Associations make final push for mortgage debt forgiveness extension

Lawmakers' failure to extend the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act by year-end will kill any momentum surrounding the short sales process, real estate economists say.

Several banking and real estate organizations sent a warning letter about the expiring act and the immediate need for an extension to Senate leaders Wednesday.

Short sales in the past year have become an attractive escape route for banks and borrowers when a homeowner simply cannot repay a home loan.

But if the mortgage debt relief act is allowed to expire on Dec. 31 without an extension, distressed borrowers could end up paying taxes on mortgage debts forgiven through principal reductions or short sales. The current law allows borrowers to avoid tax liabilities for the extinction or sale of mortgage debt.

"If Congress fails to act, the possibility of receiving a tax bill would make it more difficult and expensive for these struggling homeowners to accept short sales and many loan modification offers," the associations wrote in a letter to the Senate.

Doug Duncan, chief economist for Fannie Mae, said turning debt forgiveness from a nontaxable event to a taxable one could "encourage lenders to ramp up short sales in this (current) period."

He added, "Then after Dec. 31, it may create an incentive for the homeowner to simply let the process go to foreclosure because in a foreclosure proceeding it is not a taxable event," Duncan told HousingWire.

Organizations signing the letter included the American Bankers Association, the American Land Title Association, the Mortgage Bankers Association, the National Association of Home Builders and the National Association of Realtors.

Source: Housingwire.com
Reported by By Kpanchuk

Keller Williams names Mark Kunce 2013 Cultural Icon for Southern CA

Mark Kunce of San Diego My Home Team, Keller Williams San Diego Metro was recently named as the 2013 Cultural Icon for his contributions to KW Cares and many other local and national charities. More commonly known as the WI4C2TS Award, it is given to the agent who best exemplifies the Keller Williams culture. The Cultural Icon Award is presented to an elite group of Associates who best live up to the Keller Williams Realty "WI4C2TS" philosophy.

KW Cares is a 501(c) (3) public charity created to support Keller Williams Realty associates and their families with hardship as a result of a sudden emergency. Hardship is defined as a difficult circumstance that a person or family cannot handle without outside help.

The charity is the heart of Keller Williams Realty culture in action – finding and serving the higher purpose of business through charitable giving in the Market Centers and communities where Keller Williams associates live and work.

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The Top 11 Reasons a Seller Should List During the Holidays

11. By selling now, you may have an opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer during the spring, when many more houses are on the market for less money! This will allow you to sell high and buy low!

10. You can sell now for more money and we will provide for a delayed closing or extended occupancy until early next year!

9. Even though your house will be on the market, you still have the option to restrict showings during the six or seven days around the Holidays!

8. January is traditionally the month for employees to begin new jobs. Since transferees cannot wait until spring to buy, you need to be on the market during the Holidays to capture that market!

7. Some people must buy before the end of the year for tax reasons!

6. Buyers have more time to look for a home during the holidays than they do during a working week!

5. Buyers are more emotional during the Holidays, so they are more likely to pay your price!

4. Houses show better when decorated for the Holidays!

3. Since the supply of listings will dramatically increase in January, there will be less demand for your particular home! Less demand means less money for you!

2. Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the Holidays and less competition means more
money for you! 


And the Number One reason why a Seller should list during the Holidays…
1. People who look for homes during the Holidays are more serious buyers


If you are looking to sell your home, please contact San Diego My Home Team.