contact me at 617-965-1236.

Ready to buy a new home or refinance the one you own? Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to answer your questions and help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.

Second Home vs. Investment Property

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If you ever hear someone say they are interested in buying a second home as an investment property, stop them right there. A second home and an investment property are not the same thing. There are several distinctions that set them apart. Let’s take a look.

A second home is just what it sounds like: another location for you to reside at various times of the year. So let’s say you own a home in Needham but you’re interested in buying a winter home in Miami. That falls into the “second home” classification.

An investment property, on the other hand, is intended to generate a return on investment, either through rental income or resale (or both). Examples of investment properties include two-family houses and renovation/flipping projects.

To avoid charges of fraud, your second home should be a considerable distance from your primary residence. The rule of thumb is approximately 50 miles (Wellesley to the Cape, for example, is about 80 or 90 miles.) A two-family second home is unlikely to be approved because it is, by design, intended to be a revenue generating property.

A downpayment on a second home carries less risk and therefore may be the home purchase you can make with the least amount of money down. Your downpayment on an investment property, however, will be higher because the risk is higher. The two-family investment is viewed as a risk by the banks because you’ll be counting on the rent coming in. There’s no guarantee of tenant reliability or year-round occupancy.

I hope this helps clear up any confusion. If you need further clarification, please contact me at 617-965-1236.

Ready to buy a new home or refinance the one you own? Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to answer your questions and help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.

FHFA Increasing Loan Limits in 2017

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There’s some good news for those homebuyers looking for a larger loan amount in 2017. The Federal Housing Finance Agency recently announced that loan limits for are rising. The limit on conforming loans moves up from $417,000 to $424,100. This is the first increase in the baseline loan limit since 2006. That’s good news for those of us in the industry, but it’s better news for homebuyers.

A conforming loan — not to be confused with a conventional loan — is a mortgage loan that follows Fannie Mae guidelines. On its surface a $7000 increase may not seem like much when considering a $400,000 mortgage, but that extra bit of cash can come in very handy for those seeking the best financial advantage as possible when purchasing a new home.

Loans that exceed this new limit are considered high balance loans. This translates to higher pricing with the least flexibility. Staying under the cap will get a mortgage with the most underwriting and highest flexibility. Nonconforming or jumbo loans carry a higher interest rate than conforming loans, increasing monthly payments and negatively impacting affordability.

The new loan limit will allow more buyers to borrow more money without having to put more money down. Homeowners can refinance bigger loan sizes while staying within the conforming loan limits.

This increase comes at a time when mortgage rates have increased slightly to just over 4.0%. That’s still an excellent rate, compared to 6% in 2008 and 8% in 2000.

This bodes well for the real estate industry as a whole, with the Federal Housing Finance Agency showing greater confidence in the recovery of home prices across the country. 2017 will be another great year for homebuyers.

Ready to buy a new home or refinance the one you own? Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to answer your questions and help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.

How to Qualify for a Mortgage When the Banks Say No

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People sometimes ask me why they should use Westchester Morgtage instead of one of the big banks. It’s a fair question, with an answer that goes beyond great service.

The lending industry bases their approval decisions on the following three criteria. Banks tend to take a conservative approach but mortgage brokers have more flexibility to offer their clients.

1. Credit score. Are you paying your bills on time? Have you defaulted on a credit card or fallen behind on your car payment? The bank will determine the risk of lending you money based on your previous bill-paying history.

2. Income. The bank will take a look at your income and assess your ability to repay both your existing debts and your future expenses. You’ll need to earn enough for them to feel confident in your ability to pay all your expenses while comfortably paying your mortgage premium each month.

3. Equity. This is your collateral available to secure the mortgage. The bank will offer you better rates when you pay a higher amount on your downpayment.

If the bank feels your credit history, income or equity are questionable, they will decline your mortgage application. So now what?

Here’s where an experienced mortgage professional can get a “yes” when the banks say “no.” First, I will get your paperwork and documentation organized up front. If you are divorced or in the process of divorcing, it is critical to show the divorce decree or separation document.

My job is to understand all your income sources and represent them properly for the underwriter. I also look for additional income. Alimony, child support and bonus income are sometimes left off the application and could very well be the difference between the approval or denial of the mortgage.

I dig much deeper than the banks for my clients. If you want the best chance to be approved for a mortgage, starting with Westchester Mortgage is the best path to take. Do you know someone who is thinking about using a bank for their mortgage? Please have them call me so I can help them gain every advantage in securing a mortgage approval.

 

April’s Home Improver

Grimebusters: Silly Putty and Alcohol
That is one grimy keyboard. Grab your silly putty and alcohol.
When was the last time you took a good long look at your computer keyboard? If you haven’t cleaned it in a while you may have noticed anything from dust and crumbs between the keys and dirt and grime smudged on the keypads and spacebar. Pretty gross.
Now before your inner germaphobe starts freaking out about the bacteria you’ve been dabbing onto your fingers with every word you type, there is a fast and easy solution to cleaning up your keyboard without a lot of effort.
1: Silly putty. Remember this stuff? If you’re over 35 or so, you may have used silly putty to pull up cartoon images from newspaper ink when you were a kid. Silly putty can also pick up those pretzel crumbs, pet hair and lint that may have found their way into your keyboard. Just press on some silly putty and all that garbage that’s been hiding between those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies around the keys will be lifted right up into the putty. Awesome! But what about the grimy keypads?
2: Rubbing alcohol. Pour a small amount of alcohol onto a paper towel or cloth. Next, gently rub the alcohol into the keypads until they start to sparkle. Important: Do not use water. Water has a way of ruining keyboards. Instead, use rubbing alcohol. It dries quickly and won’t short circuit your keyboard.
Here’s a video link. Click the image below.
The result should be a keyboard that looks brand new. Enjoy!

Tax Advantages of Your Mortgage

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It’s tax time already. Although we get a few extra days with this year’s tax deadline falling on April 18th, we’re only a month away. Today we’re discussing the tax advantages and incentives that come with owning a mortgaged home.
If you have recently purchased or are planing to buy a new home, you may not be aware of the significant tax breaks that come from your mortgage and your home itself.
One of the largest tax breaks for homeowners is the
deduction of interest paid for the year. By now, you should have received documentation from your lender indicating the total interest you’ve paid.
Have you recently refinanced? There is a tax benefit. Because you pay more interest than principal in your first few years of a new mortgage, your deductions are higher.
Your property taxes are also a major deduction, especially if you are in a highly taxed city or town. This also applies to homeowners without a mortgage to pay.
Home improvement costs may lead to additional tax breaks. Look for the Energy Star logo on new appliances in your home. Energy-saving water heaters, windows, doors and more may give you a bigger tax break than you had imagined. Check out the Energy Star website to see which changes to your home are tax deductible.
I strongly recommend you meet with a tax professional to understand the opportunities for tax deductions and learn of other breaks you may qualify for as a homeowner. Need a recommendation? I have someone I trust who can help. Call me at 617-965-1236 for the referral or to answer any mortgage-related questions.
Ready to purchase a new home or refinance the one you own? Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.

March’s Home Improver
When Should I Seed My Lawn?
A beautiful, green, well-kept lawn makes your home more attractive to potential buyers while becoming the envy of your neighbors who struggle with patchy grass that just can’t compete.
Here are some grass-growing secrets that can help you upgrade your home’s curb appeal.
1. When is the best time to seed my lawn? You would think it would be right now, with the first day of spring just a few days away. Typically, the best time to seed a lawn is in the fall. This is due to cooling temperatures and soil that isn’t too moist from melting snow and seasonal rains.
2. What problems may I run into by seeding now? Cool soil temperatures can slow or prevent seed germination. Springtime weeds can sometimes be a cause for concern.
3. Can I use a weed killer? Bad idea. Liquid and granular weed preventers can prevent germination and kill immature seedlings. In effect, you’re killing weeds and your grass at the same time. The rule of thumb is to work on weeds only after your young grass has been mowed at least four times.
4. What are my options for spring seeding? First, test your soil. Most turf grasses work best with neutral soil. Ask your landscaper to test it before planting. If it’s a DIY project, you can buy a soil test kitfor under $25. Also, be sure to choose a grass that works best for New England climate and sun exposure.
5. How do I improve my lawn quickly before putting it on the market? Calling a professional is always recommended. An experienced landscaper has the knowledge to get the seeding job done with a better chance of success than a homeowner who is not working in lawn care on a daily basis. It may be well worth the investment if your current lawn is an eyesore and you’re getting ready to list your home.
6. What about sod? If you need a lawn in a hurry, sod is the way to go. Although the initial cost is higher and lots of watering is critical, your instant lawn is installed free of weeds and can be walked on very soon after it’s planted.

3 Ways to Stay Ahead of the Competition

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Just because you’ve found the home of your dreams doesn’t mean you’re going to move into it. Many factors including price, location, inventory and time of year may bring in multiple offers from eager buyers. So how can you gain an advantage over the competition? Here are three helpful tips:

1. Pre-approval. Before you even start looking for homes, meeting with your mortgage professional is critical. A pre-approval means you have provided documentation of income and assets. This is different from pre-qualifying, which is typically done in conversation wherein you talk about your income and assets. It’s virtually meaningless until you back up what you say with the paperwork for pre-approval. Also, you should know how much you’re willing to put down. The stronger the downpayment, the more confidence the seller has in you and your offer.

2. Waive the Home Inspection. This saves time and money, but is it smart? There is a way around it. Bring a home inspector to the Open House. While you’re checking out the size of the bathroom and imagining your furniture in this house, your home inspector is walking around checking for things like termite or water damage, asbestos, knob-and-tube wiring, heating and AC issues and more.

3. Write a Personal Letter. You may not realize it, but selling a home can be just as stressful to the owner as it is to the buyer. By writing a personal letter, you are making an emotional appeal to a seller who is probably feeling sentimental about the home. Talk about how you would want to raise your family in this home just as they did; that you want your kids to benefit from attending the same school as their kids. Make a genuine appeal that ties your future to their past and that just might be what tips the scales in your favor.

Of course, there are no guarantees. But these suggestions have proven successful for many happy new homeowners. For more ideas, please give me a call at 617-965-1236.

February’s Home Improver
Re-painting Kitchen Cabinets

Replacing your kitchen cabinets can be cost-prohibitive. But what can you do when your formerly new cabinets have lost their looks over the years? If you’re up to the task, painting your cabinets can make them look like new for much less than the cost of replacing them.

Here are step-by-step directions:

1. Remove the cabinet doors and hardware. (Tip: Put a note on each one indicating location so they’ll go back in the right places.)

2. Clean all cabinet surfaces and allow them to dry completely.

3. Sand down the surfaces enough so that the paint adheres and lays flat.

4. Apply primer-sealer first. Let to dry, before painting.

5. Apply paint with a spray, brush or roller (for flat surfaces only). Let it dry. Put hardware back on doors and hang them on the cabinets.

Remember to use a drop cloth and tape off the areas around the cabinets. If you think a project like this is beyond your skill set or patience, hiring a professional painter will still cost significantly less than bringing in all new custom cabinetry. Good luck!