2009 had lots of ups and downs … the “ups” parts were mostly good things to help rescue homeowners from foreclosure and to rescue the nation’s economy. Here are some of my favorite posts of the year here at Shak & Jill.
Loan Modifications a Good Option
One of my friends was telling me last night how she was able to obtain a modification which has provided her family with enough relief (her next home loan payment isn’t due until February 2010) that they are getting caught up on bills and will survive Christmas.
Expanded Tax Credit for Existing Homeowners
The biggest question I get is what if someone sold their house a year or two ago. Would they still be eligible for the $6500 tax credit? The answer is they COULD be eligible in certain situations. They had to have owned a house for at least five consecutive years in the past eight years.
Suddenly six cars pulled up together and out of each clown car came at least four people. The people were all dressed similarly – dark pants, blue and red shirts. They were like a swarm of locusts as they picked up every flyer, including the mortgage sheets. Suddenly they began lining up along the staircase and one of them separated to arrange them. He took out a camera and snapped several family photos. They then stood in front of the great fireplace, were arranged again, and had another family portrait taken.
Sometimes developers gain permission to relocate the burial sites, but at other times the remains must remain. When they stay put, the heirs may gain the right to visit them … even to cross your property to gain access. Ingress is the legal right to enter the property. Egress is the right to leave the property. Both are real estate terms that may also apply to public works employees, electric and gas company workers, and others who may need to access something on or next to your property in order to complete a job. Or families just visiting their gone but not fogotten family members.
Want to Sell? Drop Your Price!
In this market, I have people beating my door down to list their homes but it’s rare that a seller will acknowledge that their home is worth a lot less now than it was just two years ago. To be an agent today, you have to grow some thicker skin and stand by the price range you recommend.
Today’s Squatters Have a Different Face
Of course there are still homeless people who find a bridge or a tent to live in, or who depend on shelters. But there are others who have become squatters. In their own homes – or what had been their homes. On MSNBC.com today, I read about a family who’d been evicted. They lived one weekend in a van, but returned to the home they’d lost.
Appraisers have been terribly skittish this last year or so. They’ve definitely taken a good portion of the blame for inflated home prices – especially when the housing bubble burst – so it’s no surprise that they’re being extremely careful with home purchases today.
I hope 2010 is the year we see the real estate market rebound! Have a safe celebration to ring in the new year!
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