In recent years, interest-only loans earned a reputation as products that contributed to market volatility and the mortgage crisis of 2008.  These days, however, they are becoming more well regarded by economists as lenders began requiring of customers a higher than...

The recent dip in home heating oil prices resulting from the slowing global economy is expected to benefit borrowers.  Long term T-bills also decline under such circumstances and are a bellwether for the mortgage industry, suggesting tentative buyers reexamine their...

Wednesday’s seminar featuring real estate developer Dave Guthrie, marketing and sales consultant Tom Skahen and Princeton Properties legal counsel Jeff Brown was well received by attendees.  The audience of 65 people filled the room and consisted of real estate...

In light of the Canadian Express now arriving in the region, the Perkins & Anctil Real Estate Team would like to offer suggestions to buyers for properties in any of the locations listed in the attached article from the Huffington Post.  We were surprised to see...

With increasing instability in the jumbo mortgage market, experts are recommending quick action.  The Fed has suggested jumbo rates will go up in 2015 but as of yet, they remain near their lowest in years, prompting the Wall Street Journal to post an article with...

The building at 99-105 Broad Street now houses upscale condominiums but has served a number of other purposes since its construction c. 1857.  Built for William H. Boardman, a third generation Boston merchant, to house merchandise acquired in overseas trade, the rare...

Perkins & Anctil is hosting a seminar for those interested in learning about alternative development and community association choices that are becoming more readily available in our region.  Concepts such as seasonal neighborhoods and active adult communities,...

Congress has approved an extension of the Act that, among other things, allows those going through foreclosure or a short sale of real estate to avoid paying federal income tax on forgiven debt.  This is expected to have a stabilizing effect on the housing market. ...

Senior Partner Charlie Perkins forwards the article below and reiterates CAI’s concern over FHFA actions protecting Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and against community associations: GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) released a statement...

For those who already have a mortgage with a low interest rate, it is good news that the economy continues its recovery, although the strides in value and rising interest rates expected to mark the coming year may prevent some from considering a home purchase...

Estimates of more than 500,000 drones filling U.S. skies alone have made some associations consider whether it is time to take action-either limiting the use of drones (remote control unmanned aerial vehicles) or banning them altogether.  Commercial versions are still...

Forwarded by Senior Partner Charlie Perkins from Community Associations Institute Government Affairs: The 113th Congress has adjourned without extending the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA). While legal authority for the TRIA program expires on December 31, 2014,...

Those serving in our armed forces had been subject to Congressional protection from foreclosure for a period of one year, a statue that was set to expire in December, 2014.  As of last Friday, they now enjoy an additional 13 months of protection under the Foreclosure...

Long Sought For Pond in the north part of town has long been a summer gathering place for local residents as well as out-of-towners.  Summer cabins have existed on the lake for over a century but none were organized as a community association until recently.  Built...

The U.S House of Representative has agreed not to consider mortgage forgiveness as income in connection with a short sale.  This is an extension of the Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Act of 2014 and provides a measure of protection to those owners able to complete a short...

A dog may be one man’s best friend, but to many condominium associations a dog can be a hassle, a nuisance or even a liability.  This is true not just for canines, of course, but for all sorts of furry friends. For this reason, many condominium documents incorporate...

This month’s edition of Condo Media has on its cover an image that promotes discourse among community association members.  The article, entitled “Words of Wisdom: Industry Veterans Share Their Best advice”, contains a response by Charlie Perkins who suggests...

We have posted in the past about ways for first time buyers to make the buying process a bit smoother.  These have included managing expenses prior to the purchase, obtaining professional assistance during the transaction, and how to choose a lender.   Attorney Rick...

Real estate developer and P&A Client SPL Development Group, LLC has nearly finished the build-out on its project in Salisbury, MA called The Village at Salisbury Square.  With 27 units sold as of December 8, only four remain in the pocket style neighborhood.  As a...

After implementing borrower requirements for near-perfect credit scores and other stringent measures, some major lenders are reversing course.  This is due to Fannie Mae (Federal National Mortgage Association) and Freddie Mac (Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation)...