Category Archives: Pound Ridge

Largest House in America for Sale, But Unfinished | Pound Ridge NY Real Estate

America’s largest house, at 90,000 square feet, is up for sale for $65 million in Windermere, Fla., but the home is only about 60 percent complete. The residence was originally listed last year for $75 million and recently has been reduced to $65 million.

The home’s owner, David Siegel — the founder of Westgate Resorts — had stopped construction three years ago on the home after the financial crisis dampened his time-share business. 

Bank of America, which holds the mortgage, reportedly has threatened to foreclose on the home. Siegel has invested $50 million in the home so far and vows to finish it.

The lakefront palace was nicknamed “Versailles,” after the lavish estate in France built by King Louis XIV in the 1600s, by Siegel and his wife. Siegel’s supersized home features 22 baths, 10 kitchens, and 13 bedrooms. Some of the extras: A bowling alley, a 20-car underground garage, a video arcade and roller-skating rink, and a stained-glass dome that took several years to construct. 

“Our house is like a convention center compared to the other houses here,” says Siegel.

Pound Ridge Realtor | FHA Clarifies New ‘Credit Dispute’ Rule

The Federal Housing Administration is giving borrowers a chance to provide an explanation on any disputed collection accounts in their history in order to qualify for an FHA-backed mortgage. The new FHA rule took effect April 1 and had some in the real estate community concerned that it would shut more buyers out of qualifying for mortgages. 

According to the FHA’s new rule, borrowers with any credit disputes of more than $1,000 on their file will not be able to get a government-backed loan. Borrowers will either have to pay the remaining balance of the credit amount or show proof of entering into a payment plan for it. 

The FHA is easing those restrictions somewhat, according to new instructions it provided to lenders, HousingWire reports. Borrowers will be exempt from the new rule if the credit amount is from a “life event.” This might include a medical bill, death, divorce, or unemployment, HousingWire reports. 

“The borrower may provide a written explanation and documentation as it applies to all types of disputed and collections accounts if it makes sense, and is consistent with other credit information in the file,” according to instructions provided to lenders.

Also starting on April 1, the FHA raised its insurance premiums, citing it as another effort to try to rebuild its emergency fund, which has fallen below the mandated amount Congress requires.