With short sales, home owners work with a bank on a solution to get out of a house they may no longer be able to afford or have to sell urgently for some reason. That’s why some argue short sales shouldn’t damage a person’s credit score in the same way as foreclosures, which can be much more costly for banks. So should the penalty for a foreclosure more severely damage a borrower’s credit score than a short sale? No, maintains […]

Fixed-rate mortgages continued to hover near all-time lows, keeping home buyer affordability high. Freddie Mac reports the following averages in this week’s mortgage market survey: 30-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 3.55 percent, with an average 0.7 point, dropping from last week’s 3.59 percent average. A year ago at this time, 30-year rates averaged 4.12 percent. 15-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 2.86 percent, with an average 0.6 point, holding steady from last week’s average. A year ago, 15-year rates averaged 3.33 percent. 5-year […]

Merlin has a precise vision of the Denver Metro market and how it can benefit each of his clients. His unique ability to work closely and listen attentively with buyers and sellers, allows him to understand your goals and identify your best opportunities; all within a manageable time frame that fits your specific needs. Merlin understands that real estate may be the biggest investment of your life. That is why education of the market, dedicated service, and attention to detail […]

Actor Tommy “Tiny” Lister, who has appeared in about 100 movies and TV shows, has pleaded guilty to mortgage fraud in a scam that cost banks about $4 million in losses. Lister was accused of buying four homes that he knowingly couldn’t afford by falsifying bank statements, escrow records, and inflating his income so that he would not have to pay down payments on the homes. He reportedly received up to $5.7 million in mortgages. He defaulted on all four […]

Nevada, Florida, and other swing states battered by the housing downturn are finally showing signs of improvement. Florida REALTORS® reports a 7.8 percent gain in single-family home prices in the Sunshine State over the past year, and median sales prices have hit a three-year high. John Tuccillo, chief economist for the association, attributes the increases to a rebound in the job and stock markets and to foreign investors turning their attention to the state’s housing stock. Median prices are up […]

The Medical Debt Responsibility Act — which would require medical collections to be scrubbed from consumer credit reports within 45 days of payment — could bolster the housing market if passed, given that some consumers have been unable to obtain home loans because their credit scores have suffered due to problems with medical debts even after they have been paid.  The Mortgage Bankers Association is among the trade groups that signed a letter in support of the legislation.   The […]

“Make Your Dreams a Reality” I am a native Delawarean and an experienced Realtor® who will provide you with personalized service, market knowledge, cutting edge technology and professionalism second to none. I know it isn’t easy to navigate this challenging market, with my guidance, you will get all the information you need to make an informed decision whether you are buying or selling. First Time Homebuyers Financing Information Available. If you are considering a move, contact me TODAY and see […]

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced that mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will increase — by an average of 10 basis points — the fees they charge lenders to guarantee loans. The fee increases are expected to be passed along to borrowers, possibly with higher interest rates, Bloomberg reports. However, banking trade groups say any increases should be minimal and shouldn’t hurt mortgage lending. For example, a rise of 10 basis points could potentially cost a borrower […]

Silicon Valley boasts the highest number of homes sold for $1 million or more in the nation, according to RealtyTrac. A vibrant tech boom is helping to boost home sales of $1 million and up, which have doubled in this area in the past year. Silicon Valley’s housing market is benefitting from a tech boom as well as a surge in wealthy Chinese buyers who are entering into all-cash real estate deals. Demand has increased so much there in the […]

“Everyone deserves the choice to own a part of the American Dream. Through honesty, dedication and sincerity we work together to help you find your dream. Through integrity and trust we work together to build a strong, lasting relationship. Relationships lasting to reach today’s dream and wherever tomorrow’s dream may take you.” Click here to search for a gay or lesbian real estate agent anywhere in the country.   Professional/Personal Distinctions: ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) SFR (Short Sale/Foreclosure Resource) SRES […]