Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is normally a five year payment plan by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Five years is a long time. During the five year repayment plan of a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, how can you buy a house? Are there mortgage lenders that will lend on homebuyers who are in an active Chapter 13 Bankruptcy repayment plan? How does Chapter 13 affect getting a mortgage? How long do I have to wait to purchase a house after Chapter 13? Can you get an FHA loan while in Chapter 13?

Many of our viewers are asking about ITIN loans. FAQs are can I get a mortgage loan with my ITIN number? What are ITIN loans? How much down payment is required to buy a house with my ITIN number? What documents are required to buy a house with an ITIN number? Can I use my ITIN number to get a credit score and establish credit? ITIN loans are designed for borrowers who have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) but lack a Social Security Number (SSN). They offer a pathway for individuals who are not eligible for an SSN, often non-citizens, to purchase a home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Get a Mortgage Loan with My ITIN Number?

   • Yes, many lenders offer mortgage loans specifically for ITIN holders. However, not all lenders provide them, so it’s essential to find those that specialize in these loans.

2. What Are ITIN Loans?

   • ITIN loans cater to individuals without SSNs. These loans help borrowers with an ITIN prove their creditworthiness and qualify for a mortgage. Lenders typically review their credit history, income, and financial stability.

3. How Much Down Payment Is Required to Buy a House with My ITIN Number?

   • The down payment requirement typically ranges from 10% to 20%, often higher than conventional loans. The exact amount depends on the lender’s criteria, credit history, and the borrower’s financial profile.

4. What Documents Are Required to Buy a House with an ITIN Number?

   • Proof of Identity: ITIN card or letter, passport, or other government-issued IDs.
   • Bank Statements: Usually 12 months of statements to verify financial stability.
   • Tax Returns: Two years’ worth of tax returns filed with the ITIN.
   • Proof of Income: Pay stubs, invoices, or other documentation showing consistent income.
   • Employment Verification: Documents showing stable employment or self-employment.

5. Can I Use My ITIN Number to Get a Credit Score and Establish Credit?

   • Yes, ITIN holders can build credit by opening credit accounts like credit cards or loans. Make sure to work with lenders who report to the credit bureaus. A good credit history can improve your chances of obtaining an ITIN loan.

The team at Gustan Cho Associates can help you qualify and get pre-approved for a mortgage loan with an ITIN number.

• Research Lenders: Look for lenders specializing in ITIN loans, as they are more familiar with specific requirements.
• Improve Financial Stability: Demonstrate consistent income and a stable credit history.
• Seek Financial Counseling: Consider speaking to a financial counselor or mortgage broker who understands ITIN loans to guide you through the process.

Home staging is the process of preparing a home for sale by making it look as attractive and appealing as possible to potential buyers. The goal of home staging is to help buyers envision themselves living in the space and to highlight the home’s best features. Here are some key aspects of home staging:

1. Decluttering and depersonalizing: Removing excess furniture, personal items like family photos, and clutter to create a sense of openness and allow buyers to imagine their own belongings in the space.
2. Furniture arrangement: Rearranging and sometimes renting furniture to showcase the flow and function of each room optimally.
3. Deep cleaning: Ensuring the entire home is thoroughly cleaned, from windows to carpets, to create a fresh, move-in ready feeling.
4. Curb appeal: Enhancing the home’s exterior by power washing, landscaping, and making the entrance inviting.
5. Repairing and updating: Attending to minor repairs like patching holes and updating elements like light fixtures to give the home a well-maintained look.
6. Style and accents: Using stylish yet neutral decor pieces, fresh linens, pillows, and accents to give rooms an updated, model home appearance.
7. Staging vacant homes: For empty properties, staging companies bring in rental furniture and decor to make the space feel warm and livable.

Home staging aims to appeal to the highest number of potential buyers by making the home look its absolute best while remaining neutral enough for buyers to envision their own style. Studies show well-staged homes tend to sell faster and for higher prices.

Chic interiors and home staging are key elements in creating a stylish, inviting, and market-ready home. Whether you’re decorating for personal enjoyment or preparing to sell, understanding these concepts can make a significant difference.

Chic Interiors

Chic interiors are defined by their elegant, fashionable, and timeless qualities. Key elements include:

1. Neutral Color Palette: Soft tones like white, beige, gray, and black provide a sophisticated base. Accents in metallics, pastels, or bold colors can add personality.
2. Quality Over Quantity: Invest in high-quality furniture and decor pieces. Fewer, well-chosen items can make a bigger impact than cluttering the space with too many things.
3. Mix of Textures: Combine different materials like velvet, leather, wood, and metal to create depth and interest.
4. Minimalist Aesthetic: Keep spaces uncluttered and streamlined. Use sleek, modern furniture with clean lines.
5. Statement Pieces: Incorporate standout items like a designer chair, a piece of art, or a unique lighting fixture to add a focal point to the room.
6. Functional Design: Ensure that the design is not only beautiful but also practical. Furniture should be comfortable and arranged for ease of movement and conversation.

Home Staging

Home staging involves preparing a property for sale by making it appealing to the highest number of potential buyers. Key aspects include:

1. Decluttering and Depersonalizing: Remove personal items and excess furniture to make the space look larger and allow buyers to envision themselves living there.
2. Neutral Decor: Use neutral colors to appeal to a broad audience. This helps buyers focus on the home itself rather than the decor.
3. Furniture Arrangement: Arrange furniture to highlight the flow and function of each room. Create cozy conversation areas and ensure there’s enough space to move around.
4. Lighting: Use a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Ensure all lights are functioning and rooms are well-lit.
5. Curb Appeal: Enhance the exterior of the home with fresh landscaping, clean walkways, and a welcoming front entrance.
6. Clean and Fresh: A clean home is more appealing. Pay attention to details like fresh paint, clean windows, and pleasant scents.

Tips for Combining Chic Interiors and Home Staging:

1. Focus on Key Rooms: Prioritize staging the living room, kitchen, master bedroom, and bathrooms. These are the areas buyers focus on the most.
2. Highlight Features: Use decor to draw attention to the home’s best features, like a fireplace, large windows, or architectural details.
3. Use Chic Decor: Incorporate chic elements like stylish throw pillows, modern artwork, and elegant lighting fixtures to elevate the overall look.
4. Update Strategically: Small updates like new cabinet hardware, fresh paint, and updated light fixtures can make a big impact without a significant investment.

Resources and Inspiration:

1. Interior Design Magazines and Websites: Publications like Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, and Houzz offer inspiration and tips.
2. Professional Stagers: Consider hiring a professional home stager for expert advice and hands-on help.
3. DIY Resources: Books, online courses, and DIY blogs can provide step-by-step guides to achieving chic interiors and effective staging.

By combining the principles of chic interior design with strategic home staging, you can create a beautiful, inviting space that appeals to both you and potential buyers.

What are building permits for renovations for your home? When are building permits required? Why are building permits required? Do building permits increase your property taxes?

Do all states or counties in states require permits on Accessory Dwelling Units often referred to as ADUs? I like to put an accessory dwelling unit for additional rental income due to bidenomics and the out of control inflation and cost of living.

Do counties in Illinois require building permits to build an in-law suite or accessory dwelling unit on your property?

Do counties in Florida require permits to build an ADU or tiny home in Florida? From what I heard accessory dwelling units and tiny houses can be built on private property as long as they meet the zoning and building codes of the specific local jurisdiction. Some counties and municipalities have specific regulations for tiny houses, including minimum square footage requirements and foundation specifications.

• This discussion was modified 11 months ago by  Gustan Cho.

Homebuyers can get seller concessions for a home purchase from the seller up to 6% of the home purchase price which can be quite large. So on a $500,000 home purchase, the seller concessions can be a total of $30,000. Can the home buyer use the $30,000 on a $500,000 home purchase for the down payment?

Maintaining a good insurance score is crucial for your financial well-being. Your insurance score is a number that represents how much of a risk you are to your insurance company. Did you know that making an insurance claim can affect your insurance score? When you file a claim, it’s important to do so wisely and responsibly because claims history can follow you for 5 to 7 years on your insurance history and can have a significant impact on your premium. The more claims you make, the higher your risk becomes, and thus, the higher your premium will be. That’s why it’s important to report claims wisely and responsibly to avoid any negative impact on your insurance score. By doing so, you can ensure that you maintain a good insurance score, which can help you get better rates on your insurance premiums. So, always make sure to report claims wisely and responsibly to protect your financial well-being. #InsuranceTips #FinancialWellBeing

Thousands of mortgage loan officers left the mortgage industry for good in 2023. Tens of thousands of loan officers have not renewed their mortgage loan origination licenses. The mortgage loan origination career have proven devastating to tens of thousands of loan officers. Just two years ago the average mortgage loan originator made hundreds of thousands of dollars a year and their career was very promising. Many mortgage loan originators were so successful they formed teams and ventured to a P and L mortgage Branch model with a larger mortgage lender or broker. Other mortgage loan originators opened their own mortgage broker companies. Here’s a credible recent article about how many loan officers are leaving the Mortgage Industry

The Mortgage Market Is So Bad Lenders Want Ex-Employees …

Wall Street Journal

https://www.wsj.com › finance › banking › the-mortga…

wsj.com

The Wall Street Journal - Breaking News, Business, Financial & Economic News, World News and Video

Breaking news and analysis from the U.S. and around the world at WSJ.com. Politics, Economics, Markets, Life & Arts, and in-depth reporting.

Former President of NEXA Mortgage Mat Grella tells his side of the reason why he and his partner CEO Mike Kortas dissolved their partnership being partners of the largest mortgage brokerage in the United States. Tens of thousands of mortgage professionals were in pins and needles daily for breaking news about the real reason why the two mortgage legends terminated their once rock solid bond in running the mortgage brokerage giant.

https://www.nationalmortgagenews.com/list/nexa-mortgage-ceo-talks-breakup-with-co-owner

nationalmortgagenews.com

NEXA Mortgage CEO talks breakup with co-owner, plans for the future

In the midst of a separation between Mike Kortas and Mat Grella, the company's CEO sets course to double headcount.

If a mortgage broker is asking for a CPA letter on a non-QM loan for a self-employed borrower on a P and L non-QM loan, what does this mean? What if my accountant is not a Certified Public Accountant but is a professional tax preparer and does tax preparation for me individually and my businesses. Do you need need to be a CPA to do a CPA letter for a mortgage lender on a P and L non-QM loan for self-employed borrower?