Friday, March 30, 2012

FORT MYERS FLORIDA BIG BOY TOY EXPO LEE COUNTY CIVIC CENTER SATURDAY MARCH 31, 2012 SUNDAY APRIL 1, 2012 10 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.


The Mary Neilson Team is set up and ready for visitors.  I had a chance to browse the other booths setting up.  You will find just about anything at this expo.  Boats, Cars, HUGE Motorhomes, RVs, Pet Gear, Jewelry, Windows, Window Treatments, Well Equipment Security, Tatoos, Photography, Laidback Apparel, Monster Swamp Buggies and you can even register to Vote while you're here. 

Stop by the booth next to ours.  Meet attorney, Jennifer Neilson with Neilson Law PA. 

Jennifer M. Neilson
NEILSON LAW, PA
3501 Del Prado Blvd., Suite 306
Cape Coral, Florida 33904
Lee County:         (239) 443-3866
Sarasota County: (855) 443-3866
http://www.neilsonlawpa.com/    


Call The Mary Neilson Team for all your Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, Estero and Bonita Beach real estate needs.  Foreclosure and short sale experienced. 

Direct:  239-243-5989   Email:  mary@maryneilson.com

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

PROBATE REALTOR CAPE CORAL FLORIDA PROBATE REALTOR FORT MYERS FLORIDA ESTATE REALTOR CAPE CORAL FLORIDA ESTATE REALTOR FORT MYERS FLORIDA

The Mary Neilson Team regularly represents clients in real estate transactions where transfer of title requires probate, trust administration or homestead declaration.  The seemingly difficult process is administered smoothly and efficiently with Mary Neilson as your realtor.  Mary works with personal representatives (executors) and trustees to value your real estate using market comparables, list and advertise the property to located your perfect buyer and sell the home for the best price.  Mary lists single family homes, condominiums, vacant land and multi-family properties. 

Children and relatives of Florida residents who reside out of state may rely on the experience and honesty of Mary Neilson and her team members to provide efficient, knowledgeable service.  Mary is a Peoria, Illinois native who worked in real estate in Illinois after learning the business from her mother, Eleaner Nordstrom, a real estate broker originally from Chicago, Illinois.  Mary's father, Gustave Nordstrom, was also a real estate broker in Illinois, he was originally from New York City. 

Your property is under water? No problem, Mary has handled numerous short sale transactions. The property has a squatter? No problem, Mary has a close relationship with an eviction attorney.  Mary works regularly with her daughter, probate, estate planning and real estate attorney, Jennifer Neilson.  Jennifer represents clients in several states with probate cases throughout Florida.   http://www.neilsonlawpa.com/  Mary also works with a premier title agency.  First Priority Title in Fort Myers, Florida takes customer service to the next level.  Tracy Henry, company representative, works tirelessly to complete your deal.  Your service is her first priority.  Tracy can be reached at 239-332-4512

Feel free to call for a FREE market analysis for your family's home!   239-243-5989



Jennifer M. Neilson
NEILSON LAW, PA
3501 Del Prado Blvd., Suite 306
Cape Coral, Florida 33904
Lee County:         (239) 443-3866
Sarasota County: (855) 443-3866


Call The Mary Neilson Team for all your Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, Estero and Bonita Beach real estate needs.  Foreclosure and short sale experienced. 

Direct:  239-243-5989   Email:  mary@maryneilson.com

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

FLORIDA HOUSING MARKET CONTINUES ON POSITIVE TRACK IN FEBRUARY CAPE CORAL REAL ESTATE FORT MYERS REAL ESTATE

ORLANDO, Fla. – March 21, 2012 – Pending sales and median prices rose, while the inventory of homes for sale dropped in Florida’s housing market in February, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®.

“Growing optimism about the economy, gains in the state’s jobs market and continued low mortgage rates are generating interest in Florida real estate,” says 2012 Florida Realtors President Summer Greene, regional manager of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Florida 1st in Fort Lauderdale. “Increased statewide pending sales for both single family existing homes, up 36.1 percent, and for townhouse-condo properties, up 19.8 percent, show that buyers are encouraged by these positive signs.”

Pending sales refer to contracts that are signed but not yet completed or closed; closed sales typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written.
The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in February was $134,000, up 7.2 percent from the year-ago figure, according to data from Florida Realtors Industry Data and Analysis department and vendor partner 10K Research and Marketing. The statewide median for townhome-condo properties was $95,000, up 15.9 percent over Feb. 2011.

The national median sales price for existing single-family homes in January 2012 was $154,400, which is 2.6 percent below the previous year, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). In California, the statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in January was $268,280; in Massachusetts, it was $265,000; and in Maryland, it was $219,500.

The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less. Housing industry analysts note that sales of foreclosures and other distressed properties continue to downwardly distort the median price because they generally sell at a discount relative to traditional homes.

Statewide sales of existing single-family homes totaled 14,270 in February 2012, down 4.8 percent compared to the year-ago figure. Looking at Florida’s year-to-year comparison for sales of townhomes/condos, a total of 7,545 units sold statewide last month, down 16 percent from those sold in February 2011. NAR reported the national median existing condo price in January 2012 was $156,600.

In February, the months supply of inventory stood at 6.2 for single-family homes and at 6.3 for the condos/townhomes, according to Florida Realtors.

“The overall picture that these statistics show is of a stabilizing housing market,” said Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. John Tuccillo. “While closed sales are down, so are listings and so is inventory. These are signs of a market that’s moving from being a buyer’s market to a balanced market.

“For the past year, median sales prices have been slowly rising; and over a longer period of time, prices have really flattened out – again, signs of an improving housing market.”

The interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.89 percent in February 2012, down from the 4.95 percent average during the same month a year earlier, according to Freddie Mac.

Call The Mary Neilson Team for all your Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, Estero and Bonita Beach real estate needs.  Foreclosure and short sale experienced. 

Direct:  239-243-5989   Email:  mary@maryneilson.com

Monday, March 19, 2012

BIG BOY TOY EXPO LEE COUNTY CIVIC CENTER FORT MYERS FLORIDA CENTURY 21 BIRCHWOOD THE MARY NEILSON TEAM BOOTH 102

SATURDAY, MARCH 31 and  SUNDAY, APRIL1, 2012   10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Stop by Booth 102 and say 'Hi' to the REALTORS on The Mary Neilson Team,  then enjoy the show. 

One of my favorites this year, a 1932 Ford Pick Up.  Wow!!!!!!

100% All Steel 1932 Henry Ford/331 Cubic Inch Chrysler Hemi
OK OK, I have 2 favorites.  Check this out.......Yikes!

PickleFork Jet Boat Blown 468
Alright, I had to show you this.  It won't be found at the show, but have you ever????

Double Stacked! 2 Blower Apllication. Gotta Love It.

Get Your 'Move On' with The Mary Neilson Team

Call The Mary Neilson Team for all your Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, Estero and Bonita Beach real estate needs.  Foreclosure and short sale experienced. 

Direct:  239-243-5989   Email:  mary@maryneilson.com

For more info go to; http://www.bigboyshow.com/


Tuesday, March 13, 2012

FORT MYERS BEACH FLORIDA SAND SCULPTING


Sand Sculpting:   Locals create art from sand year-round on Fort Myers Beach, but you won't believe your eyes when you visit the beach in early November.  Renowned sand sculpters transform the powdery white stuff into large, intricate sculptures with such careful detailing they look like they belong in a gallery.  It's all part of the American Sand-Sculpting Championship and Beach Festival.  The annual event near the Holiday Inn attracts an estimated 70,000 to 100,000 people a year who all marvel at the beautiful sculptures.  For information, go to http://www.sandsculptingfestival.com/ 


Call The Mary Neilson Team for all your Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, Estero and Bonita Beach real estate needs.  Foreclosure and short sale experienced. 

Direct:  239-243-5989   Email:  mary@maryneilson.com

Monday, March 12, 2012

Bank of America to reduce loans for homeowners Cape Coral Fort Myers Real Estate Blog

Bank of America to reduce loans for homeowners

Bank of America is providing mortgage relief to about 200,000 homeowners.

Homeowners that qualify are those whose home values have fallen below what they owe on their mortgages. Bank of America will reduce the amount owed by the homeowners by as much as $100,000 in some cases. Only mortgages that are currently owned by Bank of America will qualify. Those that are owned by government entities Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, or backed by the Federal Housing Administration will not be eligible.

The move will help the bank reduce the amount of penalties it owes to the government’s Housing & Urban Development agency by $850 million.

The penalties were part of a broader $25 billion settlement announced Feb. 9 by federal and state attorneys general and the largest mortgage lenders in the country to resolve investigations into abusive home lending and fraudulent foreclosure practices.

About 11 million American households are “underwater” on their mortgages, meaning they owe more than their homes are worth. The broader settlement with five mortgage lenders is expected to reduce loans for only about 1 million of those Americans and send checks to others who were improperly foreclosed upon.

Of the five major lenders, Bank of America’s penalties were the highest: $11.8 billion.

The settlement ended a painful chapter of the financial crisis, when home values sank and millions edged toward foreclosure. Lender abuses exacerbated the crisis. Many companies processed foreclosures without verifying documents. Some employees signed papers they hadn’t read or used fake signatures to speed foreclosures, a practice known as robo-signing.

In the fall of 2010, Bank of America along with other large lenders temporarily halted foreclosures after a furor over robo-signed documents.

Details of Bank of America’s and other mortgage lenders’ plans to help homeowners as part of the settlement will be contained in court documents that are expected to be filed Friday.


Call The Mary Neilson Team for all your Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, Estero and Bonita Beach real estate needs.  Foreclosure and short sale experienced. 

Direct:  239-243-5989   Email:  mary@maryneilson.com

OKTOBERFEST GERMAN-AMERICAN SOCIAL CLUB CAPE CORAL FLORIDA


Oktoberfest at the German-American Social Club of Cape Coral draws approximately 30,000 spirited festivalgoers each year for its two-weekend event.  Oktoberfest, which commemorated its 26th year in 2011, features food, live music, games and plenty of delectable brews.  Children have fun on carnival rides and participants get silly during the group chicken dance while attendees sample bratwurst and other tasty German fare.  Many celebrate their heritage , as Southwest Florida is home to a substantial German heritage population.  For info, go to http://www.gasccapecoral.com/     


Call The Mary Neilson Team for all your Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, Estero and Bonita Beach real estate needs.  Foreclosure and short sale experienced. 

Direct:  239-243-5989   Email:  mary@maryneilson.com



BEST SHELLING SANIBEL CAPTIVA ISLANDS NEAR CAPE CORAL FORT MYERS FLORIDA

What are the best spots for shelling? The Best Shelling in the world?

Sanibel and Captiva Islands are considered two of the best places in the world to go shelling.  After all, the islands are made of shells, and countless more wash ashore every day.  The gulf sides of the islands are ideal locations to fill your buckets or mesh bags.  Head to the surf line with your water friendly shoes (or no shoes) and scoop up the shells you want, or get piles of the sand and sift through that.  Stir things up with your feet to make sure you don't miss any shellsthat are half-buried in the sand.  Low tide is the best time of day to find good shells.  Storms can wash good ones closer to shore, so check after the storm has passed.  And always remember, it's illegal to take live shells.  If you pick one up that's alive, gently put it back in the water-don't throw it.

SHELLS TO LOOK FOR

  • Lightning whelk
  • Conch
  • Junonia
  • Cockle
  • Tulip
  • Sand dollar
  • Olive
  • Coquina
  • Cat's paw

  • Call The Mary Neilson Team for all your Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, Estero and Bonita Beach real estate needs.  Foreclosure and short sale experienced. 

    Direct:  239-243-5989   Email:  mary@maryneilson.com

Thursday, March 8, 2012

EDISON & FORD WINTER ESTATES FORT MYERS FLORIDA

YouTube Video Edison & Ford 43 seconds

More than just buildings this award winning site is a dynamic botanical garden with lovely views of the Caloosahatchee River.

About the Edison & Ford Winter Estates

Visitors to the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers will enjoy 20 acres of historical buildings, historic gardens, the Edison Botanic Research Lab and the Edison Ford Museum. The newly restored buildings include the Edison Main House, Guest House, and Caretaker’s House and the Ford House.  The 1929 historic landscape is throughout the property including the award winning Moonlight Garden. The Edison Ford Museum has hundreds of inventions, artifacts and special exhibits.
In addition to providing the opportunity to explore the winter retreats of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, the site offers opportunities for the public to enjoy its park like environment for special events, weddings, corporate functions and meetings, exhibits and ongoing education programming.  Throughout the year, this National Register Historic Site, Florida Historic Landmark and Winner of the National Trust for Historic Preservation Restoration Award offers visitors of all ages a chance to step back into “old Florida” and the opportunity to learn more about the world through unique historical, scientific and cultural experiences.
Open Daily 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. Last Guided Tour starts at 4:00 pm. Self-guided audio tours available in English & German.  Maps available in English, German, French and Spanish.
Museum Store, Ford Cottage Shoppe and Garden Shoppe are open daily 9.00 am to 5:30 pm. 
Sandwiches, salads, coffee, cold drinks, and more available at the Edison Ford Banyan Cafe.


Call The Mary Neilson Team for all your Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, Estero and Bonita Beach real estate needs.  Foreclosure and short sale experienced. 

Direct:  239-243-5989   Email:  mary@maryneilson.com

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

LEE COUNTY BEACHES FORT MYERS SANIBEL CAPTIVA TURNER BEACH BOWMAN'S BEACH TARPON BAY ROAD BEACH ALGIERS BEACH LIGHTHOUSE PARK BEACH SANIBEL CAUSEWAY BEACHES BUNCHE BEACH BOWDITCH BEACH LYNN HALL MEMORIAL PARK FORT MYERS BEACH ESTERO BONITA BEACH LOVERS KEY STATE PARK LITTLE HICKORY ISLAND BONITA BEACH PARK

Turner Beach, Captiva

This beach is just past the bridge from Sanibel to Captiva.  Great place for fishing from the beach and for sunsets.  Avoid bridge area due to swift currents.
  • Directions:  Take the Sanibel Causeway to the four way stop, turn right on Periwinkle Way, turn right on Tarpon Bay Road, turn left on Sanibel-Captiva Road.  Follow the road to the Blind Pass Bridge.  The beach is on the left after crossing the bridge.  Blind Pass Beach is on the other side of the bridge just before you get to Turner Beach.
  • Restrooms: are available. 
  • Parking fee: $2 per hour
  • Sanibel Causeway toll: $6 without a SunPass transponder.
Bowman's Beach, Sanibel

Isolated, pictuesque and popular.  Picnic tables. outdoor showers, grlls, pay phones, bathrooms and bike racks.
  • Directions:  Take the Sanibel Causeway to the four way stop, turn right on Periwinkle Way, turn right on Tarpon Bay Road, turn left on Sanibel-Captiva Road, turn left on Bowman's Beach Road.
  • Restrooms:  are available
  • Parking fee: $2 per hour via an automated parking system.
  • Sanibel Causeway toll: $6 without a SunPass transponder.
Tarpon Bay Road Beach, Sanibel

This beach offers high-quality shelling and sunbathing.
  • Directions:  Take the Sanibel Causeway to the four way stop, turn right on Periwinkle Way, turn left on Tarpon Bay Road and follow it to the end.  Ample space for larger vehicles as well as RVs. 
  • Restrooms:  Water, showers and restrooms.
  • Parking fee: $2 per hour
  • Sanibel Causeway toll: $6 without a SunPass transponder.
Algiers Beach, Sanibel

This beach is nestled against pines and is known for egg castings and other remnants of sea life.
  • Directions:  Take the Sanibel Causeway to the four way stop, turn right on Periwinkle Way, turn left on Casa Ybel Road, turn left on West Gulf Drive, turn left on Algiers Lane.
  • Restrooms:  are available
  • Parking fee: $2 per hour
  • Sanibel Causeway toll: $6 without a SunPass transponder.
Lighthouse Park Beach, Sanibel

A 120 year old lighthouse sits on a wildlife refuge with beach access.  Good for shells.  Swimming is NOT recommended due to strong currents.
  • Directions:  Take the Sanibel Causeway to the four way stop, turn right on Periwinkle Way and follow the road to the end.
  • Restrooms:  are available
  • Parking fee: $2 per hour
  • Sanibel Causeway toll: $6 without a SunPass transponder
Sanibel Causeway Beaches, Fort Myers

These beaches are great for seeing dolphins, fishing, watersports and swimming.
  • Directions:  Located along both sides of the causeway to Sanibel, just before the Sanibel Caauseway toll plaza. 
  • Restrooms:  are available
  • Parking fees:  Free
  • Sanibel Causeway toll: $6 without a SunPass transponder.
Bunche Beach, San Carlos Bay, south Fort Myers

This is a living ecosystem that ranges from a sandy beach to mangrove forests to salt flats and contains a wide variety of Wildlife.
  • Directions: Take Summerlin Road west toward Sanibel, turn left on John Morris Road and follow it to the end.
  • Restrooms:  are available
  • Parking fees:  $2 per hour.  Limited to a small lot.
Bowditch Point Beach, Fort Myers Beach
  • Directions:  Turn right at the foot of the bridge onto Estero Boulevard and follow the road to the end.
  • Parking fees: $2 per hour or park free at the Main Street Park and Ride parking lot (just north of the bridge) and take the trolley, which runs every 15 minutes, 25 cents one way.
Lynn Hall Memorial Park, Fort Myers Beach

This park is at the heart of Times Square on Fort Myers Beach.  It features pier fishing, a playground, an information kiosk, benched, change and soda/vending machines, water fountains, showers and restrooms.
  • Directions:  Take San Carlos Boulevard south and cross Matanzas Pass Bridge onto Fort Myers Beach, turn right at the foot of the bridge onto Estero Boulevard, turn left into parking lot.
  • Restrooms: are available
  • Dining:  Great selection
  • Parking fees:  $2 per hour
Assorted Access Points, Fort Myers Beach, Estero, Bonita Beach
  • Directions:  While driving along Estero Boulevard, look for the colorful fabric signs on the Gulf side of the road denoting beach access points.
  • Parking fess:  $2 via pay stations or meters; limited parking.  Visitors may also park along Old San Carlos Boulevard for $2 an hour.  Parking under the bridge is $1 an hour.
Lovers Key State Park, Fort Myers Beach

Lovers Key State Park is known for sunbathing, shelling and wildlife.
  • Directions:  Take estero Boulevard south and cross Big Carlos Pass onto Black Island.  Look for the sign on the right.
  • Parking fee:  $8 per vehicle with two to eight people; $4 single occupant vehicle; $2 pedestrians, bicyclists and extra passengers.  A free tram is availabe from the parking lot to the south side of the beach.  It runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Little Hickory Island, Bonita Springs

This beach is quiet and off the beaten path.  There are volleyball nets, picnic tables with shelters and restrooms.
  • Directions:  take Estero Boulevard south across Big Hickory Pass to Bonita Beach, turn right on Hickory Boulevard.
  • Restrooms:  are available
  • Parking fee:  $2 per hour
Bonita Beach Park, Bonita Springs

This scenic beachfront park is on the northern tip of Bonita Beach.  There are shelters with tables and grills, a playground and a sand volleyball court.
  • Directions:  Take Bonita Beach Road west to the Gulf where it turns into Hickory Boulevard.  Follow north, park is on the left.
  • Parking fee:  $2 per hour. 
The Mary Neilson Team hopes you find this information helpful.  Please enjoy these beautiful beaches

Call The Mary Neilson Team for all your Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, Estero and Bonita Beach real estate needs.  Foreclosure and short sale experienced. 

Direct:  239-243-5989   Email:  mary@maryneilson.com

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

BIG BOY TOY EXPO LEE COUNTY CIVIC CENTER, FORT MYERS FLORIDA VISIT THE MARY NEILSON TEAM CENTURY 21 BIRCHWOOD REALTY BOOTH 102

Visit The Mary Neilson Team Century 21 Birchwood Realty Booth #102.

MARCH 31st and APRIL 1st 2012   10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.


Call The Mary Neilson Team for all your Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, Estero and Bonita Beach real estate needs.  Foreclosure and short sale experienced. 

Direct:  239-243-5989   Email:  mary@maryneilson.com


BIG BOY TOY EXPO LEE COUNTY CIVIC CENTER, FORT MYERS FLORIDA

MARCH 31st and APRIL 1st 2012   10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

11831 Bayshore Road  Fort Myers

For more info go to; http://www.bigboyshow.com/

Featuring “ New ERA Wrestling, Concealed Carry Classes, Autographs by ”Mike Senica,” Race Car Driver, Top Fuel Dragster with Rodger Tanenbaum, Remote Control Car Races,  Archer Air Boat Rides,  Outdoor Food Vendors with seating,  Kid’s Zone, Great Giveaways and Demonstrations.

Home: Remolding, Repairs, Landscaping, Security,   Green Energy, Kitchens, Baths, Home Decor, Home Theaters, Arcade Games, Hi Tech Products, Travel and More
Plenty for the ladies too. Hot Cars, Bad Trucks, Home Improvement, Yard Improvement, Garage Improvement, Tools, Sports, Fishing, Golf, Recreation, Hobbies, Jewelry, Tattooing, Travel, Finance, Computers, Motorcycles, Custom Bikes, RV's, Scooters, Water Craft and more.... Food and Beverages! Something for everyone.

Stop by and say Hello.

Call or email me for your Cape Coral or Fort Myers real estate needs.
 Direct  239-243-5989  mary@maryneilson.com

Return to Home Page  http://www.mnteam.com/ 

Visit: www.maryneilson.com

 Wheels: New & Classic Cars, Trucks, Scooters, Motorcycles, RVs, Golf Carts, ATVs, Trailers, Audio, Custom Paint, Restoration, Rims, Tires and Accessories

 Boating: New & Used Boats, Jet Skis, Kayaks, Canoes, Paddleboards, The Ski Seat, Fishing Gear, Scuba Gear

 Sports: Flight Training, Sports Memorabilia, Wellness & Fitness Products

FORGIVEN DEBT 1099-C FORECLOSURE SHORT SALE BANKRUPTCY

Gone, but not forgotten: Cancelled debt.

WASHINGTON – March 6, 2012 – Like former lovers who send you friend requests on Facebook, old debts can come back to haunt you.

But while you can ignore old flames, you can’t dismiss past debts, even if your lender forgave them. Debts that were canceled or forgiven are considered taxable income – something many taxpayers don’t realize until they receive a 1099-C tax from their lenders.

During the Great Recession, lenders wrote off billions of dollars of credit card debts deemed uncollectible. Now, the tax bills on that debt are coming due. The IRS estimates that creditors will send taxpayers 6.4 million 1099-C tax forms this year, up from 3.9 million in 2010.

The appearance of an unexpected tax bill “creates a financial nightmare for people who have already been through financial hell,” says Gerri Detweiler, personal finance expert for Credit.com.

Fortunately, if unemployment or other financial calamities forced you to default on your debts, there’s a good chance you won’t have to pay the tax bill. You qualify for an exemption from taxes on forgiven debt if:

You filed for bankruptcy.
Debts discharged in bankruptcy aren’t taxable, says Jennifer MacMillan, an enrolled agent in Santa Barbara, Calif.

If you receive a 1099-C for a debt that was discharged in bankruptcy, fill out IRS Form 982 and file it with your tax return, Detweiler says. Check box 1a, “Discharge of indebtedness in a title 11 case.” (Don’t be confused by the term “title 11” – that’s a reference to the section of the U.S. Code covering bankruptcy, not the type of bankruptcy you filed.) On Line 2, list the amount of debt that was discharged.

You were insolvent. If your debts exceeded your assets when the debt was forgiven, some or all of the debt reported on 1099-C is exempt from taxes. This exclusion is also reported on IRS Form 982. You can use a worksheet in IRS Publication 4681.

Your list of debts should include everything you owed when the debt was forgiven, including debts that aren’t dischargeable in bankruptcy, such as student loans. For assets, estimate the fair market value of everything you owned when the debt was written off.

Even if you’re accustomed to doing your own taxes, it may be worthwhile to consult with a professional tax preparer, Detweiler says.

Erroneous tax forms

Complicating matters, a significant number of 1099-Cs issued to taxpayers contain errors, says IRS Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson. To comply with Treasury regulations, some lenders issue 1099-Cs for debts they haven’t tried to collect in 36 months, even if they haven’t forgiven them, she says. In other cases, taxpayers have received duplicate 1099-Cs for the same debt, she says.

In her 2010 report to Congress, Olson listed inaccurate reporting of canceled debt as one of the most serious problems facing taxpayers. The problem hasn’t gone away, Olson says, and taxpayers continue to face numerous obstacles when they try to challenge an erroneous 1099-C.

Shelley Cartier, 48, of Austin, recently received a 1099-C for a $6,400 credit card debt that was discharged when she filed for bankruptcy in the early 1990s. The debt was so old that the tax form was addressed to Cartier’s former married name and sent to her mother’s house.

When Cartier contacted the financial institution, she was told it was up to her to prove the debt was discharged. That’s a problem, because Cartier discarded her bankruptcy documents after holding on to them for the period required by law.

With help from her bankruptcy lawyer, Cartier was able to track down a service that she hopes will retrieve the court documents for her bankruptcy filing for $35.

“I don’t know how much time I’ve spent trying to clear this up,” she says.

Fixing the problem

The worst thing you can do when you receive a 1099-C is ignore it. When your lender sends you the form, it also sends a copy to the IRS, which will match the document with information on your tax return.

Contact the lender if you believe the information on the tax form is incorrect, MacMillan says. If your lender won’t revise the form, report the amount on the 1099-C on your tax return and make an adjustment to correct the error. Most tax software programs provide a way to explain the discrepancy.

Note that we are not attorneys or tax professionals.  These guilelines are subject to change. Seek appropriate legal and tax advice.

Call The Mary Neilson Team for all your Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, Estero and Bonita Beach real estate needs.  Foreclosure and short sale experienced. 

Direct:  239-243-5989   Email:  mary@maryneilson.com

TIME TO BUY REAL ESTATE CAPE CORAL & FORT MYERS FLORIDA NEW LISTING SAILBOAT GULF ACCESS WATERFRONT

Sailboat Access + 3 Lot Site + Heated Pool = ONE GREAT DEAL at this price! 4 Bedrooms ... 3 Baths ... 2 Car Garage. Updating and cosmetic changes can turn this house into your DREAM HOME! Don't miss out on one of the few available 3 LOT SAILBOAT ACCESS PROPERTIES IN THE YACHT CLUB NEIGHBORHOOD!

Frontview

Pool & Spa

Canal

Dock & Canal

Call The Mary Neilson Team for all your Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, Estero and Bonita Beach real estate needs.  Foreclosure and short sale experienced. 

Direct:  239-243-5989   Email:  mary@maryneilson.com

SHORT SALE HOME BUYER APPROVAL QUESTIONS ANSWERS CAPE CORAL FORT MYERS FLORIDA


SHORT SALE HOME BUYER APPROVAL CAPE CORAL FORT MYERS FLORIDA

Many people in the market today are first-time home buyers who would not have been able to buy when home prices were higher. Enticed both by lower prices and bank promotions, these eager hopefuls are have taken the signs of deals as the best chance to make their first real estate move .



While all home buyers need help with the short sale process, it’s especially challenging to address the needs and concerns of a first-time home buyer who has decided a short sale is the home for them. Here’s how to get answers to first-time home buyers’ top three questions about short sales.

1. How long does it take for a bank to approve a short sale?

This is the million-dollar question. While it takes an average of three to six months, the timeline – and the process – vary quite a bit from one bank to another.

Short sale approval timelines depend on the bank (some just take longer than others). While each bank has different short sale guidelines, the short sale has to make sense to the bank. The more sense the short sale offer makes to the bank, the faster the approval process.

Here are some things that slow down the process by several weeks or more – these usually involve more people or more factors:

Multiple liens on the property

A third party negotiating the short sale on behalf of a seller. Some states allow third parties to do this, for a fee; some states, like Virginia, limit this to real estate licensees, attorneys, and employees of attorneys.

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) on the property

Additional investors

Action: To make an accurate prediction about the short sale timeline for a particular property, research the bank’s general timelines, the property’s liens, and whether there is PMI before writing the offer.

2. Will the bank make repairs to the property?

The short answer is, probably not.
Here’s why:
The bank does not have possession of the property and has no authority to make repairs on behalf of the seller.

Many short-sale sellers do not have the financial means to make repairs.

Many banks require the short sale to be sold strictly “as-is” and do not allow the seller to pay for any repairs.

Why wouldn’t a bank allow the seller to make repairs? your buyer may ask. A short sale is a sticky situation for a bank, and that the bank wants to avoid potential liability. For example, if the bank allowed the seller to make repairs and the repairs proved to be faulty, the buyer might potentially hold the bank liable, since the seller doesn’t have money (which is how the short-sale situation came about in the first place).

Action: Find out how the bank and the seller feel about making possible repairs. A short-sale buyer needs to understand that the home will most likely be sold strictly “as-is” and all repairs will be at their expense.

3. How do other types of debt affect the short sale outcome?

Many short-sale sellers are more than just “house-poor.” Many have additional debts that place a cloud on title. These include tax liens – income and property, medical liens, mechanic’s liens, and child support judgments.
Depending on your state, some creditors can try to collect debt by going to civil court and getting a judgment lien placed on the property against the homeowner. These liens must be cleared before the short sale transaction can be closed.

Surprisingly, tax liens are probably the easiest to clear off the title. The IRS has several avenues to collect back taxes, and doesn’t want to become a real estate holding company. Removing a tax lien can take up to 120 days, so it is imperative that this process is started well in advance of the short sale.

Medical liens can usually be negotiated and a payment plan worked out. However, this is a time-consuming process and needs to be started as soon as possible.

Mechanic’s liens are a little harder to get removed. There is not much recourse for tradespeople and bad debts.

Child support judgments are also difficult to remove because they usually involve government agencies.

In short, additional debts can tie up the short sale process.

Action: Make sure to ask the listing agent if a preliminary title search has been performed on the property so you can advise your buyer about possible obstacles.

The more information you can offer your first-time home buyer, the more confident they can be about the transaction. The more confident they are about the transaction, the more likely they will see the transaction through to the closing table.

Call The Mary Neilson Team for all your Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, Estero and Bonita Beach real estate needs. Foreclosure and short sale experienced.



Direct: 239-243-5989 Email: mary@maryneilson.com