Rich Patterson, Realtor, RE/MAX Urban, Downtown Dallas, Uptown Dallas, Oak Lawn, Oak Cliff

Tips for Home Buyers: Home Warranty - Contact Rich Patterson, Downtown / Uptown Dallas Realtor

Saturday, 05/19/2012


Real Estate News
Dallas & National


Market Update

March 2012

176 New Listings
17 Active Foreclosures
80 Sold

  • 94.76% of List Price
  • 111 Average Days on the Market
  • 23 Median Days on the Market
  • Stats shown include Downtown Dallas, Uptown, Victory Park and Oak Lawn.

    Read more about current Dallas Real Estate Market Activity.


    2011
    Annual School Report

    This Annual School Report is provided by my friends at Republic Title


    WR Starkey Mortgage News

    HUD has come out with more major changes that will have an impact on files with case number ordered on or after April 1, 2012 (April 9. 2012 for UFMIP and MIP). Case numbers stay with the property, not the client. Case numbers may not be ordered until there is a fully executed contract in place.

    #1- Increase in Upfront and Monthly MIP

    The UFMIP will be increased from 1 percent to 1.75 percent of the base loan amount. This increase applies regardless of the amortization term or LTV ratio. FHA will continue to permit financing of this charge into the mortgage. Again, this change is effective for case numbers assigned on or after April 9, 2012. In addition, the monthly MIP will increase by .10.

    #2- Dispute Accounts OR Collection Accounts Must be Paid if over Cumulative $1000

    If the borrower has individual or multiple disputed credit accounts or collections with singular or cumulative balances equal to or greater than $1,000, the accounts must be resolved (e.g. payment arrangements with a minimum three months of verified payments made as agreed) or paid in full, prior to, or at the time of closing. The lender must obtain documentation supporting the payment arrangements or that the debt has been paid off. The payments arranged for the accounts must be included in the calculation of the borrower's debt-to-income ratios.

    Disputed credit accounts or collections resulting from identity theft, credit card theft, or unauthorized use, etc., will be excluded from the $1,000 limit under the terms shown below.

    The mortgagee must provide in the case binder, a credit report or letter from the creditor, or other appropriate documentation, to support that the borrower filed an identity theft or police report to dispute the fraudulent charges. Mortgagees must provide documentation in the case binder to show all disputed or collection accounts are resolved, verified as not a debt to the borrower, arrangements made for payment, or paid in full.

    This update is provided by my friends at WR Starkey Mortgage. Contact Susan Moore with WR Starkey for your loan approval and call or email me to help you find and close the sale on your new home.


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    Rich Patterson

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    Dave Perry-Miller & Associates
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    Buyer Tip: Home Warranties


    After you buy an existing home, let’s face it—the last thing you want to worry about is a broken big-ticket item like the air conditioner or oven. For this reason, it’s a good idea to get a home warranty plan (also called a residential service contract).

    The general idea behind a home warranty is this: If a covered item malfunctions, the homeowner calls the home warranty company, which contacts a contracted local service provider. The local provider makes an appointment with the homeowner to evaluate the failed equipment. If the item can be fixed, it will be. If it cannot be repaired, the policy pays for a replacement and installation.

    Home warranties offer different levels of protection. Some provide comprehensive protection, while others are more limited—for instance, they may not cover the AC unit. Special coverage will likely be needed if you’ve got a swimming pool or a hot tub in your new place. Choose your policy according to your needs and make sure you know the level of coverage you’re paying for.

    Most warranties are prepaid for a year, and range from about $250 to $600. Sometimes sellers will include a one-year home warranty as an incentive to you, but they’re also doing it so that you don’t call them or their agent if an item breaks down.

    Keep in mind that you must renew your residential service contract if you want to continue coverage after the initial term. You may decide that it’s better to have the protection and not need it than to need it and not have it.

    Copyright 2009 TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®


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    Dave Perry-Miller & Associates
    2828 Routh Street, Suite 100
    Dallas, Texas 75201
    Texas License #0578882
    (214) 563-1667 mobile
    (214) 853-9497 fax
    (214) 303-1133 office

    Send Email to Rich Patterson


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