All Forum Posts by: Marvin Anaya

Hello BPers!

I purchased a property from Fannie Mae via FHA financing in April near Chicago. The property is in unincorporated Cook County. After purchasing the property, I received a violation in the mail from Building and Zoning saying that a permit was never issued for the conversion of this property. I even spoke with Building and Zoning and they said this is a single family and no permits have ever been issued to convert it. They also said DO NOT RENT IT until you apply for a Special Use Permit (which takes 5 months to receive). This property was a single-family home and I believe it was converted about 10 years ago.

Now, how is it possible that Fannie Mae listed this property as a multi-family with 2 units on the MLS ? Taxes show it as multi-unit. The appraisal shows it as a 2 flat. I received FHA financing using the income from one of the units - otherwise I would not have been approved.

I am due in court at the end of June for this violation. Any advice or help is MUUCH appreciated.. this is scary to me as a first time buyer.

Marvin

If you decide to sell, I can reccrecommend an excellent agent. My parents had to sell their house and got stuck for 6 months with a nad agent an little showings. They listed it a second time with my recommended agent and got an offer on it in 1 week and closed in 40 days.

 Hi Brie, thank you for the attorney referral. I don't see a zoning certificate in my closing documents. The Cook County Assesor's website shows it as class 2-11 since 2008, and it shows it as zone R5 / RM5. 

What I think happened was that in November of last year, Fannie Mae was doing some interior work (new carpets, paint, etc) but never got a permit to do so, and maybe the zoning inspector thought it was being converted ?? 

Hello BPers!  Can anyone please recommend a Building and Zoning Attorney??

I closed on a 2 flat in Chicago last month. This used to be a single family home and the previous owner converted it into a two-flat. As the story goes, I received a letter from Cook County (A.k.a CrooK County) saying there is a violation against the property. 

Violation date: Nov. 12th, 2014 - Violation code: B5.3-1A - Violation description - The owner is doing interior remodel, making a single family residence into a multi-family unit.

Here's the kicker - this was an REO FANNIE MAE owned property. I purchased through FHA financing, and I used the rental income of the 2nd unit in order to qualify. The home was listed as a multi-unit apartment building, and the zoning does allow such units here. I am due in COURT in June for this violation... ANY help is much appreciated!! THANK YOU!

 I manage programs across the US, not just Chicago. If you're interested in finding out if there is a rebate program in your area you can send me a quick message. Also, if anyone has questions about LEDs or any other lamps in general I've got a lot of information at my disposal.

Marvin

Hello everyone!

I actually work for GE Lighting here in Chicago and manage utility rebate programs. If anyone has any specific questions on LEDs or otherwise, feel free to message me/connect, I'd be glad to help.

Marvin

Hi Trassa,

I believe a money order should work because it is certified funds. Your real estate agent should have that answer for you. Hope this helps and good luck~!

Marvin

Welcome Tony!!

You'll find a ton of very helpful posts, people, and ideas on the forums (and podcasts).

Marvin

 Thank you so much Brie! I will use this one. Greatly appreciated!

 Thank you for the help Eric, I will be sure to read the RLTO until I memorize it. The more I know, the more I can protect myself from being sued. I'll have to call American Legal and see if they have something for unincorporated Chicago. I think I will take your advice and charge a one-time move-in fee. Are there any regulations or rules as to how to calculate the move in fee?