Saturday, February 02, 2013

Changes to Mortgage Insurance Premiums

This information was just released by HUD, regarding FHA, and in particular FHA’s Mortgage Insurance Program requirements.

fha raising MIPFHA will increase its annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP) for most new mortgages by 10 basis points or by 0.10 percent. FHA will increase premiums on jumbo mortgages ($625,500 or larger) by 5 basis points or 0.05 percent, to the maximum authorized annual mortgage insurance premium. These premium increases exclude certain streamline refinance transactions.

FHA will also require most FHA borrowers to continue paying annual premiums for the life of their mortgage loan. Commencing in 2001, FHA cancelled required MIP on loans when the outstanding principal balance reached 78 percent of the original principal balance. However, FHA remains responsible for insuring 100 percent of the outstanding loan balance throughout the entire life of the loan, a term which often extends far beyond the cessation of these MIP payments. FHA’s Office of Risk Management and Regulatory Affairs estimates that the MMI Fund has foregone billions of dollars in premium revenue on mortgages endorsed from 2010 through 2012 because of this automatic cancellation policy. Therefore, FHA will once again collect premiums based upon the unpaid principal balance for the entire period for which FHA is entitled. This will permit FHA to retain significant revenue that is currently being forfeited prematurely. Read FHA’s new MIP Mortgagee Letter 

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Intero Real Estate Services Finds the Luxury Market Hot Through the Winter


Prestigo magazine

Here’s a press release from our Intero corporate office about our high-end luxury listings and how we handle them. Call Team Patereau about your luxury property. We’re trained and ready!

Multiple luxury homes sold over the holidays through Intero Real Estate’s luxury division.
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA (January 27, 2013) –The holidays are traditionally a quiet time for buyers and sellers of luxury homes, but Intero Real Estate Services found different this season closing on several Prestigio listings recently. Intero’s luxury property marketing program, Intero Prestigio has been in effect since last March and has definitely seen much success in its first year. “Case in point, year over year through November, Intero registered an increase of 73% of listings sold over $1.5M, the entry level to tier 1 of the Prestigio program,” says Alain Pinel, Senior Vice President/General Manager Intero Prestigio international. “It’s been a strong year for the luxury market and we’re looking forward to 2013 being even better,” says Gino Blefari, President and CEO of Intero Real Estate Services. “The Prestigio program has helped us to make our mark in the high-end.”

Four of the most notable homes sold included 16350 Matilija Drive. Located in Los Gatos, the property is a modern architectural masterpiece. Sold for $6,500,000, the home includes a breathtaking view of San Jose to San Francisco through its floor to ceiling windows.

The second home, listed by Cathy Jackson of Intero’s Los Gatos office and Karen Black of Intero’s Willow Glen office, sold for $6,000,000. 221 Jackson Street located in Los Gatos is approximately 10,700 square feet of Mediterranean charm on a 1.7 acre lot. The property includes an electronically gated entrance, 3 car garage, wine cellar, exercise room, mahogany paneled library, and cabana.
The third property at 1171 Ruth Drive was also listed by Cathy Jackson of Intero’s Los Gatos office alongside Kris Myers of Intero’s Willow Glen office. The property which is located in San Jose’s extremely desirable Willow Glen neighborhood sold for $1,550,000. Custom built, the home is full of exquisite details including beautiful flooring, high ceilings, and extensive molding with quality finishes.

The fourth home of mention closed in the beginning of January to kick start 2013. 388 Marich Way located in Los Altos sold for $2,416,000 by Dominic Nicoli of the Intero Los Altos office. This custom Mediterranean style home was built in 2005 with every detail considered. A 5 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom home with approximately 4,345 square feet on an approximate 10,200 square foot lot, features an enchanting courtyard, beautiful marble staircase, gourmet kitchen, luxurious master retreat and three courtyard terraces.

When asked about her experience with the Prestigio program, Cathy Jackson states, “It’s quite amazing what [agents] can take advantage of through the Prestigio program. The broad marketing plan, which includes extensive international exposure, was definitely a factor in our ability to sell quickly. Having everything outlined from the beginning helped to keep our clients in the loop regarding what marketing was taking place when. Intero agents are lucky to have this unique program to take advantage of.”

To see more homes like these and learn more about Intero Prestigio visit www.interoprestigio.com.

Monday, January 28, 2013

Thanks for a Great Open House!


house for sale, new listing
Just wanted to publicly thank all the people who came out to our Open House this week-end. We were open both Saturday and Sunday and were very busy. On Saturday we had 33 groups visit on their own, and 10 agents who brought clients. On Sunday we had 20 groups and 6 agents with clients. That’s a lot of exposure for the property. Enjoyed talking to everyone who came, and a great big thanks to our Sellers who had their house in tip-top showing condition.
We are going to hold the house open again on Saturday, February 2nd. We’ll be there from 1:00 to 4:00. After that we will be looking at offers on Monday, February 4th. Hope you get a chance to see this great house.