Find a home in Grafton, MA Millbury, MA Shrewsbury, MA http://www.loriandbob.com/blog Real estate blog about Grafton, MA Millbury, MA Shrewsbury, MA Fri, 04 May 2012 23:02:40 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Condo – Grafton, MA 01536 is now new to the market! http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/condo-grafton-ma-01536-is-now-new-to-the-market http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/condo-grafton-ma-01536-is-now-new-to-the-market#comments Fri, 04 May 2012 23:02:40 +0000 Lori and Bob Lewis http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/condo-grafton-ma-01536-is-now-new-to-the-market Townhouse with two bedrooms that each has its own full bath plus each has a walk-in closet! The BR in the rear has a balcony off sliders, and there is a deck off the LR. The whole main floor (LR, Dining area and Kitchen) is hardwoods. The finished lower level is walk-out to a rear [...]]]> Townhouse with two bedrooms that each has its own full bath plus each has a walk-in closet! The BR in the rear has a balcony off sliders, and there is a deck off the LR. The whole main floor (LR, Dining area and Kitchen) is hardwoods. The finished lower level is walk-out to a rear patio space, plus there is another 1/2 bath. Hard to find such living space and a one car garage, and be so close to Exit 11 of the Mass Pike and Tufts Vet School. Super convenient and quiet North Grafton location.

This is a Townhouse style home and features 5 total rooms, 2 full baths, 2 half baths, 2 bedrooms, and is currently available for $189,900.

For complete details click here.

]]> http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/condo-grafton-ma-01536-is-now-new-to-the-market/feed 0 Single-Family – Grafton, MA 01519 now has a new price! http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/single-family-grafton-ma-01519-now-has-a-new-price-2 http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/single-family-grafton-ma-01519-now-has-a-new-price-2#comments Fri, 04 May 2012 21:02:36 +0000 Lori and Bob Lewis http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/single-family-grafton-ma-01519-now-has-a-new-price-2 Outstanding 3BR Contemporary Cape in excellent condition located just off the historic Grafton Common. Open floor plan with 4 season sunroom off both the kitchen and LR. Gas log FP and parquet floor in cathedral LR open to 2nd floor hall. convenient 1st floor MBR with walk-in and full master bath. Large DR. Half bath [...]]]> Outstanding 3BR Contemporary Cape in excellent condition located just off the historic Grafton Common. Open floor plan with 4 season sunroom off both the kitchen and LR. Gas log FP and parquet floor in cathedral LR open to 2nd floor hall. convenient 1st floor MBR with walk-in and full master bath. Large DR. Half bath on first has laundry. Plenty of off street parking and wonderful back yard w/ patio with Sunsetter awning for outdoor fun! Not a short sale and can be a quick close. Easy showings.

This is a Cape/Contemporary style home and features 7 total rooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath, 3 bedrooms, 0.59 Acres, and is currently available for $374,900.

For complete details click here.

]]> http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/single-family-grafton-ma-01519-now-has-a-new-price-2/feed 0 How to Get a Mortgage When You Are Self-Employed http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/how-to-get-a-mortgage-when-you-are-self-employed http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/how-to-get-a-mortgage-when-you-are-self-employed#comments Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:00:30 +0000 Lori and Bob Lewis http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/?p=346 Getting a mortgage these days can be tough and it is even tougher for small-business owners. Potential self-employed borrowers usually have variability in their income streams. Today, banks are requiring more financial documentation from all buyers, and self-employed borrowers tend to face more scrutiny.

Small-business owners may have a smaller income because they are typically knowledgeable [...]]]> Getting a mortgage these days can be tough and it is even tougher for small-business owners. Potential self-employed borrowers usually have variability in their income streams. Today, banks are requiring more financial documentation from all buyers, and self-employed borrowers tend to face more scrutiny.

Small-business owners may have a smaller income because they are typically knowledgeable about tax deductions and credits. This often reduces the amount of taxable income they have. Reducing the amount of taxable income on your tax returns means to the lender there is less income to qualify for a loan.

There are ways self-employed borrowers can increase their chances of getting a home loan, however. Here are a few tips:

What is the lenders history?

Find out if the lender has a history of working with self-employed borrowers. Self-employed borrowers should focus more on finding a lender that will understand their situation rather than shop the loan rate. There are individual loan officers who will be able to think out of the box or come up with solutions. The lender you choose is key.

Consider portfolio lenders.

Portfolio lenders have more flexibility in originating loans because they don’t have to sell the loan to Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae. Portfolio lenders hold their own loans. That makes a big difference in their ability to loan. Another option may to consider credit unions. Many credit unions also keep a good portion of loans on their books.

Boost your income.

Show you make as much money as possible on your tax return. You might need to amend your tax returns. Some lenders will look at a loan application again if they have sent in amended returns to the government. Sometimes by rethinking deductions and credits on income taxes, a borrower can increase his qualifying income. Of course, with this strategy, the borrower would also face a new tax bill.

]]> http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/how-to-get-a-mortgage-when-you-are-self-employed/feed 0 Condo – Grafton, MA 01519 is now new to the market! http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/condo-grafton-ma-01519-is-now-new-to-the-market http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/condo-grafton-ma-01519-is-now-new-to-the-market#comments Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:00:47 +0000 Lori and Bob Lewis http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/condo-grafton-ma-01519-is-now-new-to-the-market Open floor plan condo nestled in a quiet, rural location with wooded privacy out from the 1st floor rear deck and 2nd floor MBR balcony. Multi-level design gives a sense of spaciousness in the LR/DR area. Top floor loft great for quiet space, office or exercise room. Two-car garage also has large, separate, low-ceiling storage [...]]]> Open floor plan condo nestled in a quiet, rural location with wooded privacy out from the 1st floor rear deck and 2nd floor MBR balcony. Multi-level design gives a sense of spaciousness in the LR/DR area. Top floor loft great for quiet space, office or exercise room. Two-car garage also has large, separate, low-ceiling storage area. Only 1/2 mile to town beach. Heating system and hot water tank replaced only few years ago. All appliances remain, including stack washer/dryer

This is a Townhouse style home and features 6 total rooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath, 2 bedrooms, and is currently available for $234,900.

For complete details click here.

]]> http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/condo-grafton-ma-01519-is-now-new-to-the-market/feed 0 Condo – Grafton, MA 01519 now has a new price! http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/condo-grafton-ma-01519-now-has-a-new-price-3 http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/condo-grafton-ma-01519-now-has-a-new-price-3#comments Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:00:51 +0000 Lori and Bob Lewis http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/condo-grafton-ma-01519-now-has-a-new-price-3 Nicely updated townhouse at desirable Forest Hills with private rear yard off oversized deck. Kitchen updated w/maple cabinets & Silestone counters. Some new windows and updated baths. Custom installation of hardwoods in LR/DR and stairs leading to 2nd floor. Loft can be used as 3rd BR or family room. Basement can easily be finished for [...]]]> Nicely updated townhouse at desirable Forest Hills with private rear yard off oversized deck. Kitchen updated w/maple cabinets & Silestone counters. Some new windows and updated baths. Custom installation of hardwoods in LR/DR and stairs leading to 2nd floor. Loft can be used as 3rd BR or family room. Basement can easily be finished for more space, if needed. Easy commute north,south,east and west. Close to T-station, Mass Pike exit 11, and Tufts Vet School.

This is a Townhouse style home and features 5 total rooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath, 3 bedrooms, and is currently available for $239,900.

For complete details click here.

]]> http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/condo-grafton-ma-01519-now-has-a-new-price-3/feed 0 Single-Family – Grafton, MA 01536 is now new to the market! http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/single-family-grafton-ma-01536-is-now-new-to-the-market http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/single-family-grafton-ma-01536-is-now-new-to-the-market#comments Sun, 01 Apr 2012 19:01:27 +0000 Lori and Bob Lewis http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/single-family-grafton-ma-01536-is-now-new-to-the-market Terrific family style neighborhood close to shopping, commuting and all town conveniences. Pet friendly house for dogs and/or cats (with homeowner approval). Wood floors throughout first floor. Carpet in all upstairs rooms. Spacious MBR has tiled bath and large walk-in closet. New boiler last six months. All appliances remain, inc. W/D. Home has been rented [...]]]> Terrific family style neighborhood close to shopping, commuting and all town conveniences. Pet friendly house for dogs and/or cats (with homeowner approval). Wood floors throughout first floor. Carpet in all upstairs rooms. Spacious MBR has tiled bath and large walk-in closet. New boiler last six months. All appliances remain, inc. W/D. Home has been rented for past 3 years anad current tenants will be vacating as of May 31st.

This is a Garrison style home and features 7 total rooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath, 3 bedrooms, 0.46 Acres, and is currently available for $2,200.

For complete details click here.

]]> http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/single-family-grafton-ma-01536-is-now-new-to-the-market/feed 0 Open house at 41 John Drive Grafton, MA 01519 http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/open-house-at-41-john-drive-grafton-ma-01519-6 http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/open-house-at-41-john-drive-grafton-ma-01519-6#comments Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:10:09 +0000 Lori and Bob Lewis http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/open-house-at-41-john-drive-grafton-ma-01519-6 View Photos
Starts: 04/01/2012 1:00PM
Ends: 04/01/2012 3:00PM
For Directions: click on the map image or feel free to contact me.
For more information: click here for the full details

NEW PRICE – Nicely updated townhouse at desirable [...]]]> View Photos
Starts: 04/01/2012 1:00PM
Ends: 04/01/2012 3:00PM
For Directions: click on the map image or feel free to contact me.
For more information: click here for the full details

NEW PRICE – Nicely updated townhouse at desirable Forest Hills with private rear yard off oversized deck. Kitchen updated w/maple cabinets & Silestone counters. Some new windows and updated baths. Custom installation of hardwoods in living room and dining room and stairs leading to 2nd floor. Loft can be used as 3rd BR or family room. Basement can easily be finished for more space, if needed. Easy commute north, south, east and west. Close to T-station, Mass Pike exit 11, and Tufts Vet School.  All of this for only $243,900 which is the best price in the complex for this style unit.

]]> http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/open-house-at-41-john-drive-grafton-ma-01519-6/feed 0 Condo – Grafton, MA 01519 now has a new price! http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/condo-grafton-ma-01519-now-has-a-new-price-2 http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/condo-grafton-ma-01519-now-has-a-new-price-2#comments Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:01:27 +0000 Lori and Bob Lewis http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/condo-grafton-ma-01519-now-has-a-new-price-2 Nicely updated townhouse at desirable Forest Hills with private rear yard off oversized deck. Kitchen updated w/maple cabinets & Silestone counters. Some new windows and updated baths. Custom installation of hardwoods in LR/DR and stairs leading to 2nd floor. Loft can be used as 3rd BR or family room. Basement can easily be finished for [...]]]> Nicely updated townhouse at desirable Forest Hills with private rear yard off oversized deck. Kitchen updated w/maple cabinets & Silestone counters. Some new windows and updated baths. Custom installation of hardwoods in LR/DR and stairs leading to 2nd floor. Loft can be used as 3rd BR or family room. Basement can easily be finished for more space, if needed. Easy commute north,south,east and west. Close to T-station, Mass Pike exit 11, and Tufts Vet School.

This is a Townhouse style home and features 5 total rooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath, 3 bedrooms, and is currently available for $243,900.

For complete details click here.

]]> http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/condo-grafton-ma-01519-now-has-a-new-price-2/feed 0 Open house at 41 John Drive Grafton, MA 01519 http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/open-house-at-41-john-drive-grafton-ma-01519-3 http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/open-house-at-41-john-drive-grafton-ma-01519-3#comments Thu, 01 Mar 2012 23:03:16 +0000 Lori and Bob Lewis http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/open-house-at-41-john-drive-grafton-ma-01519-3 View Photos
Starts: 03/04/2012 1:00PM
Ends: 03/04/2012 3:00PM
For Directions: click on the map image or feel free to contact me.
For more information: click here for the full details

Nicely updated townhouse at desirable Forest Hills with private rear yard off [...]]]> View Photos
Starts: 03/04/2012 1:00PM
Ends: 03/04/2012 3:00PM
For Directions: click on the map image or feel free to contact me.
For more information: click here for the full details

Nicely updated townhouse at desirable Forest Hills with private rear yard off oversized deck. Kitchen updated w/maple cabinets & Silestone counters. Some new windows and updated baths. Custom installation of hardwoods in LR/DR and stairs leading to 2nd floor. Loft can be used as 3rd BR or family room. Basement can easily be finished for more space, if needed. Easy commute north,south,east and west. Close to T-station, Mass Pike exit 11, and Tufts Vet School.

]]> http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/open-house-at-41-john-drive-grafton-ma-01519-3/feed 0 Help for Homeowners Facing Foreclosure http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/help-for-homeowners-facing-foreclosure http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/help-for-homeowners-facing-foreclosure#comments Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:00:25 +0000 Lori and Bob Lewis http://www.loriandbob.com/blog/?p=328 When a homeowner first buys their home foreclosure is probably the furthest thing from their mind. Today’s economy has forced millions of homeowners into a potential foreclosure situation.

There are many reasons why people go into foreclosure. Some of those reasons include:

Job loss Unexpected death, illness or medical emergency Adjustable rate mortgage increase Unexpected [...]]]> When a homeowner first buys their home foreclosure is probably the furthest thing from their mind. Today’s economy has forced millions of homeowners into a potential foreclosure situation.

There are many reasons why people go into foreclosure. Some of those reasons include:

  • Job loss
  • Unexpected death, illness or medical emergency
  • Adjustable rate mortgage increase
  • Unexpected home maintenance expense

There are ways to avoid foreclosure. The best way to avoid foreclosure is to prevent the filing of a Notice of Default. If a home owner knows they are unable to pay their mortgage they should immediately call their lender.

Lenders do not want to foreclose. They may be willing to work with the home owner but it is important that the home owner doesn’t ignore contact from the lender.

The lender may propose several options:

  • Forbearance
    • Lenders may agree to a repayment plan before taking legal action
  • Debt Forgiveness
    • Very rarely the lender might give you a break and waive your obligation.
  • Repayment plan
    • The lender may agree to spread the payments out over a longer loan term.
  • Modification
    • In some cases, the lender may agree to freeze the interest rate of an adjustable rate loan or extend the amortization period.
  • Refinance
    • Adding payments to an existing loan balance may be an option if the homeowner has sufficient equity and meet the lender’s guidelines for refinance.
  • Partial Claim
    • Certain government loans may contain provisions that allow the homeowner to apply for another loan to pay back missed payments.

Preventing the Notice of Default filing is the best way to prevent foreclosure. If none of the above options have worked there are still some options a homeowner can leverage. Once the Notice of Default is filed, the homeowner only has a small time frame to reinstate the loan by bringing the payments current and pay the costs of filing the foreclosure.

If you are unable to make up the payments you still have a few options:

  • Sell your home
    • If you have equity in your home a quick sale is probably the best option at this point. Your home will need the best exposure and marketing to achieve the quickest sale possible.  A full marketing plan and the proper price positioning should get your home sold in time to avoid foreclosure.
  • Attempt a short sale
    • If your home is worth less than the amount you owe, you might be a candidate for a short sale. A short sale is when you sell your home for less than what the amount owed.  A short sale will affect your credit rating but not as bad as a foreclosure. A short sale is negotiated with the lender.
  • Deed in lieu
    • The homeowner deeds the property back to the lender by giving the lender a properly prepared and notarized deed, and the lender forgives the mortgage.

For more information on how to prevent foreclosure visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development site to Avoiding Foreclosure. http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/topics/avoiding_foreclosure

 

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