Real Estate Mortgages: Buyer Beware

The real estate market has been charging back from the Recession of 2008. Real property values have increased and with the economy continuing to improve, those considering purchasing new homes have begun to do so and take advantage of continued, historically low mortgage interest rates.

Whenever a contract of sale is signed by a purchaser, care should be taken with regard to the mortgage financing contingency. Not only does the purchaser have to determine the amount of the mortgage loan she or he will require, but they should also be concerned that the property will support the mortgage loan. This is determined when the lender, following the filing of a mortgage application, orders and obtains an appraisal of the real estate. Lately, it is not uncommon to see buyers who fail to qualify for their mortgage loan as a result of a real estate appraisal that was below the agreed-upon purchase price.

To minimize disputes over the termination of the contract of sale due to the failure to obtain a mortgage commitment, we advise our clients to attempt to negotiate with the seller additional contingency language as it pertains to the mortgage loan. The contingency language would protect the purchaser should the property appraisal amount be lower than the purchase price.

By Karen Mason | Published August 1, 2014 | Posted in Uncategorized

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Ed Schmierer honored with the David McAlphin Humanitarian Award
Edwin W. Schmierer, Esq moderates Affordable Housing Panel

On June 23, 2022, Mason, Griffin & Pierson, PC, Director, Edwin W. Schmierer, Esq., moderated a panel discussion presented by Affordable Housing Professionals of New Jersey (AHPNJ) concerning the status of affordable housing delivery for the Third Round and preparation for the Fourth Round which commences July 1, 2025. Mr. Schmierer is the President of AHPNJ. The panelists included a representative from the Fair Share Housing Center, former Executive Director of the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, the Chief of Multifamily Program for NJHMFA and a professional planner who has served as a Special Court Master in 40 plus municipalities for the implementation of Third Round Affordable Housing Plans. Mr. Schmierer chairs the firm's Government Practice Group which represents over 30 municipal governing bodies, land use board and affordable housing committees throughout the State of New Jersey.

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