Help paying your back property taxes

ACT NOW TO GET $30,000 TO SAVE YOUR HOME

Dear Friend:

This letter is to inform you of a new program to help pay your delinquent property taxes up to

$30,000 if you face a hardship preventing you from paying your property taxes.

The program is called the “Step Forward Michigan Loan Rescue Program for Property Tax

Assistance,” and is helping some eligible homeowners pay off their delinquent taxes.

You may be eligible if the following criteria apply to you:

1. Owner Occupied Homes Only – You must live in your home, no land contracts.

2. Delinquent Taxes – You must owe delinquent taxes, interest, or fees on that home.

3. Hardship – You must face a hardship preventing you from paying your taxes.

4. Cash Reserves – Less than 1.5 times your annual property tax bill in your account.

Applicants are encouraged to apply with help from our partner agencies, including:

Community and Home Improvement, Oakland County; Community Housing Network;

GreenPath; JVS; Lighthouse; New Hope; OLHSA; Southwest Housing Solutions; and

University of Detroit-Mercy Legal Aid Clinic.

With the help of your certified housing counselor, apply for the “Step Forward Michigan

Loan Rescue Program” online at www.stepforwardmichigan.org or by calling 866-946-7432.

Please contact our office at 248-858-0624 and we will get you connected with a certified

housing counselor to begin the application process.

Taxpayers with delinquent taxes should schedule a Taxpayer Assistance Meeting with

our office to arrange a payment plan and prevent foreclosure.

Sincerely,

Andy Meisner

Oakland County Treasurer

Here is a list of partner agencies

Oakland County Treasurer

1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Dept. 479

Pontiac, Mi 48341-0479

Andy Meisner

County Treasurer

Jody Weissler Defoe

Chief Deputy Treasurer Office

(248) 858-0612 Fax (248) 858-1810

Certified Housing Counselors

Community & Home Improvement, Oakland County

250 Elizabeth Lake Rd., Suite 1900,

Pontiac 48341

(248) 858-1891

Community Housing Network

570 Kirts Blvd., Suite 231,

Troy 48084

Step Forward Michigan Hotline

(248) 269-1330

GreenPath

36500 Corporate Drive,

Farmington Hills, MI 48331

888-776-6735

JVS

29699 Southfield Rd.,

Southfield 48076

Clarissa McMillon (248) 233-4482

Reda Nafso (248) 233-4263

Lighthouse

46156 Woodward Ave.,

Pontiac 48342

 (248) 920-6060 Ext. 2411

New Hope Community Development

19487 Evergreen Road,

Detroit 48219

(313) 255-6275

OLHSA

196 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue,

Pontiac 48343

Autumn Butler (248) 209-2797

Elena Steek (248) 209-2644

Southwest Housing Counseling Solutions

3627 W Vernor,

Detroit 48216

Main Line (313) 841-9641

Tina Ellis (313) 297-0065

LEGAL AID

University of Detroit-Mercy Law Clinics

651 E. Jefferson,

Detroit 48226

Professor Joon Sung (313) 596-0262

Blog post by:

Morris Hagerman, Realtor

Real Estate One Royal Oak

26236 Woodward Avenue

Royal Oak, Michigan  48072

248-854-8440

morrishagermanproperties@gmail.com

Morris Hagerman Real Estate One website

HUD releases "Qualified Mortgage" definition

HUD releases "Qualified Mortgage" definition

WASHINGTON – Today the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released its final rule which defines a ‘Qualified Mortgage (QM)’ that is insured, guaranteed or administered by HUD. The final rule will be effective on January 10, 2014 and will apply to mortgages with a case number assignment on or after that date. Read HUD’s final rule.

The Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act requires HUD to propose a QM definition that is aligned with the Ability-to-Repay criteria set out in the Truth-in-Lending Act (TILA) as well as the Department’s historic mission to promote affordable mortgage financing options for underserved borrowers. HUD’s rule builds off of the existing QM rule finalized by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) earlier this year.

In order to meet HUD’s QM definition, mortgage loans must:

• Require periodic payments without risky features;

• Have terms not to exceed 30 years;

• Limit upfront points and fees to no more than three percent with adjustments to facilitate smaller loans (except for Title I, Title II Manufactured Housing, Section 184,Section 184A loans and others as detailed below); and

• Be insured or guaranteed by FHA or HUD.

Currently, HUD does not insure, guarantee or administer mortgages with risky features such as loans with excessively long terms (greater than 30 years), interest-only payments, or negative-amortization payments where the principal amount increases. Moreover, HUD’s existing underwriting standards require lenders to assess a borrower’s ability to repay their mortgage debt. The new limit on upfront points and fees for all Title II non-manufactured housing FHA-insured single family mortgages is consistent with the private sector and conventional mortgages guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to attain qualified mortgage status under CFPB’s final rule.

The rule establishes two types of Qualified Mortgages that have different protective features for consumers and different legal consequences for lenders. HUD’s Qualified Mortgage classifies a loan as either Rebuttable Presumption Qualified Mortgages or Safe Harbor Qualified Mortgages depending on the relation of the loan’s Annual Percentage Rate (APR) to the Average Prime Offer Rate (APOR), the rate for the average borrower receiving a conventional mortgage. The two categories of Qualified Mortgages are:

A Rebuttable Presumption Qualified Mortgage will have an APR greater than APOR + 115 basis points (bps) + on-going Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) rate. Legally, lenders that offer these loans are presumed to have determined that the borrower met the Ability-to-Repay standard. Consumers can challenge that presumption, however, by proving that they did not, in fact, have sufficient income to pay the mortgage and their other living expenses.

Safe Harbor Qualified Mortgages will be loans with APRs equal to or less than APOR + 115 bps + on-going MIP. These mortgages offer lenders the greatest legal certainty that they are complying with the Ability-to-Repay standard. Consumers can still legally challenge their lender if they believe the loan does not meet the definitions of a Safe Harbor Qualified Mortgage.

Furthermore, HUD’s rule covers Title II manufactured housing, Title I manufactured housing and property improvement loans, Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program mortgages and Section 184A Native Hawaiian Housing Loan Guarantee Program mortgages.. The rule designates loans insured under these programs as Safe Harbor Qualified Mortgages regardless of upfront points/fees and APR to APOR ratio so as not to interfere with current lending practices until appropriate parameters can be determined.

HUD also adopts CFPB’s list of transactions that are exempt from the ability-to-repay requirements, which includes Reverse Mortgages; Bridge loans with a term of 12 months or less; Construction-to-permanent loans for 12 months or less for the construction phase; Extension of credit by a Housing Finance Agency; Extension of credit by Community Development Financial Institutions; Extension of credit made pursuant to a program authorized by sections 101 and 109 of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008; Downpayment Assistance through Secondary Financing Provider made pursuant HUD’s regulations; Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) provided that the creditor has entered into a commitment with a participating jurisdiction and is undertaking a project under the HOME program; A 501(c)(3) organization that secured no more than 200 dwellings in the prior calendar year to consumers with income that did not exceed the low- and moderate-income household limit as established pursuant to section 102 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5302(a)(20)) and the creditor determines, in accordance with written procedures, that the consumer has a reasonable ability to repay the extension of credit.

HUD’s mortgage insurance and loan guarantee programs play a central role in the housing market and act as a stabilizing force during times of economic distress, facilitating mortgage financing during periods of severe constriction in conventional markets. The final rule aims to ensure the continuity of access to mortgage financing to creditworthy, yet underserved borrowers while further strengthening protections for FHA borrowers and taxpayers, alike.

Leasing a home can be easy and there are no fees or commssions

Finding a home to rent can be a struggle.  Especially if out there all alone looking for someplace that is livable.  

But, it doesn’t have to be.  A real estate agent can also help find a home to rent just like the search for a home to purchase.  The nice thing is that there are no fees or commissions for the renter to pay.  All of those fees are paid by the landlord.

The real estate agent can provide a list of houses, flats, apartments or lofts that are currently on the market in the geographic area that the renter requests.  It can be narrowed by the price range and numerous amenities that are needed.

After examining the details of the properties on the list, and perhaps with a drive by, the renter can then determine what properties to walk through.  The agent can then set up the showings.

Making an offer on a home to lease is a little simpler than on a purchase.  But, there is still some of the same paper work.

• Agency disclosure form - This document fully informs the renter that the real estate agent is an agent.
• Designated Tenant Agency Agreement - This document allows the agent to work for the benefit of the renter.
• Offer to lease - This document details the terms that the renter is willing to accept and the amount of the rent being offered.
• Property disclosures such as lead based paint and other building materials used in the construction of the property that may cause health issues.

The offer to lease will set the terms for the lease.  The financial details are the monthly rent, the security deposit, a pet security deposit, a cleaning fee if there is one.  It will also state who is to pay the utilities (usually the renter), the taxes (usually the landlord), waste removal and water bill.  If applicable, it will state who will cut the grass and perform the general maintenance of the property.

Along with the documents mentioned above the following is often required. These documents are very important because landlords will require them before you are even considered, often before you can even see the house.

• Proof of employment - a letter from your employer
• Two month's pay stubs
• Two years of W-2
• Credit score - available for free from Credit Karma and others online
• Two month's of bank statements
• Previous landlord or mortgage company and contact information
• Social security number
• Proof of ID, such as Michigan license, Michigan ID card or passport
• Most likely for many, there is a criminal background check

These documents are then submitted to the landlord or the landlord’s real estate agent for acceptance.

If the application is accepted, a closing is set up at the property.  At the closing three checks are needed:

• One check or money order for half of the first month’s rent made out to the landlord’s real estate agent company
• One check or money order for half of the first month’s rent made out to the renter’s agent’s real estate company
• One check or money order in the amount of the security deposit made out to either the landlord, the landlord’s real estate agency or a property management company.

Also at the closing, the renter will be asked to review the property and make note of anything that is wrong or damaged.  It is suggested that besides making a note of the issues, that either a photo or video also be taken.  For things that are essential to the operation of the property, such as a water heater or stove, a request to repair it can be made.  If it is cosmetic, making a note protects the renter from possible action against the security deposit when the lease is completed.  At that time, if satisfied, the renter can sign the lease, present the checks and take over the property.

While most, if not all, properties will follow the above process, there may be a individual property owners that ask that things be done a little different.  Those situations are handled on a case by case basis.

This process may seem complex, but it really isn't.  A good agent will make sure things run as smoothly as possible. But, remember, there are no fees or commissions to pay.

***

Morris Hagerman is a local real estate agent with Real Estate One in Royal Oak, Michigan.  He serves Berkley and the other Woodward 5 communities, including Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak and Huntington Woods.  Hagerman is also a member of the Berkley Area Chamber of Commerce.  You can contact him by phone at 248-854-8440, email at morrishagermanproperties@gmail.com or visit his web page. 

Buying a house before selling the current home

Buying a your next home before you sell the current one that you are living in creates some tough decisions.  Many of them should be made in advance to reduce the anxiety and allow time to prepare for the issues that may arise.

If there was a “right” way, we would all know just what to do.  But, in reality, the decision comes down to more personal choice and the tolerance for risk.  While there is risk, of course, in any decision, it comes down to what kind of risk.

Buying first

Searching for a new home can be fun if there isn’t a deadline.  Knowing there isn’t a closing pending on a current home means having the luxury of time.  With that time, waiting for right house to come on the market is relaxing.  It also means that if the deal on the right house falls through, it is easy to start searching again, instead of perhaps suffering a financial hardship or being forced to accept a deal that turned sour.

There is a downside to finding the right house and still owning the current home.  While the closing can be put off for a while to enable enough time to sell the current house, it can’t be placed on hold for long.  The seller’s will want action sooner or later, since they may be in the same situation.  Then, if the closing goes through, there are now two mortgages to keep up on.  It not only might be impossible to make two mortgage payments, a lender might not be willing to take the risk.

The buyer can protect themselves by placing a contingency on the purchase with the sale of the current home.  But, that contingency will have a drop dead date when the buyers will place the home back on the market.  Additionally, in a seller’s market when there are going to be multiple offers, seller’s will look closely at all contingencies and select the one with the least conditions.

Selling First

If the current home is sold first, besides removing the risk of two mortgages, the amount of money the sale produced will be certain.  When buying first, the down payment money comes out of savings with plans to replace the money on the sale of the current home.  But, if it the sale of the current home doesn’t produce enough cash, it may create an avoidable financial hardship.

The downside is the stress of finding a new home before closing on the new home.  If the tolerance for risk is low, deals may be accepted that are not good.

Plan in advance

Ask many questions of yourself and your family when you decide to move.  If the closing dates of the two homes don’t come at the same time, is the family willing to move in with someone else or find a short term rental.  Will it be possible, given income to debt ratios and credit scores, to get bridge financing to help with the cost of owning two homes?

The best advice is to talk with a couple of professionals in advance.  Since an application for a mortgage is going to be made, discuss your financial situation with a lender.  Let the lender knowing what is being planned.  The lender can then prepare a couple of options with bottom line costs.

Also, talk with a real estate agent about current market conditions.  Knowing how fast homes are moving in your market is not a guaranteed about your home but will give you some idea of what to expect.  The agent will also develop a listing price to help understand the financial situation.  

In the end, while it is going to cause stress no matter the choice, enjoy the process.  Finding a new home can provide a great change and a lot of hope for the future.

Morris Hagerman is a local real estate agent with Real Estate One in Royal Oak, Michigan.  He serves Berkley and the other Woodward 5 communities, including Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak and Huntington Woods.  Hagerman is also a member of the Berkley/Huntington Woods Area Chamber of Commerce.  You can contact him by phone at 248-854-8440, email at morrishagermanproperties@gmail.com or visit his web page.

Using a Realtor to sell your home

It was thought that the internet would help many more people sell their home on their own.  But, just the opposite has happen.  Research conducted by The National Association of Realtor’s found that For Sale By Owners (FSBOs) was 10% in 2011.  That is down from 14% in 2003 and 2004.

Half of all FSBO sales are transfers or other situations where the sellers were familiar with the buyers.  FSBOs were only 6% of all sales in 2011 when the seller and buyer did not know each other.

There are key reasons that sellers turn to a Realtor to help sell their homes.  Here are some:

• Price the home right for the market

Unless you have access to homes that are similar in the area that have sold in the last 3 to 6 months, it will be tough to price your home to the market.  The home may need to sell at a certain price to pay off the mortgage and provide a profit.  But, that isn’t necessarily the way the price is set.  If your home is overpriced, it will set on the market for ever.  If it is under priced, it will sell quickly, but not provide as much profit as could have been earned.

• The decline of print advertising as a major lead generator

In the past, newspaper ads would produce a fair number of calls on FSBOs. Today, a three-line ad in the local newspaper has little chance of competing with the wide array of information online, including video, color photos, 360-degree virtual tours, and a wealth of community and lifestyle data.

• Buyers seek rich content

Individual real estate companies, Realtor.com, and other national on line real estate websites provide the ability to reach all homes that are listed, no matter what agency listed the property.  Buyers find it more efficient to search these sites then to look for single homes for sale.  

• Instant gratification

Buyers will only view a home for 15-30 seconds on line.  If an owner doesn’t have a way of capturing the buyers contact information, they will lose them.  Then, if the buyer does contact the seller, if the seller doesn’t get back with them immediately, the buyer will move one.  Realtors know this well and make themselves available for any contact that comes forward.  Most people selling a home on their own have other things to do, like their job.  

• Buyers want the savings

When buyers do seek out FSBOs, they do it because they are expecting them to sell for less than market value.  Buyers even take 6-10% off the asking price at first approach.  In the end, homes sell for up to 20 percent off market.  

• The needle-in-the-haystack effect

Try searching for FSBOs on line and up will come real estate companies and individual Realtors.  To provide their clients with the best opportunity to sell homes at top dollar, these companies spend millions in designing their websites and managing their online presence.  When buyers search, their sites are on top.

Sellers can also post on the national real estate websites and for sale by owner sites.  But, again, it is the same issue as above.  Unless you are available from 7 in the morning till 8 or 9 at night, you will miss opportunities.  

Then there is Craig’s list.  The ad needs to be posted regularly to stay on top.  Since Craig’s only allows the same ad to be post every three days, for two of the three days the home is not on top.  A Realtor will make sure the posting stays on top.  Additionally, many people are very aware of the scams on Craig’s and have trust issues when contacting a private seller.  

• Potential buyers are reluctant to share information

When a potential buyer approaches a Realtor to get help finding a home, the Realtor needs a lot of information to help them find the home of their dreams.  This includes plenty of financial information to help qualify them for the home the buyer is looking for.  People will be reluctant to share this information with a stranger that is not licensed or insured.  

• Availability for showings

As above, being available 24/7 to meet with buyers is a problem.  Even if a lock box is on the door to let people in, can they be trusted.  Are they really a buyer or someone that just wants in the home?  When an agent lets people in your home, the agent is there with them.

• Understanding the Sales Process

Realtors are familiar with the process of selling a home.  They are accustom to working with purchase agreements, counter offers, negotiations, home inspections, title companies and closings.  Beside all the legal issues, there are agency policies, state and federal laws as well as issues that arise out of individual situations to satisfy.  If you work with a Realtor, you may want to consult a lawyer for many of the issues, but when you don’t have a Realtor, you will absolutely need a lawyer.  It will insure that something isn’t going to come up before the closing, during the closing or in some cases, a year or two later that will wreck havoc on the finances of the seller.

• Inspection

After the home is “sold” there are contingencies.  One is the inspection the buyer may require before providing a final approval.  There isn't a home that is perfect and the inspection will highlight all the imperfections in the home.  The buyer will return with a list of things that need to be fixed or will request money off of the sale price to proceed.  Realtors know about inspections and what may warrant repair or a price reduction.  Also, depending on a number of other factors, it may be best to pass on the sale and keep the house on the market.

• Appraisal

The home may sell for the price asked and be the best price on the market.  But, unless the lender for the buyer thinks that it is worth what it sold for, it will be tough getting an approval on the mortgage.  Realtors will make sure the house is priced right from the beginning, that the buyer is qualified and have the knowledge combined with experience to help, in many cases, get around the approval process.

In the end, a working with a Realtor is well worth the commission.

Morris Hagerman Properties Index

Morris Hagerman Real Estate One Website

Macomb County housing prices spike by 46.2 percent

Macomb County housing prices spike by 46.2 percent

By Molly Tippen, The Macomb Daily

POSTED: 11/18/13, 10:42 AM EST | UPDATED: 1 DAY AGO

Sellers in Macomb County continued to enjoy the upper hand in Southeast Michigan’s real estate market in October, with median home prices increasing by 46.2 percent over the same period in 2012.

The prices – which have been driven upward by dwindling inventory levels, still-low interest rates and a recovering local economy – increased from $82,000 in October 2012 to $119,900 this year, according to a report released by Farmington Hills-based Realcomp, which measures real estate activity in Southeast Michigan.

The increase is indicative of a sustained trend in Macomb’s real estate market, which has been growing steadily since early 2012, said Karen Kage, president of Realcomp.

“In Macomb, median prices are back up to 2008 levels, so from that perspective, things are better than they have been for five years,” she said. “It’s exciting news for people that are interested in placing their home on the market.”

Macomb’s prices, however, have not increased at the same rate as those in Oakland County, where median prices have reached 2007 levels, Kage said.

Although sales prices increased, the number of sales in the county was virtually flat. According to the report, sales increased by only .9 percent; 1,078 homes were sold in October 2013 versus 1,068 the previous year.

David Tuscany, a realtor with Re/Max Suburban in Sterling Heights, said there’s a natural drop off in sales in the fall that was punctuated by the government shutdown.

“It seems that our call volume is steady, but the shutdown slowed things down a little bit,” he said. “We didn’t have some of the things like down payment assistance and in some cases FHA mortgages, so financing was an issue for some buyers.

Inventory levels are still a big issue for buyers, said Tuscany.

“I think that right now, that’s the biggest challenge,” he said.

Sales by the numbers

Last month, sales activity in Macomb outpaced those recorded in Wayne County, which saw a 4.6 percent decrease in the number of homes that changed ownership. However, Oakland County homes sales increased by a brisk 10.8 percent.

But median sales in prices in Macomb County outpaced increases in Wayne and Oakland. In Wayne, sale prices increased 43.6 percent, from $52,225 in October 2012 to $75,000 in this year. Oakland County’s median prices increased from $147,000 to $174,500 – an increase of 18.7 percent.

Foreclosure sales in Macomb decreased by 32.3 percent, from 345 in October 2013 to 234 in October 2012, according to the Realcomp report.

The county’s inventory have decreased as well, meaning that a combination of limited availability and still-low interest rates are encouraging people buy and sell, said Tuscany.

“We are seeing people that are getting out-bid on properties,” he said. “The best advice I can give to sellers at this time is to make sure their home is priced right.”

According to Realcomp, listing levels have decreased by 10.9 percent in October, with 2,929 listings in October 2012 versus 3,287 in October 2013.

A badly-needed move

Although the fact that sellers stand a chance of getting a decent price for a home in today’s environment than they did three of four years ago, and interest rates are still low, practical matters are still driving sellers and buyers into the market.

Paul Hornung, who recently sold his home in Sterling Heights in favor of a colonial in Shelby Township, said his growing family spurred he and wife, Kimberly, to look for a new home.

“We were living in a house that was 920 square feet with three daughters,” he said. “Obviously, we need a little more space.”

To meet that end, the Hornungs looked at four houses in Macomb County before settling on a 2.5 bath, four-bedroom home near the Van Dyke-24 Mile Road corridor.

“When we walked into this house, we knew it was the one,” he said. “We weren’t in a rush to buy a home, but it turned out to be a good time to buy.”

Another big selling point for the Hornungs was the fact that the new home is close to Paul Hornung’s family.

“My daughters will go to the same elementary school and middle school that I went to, which is nice,” he said. “We’re really happy with our decision.”

Morris Hagerman Properties Index

Morris Hagerman Real Estate One Website

Schuette Salutes Veterans, Announces Homeowners Assistance Program Has Awarded More Than $1 Million to Help Michigan Veteran

Schuette Salutes Veterans, Announces Homeowners Assistance Program Has Awarded More Than $1 Million to Help Michigan Veterans

michigan.realestaterama.com » by Michigan RealEstateRama

LANSING – November 11, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) –Attorney General Bill Schuette today offered a special Veterans Day message in advance of Monday’s holiday. In addition to thanking veterans for their service, Schuette also announced the distribution of more than $1 million in grants to struggling military and veteran homeowners impacted by the foreclosure crisis. The funds were distributed through the Michigan Veterans Homeowners Assistance Program Schuette announced with the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency in May 2013. MiVHAP has helped at least 154 homeowners in 43 counties across the state, according to recent numbers provided by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.

“On Veterans Day, we honor the sacrifice, strength and courage of our military members in grateful appreciation for the service to our nation,” said Schuette. “Our brave veterans risk their lives to fight for our freedoms daily, and they should never be forced out of their homes illegally. I am pleased with the success of the Veterans Homeowners Assistance Program so far, and I encourage additional veterans and their families seeking foreclosure assistance to apply.”

In May 2013, Schuette and Barnes launched the Michigan Veterans Homeowners Assistance Program (MiVHAP), to provide financial assistance to Michigan military service members, veterans and their families who have struggled with the consequences of the mortgage foreclosure crisis. Schuette and Barnes were joined at the announcement by Anne Marie Dutcher, Administrator of the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund, the state entity charged with administering the new program.

Federal regulators and court settlements have documented approximately 900 service members nationwide who were foreclosed upon in violation of the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. At least 6,000 more were overcharged during the crisis by JP Morgan. The case of Sgt. James B. Hurley, a disabled veteran who lost his Hartford, Michigan home to foreclosure while serving his country in Iraq vividly illustrated the problem of lenders illegally foreclosing upon veterans. Sgt. Hurley was forced to pursue private litigation for nearly four years before settling with Deutsche Bank in 2011.

MiVHAP will provide financial grant assistance to military service members: Active, Reserve, Air and Army National Guard, and honorably discharged Veterans living or having lived in a home in Michigan for hardship related to the foreclosure crisis since 2006. Surviving spouses of Michigan military service members whose death occurred in combat since 2006 and currently face foreclosure challenges may also be eligible for financial assistance.

Michigan has approximately 700,000 veterans and 12,000 troops active in the Michigan National Guard. More than 22,000 Michigan National Guard members have deployed since September 11, 2001, with 300 currently deployed. The average deployment period is one year, following a two month mobilization and training period. The Michigan Guard has some of the most actively deployed combat units in the country, with the average Michigan soldier deploying four to five times throughout their military career.

MiVHAP is a separate program from the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund, but the new program will be administered by the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund state office staff. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first served basis and will be made until the money runs out. Grants that are awarded will be sent directly to vendors, including lenders or government entities owed back taxes. Each grant is based on individual circumstances of an application, but priority will be given to requests seeking to avoid mortgage defaults, foreclosure and property tax foreclosure.

How Military Service Members and Veterans Can Apply for MiVHAP Grants

Military service members and veterans interested in applying for MiVHAP grants can request applications and obtain more information by calling 517-284-5296 or by visiting www.michigan.gov/veterans. Requests by mail may be sent to: Michigan Veterans Trust Fund, MiVHAP, P.O. Box 30104, Lansing, MI 48909.

National Mortgage Settlement

MiVHAP was made possible by National Mortgage Settlement, which addressed allegations of faulty foreclosure processes and poor servicing of mortgages that harmed Michigan homeowners. The historic joint federal-state settlement was signed by 49 states and the nation’s five largest banks and lenders: Ally/GMAC, Bank of America, Citi, JP Morgan Chase, and Wells Fargo. The settlement required the bank mortgage servicers to provide the participating states, including Michigan, up to $25 billion dollars in monetary sanctions and relief. Michigan residents are expected to receive approximately $780 million in benefits, including the $97 million payment directly to the State of Michigan, which formed the Homeowner Protection Fund.

Schuette noted questions have been raised about whether the banks are following the settlement’s comprehensive reforms to improve customer service and transparency for borrowers. In response, Schuette has sent a letter outlining his concerns about banks meeting certain deadlines and filing requirements for borrowers to the national mortgage settlement’s independent monitor, Joseph A. Smith, Jr. As a member of the formal state monitoring committee, Schuette will be closely involved in all efforts to protect Michigan homeowners by ensuring full and complete compliance by the banks.

For additional information, please visit: www.michigan.gov/mortgagesettlement.

Legal Protections for Military Service Members and Veterans

Schuette noted Michigan veterans and their loved ones can visit the Attorney General’s website at www.michigan.gov/vetresources to learn about important legal benefits and special protections afforded to current and former service members. Military agencies and nonprofit organizations who offer legal assistance are also highlighted.

State of Michigan offices, including the Attorney General’s office, will be closed on Monday November 11, 2013 in observance of Veterans Day.

Morris Hagerman Properties Index

Morris Hagerman Real Estate One Website

Help for people behind on their property taxes

A letter from Andy Meisner, Oakland County Treasurer

Dear Friend:

This letter is to inform you of a new program to help pay your delinquent property taxes up to $30,000 if you face a hardship preventing you from paying your property taxes.

The program is called the “Step Forward Michigan Loan Rescue Program for Property Tax Assistance,” and is helping some eligible homeowners pay off their delinquent taxes. You may be eligible if the following criteria apply to you: 

1. Owner Occupied Homes Only – You must live in your home, no land contracts.
2. Delinquent Taxes – You must owe delinquent taxes, interest, or fees on that home.
3. Hardship – You must face a hardship preventing you from paying your taxes.
4. Cash Reserves – Less than 1.5 times your annual property tax bill in your account.

Applicants are encouraged to apply with help from our partner agencies, including: Community and Home Improvement, Oakland County; Community Housing Network; GreenPath; JVS; Lighthouse; New Hope; OLHSA; Southwest Housing Solutions; and University of Detroit-Mercy Legal Aid Clinic.

With the help of your certified housing counselor, apply for the “Step Forward Michigan Loan Rescue Program” online at www.stepforwardmichigan.org or by calling 866-946-7432. Please contact our office at 248-858-0624 and we will get you connected with a certified housing counselor to begin the application process. 

Taxpayers with delinquent taxes should schedule a Taxpayer Assistance Meeting with

our office to arrange a payment plan and prevent foreclosure. 

Sincerely,

Andy Meisner

Oakland County Treasurer

Morris Hagerman Properties Index

Morris Hagerman Real Estate One Website

Morris Hagerman Contact Information

Morris Hagerman, Realtor

Real Estate One Royal Oak

26236 Woodward

Royal Oak, Michigan  48067

248-854-8440

morrishagermanproperties@gmail.com

Morris Hagerman Properties Index

Morris Hagerman Real Estate One Website