Cash Transactions May Soon Require Reporting by the Broker

"The Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network proposed a regulation on Wednesday that would require real estate professionals to report information to the agency about non-financed sales of residential real estate to legal entities, trusts and shell companies."

Cash transactions in real estate have been a suspected source of money laundering, both in the United States and Canada, where values have increased over 3-7%. Not everyone is happy about being registered, but a new database has been set up where over 100,000 business have registered, in order to gain transparency for who is buying with all cash in real estate purchases. Anonymous shell companies and trusts will have to disclose names of actual persons involved.  See more at the Wall Street  Journal.

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | http://www.abodes.realestate | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996

Interested in Owning/Living in 2-4 Unit? New Lower Down Payment

Mediterranean duplex style

 New loan limits are in place for 2024, by both FHA (Federal Housting Administration) and FHFA (Federal Housing Finance Agency).  FHFA is the regulator of both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans. The new conforming loan limit is $766,550, an increase of $60,000 over last year's limit.  For FHA loan, popular among first time buyers, the limit is $498,257.  But due to higher cost markets in some areas, in California, New York, the District of Columbia, Hawaii and other pricey markets, the limit for FHFA conforming loans in 2024 will be set at $1,149,825.  

Also, as of last November 18, 2023, FNMA is accepting 5% down payment on 2, 3 and 4 unit properties.  They must be owner occupied in at least one unit.  This lower down payment allows the purchaser to put more money towards standard purchase costs, property maintenance or reserve funds for the future.  To obtain qualification information, the buyer needs to contact an experienced loan officer for more information on all loan limits and financing. A buyer should also learn about owner/tenant laws, and more, assuming other units will be rented out, which of course brings in income on the property. This lower down payment is a huge benefit to buyers interested in residential multi-unit purchases.
For representation to purchase a property and assistance with all contract and disclosure aspects of buying, please contact me, a REALTOR since 1994.

 PROPERTY SEARCH:  Find multi-family units at this link and complete the form for residential income, select "active", and then under "property subtype" select (use control button) duplex, triplex, quadraplex, multifamily, and then click "Apply".  Long Beach and Lakewood, as of January 17 have approximately 48 active multi-unit listings in the MLS at all prices. Some listings may show a "Down Payment Resource" link to another site for financial information for the buyer, as well as directions, map location of property, and other tax and feature information.

This search box may be used in multiple areas for multiple types of properties. Please contact me for further information about areas.  The information you see at this link is directly from the MLS, however if you have questions or are looking for in depth assistance, please let me put my experience to work for you.

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | http://www.abodes.realestate | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996