The San Fernando Valley (Los Angeles) active housing inventory is up substantially across all price ranges. What does this mean? Real estate is a very regional element. National housing statistics that makes the news, has very little to do with what's happening in specific regions or neighborhoods. ... » Learn More about San Fernando Valley Housing Inventory Up All Price Ranges
A Potential Major Tax Bill After a Short Sale
Last fall, the IRS and the state Franchise Tax Board issued letters stating that California families who have sold their home in a short sale are not subject to either state or federal income tax on the forgiven debt. Recently, the IRS, claiming that its original letter had been “too broad,” issued ... » Learn More about A Potential Major Tax Bill After a Short Sale
California Housing Market at a Glance
The media is dwelling on the existing "national" home sales increasing month over month by almost 5%, when California's sales slowed by .6% month over month, and almost 10% year over year. This is prime time during the year when most sales are coming together. The statewide inventory level stayed ... » Learn More about California Housing Market at a Glance
95% LTV PMI vs FHA – PMI Wins
The recent coverage cost changes on both FHA and PMI have tilt the scales, in opposite directions, on the payment on high loan to value (LTV) loans. Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), Federal Housing Administration (FHA), and the Veterans Administration (VA), don't make loans. They insure the ... » Learn More about 95% LTV PMI vs FHA – PMI Wins
Basics of Ability to Repay Mortgage Regulation
The Ability to Repay mortgage rule section of the Dodd Frank Regulations works in conjunction with the Qualified Mortgage (QM) regulation. At a minimum, creditors generally must consider eight underwriting factors: (1) current or reasonably expected income or assets; (2) current employment ... » Learn More about Basics of Ability to Repay Mortgage Regulation