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09 Sep

Sinkholes

Author bwisnewski

Sinkholes
by Nick Gromicko and Rob London
What are Sinkholes? 

Sinkholes are ground-surface depressions that result when a subterranean void weakens support of the overlying earth. 

Why are Sinkholes a Concern for Inspectors?

  • They threaten water supplies by draining unfiltered water from streams, lakes and wetlands directly into aquifers.
  • They kill and injure people. A person can be harmed when stepping into an existing sinkhole or when the ground beneath gives way during a sinkhole’s collapse.
  • Sinkholes can cause structural damage and instability under buildings, roads and bridges. Repairing them after collapse is expensive and requires specialized knowledge. The underlying cause of the sinkhole must be addressed first, or the repair may prove to be only temporary.

Formation

  • Natural sinkholes  are formed when sub-surface rock dissolves to create underground cavities. They are most often found where the rock below the land surface is limestone, dolomite, carbonate rock, salt beds, or rocks that can be naturally dissolved by circulating groundwater. In the U.S., natural sinkholes are most common in Florida where karst (limestone) geography is an ingrained part of the landscape. Other states where natural sinkholes are likely to be found are Texas, Alabama, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee and Pennsylvania. Natural sinkholes often form following a period of heavy or prolonged rain. They may also form following a period of drought, which can lower the water table and expose cavities.
  • Human-induced sinkholes are consequences of land-use practices, especially water-pumping and construction. Other types of human-induced sinkholes result from:
    • abandoned septic tanks. Even as communities modernize and switch from septic to sewer systems, the old septic tanks may remain in place. The concrete cover may eventually crack and break down, allowing the earth above to drop suddenly, especially beneath the weight of a person. In one week in 2004, two such incidents occurred in New Jersey and in Texas, claiming the lives of a 2-year-old girl and a 92-year-old woman. Check with the local zoning office, which should know whether the house was built before sewer lines came into the neighborhood, which would indicate the possible presence of an abandoned septic tank;
    • decaying, buried organic material, such as tree roots or trash. In 1993, a 7-year-old New Jersey boy fell to his death in his front yard after the ground beneath him gave way. A vein of tree debris, which had been dumped there many years before, had formed air pockets into which the soil gradually seeped, leaving a weakened surface that appeared solid;
    • collapsed mines;
    • over-pumping existing water supply wells, or drilling additional wells in close proximity, thereby lowering the aquifer; and
    • the period following housing development, which adds pressure to the supporting earth.
Sinkhole Warning Signs
Signs that indicate sinkhole formation, especially in regions where they are most likely to occur, should be interpreted by inspectors as a serious safety hazard.
In buildings, look for:
  • structural cracks in walls and floors;
  • muddy or cloudy well water; and
  • doors and windows that don’t close properly, which may be the result of movement of the building’s foundation.

On the property, check for:

  • previously buried items, such as foundations, fence posts and trees becoming exposed as the ground sinks;
  • gullies and areas of bare soil, which are formed as soil is carried towards the sinkhole;
  • a circular pattern of ground cracks around the sinking area. Sudden earth cracking should be interpreted as a very serious risk of sinkhole or earth collapse. The first sign that a sinkhole was developing in Daisetta, Texas was the opening up of cracks in the ground and in the roadway on the morning of its collapse;Sinkhole swallows a car
  • localized, gradual ground settlement;
  • formation of small ponds, as rainfall accumulates in new areas;
  • interrupted plumbing or  electrical service to a building or neighborhood due to damaged utility lines;
  • vegetation that wilts and dies as essential water is drawn away by the sinkhole;
  • slumping or falling trees or fence posts;
  • sudden ground openings; and
  • sudden ground settlement.

What to Do or Recommend If a Sinkhole is Observed or Suspected at a Property During an Inspection:

  • Notify all parties: occupants, owners, real estate agents and buyers.
  • Notify the local Water Management District.
  • Fence or rope off the hole.
  • Keep children away!
  • Take photographs for documentation, but do not get too close to the edges.
  • Protect the area from garbage and waste.
  • Contact the homeowner’s insurance company.
  • Inform the parties that there are engineering firms specializing in the detection and evaluation of potential and evident sinkholes.
  • Record in your report the actions you took, including notifications and referrals.

Sinkholes and Insurance

Florida law requires insurers to cover “catastrophic ground cover collapse,” which may or may not cover sinkholes, depending on the type and extent of the damage. Law in that state does, however, require insurers to offer optional coverage specifically for sinkholes. Coverage in other states varies.
In summary, sinkholes are rare in most places, but they can be very dangerous where they do occur.  Inspectors should learn how sinkholes are formed and how to spot them before they become dangerous, especially in prone areas.

Bob Wisnewski on Zillow

07 Sep

Short Sales

Author bwisnewski

Short Sales

by Nick Gromicko and Rob London

A “short sale” is a real estate sales transaction in which the seller’s mortgage lender agrees to accept a payoff of less than the balance owed on a property’s loan. This Short sales are a compromise consented to by the lender and borrower in order to avoid foreclosure.typically happens when a borrower can’t pay the remainder of the mortgage loan on their property, but the lender decides that selling the property at a moderate loss is a better alternative than foreclosure.

Short sales are different from foreclosures because the lender forces a foreclosure, while both lender and borrower consent to a short sale. Consent between these parties may suddenly change, however, such as if the borrower becomes obstinate and forces foreclosure, or if the lender disapproves of the sale price. If the property is collateral for a second mortgage from a different institution, it, too, must agree to the short sale, which may further complicate the transaction.

Short Sales from the Lender’s Perspective

Banks incur a smaller financial loss from short sales than losses resulting from foreclosures, which cost lenders billions of dollars, mainly through the expense and time required to foreclose on the borrower and subsequently market the property. If the borrower owes $30,000 on their home, it’s often worth it for the bank to waive that amount, as the expense may be as much as $50,000 per foreclosure, according to a study by the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee. 

Short Sales from the Seller’s Perspective

While a short sale will damage the seller’s credit rating, a foreclosure causes even greater credit damage. The process for a short sale is also faster, cheaper and less emotional than a foreclosure, in which former owners are often forcibly removed from their homes.

Short sales, however, do not necessarily release the borrower from the obligation to pay some or all of the remaining balance of the loan, known as the deficiency. The bank, depending on state laws, might be able to go after the seller for the remainder of the loan after the home sells. Also, in these states, known as recourse states, the IRS can treat the unpaid portion of the mortgage as taxable income.

Communities, too, invariably prefer short sales to foreclosures, which drag down the real estate market of whole neighborhoods. Vacant foreclosed houses, many of which have been ransacked by former owners or vandals, further reduce the property value of neighboring homes which, in turn, increase the likelihood of more foreclosures. Of course, communities don’t have much of a say in whether a home short-sells or forecloses, which is partly why a federal rule was issued to streamline and encourage short sales.  As of April 5, 2010, the various parties that must consent to allow a short sale – the borrower, the lender, the investor who owns the loan, and the bank that owns the second mortgage (provided there is one) – are all offered financial incentives to consent to a short sale. 

Typically, the following conditions must be present in order for a short sale to be approved:

  • The property’s market value has dropped.
  • The mortgage is near or in default status.
  • The seller can prove that they have few assets. Tax returns and financial statements may be required to prove that the borrower has no stocks, bonds, or other real estate, for instance, which may be used to pay off the balance of the loan.
  • The borrower has fallen on hard times. The seller is required to submit a letter to the lender that describes why they cannot pay the difference due upon sale, and how they wound up in financial hardship. This plea to the lender to accept a loss, known as a letter of hardship, may include the following acceptable explanations:
    • unemployment;
    • divorce;
    • medical emergency;
    • bankruptcy; and/or
    • death.

The following circumstances are generally not accepted “hardships”:

  • bad purchase decisions, such as gambling or vacationing;
  • unhappiness with the neighbors, such as if a meth lab opened up next door;
  • buying another home. If you can afford another home, the bank will wonder why you can’t pay off the one in which you currently reside;
  • pregnancy. Lifestyle decisions aren’t taken seriously in letters of hardship; or
  • moving into an apartment.

If you are considering the purchase of a short-sale property, here are some tips:

  • Obtain legal advice from a competent real estate attorney.
  • Consult with an accountant to discuss the tax ramifications of buying a short sale.
  • Hire an InterNACHI inspector to inspect for problems typical of short sales and foreclosures, such as pests, mold, water damage, and/or structural defects. Realize that short-sale sellers have fallen behind on their mortgage payments, making it likely that they have neglected basic building maintenance and repair, or even intentionally abused the building. Presale inspections, which are suggested for all real estate transactions, are as critical for short sales as they are for foreclosures. 

In summary, a short sale is a compromise consented to by the lender and borrower in order to avoid foreclosure, and can be a better financial deal for all parties involved. 

Bob Wisnewski on Zillow

 

 

 

 

 

 

07 Sep

Sewer Gases in the Home

Author bwisnewski

Sewer Gases in the Home

by Nick Gromicko and Rob London

Decomposing waste materials in public and private sewer and septic systems create sewer gases. Methane is the largest single constituent of sewer gas, which includes an assortment of toxic and non-toxic gases, such as hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, ammonia, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide. Improperly disposed gasoline and mineral spirits may also contribute to sewer gases.

Seldom-used floor drains might lose their water barrier and permit sewer gases to enter the living space

Sewer gases pose the following risks to building occupants:

  • hydrogen sulfide poisoning. Hydrogen sulfide is an explosive and extremely toxic gas that can impair several different systems in the body at once, most notably the nervous system. So potent that it can be smelled at 0.47 parts per billion by half of human adults, the gas will begin to cause eye irritation at 10 parts per million (ppm) and eye damage at 50 ppm. Other low-level symptoms include nervousness, dizziness, nausea, headache and drowsiness. Exposure to higher concentrations can lead to pulmonary edema, and still higher levels (800 to 1,000 ppm) will cause almost immediate loss of consciousness and death;
  • asphyxiation. When sewer gases diffuse into household air, they gradually displace oxygen and suffocate occupants. The effects of oxygen deficiency include headache, nausea, dizziness and unconsciousness. At very low oxygen concentrations (less than 12%), unconsciousness and death will occur quickly and without warning. Oxygen will be at its lowest concentrations in the basement, which is where heavy sewer gases, principally methane, are likely to collect;
  • fire or explosion. Methane and hydrogen sulfide are explosive components of sewer gas. Vapors from improperly disposed fuel can further increase the risk of fire or explosion; and
  • odor. Hydrogen sulfide is responsible for sewer gas’s characteristic rotten-egg smell, which can be overbearing even at extremely low concentrations. The gas’s odor is a safeguard, however, because it alerts building occupants to the leak long before they’re in any serious danger. It is important to note that at roughly 100 ppm, the olfactory nerve becomes paralyzed, removing the victim’s sense of smell and, subsequently, their awareness of the danger. Another “warning smell” comes from ammonia, which will sear the nostrils and progressively irritate the mucous membranes and respiratory tract. This gas, unlike hydrogen sulfide, is sufficiently irritating that building occupants are likely to vacate before its concentration rises to toxic levels.

If you suspect that any odors might be caused by sewer gases, contact a qualified plumber. Be sure to mention the smell to an InterNACHI inspector during your next scheduled inspection.

The design of the plumbing system relies on a connection between household fixtures and the sewer system, which is why a great deal of effort is spent to ensure that waste products — and the gases that result from their decay — flow in one direction.

The following failures in the plumbing system may allow sewer gases to flow back into a building:

  • dried-out piping and plumbing fixtures. In most cases, intruding sewer gases are caused by a loss of the water barrier where traps have gone dry. Especially in dry weather, infrequent use of a toilet, shower or floor drain can allow for rapid evaporation and entry of sewer gases into the living space. Particularly common culprits are floor drains placed in locations where they are likely to dry out, such as near water heaters or furnaces, as well as seldom-used drains, such as those in janitor’s closets, workshop areas and mechanical rooms. Homeowners can maintain the water barriers by using the fixtures more often or by pouring water down the drains. Automatic drain-trap primers may also be installed so that a small amount of water is periodically delivered;
  • cracks in the plumbing drain line or vent pipes. A water leak typically accompanies a crack in the drain line, but vent pipe cracks are more difficult to diagnose, and they can vent a large quantity of sewer gases into the home. Plumbers can locate these cracks by using a special machine that generates artificial smoke and pumps it into the plumbing drain system. The smoke pressurizes the system and exits through any cracks or loose fittings;
  • diffusion from a leach field septic system;
  • through cracks in a building’s foundation; and
  • plumbing vents installed too close to air intakes or windows in homes equipped with HVAC air handlers that admit outside air for ventilation. Wind and air flow around the building can allow for sewer gas to enter the building even where plumbing vents and air intakes are appropriately placed. Homeowners can add vent pipe filters or alter the height of vents to alleviate the problem.

In summary, the intrusion of sewer gases into the living space should be discovered and fixed before occupants suffer ill health.

Bob Wisnewski on Zillow

 

 

 

 

 

07 Sep

Closing Information

Author bwisnewski

Closing Information

by Nick Gromicko, Rob London and Kenton Shepard

Congratulations! You have decided to buy a new home. This article will help you take this big financial step by describing the home-buying, home-financing, and settlement process. Lenders and mortgage brokers are required by federal law under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (“RESPA”) to give you this information. You should receive it when applying for a loan, or within three business days afterward. Real estate brokers frequently hand out a booklet, as well. You probably started the home-buying process in one of two ways: you saw a home you were interested in buying, or you consulted a lender to figure out how much money you could borrow before you found a home (sometimes called pre-qualifying). The next step is to sign an agreement of sale with the seller, followed by applying for a loan to purchase your new home. The final step is called “settlement” or “closing,” where the legal title to the property is transferred to you. At each of these steps, you often have the opportunity to negotiate the terms, conditions and costs to your advantage. You will also need to shop carefully to get the best value for your money. There is no standard home-buying process used in all localities. Your actual experience may vary from those described here. This article will take you through the general steps to buying a home in order to eliminate, as much as possible, the mysteries of the settlement process.

Buying and Financing a Home

The Role of the Real Estate Broker

Frequently, the first person you consult about buying a home is a real estate agent or broker. Although real estate brokers provide helpful advice on many aspects of home-buying, they may serve the interests of the seller, and not your interests as the buyer. The most common practice is for the seller to hire the broker to find someone who will be willing to buy the home on terms and conditions that are acceptable to the seller. Therefore, the real estate broker you are dealing with may also represent the seller. However, you can hire your own real estate broker, known as a buyer’s broker, to represent your interests. Also, in some states, agents and brokers are allowed to represent both buyer and seller. Even if the real estate broker represents the seller, state real estate licensing laws usually require that the broker treat you fairly. If you have any questions concerning the behavior of an agent or broker, you should contact your state’s Real Estate Commission or licensing department. Sometimes, the real estate broker will offer to help you obtain a mortgage loan. He or she may also recommend that you deal with a particular lender, title company, attorney or settlement/closing agent. You are not required to follow the real estate broker’s recommendation. You should compare the costs and services offered by other providers with those recommended by the real estate broker.

Selecting an Attorney

Before you sign an agreement of sale, you might consider asking an attorney to look it over and tell you if it protects your interests. If you have already signed your agreement of sale, you might still consider having an attorney review it. An attorney can also help you prepare for the settlement. In some areas, attorneys act as settlement/closing agents or as escrow agents to handle the settlement. An attorney who does this will not solely represent your interests, since, as the settlement/closing agent, they may also be representing the seller, the lender, and others, as well. 

Please note that in many areas of the country, attorneys are not normally involved in the home sale. For example, escrow agents or escrow companies in western states handle the paperwork to transfertitle without any attorney involvement.

If choosing an attorney, you should shop around and ask what services will be performed for what fee. Find out whether the attorney is experienced in representing home buyers. You may wish to ask the attorney questions such as:

What is the charge for negotiating the agreement of sale, reviewing documents, and giving adviceconcerning those documents, as well as for being present at the settlement, or for reviewing instructions tothe escrow agent or company?

Will the attorney represent anyone other than you in the transaction?

Will the attorney be paid by anyone other than you in the transaction?

Terms of the Agreement of Sale

Before you sign an agreement of sale, here are some important points to consider. The real estate broker probably will give you a pre-printed form of agreement of sale. You may make changes or additions to the form agreement, but the seller must agree to every change you make. You should also agree with the seller on when you will move in and what appliances and personal property will be sold with the home.   Some importants terms:

sales price: For most home purchasers, the sales price is the most important term. Recognize that other non-monetary terms of the agreement are also important.

title:  The “title” refers to the legal ownership of your new home. The seller should provide the title, free and clear of all claims by others against your new home. Claims by others against your new home are sometimes known as “liens” or “encumbrances.” You may negotiate who will pay for the title search, which will tell you whether the title is “clear.”

mortgage clause: The agreement of sale should provide that your deposit will be refunded if the sale has to be canceled because you are unable to get a mortgage loan. For example, your agreement of sale could allow the purchase to be canceled if you cannot obtain mortgage financing at an interest rate at or below a rate you specify inthe agreement.

pests:  Your lender will require a certificate from a qualified inspector stating that the home is free from termites and other pests and pest damage. You may want to reserve the right to cancel the agreement or seek immediate treatment and repairs by the seller if pest damage is found.

home inspection:  It is a good idea to have the home inspected. Never hire an inspector who is not a member of InterNACHI. Unqualified inspectors charge less but they will cost you in the long run. An inspection should determine the condition of the plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical systems. Thestructure should also be examined to assure it is sound, and to determine the condition of the roof, siding, windows and doors. The lot should be graded away from the houseso that water does not drain toward the house and into the basement. Most buyers prefer to pay for these inspections so that the inspector is working for them, not the seller. You may wish to include in your agreement of sale the right to cancel, if you are not satisfied with the inspection results. In that case, you may want to re-negotiate for a lower sale price or require the seller to make repairs.

lead-based paint hazards in housing built before 1978:  If you buy a home built before 1978, you have certain rights concerning lead-based paint and lead-poisoning hazards. The seller or sales agent must give you the EPA pamphlet titled “Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home,” or other EPA-approved lead-hazard information. The seller or sales agent must tell you what the seller actually knows about the home’s lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards, and give you any relevant records or reports. 

You have at least 10 days to do an inspection or risk-assessment for lead-basedpaint or lead-based paint hazards. However, to have the right to cancel the sale basedon the results of an inspection or risk-assessment, you will need to negotiate thiscondition with the seller.

Finally, the seller must attach a disclosure form to the agreement of sale which willinclude a Lead Warning Statement. You, the seller, and the sales agent will sign anacknowledgment that these notification requirements have been satisfied.

other environmental concerns:  Your city or state may have laws requiring buyers or sellers to test for environmental hazards, such as leaking underground oil tanks, the presence of radon or asbestos, lead water pipes, and other such hazards, and to take the steps to clean up any such hazards. You may negotiate who will pay for the costs of any required testing and/or clean up.

sharing of expenses:  You need to agree with the seller about how expenses related to the property, such as taxes, water and sewer charges, condominium fees, and utilitybills, are to be divided on the date of settlement. Unless you agree otherwise, you should only be responsible for the portion of these expenses owed after the date of sale.

settlement agent/escrow agent or company:  Depending on local practices, you may have an option to select the settlement agent or escrow agent or company. For states where an escrow agent or company will handle the settlement, the buyer, seller and lender will provide instructions.

settlement costs:  You can negotiate which settlement costs you will pay and which will be paid by the seller.

Shopping For a Loan.

Your choice of lender and type of loan will influence not only your settlement costs, but also the monthly cost of your mortgage loan. There are many types of lenders and types of loans you can choose. You may be familiar with banks, savings associations, mortgage companies and credit unions, many of which provide home mortgage loans. You may find a listing of some mortgage lenders in the Yellow Pages or a listing of rates in your local newspaper.

mortgage brokers:  Some companies known as “mortgage brokers” offer to find you amortgage lender willing to make you a loan. A mortgage broker may operate as an independentbusiness and may not be operating as your “agent” or representative. Your mortgage brokermay be paid by the lender, you as the borrower, or both. You may wish to ask about the fees that themortgage broker will receive for its services.

government programs:  You may be eligible for a loan insured through the Federal Housing  Administration (FHA) or guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, or similar programs operated by cities and states. These programs usually require a smaller down payment. Ask lenders about these programs. You can get more information about these programs from the agencies that run them. 

CLOs:  Computer loan origination systems, or CLOs, are computer terminals sometimesavailable in real estate offices or other locations to help you sort through the various types of loansoffered by different lenders. The CLO operator may charge a fee for the services the CLO offers. Thisfee may be paid by you or by the lender that you select.

types of loans:  Loans can have a fixed interest rate or a variable interest rate. Fixed-rate loans have the same principal and interest payments during the loan term. Variable rate loans can have any one of a number of “indexes” and “margins” which determine how and when the rate and payment amount change. If you apply for a variable-rate loan, also known as an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), a disclosure and booklet required by the Truth in Lending Act will further describe the ARM. Most loans can be repaid over a term of 30 years or less. Most loans have equal monthly payments. The amounts can change from time to time on an ARM, depending on changes in the interest rate. Some loans have short terms and a large final payment called a “balloon” payment. You should shop for the type of home mortgage loan terms that best suit your needs.

interest rate, points and other fees:  Often, the price of a home mortgage loan is stated interms of an interest rate, points, and other fees. A “point” is a fee that equals 1% of the loanamount. Points are usually paid to the lender, mortgage broker, or both, at the settlement or upon thecompletion of the escrow. Often, you can pay fewer points in exchange for a higher interest rate ormore points for a lower rate. Ask your lender or mortgage broker about points and other fees.

A document called the Truth in Lending Disclosure Statement will show you the “Annual Percentage Rate” (APR) and other payment information for the loan you have applied for. The APR takes into account not only the interest rate, but also the points, mortgage broker fees, and certain other fees that you have to pay. Ask for the APR before you apply to help you shop for the loan that is best for you. Also ask if your loan will have a charge or a fee for paying all or part of the loan before payment is due (a “pre-payment penalty”). You may be able to negotiate the terms of the pre-payment penalty. 

lender-required settlement costs:  Your lender may require you to obtain certain settlement services, such as a new survey, mortgage insurance, or title insurance. It may also order and charge you for other settlement-related services, such as the appraisal or a credit report. A lender may also charge other fees, such as fees for loan processing, document preparation, underwriting, flood certification, or an application fee. You may wish to ask for an estimate of fees and settlement costs before choosing a lender. Some lenders offer “no-cost” or “no-point” loans, but normally cover these fees or costs by charging a higher interest rate.

comparing loan costs:  Comparing APRs may be an effective way to shop for a loan. However,you must compare similar loan products for the same loan amount. For example, compare two 30-year fixed rate loans for $100,000. Loan A with an APR of 8.35% is less costly than Loan B with an APR of 8.65% over the loan term. However, before you decide on a loan, you should consider the up-front cash you will be required to pay for each of the two loans, as well.

Another effective shopping technique is to compare identical loans with different up-front points and other fees. For example, if you are offered two 30-year fixed-rate loans for $100,000 at 8%, the monthly payments are the same, but the up-front costs are different:

Loan A:  2 points ($2,000) and lender-required costs of $1,800 = $3,800 in costs

Loan B:  2-1/4 points ($2,250) and lender-required costs of $1,200 = $3,450 in costs

A comparison of the up-front costs shows that Loan B requires $350 less in up-front cash than Loan A. However, your individual situation (how long you plan to stay in your house) and your tax situation (points can usually be deducted for the tax year that you purchase a house) may affect your choice of loans.

lock-ins:  “Locking in” your rate or points at the time of application or during the processingof your loan will keep the rate and/or points from changing until settlement or closing of the escrowprocess. Ask your lender if there is a fee to lock in the rate, and whether the fee reduces the amountyou have to pay for points. Find out how long the lock-in is good for, what happens if it expires, andwhether the lock-in fee is refundable if your application is rejected.

tax and insurance payments:  Your monthly mortgage payment will be used to repay themoney you borrowed, plus interest. Part of your monthly payment may be deposited into an “escrowaccount” (also known as a “reserve” or “impound” account) so your lender or servicer can pay yourreal estate taxes, property insurance, mortgage insurance and/or flood insurance. Ask your lender ormortgage broker if you will be required to set up an escrow or impound account for taxes andinsurance payments. 

transfer of your loan:  While you may start the loan process with a lender or mortgage broker, you could find that, after settlement, another company may be collecting the payments on your loan. Collecting loan payments is often known as “servicing” the loan. Your lender or broker will disclose whether it expects to service your loan or to transfer the servicing to someone else.

mortgage insurance:  Private mortgage insurance and government mortgage insurance protectthe lender against default and enable the lender to make a loan which the lender considers a higher risk.Lenders often require mortgage insurance for loans where the down payment is less than 20% of thesales price. You may be billed monthly, annually, by an initial lump sum, or by some combination of thesepractices for your mortgage insurance premium. Ask your lender if mortgage insurance is required andhow much it will cost. Mortgage insurance should not be confused with mortgage life, credit life ordisability insurance, which are designed to pay off a mortgage in the event of the borrower’s death or disability. 

You may also be offered “lender-paid” mortgage insurance (LPMI). Under LPMI plans, the lender purchases the mortgage insurance and pays the premiums to the insurer. The lender will increase your interest rate to pay for the premiums — but LPMI may reduce your settlement costs. You cannot cancel LPMI or government mortgage insurance during the life of your loan. However, it may be possible to cancel private mortgage insurance at some point, such as when your loan balance is reduced to a certain amount. Before you commit to paying for mortgage insurance, find out the specific requirements for cancellation.

flood hazard areas:  Most lenders will not lend you money to buy a home in a flood-hazardarea unless you pay for flood insurance. Some government loan programs will not allow you topurchase a home that is located in a flood-hazard area. Your lender may charge you a fee to checkfor flood hazards. You should be notified if flood insurance is required. If a change in floodinsurance maps brings your home within a flood-hazard area after your loan is made, your lender orservicer may require you to buy flood insurance at that time.

Selecting a Settlement Agent 

Settlement practices vary from locality to locality, and even within the same county or city. Settlements may be conducted by lenders, title insurance companies, escrow companies, real estate brokers or attorneys for the buyer or seller. You may save money by shopping for the settlement agent.

In some parts of the country (particularly western states), settlement may be conducted by anescrow agent. The parties sign an escrow agreement which requires them to provide certaindocuments and funds to the agent. Unlike other types of settlement, the parties do not meet around atable to sign documents. Ask how your settlement will be handled.

Securing Title Services

Title insurance is usually required by the lender to protect the lender against loss resulting from claims by others against your new home. In some states, attorneys offer title insurance as part of their services in examining title and providing a title opinion. The attorney’s fee may include the title insurance premium. In other states, a title insurance company or title agent directly provides the title insurance.

owner’s policy:  A lender’s title insurance policy does not protect you. Similarly, the prior owner’s policy does not protect you. If you want to protect yourself from claims by others against your new home, you will need an owner’s policy. When a claim does occur, it can be financially devastating to an owner who is uninsured. If you buy an owner’s policy, it is usually much less expensive if you buy it at the same time and with the same insurer as the lender’s policy.

choice of title insurer. Under RESPA, the seller may not require you, as a condition of thesale, to purchase title insurance from any particular title company. Generally, your lender will requiretitle insurance from a company that is acceptable to it. In most cases you can shop for and choose acompany that meets the lender’s standards. 

review initial title report: In many areas, a few days or weeks before the settlement or closing of the escrow, the title insurance company will issue a “Commitment to Insure,” or preliminary report or “binder” containing a summary of any defects in title which have been identified by the title search, as well as any exceptions from the title insurance policy’s coverage. The commitment is usually sent to the lender for use until the title insurance policy is issued at or after the settlement. You can arrange to have a copy sent to you (or to your attorney) so that you can object if there are matters affecting the title which you did not agree to accept when you signed the agreement of sale.

coverage and cost savings:  To save money on title insurance, compare rates among varioustitle insurance companies. Ask what services and limitations on coverage are provided under eachpolicy so that you can decide whether coverage purchased at a higher rate may be better for yourneeds. However, in many states, title insurance premium rates are established by the state and may notbe negotiable. If you are buying a home which has changed hands within the last several years, askyour title company about a “re-issue rate,” which would be cheaper. If you are buying a newlyconstructed home, make certain your title insurance covers claims by contractors. These claims areknown as “mechanics’ liens” in some parts of the country.

survey:  Lenders or title insurance companies often require a survey to mark the boundaries of the property. A survey is a drawing of the property showing the perimeter boundaries and marking the location of the house and other improvements. You may be able to avoid the cost of a complete survey if you can locate the person who previously surveyed the property, and simply request an update. Check with your lender or title insurance company on whether an updated survey is acceptable.

RESPA Disclosures

One of the purposes of RESPA is to help consumers become better shoppers for settlement services. RESPA requires that borrowers receive disclosures at various times. Some disclosures spell out the costs associated with the settlement, outline lender servicing and escrow account practices, and describe business relationships between settlement service providers.

good-faith estimate of settlement costs:  RESPA requires that, when you apply for a loan, the lender or mortgage broker give you a “good-faith estimate” of settlement service charges you will likely have to pay. If you do not get this good-faith estimate when you apply, the lender or mortgage broker must mail or deliver it to you within the next three business days.

Be aware that the amounts listed on the good-faith estimate are only estimates. Actual costsmay vary. Changing market conditions can affect prices. Remember that the lender’s estimate is not aguarantee. Keep your good-faith estimate so you can compare it with the final settlement costs,and ask the lender questions about any changes.

servicing disclosure statement:  RESPA requires the lender or mortgage broker to tell you, in writing, when you apply for a loan or within the next three business days, whether it expects that someone else will be servicing your loan (collecting your payments).

affiliated business arrangements:  Sometimes, several businesses that offer settlementservices are owned or controlled by a common corporate parent. These businesses are known as“affiliates.” When a lender, real estate broker, or other participant in your settlement refers you to anaffiliate for a settlement service (such as when a real estate broker refers you to a mortgage brokeraffiliate), RESPA requires the referring party to give you an Affiliated Business ArrangementDisclosure. This form will remind you that you are generally not required, with certain exceptions, touse the affiliate, and are free to shop for other providers.

HUD-1 Settlement Statement:  One business day before the settlement, you have the right to inspect the HUD-1 Settlement Statement. This statement itemizes the services provided to you and the fees charged to you. This form is filled out by the settlement agent who will conduct the settlement. Be sure you have the name, address, and telephone number of the settlement agent if you wish to inspect this form. The fully completed HUD-1 Settlement Statement generally must be delivered or mailed to you at or before the settlement. In cases where there is no settlement meeting, the escrow agent will mail you the HUD-1 after settlement, and you have the right to inspect it one day before settlement.

escrow account operation and disclosures:  Your lender may require you to establish anescrow or impound account to insure that your taxes and insurance premiums are paid on time. If so,you will probably have to pay an initial amount at the settlement to start the account, and an additionalamount with each month’s regular payment. Your escrow account payments may include a “cushion”or an extra amount to ensure that the lender has enough money to make the payments when due.RESPA limits the amount of the cushion to a maximum of two months of escrow payments.

At the settlement or within the next 45 days, the person servicing your loan must give you an initial escrow account statement. That form will show all of the payments which are expected to be deposited into the escrow account, and all of the disbursements which are expected to be made from the escrow account, during the year ahead. Your lender or servicer will review the escrow account annually and send you a disclosure each year, which shows the prior year’s activity, and any adjustments necessary in the escrow payments that you will make in the forthcoming year.

Processing Your Loan Application

Here are several federal laws which provide you with protection during the processing of yourloan. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), the Fair Housing Act, and the Fair CreditReporting Act (FCRA) prohibit discrimination and provide you with the right to certain credit nformation.

no discrimination:  The ECOA prohibits lenders from discriminating against credit applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, the fact that all or part of the applicant’s income comes from any public assistance program, or the fact that the applicant has exercised any right under any federal consumer credit protection law. To help government agencies monitor ECOA compliance, your lender or mortgage broker must request certain information regarding your race, sex, marital status and age when taking your loan application.

The Fair Housing Act also prohibits discrimination in residential real estate transactions on thebasis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin. This prohibition applies toboth the sale of a home to you and the decision by a lender to give you a loan to help pay for thathome. Finally, your locality or state may also have a law which prohibits discrimination.

Frequently, there are differences in the types and amounts of settlement costs charged to the borrower — for example, some borrowers are charged greater fees for mortgages depending on their credit worthiness. These differences may be justified or they may be unlawfully discriminatory. It is important that you examine your settlement documents closely, and do not hesitate to compare your settlement costs with those of your friends and neighbors.  If you feel you have been discriminated against by a lender or anyone else in the home-buyingprocess, you may file a private legal action against that person, or complain to a state, local or federaladministrative agency. You may want to talk to an attorney, or you may want to ask the federal agencythat enforces ECOA (the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System) or the Fair Housing Act(HUD) about your rights under these laws.

prompt action/notification of action taken:  Your lender or mortgage broker must act on your application and inform you of the action taken no later than 30 days after it receives your completed application. Your application will not be considered complete, and the 30-day period will not begin, until you provide to your lender or mortgage broker all of the material and information requested.

statement of reasons for denial:  If your application is denied, the ECOA requires your lender ormortgage broker to give you a statement of the specific reasons why it denied your application, or tellyou how you can obtain such a statement. The notice will also tell you which federal agency to contactif you think the lender or mortgage broker has illegally discriminated against you.

obtaining your credit report:  The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires a lender or mortgage broker that denies your loan application to tell you whether it based its decision on information contained in your credit report. If that information was a reason for the denial, the notice will tell you where you can get a free copy of the credit report. You have the right to dispute the accuracy or completeness of any information in your credit report. If you dispute any information, the credit reporting agency that prepared the report must investigate, free of charge, and notify you of the results of the investigation.

obtaining your appraisal:  The lender needs to know if the value of your home is enough tosecure the loan. To get this information, the lender typically hires an appraiser, who gives aprofessional opinion about the value of your home. The ECOA requires your lender or mortgage broker totell you that you have a right to get a copy of the appraisal report. The notice will also tell you howand when you can ask for a copy.

RESPA Protection Against Illegal Referral Fees

The ESPA was enacted because the U.S. Congress felt that consumers needed protection from “unnecessarily high settlement charges caused by certain abusive practices that have developed in some areas of the country.” Some of the practices Congress was concerned about are discussed below. Most professionals in the settlement business provide good service and do not engage in these practices.

prohibited fees:  It is illegal under RESPA for anyone to pay or receive a fee, kickback oranything of value because they agree to refer settlement service business to a particular person ororganization. For example, your mortgage lender is not allowed to pay your real estate broker $250 forreferring you to the lender. It is also illegal for anyone to accept a fee or part of a fee for services ifthat person has not actually performed settlement services for the fee. For example, a lender may notadd to a third party’s fee, such as an appraisal fee, and keep the difference. 

permitted payments:  RESPA does not prevent title companies, mortgage brokers, appraisers, attorneys, settlement/closing agents and others who actually perform a service in connection with the mortgage loan or the settlement, from being paid for the reasonable value of their work. If aparticipant in your settlement appears to be taking a fee without having done any work, you shouldadvise that person or company of the RESPA referral-fee prohibitions. You may also speak with yourattorney or complain to a regulator.

penalties:  It is a crime for someone to pay or receive an illegal referral fee. The penalty can be a fine, imprisonment, or both. You may be entitled to recover three times the amount of the charge for any settlement service by bringing a private lawsuit. If you are successful, the court may also award you court costs and your attorney’s fees.

private lawsuits:  If you have a problem, the best place to have it fixed is at its source (the lender, settlement agent, broker, etc.). If that approach fails and you think you have suffered because of a violation of RESPA, ECOA, or any other law, you may be entitled to sue in a federal or state court. This is a matter you should discuss with your attorney.

government agencies:  Most settlement service providers are supervised by a governmentalagency at the local, state and/or federal level.Your state’s Attorney General may have a consumer affairs division. If you feel that a provider ofsettlement services has violated RESPA or any other law, you can complain to that agency orassociation. You may also send a copy of your complaint to the HUD Office of Consumer andRegulatory Affairs.

servicing errors:  If you have a question at any time during the life of your loan, RESPA requires the company collecting your loan payments (your “servicer”) to respond to you. Write to your servicer and call it a “qualified written request under Section 6 of RESPA.” A “qualified written request” should be a separate letter and not mailed with the payment coupon. Describe the problem and include your name and account number. The servicer must investigate and make appropriate corrections within 60 business days

 

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07 Sep

Septic Systems

Author bwisnewski

Septic Systems

by Nick Gromicko, Rob London and Kenton Shepard
Septic systems treat and disperse relatively small volumes of wastewater from individual and small numbers of homes and commercial buildings. Septic system regulation is usually a state and local responsibility. The EPA provides information to homeowners and assistance to state and local governments to improve the management of septic systems to prevent failures that could harm human health and water quality.   
 
Information for Homeowners

If your septic tank failed, or you know someone whose did, you are not alone. As a homeowner, you are responsible for maintaining your septic system. Proper septic system maintenance will help keep your system from failing and will help maintain your investment in your home. Failing septic systems can contaminate the ground water that you and your neighbors drink and can pollute nearby rivers, lakes and coastal waters.

 Ten simple steps you can take to keep your septic system working properly:
  1. Locate your septic tank and drainfield. Keep a drawing of these locations in your records.
  2. Have your septic system inspected at least every three years. Hire an InterNACHI inspector trained in septic inspections. 
  3. Pump your septic tank as needed (generally, every three to five years).
  4. Don’t dispose of household hazardous waste in sinks or toilets.
  5. Keep other household items, such as dental floss, feminine hygiene products, condoms, diapers, and cat litter out of your system.
  6. Use water efficiently.
  7. Plant only grass over and near your septic system. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs might clog and damage the system. Also, do not apply manure or fertilizers over the drainfield.
  8. Keep vehicles and livestock off your septic system. The weight can damage the pipes and tank, and your system may not drain properly under compacted soil.
  9. Keep gutters and basement sump pumps from draining into or near your septic system.
  10. Check with your local health department before using additives. Commercial septic tank additives do not eliminate the need for periodic pumping and can be harmful to your system.
How does it work? 
 
A typical septic system has four main components: a pipe from the home, a septic tank, a  drainfield, and the soil. Microbes in the soil digest and remove most contaminants from wastewater before it eventually reaches groundwater. The septic tank is a buried, watertight container typically made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. It holds the wastewater long enough to allow solids to settle out (forming sludge), and oil and grease to float to the surface (as scum). It also allows partial decomposition of the solid materials. Compartments and a T-shaped outlet in the septic tank prevent the sludge and scum from leaving the tank and traveling into the drainfield area. Screens are also recommended to keep solids from entering the drainfield. The wastewater exits the septic tank and is discharged into the drainfield for further treatment by the soil. Micro-organisms in the soil provide final treatment by removing harmful bacteria, viruses and nutrients.
 

Your septic system is your responsibility!

Did you know that, as a homeowner, you’re responsible for maintaining your septic system? Did you know that maintaining your septic system protects your investment in your home? Did you know that you should periodically inspect your system and pump out your septic tank? If properly designed, constructed and maintained, your septic system can provide long-term, effective treatment of household wastewater. If your septic system isn’t maintained, you might need to replace it, costing you thousands of dollars. A malfunctioning system can contaminate groundwater that might be a source of drinking water. And if you sell your home, your septic system must be in good working order.
 
Pump frequently…
You should have your septic system inspected at least every three years by a professional, and have your tank pumped as necessary (generally every three to five years).

Use water efficiently…
Average indoor water use in the typical single-family home is almost 70 gallons per person per day. Dripping faucets can waste about 2,000 gallons of water each year. Leaky toilets can waste as much as 200 gallons each day. The more water a household conserves, the less water enters the septic system.

Flush responsibly… 
Dental floss, feminine hygiene products, condoms, diapers, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat litter, paper towels, and other kitchen and bathroom waste can clog and potentially damage septic system components. Flushing household chemicals, gasoline, oil, pesticides, anti-freeze and paint can stress or destroy the biological treatment taking place in the system, as well as contaminate surface waters and groundwater.
 
How do I maintain my septic system?
  • Plant only grass over and near your septic system. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs might clog and damage the drainfield.
  • Don’t drive or park vehicles on any part of your septic system. Doing so can compact the soil in your drainfield or damage the pipes, the tank or other septic system components.
  • Keep roof drains, basement sump pump drains, and other rainwater and surface water drainage systems away from the drainfield. Flooding the drainfield with excessive water slows down or stops treatment processes and can cause plumbing fixtures to back up. 
Why should I maintain my septic system?
 
A key reason to maintain your septic system is to save money! Failing septic systems are expensive to repair or replace, and poor maintenance is often the culprit. Having your septic system inspected (at least every three years) is a bargain when you consider the cost of replacing the entire system. Your system will need pumping every three to five years, depending on how many people live in the house and the size of the system. An unusable septic system or one in disrepair will lower your property’s value and could pose a legal liability. Other good reasons for safe treatment of sewage include preventing the spread of infection and disease, and protecting water resources. Typical pollutants in household wastewater are nitrogen phosphorus, and disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Nitrogen and phosphorus are aquatic plant nutrients that can cause unsightly algae blooms. Excessive nitrate-nitrogen in drinking water can cause pregnancy complications, as well as methemoglobinemia (also known as “blue baby syndrome”) in infancy. Pathogens can cause communicable diseases through direct or indirect body contact, or ingestion of contaminated water or shellfish. If a septic system is working properly, it will effectively remove most of these pollutants.
 
 
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