Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act EXTENDED!

BREAKING NEWS:
On January 1, 2013, Congress extended an important law that exempts many homeowners from paying taxes on cancelled debts. As part of the “Fiscal Cliff” deal, Congress extended the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 until the end of 2013. This will have a positive impact on distressed homeowners.

Cancelled Debt

If you owe a debt to someone else and they cancel or forgive that debt, the cancelled amount may be taxable.

Cancelled or forgiven debts happen every day in the Real Estate world. Short sales and foreclosures result in substantial, cancelled or forgiven debts. The Bank’s loss may be considered the home owner’s gain – a taxable, forgiven debt. A short sale happens when the proceeds of a home sale are not enough to pay off the mortgage. The bank agrees to take a “short” payoff and may cancel or forgive the shortage.

For the last 5 years, most homeowners were exempt from paying taxes on that forgiven or cancelled debt. The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 exempted many homeowners from paying taxes on forgiven debt. But, that law was set to expire on December 31, 2012

Taxable Income

If you owe $200,000 on your home but your sale only results in $150,000 in proceeds, you will be “short” by $50,000. You would likely need to count that $50,000 as taxable income to the IRS! In this case, you might owe and additional $12,500 in tax liability. In fact, you may owe this tax even if your house is foreclosed if it results in a shortfall to the bank.

Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007

The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 exempts many home owners from paying taxes on the forgiven debt. On January 1, 2013, Congress extended the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 until the end of 2013. This has the potential to save distressed homeowners millions of dollars in “phantom” tax liability over the coming year.

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Tax Relief Ending for Struggling Home Owners?

If you owe a debt to someone else and they cancel or forgive that debt, the cancelled amount may be taxable.

Cancelled or forgiven debts happen every day in the Real Estate world. Short sales and foreclosures result in substantial, cancelled or forgiven debts. The Bank’s loss may be considered the home owner’s gain – a taxable, forgiven debt. A short sale happens when the proceeds of a home sale are not enough to pay off the mortgage. The bank agrees to take a “short” payoff and may cancel or forgive the shortage.

For the last 5 years, most homeowners were exempt from paying taxes on that forgiven or cancelled debt. Unless Congress acts soon, homeowners will have to start paying income taxes on that debt.

Taxable Income

If you owe $200,000 on your home but your sale only results in $150,000 in proceeds, you will be “short” by $50,000. You would likely need to count that $50,000 as taxable income to the IRS! In this case, you might owe and additional $12,500 in tax liability. In fact, you may owe this tax even if your house is foreclosed if it results in a shortfall to the bank.

Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007

The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 exempts many home owners from paying taxes on the forgiven debt. This law, however, is set to expire at the end of 2012. If it does, it may have a chilling effect on short sales and loan modifications. Many experts and commentators believe Congress will extend the law. It was originally effective until 2009 and Congress extended it to 2012 as part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. In August, the Senate Finance committee approved a one-year extension, with bipartisan support (this was not a full vote of Congress). Others are more skeptical. A lame-duck Congress has its plate full with the looming “Fiscal Cliff.”

If the law is not extended, many believe the Real Estate market will suffer. Indeed, over 20% of Dane County sales are distressed property sales. These distressed sellers would be faced with another, “phantom” tax just to walk away from their homes.

 

 

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Short Sale Escalation – TWEET TWEET!

Short Sale Escalation With Social Media

Challenges arise in almost every short sale. Frustrated and running out of options, Realtor Nicole Charles of Keller Williams in Madison, Wisconsin, turned to twitter:

@Ask_WellsFargo Can anyone please help me with a short sale issue? Getting the run around an am about to lose the Buyer due to delays. HELP

Wells Fargo responded! First, in tweets, they asked for more information and direct contact. After a few more tweets and correspondence, a representative promised to escalate the matter and have answers that day. She had revived a dying sale through social media!

Escalation

Creative and persistent agents understand the importance of escalation in short sale negotiations. This can be as simple as contacting a manager or supervisor. It can also include contacting the investor or mortgage insurance company directly. The goal of escalation is to reach an individual with more authority and the ability to move the transaction towards closing. Often, the biggest challenge is simply finding contact information for that escalated individual. Some agents call Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac directly, when they know they are the investor. Others manage to glean investor contact information from hints or clues in correspondence. And this creative agent discovered the newest way to get things done – social media and twitter!

Thank you Nicole Charles for this fantastic tip!

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Legal Assistance for Homeowners in Foreclosure

Free Legal Help for Homeowners Facing Foreclosure in Dane County

Dane County Foreclosure Prevention Taskforce
http://www.daneforeclosurehelp.org
For more information contact:
Dan O’Callaghan (608) 283-0117or Ellen Bernards (608) 576-8658

  

What:            FREE LEGAL HELP!  For homeowners facing foreclosure. Help available in English and in Spanish Ayuda disponible en español también.

Who:              For homeowners who have received a Foreclosure Summons and Complaint

When:           11:00 am – 1:00 pm, Thursday, March 1, 2012 & Every 1^st and 3^rd Thursday of the month.

Where:          City-County Building, 3^rd floor, 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

THIS IS A RECURRING EVENT, 1^ST AND 3^RD THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH.

FREE LEGAL HELP is available for Dane County homeowners in foreclosure.  Homeowners can receive basic legal information and free assistance in writing an Answer to the lawsuit at the Foreclosure Answer Clinic.  The Clinic has assisted almost 200 homeowners to understand the legal process of foreclosure and to respond their lawsuit. Homeowners who respond in writing to the lawsuit have more control over the process and a better chance for a favorable outcome.   

Homeowners have ONE CHANCE to file an Answer to their lawsuit. Filing an Answer is one of the critical things a homeowner MUST do even if the homeowner is in communication with the lender and working on options such as a loan modification or short sale.

Time is of the essence because homeowners generally have only 20 calendar days from the date they receive the initial lawsuit papers to file a formal response called an Answer.  Failing to file an Answer to the lawsuit on time significantly reduces homeowners’ control over the process and their ability to share their story with the judge. In addition, they may not be notified of important steps in the court process of foreclosure.

The Clinic is open the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the 3rd floor of the City-County Building, 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Madison.  No appointments are necessary.  Homeowners should bring their Summons and Complaint as well as any other relevant papers about the foreclosure.  

The Foreclosure Answer Clinic is a collaborative effort of the Dane County Foreclosure Prevention Taskforce, the Dane County Bar Association and the UW Law School, with grant funding provided by the State Bar of Wisconsin and other support provided by Dane County.

Who We Are.  The Dane County Foreclosure Prevention Taskforce is a coalition of public agencies, non-profit service providers and other community partners working together to develop sustainable alternatives to foreclosure in Dane County. For more information, please visit daneforeclosurehelp.org.

Our Mission.  To develop and implement a coordinated response to the current foreclosure problem in Dane County. 

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Mortgage Relief for Distressed Homeowners?

A new settlement among big banks may provide relief to many struggling home owners.  Nearly 20% of all home mortgages are underwater – the home is worth less than the amount owed to the bank. This has been the major cause of the foreclosure crisis nationally and a problem many have sought to remedy. A new settlement with big banks raises hope for many underwater home owners that they may be able to reduce their loan or refinance with better terms.

New Federal Settlement

Ordinarily, a bank will not lend to a homeowner if the home is worth less than the current mortgage because it requires the homeowner to borrow more money than the home is worth. Under the new settlement, tens of billions of dollars will be earmarked for homeowner relief. It is unclear how this money will be dolled out, but it is presumed that it will include:

• Reducing the principle balance owed on a loan
  
• Refinancing to a lower rate
  
• Providing incentives to lenders to approve refinances, modifications, or short sales
  
• Providing cash settlements to some homeowners who have already lost their home to foreclosure
  

As with previous federal programs (HAFA and HAMP), this program is not expected to provide broad reaching relief. It will only apply to about 10% of underwater homeowners. Nevertheless, this might be enough to stabilize the housing market and provide a much needed boost to the hardest hit segment of the market.

For a detailed summary of the settlement, see the New York Times Article.

Madison Realtors, lenders, and attorneys are invited to our seminar on Short Sales & Foreclosures:

Short Sale Seminar

February 23, 2012: 1pm – 4pm

City Center West
525 Junction Rd.
Madison, WI 53717-2152

REGISTER HERE

Licensed REALTORS, Attorneys and lenders are invited to attend this powerful seminar on short sales, foreclosures, and navigating distressed properties. This seminar has previously been approved for 3 Hours of Continuing Legal Education credits in Wisconsin.

Attorney Peter Zarov will be breaking down the foreclosure time line, the short sale process, and REALTOR’s risks and responsibilities. This class will cover:

• Short sale time line
  
• Foreclosure process and understanding timing and leverage.
  
• How to avoid liability during a short sale (Your referral team, common scams, etc.)
  
• The short sale packet and best practices to submit
  
• The HAFA Short Sale Program and other new incentives
  
• Transactional pitfalls and how to avoid them
  
• Bankruptcy and how it affects sales
  

Agents will a acquire critical knowledge of the foreclosure process in Wisconsin, short sale procedures, and important trends in distressed property transactions.  Surviving and thriving in this market requires a familiarity and understanding of these topics. 

The Event is $15 and includes a 65 page packet of outlines, materials, and forms.  

 
 

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Short Sales vs. Foreclosure

The Banks’ Dilemma:

To Foreclose or Accept a Short Sale?

Over the past 4 years, short sales – house sales in which the bank holding a mortgage agrees to accept less than the full amount due – have proliferated. Short sale experts have worked hard to dispel the myth that banks never negotiate and never accept less. But now, a recent New York Times article suggests that there may be some truth to that myth.

In a recent article, the Times reported that banks are resisting short sales and putting more focus on foreclosures. In fact, there are some incentives for banks to foreclose, even when a short sale will reduce risk and financial losses. New accounting rules allow banks to delay the “write down” of their loss until the house later sells. In a short sale, by contrast, the bank must take the loss immediately. In addition, the bank with which realtors and home owners negotiate are only one interested party; they are the servicer. Short sales usually also need to have the approval of investors, underwriters, and/or private mortgage insurance companies. And, while the recent foreclosure freeze highlighted the risks associated with foreclosure, banks face many risks in short sales, including fraud. A bank’s decision to agree to a short sale may involve far more than a simple cost-benefit analysis assumed by Realtors, attorneys, and distressed homeowners.

The Times article states that banks are “historically reluctant to do short sales” and suggests that they may be more likely to foreclose, even in the face of a good offer. This has not been our experience, based on anecdotal evidence. Rather, most banks appear very open to negotiating short sales, especially when there is a bona fide buyer in the wings. A large number of short sales are closing. Homestead Title is analyzing data over the past 3 years to determine the percentage of sheriff’s sales in Dane County in relation to the percentage of foreclosure filings.

Homestead Title offers expertise and guidance throughout the short sale process. Owner and attorney Peter Zarov often teaches seminars on foreclosures, short sales, and distressed properties. We will continue to provide updates, information and resources on these topics.

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Foreclosures on Hold?

At least three major lenders have suspended foreclosures in nearly two dozen states, including Wisconsin. Allegations of misconduct and flawed practices in foreclosure lawsuits prompted GMAC, Bank of America, and JPMorgan Chase to put the brakes on foreclosures and halt post-foreclosure REO sales of properties in at least 23 states. Indeed, many title insurers have also suspended issuing title insurance policies for REO sales from these companies. Now, according to the New York Times, lawmakers in Washington and many states are calling for a freeze on all foreclosures. Foreclosure Furor Rises; Many Call for a Freeze, Oct 5, 2010.

At issue are flawed or false affidavits – sworn statements by the lenders’ employees who were to have reviewed the files for accuracy and correct documentation. Rather than actually review the files, these companies allegedly used “robo-signers” — employees who signed thousands of affidavits per month with no knowledge of the content and, in many cases, without even bothering to read the Affidavits.

Some Affidavits dealt with lost or missing assignment of mortgages. The bank that made the original loan often assigned or sold their loan to another bank. That bank, the new owner of the mortgage, must prove to the court that they have standing to file the foreclosure action; in other words, they are the proper party with an appropriate interest to foreclose.  They need to produce the original Assignment of Mortgage document as proof. During the hay-day of loose lending practices, many banks lost or even never had the original Assignment of Mortgage documents.

The solution: sign an affidavit that swears that the bank keeps original documents like this and the signer can’t find the original after a thorough search and investigation for the lost affidavit.

The problem: the person signing that affidavit allegedly never made a thorough investigation and has no knowledge of the file. How could he when he signed thousands every month.

In most foreclosures, the home owner never contests the foreclosure action because the homeowner had stopped paying many months earlier. These flawed affidavits usually present only procedural flaws, not real defenses on the merits. Thus, they likely only serve to slow the process and delay the inevitable.  In some cases, however, the injustice may rise beyond a lack of due process. 

No one knows the affect that this temporary moratorium will have on the real estate market or the foreclosure crisis. Yet, it certainly has created more risk and costs for lenders during the foreclosure process.  One affect may be to encourage lenders to seek foreclosure alternatives, such as short sales and deeds in lieu of foreclosure. Only time will tell.

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Seminar: Short Sales, REO’s and Foreclosures

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Tax Deadline Extended… sort of

Congress Extends the Deadline to CLOSE

Last year, Congress passed a tax credit for first time homebuyers and many “long-time” homebuyers. This credit provided for two deadlines:

• Receive a binding offer to purchase on or before April 30, 2010
  
• Close the sale on or before June 30, 2010.
  

Lenders, title companies, and real estate professionals worked feverishly to close transactions before that June 30^th deadline. All the while congress was working (less feverishly, we are sure) to pass an extension of the bill.

Hours before it was set to expire, the Senate finally approved an extension to the June 30 closing deadline for the homebuyer tax credit, The move will give buyers who signed a purchase agreement by April 30 more time to close and still receive the tax credit of up to $8,000. Once signed by the President, the new deadline will be Sept. 30, 2010.

This extension will benefit those home-buyers who’s deals stalled or financing ran into trouble.  Many homebuyers could not close on short-sales or other distressed properties because of delays in lender approval.  The extension will be a welcome relief to those buyers.

Buyers, Realtors, and other professionals should be aware that this extension only affects home buyers who are in a binding contract that was signed before May 2010. It will not benefit those potential homebuyers who are still shopping for a home.
Interest Rates at Historic Lows

Nevertheless, today’s unprecedented interest rates may amount to a savings almost equal to the tax credit. Indeed, in January, a home-buyer might have locked in on a 30 Year Mortgage at 5.4%, a wonderfully low rate by historical standards. Today, that same 30 Year Mortgage might be at 4.6%. On a $200,000 mortgage, this amounts to a monthly savings of about $97.75 or $4,600 in just four years. While the tax credit might not be available for those still shopping for a home, the savings are still there.

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Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac HAFA Programs

Many home owners are in financial distress and owe more than their home is worth. In this case, selling their home will not net enough proceeds to pay off their current mortgage. Often, the only option is a “short sale,” in which their lender agrees to accept less than a full payoff to release the mortgage.

HAFA is a Federally sponsored program providing incentives to lenders that agree to short sales. A short sale is a long, difficult process requiring weeks if not months of negotiation with the bank to convince them to accept less than the full amount due. The goal of HAFA is to streamline and standardize the short sale process. HAFA, however, only applies to certain home owners and to lenders that participate in the program.

More importantly, HAFA did not apply to loans owned, underwritten, or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This excluded a large number of loans… until now!

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Introduce Their Own HAFA Program

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac recently announced their own entry into the HAFA Program. Both programs will likely be very similar to the original HAFA program. This development will open the door to a vast majority of distressed homeowners to utilize the HAFA Short Sale Program. And, this means that sellers, REALTORS, and attorneys must understand how the various programs work.

Like the original HAFA program, the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac programs “piggy back” off of the HAMP Mortgage Modification program. Distressed homeowners must first apply for a mortgage modification under the federal HAMP program. And, like the original program, the new programs provide similar incentives to homeowners and lenders to close a short sale. Homeowners can receive up to $3,000 in “relocation assistance” for completing a short sale.

These programs have just been announced and are not yet in effect. Homestead will continue to provide updates prior to the August 1^st implementation date.

For updates and more information on this and other topics, please subscribe to this blog.

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