Real Estate Information Archive

Because of today’s economic situation, rapidly rising health care costs, and falling retirement and savings account balances, many seniors are feeling financial stress. Looking for relief from their monetary woes, over 600,000 seniors have taken advantage of the FHA’s Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), better known as a reverse mortgage.

A reverse mortgage is a special type of home loan based on age, equity, interest rates, and the value of your Richmond VA home, a reverse mortgage allows you to not only forego paying monthly mortgage rates but also to receive money (as long as at least one borrower lives in the home) on a continuous monthly basis, for a fixed period of time, or in unscheduled installments as needed.

To qualify for a HECM, the FHA requires that you own your home outright or have a low mortgage balance that can be paid from the loan’s proceeds, be at least 62 or older, and that you continue to reside in your Richmond VA home. Single family homes and 1-4 unit homes with one unit occupied by the borrower are eligible. The same holds true for HUD approved condos and manufactured homes that meet FHA standards.

A reverse mortgage differs from a home equity loan in that you do not make monthly payments, and it is available to you regardless of your income. The amount of the HECM is based on your age, the current interest rate, and the appraised value of your Richmond VA home.

When you or the last surviving homeowner moves from the house or passes away, you or your estate has approximately 12 months to repay the loan amount, with fees and interest, to the lender. Any remaining equity after a sale will belong to you or your heirs. If the proceeds of the sale are not enough to cover the loan, the lender, not you or your heirs, must take the loss.

        There are four ways to receive your money:

1. Lump sum--all the cash at closing.
2. Tenure--equal monthly payments as long as the house is the principal residence.
    
3. Term--equal monthly payments for a fixed number of years.
4. Line of credit--funds available to draw on at any time.

Note: the borrower can “mix and match” any of the above plans and can use the money for any purpose.

As with all government programs, you need to give careful consideration to all of your options. In fact, potential HECM borrowers are required to receive some type of consumer pre-counseling about the program. You can find an HECM counselor online at or by calling 1-800-569-4287. You can also contact the National Council on Aging at 1-800-510-030 or online at. BEWARE of reverse mortgage companies who charge a fee to refer you to a lender! It is best to work only with lenders who are members of the Better Business Bureau and the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders, organizations which adhere to a strict code of ethics and standards. 

Richmond Virginia Real Estate For Sale:

9506 Brading Lane Midlothian, VA

MLS# 1023660

Exceptional Home With Plenty Of Upgrades In The Sought After Community of Collington. Cobble Stone Veneer Sets This House Apart. Huge 1st Floor Master With Beautiful Master Bath With Oval Jacuzzi Soaking Tub And Seperate Shower. The Eat-In Kitchen Has Hardwood Floors And Is Open To The Living Room With Gas Burning Fireplace And Hardwood Floors. Upstairs Offers 2 Very Large Bedrooms And A Full Bath. There Is Also A 15 X 11 Deck Perfect For Relaxing And/Or Entertaining And A Two Car Garage. All This With The Community Amenities Including the Pool, Community Club House, Splash Pool, Tennis Courts, and Basketball Courts!

Learn more about 9506 Brading Lane and other Richmond Virginia real estate for sale by visiting TheGitsGroup.com.

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Many renters are finding that they get more ‘bang for their’ buck if they buy a home rather than rent one. With affordable prices, low interest rates and tax incentives, Richmond VA home ownership makes more sense than ever.

6 Reasons to Buy Rather Than Rent Richmond VA Home:

1. Buying doesn’t always cost more.
The Associated Press reports the gap between buying and renting has decreased $550 in the last three years.

2. Affordability is at an all-time high.
Nationwide, prices have declined by nearly 20-40%.

3. Tax benefits for home ownership saves money.
The biggest tax break is the mortgage interest deduction. Most of your mortgage payment goes to interest which is tax deductible. Property taxes and mortgage insurance are also tax deductible.

4. Many loans require no down payment.
Veterans Administration (VA) loans and many first-time home owner loans don’t require a down payment.

5. Mortgage rates are at all-time lows.
Mortgage interest rates are the lowest we have seen in 30 years.

6. You own it.
There is nothing like pride of ownership…and you can do anything you want to do. You can paint it any color you want, make improvements, and landscape to your own taste..

Get more information on buying a Richmond VA home.

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Richmond Virginia Homes For Sale:

1303 Elon Road, Henrico VA

MLS# 1022797

Please come see the total transformation of this lovely home.  Current owners have meticulously updated and upgraded the entire home.All 3 baths have designer ceramic tile, new fixtures and flooring.Master bath has a spa tub & an oversized jetted shower which is highlighted by the natural light.Further improvements include a newer roof, new water heater installed in 2010,new vinyl and gutters in 2008 on the main house,new vinyl on screened porch in 2010, and hardwood installed on 2nd floor.Just move into this well planned and perfectly executed renovation and have plenty of time to enjoy the state of the art recording studio in the garage.Recording studio is sound proof and fully heated and cooled and includes plumbing rough in for a bath. All of these amenities for such a low price!!

Learn more about 1303 Elon Road and other Richmond Virginia homes for sale by visiting TheGitsGroup.com.

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Many families make their “big move” during the summer months, and although relocation can be stressful, there are some steps you can take to make moving to your Richmond VA home more enjoyable.

1. MAKE RESERVATIONS EARLY

            a. Arrange for a moving van or rental truck EARLY! Hopefully, you have already done this as summer is the busiest season for both services.

            b. Book hotel rooms if an overnight stay will be necessary.

            c. Make transportation arrangements (plane, train, bus, taxi)

            d. Need pet accommodations in either location? Reserve space NOW!

2. GET ORGANIZED

            a. Gather all moving materials you will need--include boxes, packing tape, scissors, newspaper, bubble wrap, and marking pens.

            b. De-clutter and clean out. Now is the time to recycle or discard unneeded items so that you don’t have to pack them or pay to transport them to your new location--where you won’t need them either!

            c. Label each packed box clearly as to contents and identify which room in your new home.

3. FOLLOW THE PAPER TRAIL

            a. Cancel newspapers, lawn service, and the like.

            b. Notify banks and utilities of your move.

            c. Gather school and medical records to take with you and/or arrange for them to be forwarded.

            d. Keep all important papers in a secure place and keep all moving-related documents together.

            e. Return library books, movie rentals, and other borrowed items.

            f. Transfer prescriptions.

4. PACK AN “OPEN ME FIRST” BOX

Include items you will need upon arrival at your new Richmond VA home. Include toilet paper, paper towels, toiletries, a flashlight, pet food dishes, first night linens, and basic cooking/eating supplies.

5. PLAN FOR THE CHILDREN’S NEEDS

            a. Talk positively about the move and their new Richmond VA home. Adopt an air of adventure! Listen to their concerns and share their excitement.

            b. Encourage them to pack a separate box of things that are important to them.

            c. Arrange for supervision for them on moving day--a friend or a sitter--or, if that’s not possible, give them specific tasks to involve them and have a game or two--and snacks--at the ready.

            d. Take time during the day to spend with them and soothe any anxieties.

6. DON’T FORGET THE PETS

            a. Consult with a vet about the best way to transport them.

            b. Take them to a pet sitter or boarding facility the day of the move.

            c. Bring food and water supplies with you.

7. CARRY YOUR VALUABLES AND MEDICATIONS WITH YOU

8. TAKE TIME TO EXPLORE YOUR NEW SURROUNDINGS

            a.. Discover parks, libraries, pools, and sporting facilities

            b. Visit the children‘s new schools.

            c. Get acquainted with neighbors.

            d. Take a deep breath and RELAX. The worst is over!

Richmond Virginia Real Estate For Sale:

9307 Oak Trail, Ashland VA

MLS# 1022182

Remarkable home for a great price! Make sure you treat yourself to a tour of this customized home.Large,open 1st floor living spaces that open up to a deck, brick and stone patio complete with a fountain and hot tub that creates a private, custom detailed courtyard that overlooks the  large wooded lot. Home includes privately situated in-law suite, heated and cooled garage.It also boasts a custom wine cellar complete with mahogany and river rock detailing with antique chesnut entry doors.  Custom touches also include wrought iron and brass bannister, marble in baths, granite in kitchen, expansive 3rd floor rec room, cherry & pine floors.In-law suite includes a eat in kitchen complete with stove, refrigerator, microwave and cabinets along with a full bath, all overlooking the courtyard! 

Learn more about 9307 Oak Trail and other Richmond Virginia real estate for sale by visiting TheGitsGroup.com.

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The Home Buyer Tax Credit was set to expire last month, but because of the high number of buyers who purchased homes by the April 30th deadline but were unable to close on their Richmond VA real estate, Congress has extended the closing date to September 30, 2010. Apparently, the demand to close by June 30^th was greater than expected, thus overwhelming mortgage lenders. In addition, short sales and foreclosure purchases require more time to process, and as their number increased, so did the backlog of closings. The National Association of Realtors estimates that at least 180,000 home buyers were unable to settle by the June deadline and thus missed the opportunity to receive the tax credit.

So what does this mean for you? If you purchased your Richmond VA real estate by the April 30^th, you now have until September 30^th, 2010, to close on your property. (Note: the new legislation applies only to those who did so. The purchase deadline was not extended.) Other than date changes, the terms of the original program still apply, allowing tax credits of up to $8000 for first-time buyers and $6500 for repeat buyers.

Included in the current bill are special provisions for members of the U.S. military forces, the foreign service, and the intelligence community. For those who fall into these categories and have been ordered on an extended (90 days or more between after December 31, 2008, and before May 1, 2010) tour outside the United States, the new extension allows for a binding contract to be in place on or before April 30, 2011, and a closing to take place on or before June 30, 2011. In addition, a person who is forced to return to the U.S. for medical reasons before completing the 90 day tour may qualify for a one year.

Richmond Virginia Homes For Sale:

10221 Old Camp Road, Richmond VA

MLS# 1016782

Beautifully maintained 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom colonial in historic Bon Air! This stately home commands attention with quaint flower boxes, and a screened porch on which to relax! Hardwoods throughout the first AND second floors! Spacious, eat-in kitchen! Formal rooms include dining and living with great moldings, which make for elegant living spaces! The master suite, and it's truly a suite, includes a huge bedroom with hardwoods, as well as a connecting sitting or office! There's even a fully tiled master bathroom and spacious closet! The walk-up attic which is part of the second bedroom is perfect for all of your storage needs! When you are ready to relax at the end of the day, you can stay in the shade and comfort of the screend in porch or take to the sun and read on the deck!  SUBJECT TO RELEASE OF PRIOR CONTRACT.

Learn more about 10221 Old Camp Road and other Richmond Virginia homes for sale by visiting TheGitsGroup.com.

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Home buying tips for Richmond VA home buyers:

1. Research before you look. Decide what features you most want to have in a Richmond VA home, what neighborhoods you prefer, and how much you’d be willing to spend each month for housing.

2. Be realistic. It’s OK to be picky, but don’t be unrealistic with your expectations. There’s no such thing as a perfect home. Use your list of priorities as a guide to evaluate each property.

3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and closing costs. Then, talk to a lender and get prequalified for a mortgage. This will save you the heartache later of falling in love with a house you can’t afford.

4. Don’t ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion, but be ready to make the final decision on your own.

5. Decide your moving timeline. When is your lease up? Are you allowed to sublet? How tight is the rental market in your area? All of these factors will help you determine when you should move.

6. Think long term. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in this home for a longer period? This decision may dictate what type of Richmond VA home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that will best suit you.

7. Insist on a home inspection. If possible, get a warranty from the seller to cover defects for one year.

8. Get help from a REALTOR®. Hire a real estate professional who specializes in buyer representation. Unlike a listing agent, whose first duty is to the seller, a buyer’s representative is working only for you. Buyer’s reps are usually paid out of the seller’s commission payment.

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Richmond Virginia Real Estate For Sale:

4907 Newbys Mill Court, Chesterfield VA

MLS# 1020581

This is a beautiful 2 story Transitional open floor plan that has formal living and dining rooms with pleasing interior paint colors.  All rooms and bedrooms are spacious including the large Morning room off of kitchen and family room.  Master bedroom has sitting area along with master bath with soaking tub.  This is the perfect home for a growing family!  MUST SEE!

Learn more about 4907 Newbys Mill Court and other Richmond Virginia real estate for sale by visiting TheGitsGroup.com.

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