To access the new Handbook for MHA, inclusive of HAMP and HAFA, click here.

This Handbook is the rules for banks / servicers to modify mortgages, so pay careful attention to detail and make sure that they comply.

Check with the Office of Foreign Assets Control at the US Treasury before you help your client buy.

To use the Office's search features by person and country, click Resources on the page and find the feature that fits your need.

Remember, The Office of Foreign Assets Control administers and enforces economic sanctions programs primarily against countries and groups of individuals, such as terrorists and narcotics traffickers. The sanctions can be either comprehensive or selective, using the blocking of assets and trade restrictions to accomplish foreign policy and national security goals.

So, its important to check the Office's Resources frequently as sanctions change and you need to know what the rules are today when working in real estate brokerage.

Today we are teaching our course, Foreign Buyers, in NYC. Our students will begin to understand the implications of alienage in terms of real estate. We will also discuss the different rules for passive investments v. active investments. Real estate can be held in both fashions and its imperative to understand whether a 30% flat tax will apply on Gross Revenues or if instead a graduated tax will apply to Net Revenues. To help our students understand this topic further, we recommend reading U.S. TAXATION 
OF FOREIGN NATIONALS.