More Credit Score and Credit Report Transparency | Mortgage Match News.

According to Mortgage Match new rules will make it mandatory for Mortgage Lenders to give mortgage applicants credit scores and credit report factors used during the loan application process.  If a Mortgage Lender quotes an applicant an interest rate and points that the loan will cost and there is a difference between interest rate and costs quoted to other applicants the loan officers will be required by Federal law as of July 21 to:

“–Tell you that you received a less favorable offer because of negative information in your credit bureau files;

–Provide you the actual credit scores used for your rate quote;

–Disclose the name and contact information of the credit reporting company that supplied the scores that led to your less favorable quote;

–Provide consumer education materials explaining credit scores, how they are used, and how your own score ranks against other applicants, plus the credit file factors that may have depressed your score. For example, if maxed-out credit cards and late payments are in your files, they could play significant roles in lowering your credit scores” per Mortgage Match.

The applicants will be able to have access to their credit report and the whole loan application process will become more transparent for the applicant.  Consumer education materials will be available for the applicant, so they can see why they were turned down, or received a higher interest rate.  They will have the right to obtain a  free credit report if turned down for the loan.

Good news is a blessing to hear.  The latest report in the New York Times  states that even thought the recession is “officially over” the latest measures to spur the economy on has many forecasters and policy makers expressing optimism that the recovery will gain substantial momentum in 2011.  The growth projections for next year have been raised by economists in universities and on Wall Street.  Retail, factory orders and industrial orders have increased.  The unemployment, while still high is on a downward trend. consumer confidence is getting stronger, large corporations are reporting healthy profits and the Dow Jones industrial average reached a two year high this week.  May this upward trend continue well on into 2011.  Merry Christmas and a very peaceful New Year to all.

Kay Baker & Associates

Wilmington NC Real Estate Homeowners

Starting April 5, 2010 the Government will be paying homeowners in default, to relocate. The new program will demand lenders to honor short sales whereby the homeowner can sell the property for less than the mortgage payoff. The Obama administration is trying a different approach to assist more than 5 Million households who are behind on their mortgages. In turn, the homeowner will receive $1500 for relocation assistance and the lender $1000 for expediting the short sale process.  

This arrangement could prove very beneficial to the homeowner, as they will not suffer further credit damage and they will get reassurance from the lender that they will not be sued for the balance. And, under this arrangement, the number of potential  foreclosed homes on the market should drastically decrease which in turn, should improve the  overall housing market.

Finally, short sales will have their day! If you are facing a foreclosure, and need assistance, we are specialists in the Wilmington NC real estate short sale and foreclosure market. We are there for you every step of the way. Just give us a call or email kaybaker@ec.rr.com.

And, if you are looking to purchase a short sale or foreclosure, we have you covered there, as well.  We have a Certified Distressed Property broker on our team and will help you with your short sale or  purchase a short sale or foreclosure with complete knowledge of the process.  Read more here

Spring is right around the corner in Wilmington NC. What a great time to get a jump start on your spring cleaning.  If you are considering putting your home on the market, this might be the time to hire a cleaning professional.

Some of the things you need to keep in mind are:

1. Make a list of things that you would like to have done to the interior and the exterior of the home. 

2.  Do your homework and ask friends for referrals of cleaning companies.  Check out references before you hand over the keys to you home.

3.  Make sure that the cleaning company handles taxes for their employees, has insurance and is bonded.

4. Get an estimate for services and make sure it is detailed.  Your idea of a cleaning might be different than theirs.

5.  Make sure that the company can schedule days to fit your schedule and whether or not they supply the cleaning equipment and supplies.

6.  A professional cleaning job can make your home shine and show well. 

7.  Call us to help you sell your home!

So, start your real estate search today at www.cbbaker.com.  You can find a new home as well as get seller advice.  You can search by price range, map, schools, neighborhoods and more.

Fantastic positive news was released from the National Association of Realtors today.  The news release stated that the historically low interest rates combined with the $8,000 credit for first-time ( or homeowners who have not purchased a home in 3 years) helped raise the pending home sales contracts, for the third consective month.

The Pending Home Sales Index a “pending prediction” indicator based on contracts signed in April, rose 6.7 percent to 90.3 from 84.6 in March,
which is even above the April 2008 index of 87.5.

To get the first time home buyer credit of $8,000, contracts must be firmed up by November 30, 2009 to receive the credit, so we look forward to an increase in home sales.

The Wilmington NC real estate market has also enjoyed an increase in pending sales contract and still is in a a strong postion to continue this trend.

To search all Wilmington NC real estate and find out about the $8,000 tax credit please read more about the Wilmington NC real estate market here.

Chief economists say the worst may be over as new signs of recovery in housing and the stock market are more evident every day. It’s all about consumer confidence, as we all know, and it can be a very temperamental. But, with the recent rise in the stock market and the stimulus starting to energize the housing market, the recovery is more and more distinct.

The job market is not a leading indicator of recovery as indicated by the recent job report of more jobs being shed. In a downturn, employers tend to wait it out to see if the rebound is certain before hiring new employees. The job market decline is expected to soften in the second quarter.

Wilmington NC real estate

The real estate market in Wilmington NC is showing definite signs of recovery as more and more contracts are written week after week. We are even seeing multiple offers in some situations. The most active price range still remains under $300,000, but the luxury buyers are starting to come forward as Spring arrives.

For the most up to date details on Wilmington NC real estate, please call me at 800-497-7325 , email kay@cbbaker.com or log onto www.cbbaker.com.

Wilmington NC Real Estate Appointments

Wilmington NC will be the first city offered the state of the art eshowings integrated with the local MLS.  The system was implemented on January 2 and offers the unequaled combination of skilled real estate appointment specialist with the sophisticated showing software. Real estate agents in Wilmington NC can simply click on the listing in MLS for a showing appointment for any Wilmington NC real estate property and are given virtually instant confirmation to show the property, complete with showing instructions set by the homeowner. Read the rest of this entry