Atlanta Taxes and Other Tax Tips – Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Real Estate Legal Tip

September 1st, 2010

 




Keller Williams Realty Atlanta – Peachtree Road

Real Estate Legal Tip

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Legal Tip:  More About Property Taxes

 

New this week:  Fulton County and City of Atlanta tax bills are out.
 
Due Dates:   Atlanta:  October 15, 2010     Fulton:  October 31,  2010
 
Tips for contracts and closings:
 
1.     Write in a Special Stipulation that the Seller’s contribution to closing costs can also include TAX PRORATIONS,
 
The standard GAR contract language includes “lender escrows” in the Seller contributions but not prorations.  Once the tax bills are out, the tax escrows are lower, but the prorations are much higher,  especially in late summer (as much as one-third of the annual bill).
 
2.     Make sure that the current year’s property tax bills are being paid at closing on the HUD-1 or are being escrowed to be paid later this year (not next year).
 
Because some of the metro Atlanta counties change their tax due dates every year (especially Fulton), the lenders may be using a timetable to calculate escrows that does not show the accurate due dates for the current year. 
 
Traditionally, Atlanta taxes were due by August 15th and Fulton taxes were due by October 15th.
 
Last year, the Atlanta/Fulton bills did not come out until Octber 15th and were due in December.
 
This year is different again.
 
Protect your buyer and seller by confirming how this year’s tax bill is being handled.  Never assume that it is being taken care of.
 
Presented by Leigh Clack, Attorney
Neel & Robinson Attorneys at Law, LLC
22 Lenox Pointe, Atlanta, GA  30324
lenox@neelandrobinson.com  404-705-3690   fax  404-705-3697

 

More Legal Tips From Neel & Robinson:

 Special Stipulations for Residential Leases

Make Sure You Know Who Owns The Property!

Quit Claim Deeds & Owner Title Insurance 

Choosing A Settlement Agent When Buying A Fannie Mae Property

KW Atlanta Legal Tip: Georgia 2010 Filing Deadlines Coming Soon!

Due Diligence When Buying a Condo, Townhome or In a Planned Community

 Try To Avoid Credits & Allowances!

Special Issues with Buying/Selling Condominiums

 First-Time Home Buyer’s Tax Credit – Don’t Wait Till The Last Minute!

 Buying Property From The Bank: Tips For Buyers



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Home Affordable Mortgage Programs To Assist Buyers: Keller Williams Atlanta Mortgage Tips

September 1st, 2010

 

Keller Williams Realty Atlanta – Peachtree Road

 

Current Mortgage Programs To Assist Home Buyers

There are many loan programs and acronyms floating around out there so here is a quick summary of the main programs you may be hearing about.

Home Affordable Mortgage Programs

 HARP:  Home Affordable Refinance Program:

The purpose is to refinance homes that have lost value.  These are loans that are currently held by FNMA and FHLMC with current loan-to-values up to 125%

·        Must be primary residence

·        1-4 Units

·        Must be currently held by FNMA/FHLMC

·        LTV must be equal to or less than 125%

HAMP:  Home Affordable Modification Program:

The purpose is to modify the existing mortgage to a level that is affordable now and sustainable long-term

·        Must currently be delinquent

·        Must be primary residence

·        Mortgage must have been originated prior to 1/1/09

Steps that may be taken under HAMP

·        Immediate reduction of rate to as low as 2%

·        Possibly extend loan to 40 years

·        Possibly forbear a portion of principal until loan is paid off and waive interest on deferred amount.

HAFA:  Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative:

The purpose is to provide an alternative for those homebuyers not helped by the HAMP program and to gracefully exit the home.

·        Must prove financial hardship

·        Will receive pre-approved short sale terms

·        Will receive full release from future liabilities

·        Must be primary residence

·        Will receive $1500 in relocation assistance

·        Will have 120 days to find buyer and complete short sale

·        Existing payment reduced to 31% of income during marketing

·        Program scheduled to end 12/31/12

HA2MP:  Home Affordable 2nd Lien Modification Program:

Same as the HAMP but for 2nd liens.

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