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

Seller Tip: Landscaping Counts | A Relatively Inexpensive Way to Make Your Home Stand Out - 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

    REALTOR®
    Dave Perry-Miller & Associates
    (214) 563-1667 mobile
    (214) 853-9497 fax

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    Rich Patterson - Dave Perry-Miller Dallas Texas Real Estate

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    Seller Tip: Landscaping Counts


    When you’re selling your house, you obviously want it to stand out. A reasonably easy and relatively inexpensive way to accomplish this may be to invest a little work in the landscaping and the yard.

    We’re not talking about a major horticultural overhaul, although studies show that such work does add value to the home. We’re talking about simply adding some color and making the outside of the house much more attractive and memorable. Strategically placed plants and flowers can really enhance your property’s appearance. Also, if it’s not overdone, a well-maintained yard and garden appear to require less maintenance than an unkempt or overgrown one.

    A visit to your local nursery will be of great help. There are lots of affordable options, and spending just a few dollars can really increase the visibility of your home. A small crop of annuals is an affordable way to add instant color, which naturally attract the eye. The staff at local nurseries is usually well-schooled in local soils and conditions and should be able to guide you in your purchase.

    Here’s something to remember—you can plant the flowers or plants in the ground, but if you do, it’s assumed that they’re going to convey to the buyer. If you use planters or pots, they can go with you to your new place.

    Keep in mind that sometimes less is more. Simply pruning bushes and cutting back overgrown trees can make a huge difference. If you’ve got some old shrubs, it may benefit you to remove them.

    Something about curb appeal that is often overlooked is that it’s not always about attracting attention—rather, sometimes it’s about diverting eyes from a less-desirable feature, like a chain link fence, or the area where you store your trash can. Shrubbery or climbing plants provide an easy way to minimize something unsightly that may otherwise cause buyers to hesitate.

    As a seller, you may have difficulty seeing your home through a buyer’s eyes. When you list your home, ask your Texas REALTOR® to evaluate your property’s curb appeal. Your REALTOR® will have suggestions and advice to make your home more marketable.

    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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