Regardless of where you stand on energy use, climate change, alternative energy, or similar matters, the cap and trade bill that squeaked by in the House is set to ruin our livelihoods if it passes the Senate. It must be stopped.
There are provisions in this behemoth bill (over 1,300 pages, looking more like an almanac than a piece of sensible legislation) that apply to Freddie and Fannie and create green banking centers that undoubtedly will impact our businesses.
But here's three to chew on:
(1) federalization of the residential building codes, based on conformance to those currently in place in California - regardless of regional differences, consumer preferences, and States' rights;
(2) all new buildings must have electrical capabilities to allow for electric cars to to be recharged;
(3) before any home in America can be sold or resold, a federal inspection must be conducted on the energy efficiency of that home (including doors, windows, etc.) and a federal rating assigned to it - not sure who pays for this, but presumably it's the seller.
There are so many more onerous provisions to this bill. It must be stopped. It only passed the House 219-212, with 8 Republicans voting for it (the difference in passage right there). It faces opposition in the Senate, but that's not good enough. We must all voice our disapproval - if just for the 3 reasons I mentioned above.
The real estate business as we know it is at risk.
───
For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. You can also listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Making Home Affordable Website Answers Consumer Questions
Uncle Sam gets an A+ for the new website released last week to promote the details of President Obama's Making Home Affordable Program. Now it is very easy to see if you qualify for the programs just by going to the website at www.MakingHomeAffordable.gov and exploring the handy interactive self-assessment tools, calculators, and lists of helpful resources.
On March 19, 2009, the .U.S Department of the Treasury and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) launched the new website two weeks after releasing guidelines to lenders on March 4. Representatives from the Treasury, Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and an interagency task force met with mortgage loan services, investors, nonprofit housing counselors, and representatives of borrower advocacy groups to prepare them to implement the program. Lenders have been scurrying to train their personnel, update their websites, and reach out to potential applicants.
The website prominently notes that the program is free to participants. As noted right here in this blog, foreclosure scams are big business these days. There is no need to pay any money to anyone to see if you qualify and get help. If you don't qualify, the website points you to free resources to help you find alternatives. (Remember, none of those resources advertise on telephone poles or on infomercials at 4 am.)
The Making Home Affordable program aims to help two groups of homeowners who are making a good faith effort to stay in their homes:
Borrowers who want to refinance but are unable to because the value of their home has fallen.
Borrowers who cannot make their mortgage payments because their interest rate has increased or their income has fallen.
When homeowners come to the user-friendly site, they choose which program they are applying for, answer a few simple questions, and immediately receive an answer as to whether they may qualify. The criteria are the same for all.
Those who qualify are directed to their lender or mortgage servicer and provided with a checklist of documents they will need when they call the lender. Those who do not meet program qualifications are urged to contact their mortgage servicer or a HUD-approved counselor.
In the near future, the site will include a list of lenders who are participating in the program. For now, it contains a mortage calculator to determine what the new payment could be at 31% of their come and many helpful multi-media tools to encourage homeowners to take a look at the program whch is expected to help nine million homeowners.
WELCOME TO STERLING! PLEASE JOIN MYSELF AND MY FELLOW REALTORS THIS SUNDAY 5/31/09 at our OPEN HOUSES! EACH PROPERTY IS REPRESENTED BY ITS DESIGNATED AGENT/AGENCY.
LIST OFFICE : EVERGREEN REALTY
(978)422-8181 x14 JIM ABRAHAM
Sterling MA • 145 Rowley Hill Rd • $155,000 • 70917293
Lovely Duplex Offers Tranquil Country Living On An Acre And One Half Of Privacy. Delightful Oak Cabinet Kitchen Open To Spacious Breakfast Nook. Comfortable Living Room With New Windows And Wood Floors Throughout. Two Large Bedrooms And Bath Complete The Upstairs. Walkout Basement With Full Size Win...
LIST OFFICE: REMAX ADVANTAGE (508)523-2676 ANN MARIE BELAIR
Gorgeous New ,birch Kitchen With Island. This Unit Has Been Updated With New Bath, New Hot Water Heater, New Boiler, New Roof, New Carpet In 2001.walk Out Lower Level Has Many Windows And Slider To Private Back Yard. This Unit Sits In A Pine Grove For Ultimate Privacy. There Are 60 Units Nestled On...
LIST OFFICE: BERGERON REALTY ASSOCIATES
Gail Bergeron: (978)422-7804
Sterling MA • 16 Riverview Rd • $237,000 • 70871637
Private End Unit With Attached Garage & First-floor Laundry/pantry Area. First Level Features: Open Concept, Large Dining Area, Front-to-back Living Room, Cathedral Ceiling, Skylights, Glass Slider To Pressure-treated Sun Deck And Fireplace. Second Level: Balcony Overlooking Living Room, King-size...
LIST OFFICE: KELLER WILLIAMS
Marsha Bodine: (978) 660-7388
Sterling MA • 9D Patriot's Way • $265,000 • 70859174
First Time Homebuyers! Take Advantage Of Tax Credits! Don't Miss Out! Spectacular Young Resale At Chocksett Crossing In Sterling. Sought After "walk Out" Unit With 3 Floors Of Living Space. Pristine Condition! Two Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, Hardwoods On 1st Floor,gorgeous Granite In Kitchen W/maple Cabine...
WELCOME TO STERLING! PLEASE JOIN MYSELF AND MY FELLOW REALTORS THIS SUNDAY 5/31/09 at our OPEN HOUSES! EACH PROPERTY IS REPRESENTED BY ITS DESIGNATED AGENT/AGENCY.
LIST OFFICE : EVERGREEN REALTY
(978)422-8181 x14 JIM ABRAHAM
Sterling MA • 145 Rowley Hill Rd • $155,000 • 70917293
Lovely Duplex Offers Tranquil Country Living On An Acre And One Half Of Privacy. Delightful Oak Cabinet Kitchen Open To Spacious Breakfast Nook. Comfortable Living Room With New Windows And Wood Floors Throughout. Two Large Bedrooms And Bath Complete The Upstairs. Walkout Basement With Full Size Win...
LIST OFFICE: REMAX ADVANTAGE (508)523-2676 ANN MARIE BELAIR
Gorgeous New ,birch Kitchen With Island. This Unit Has Been Updated With New Bath, New Hot Water Heater, New Boiler, New Roof, New Carpet In 2001.walk Out Lower Level Has Many Windows And Slider To Private Back Yard. This Unit Sits In A Pine Grove For Ultimate Privacy. There Are 60 Units Nestled On...
LIST OFFICE: BERGERON REALTY ASSOCIATES
Gail Bergeron: (978)422-7804
Sterling MA • 16 Riverview Rd • $237,000 • 70871637
Private End Unit With Attached Garage & First-floor Laundry/pantry Area. First Level Features: Open Concept, Large Dining Area, Front-to-back Living Room, Cathedral Ceiling, Skylights, Glass Slider To Pressure-treated Sun Deck And Fireplace. Second Level: Balcony Overlooking Living Room, King-size...
LIST OFFICE: KELLER WILLIAMS
Marsha Bodine: (978) 660-7388
Sterling MA • 9D Patriot's Way • $265,000 • 70859174
First Time Homebuyers! Take Advantage Of Tax Credits! Don't Miss Out! Spectacular Young Resale At Chocksett Crossing In Sterling. Sought After "walk Out" Unit With 3 Floors Of Living Space. Pristine Condition! Two Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, Hardwoods On 1st Floor,gorgeous Granite In Kitchen W/maple Cabine...
NICEST townhouse available at StillWater Meadows. Pool, Tennis
Courts, & Pet friendly
2BR/2.5BA Townhouse
offered at $225,000
Year Built
1988
Sq Footage
1,223
Bedrooms
2
Bathrooms
2 full, 1 partial
Floors
3
Parking
1 Car garage
Lot Size
Unspecified
HOA/Maint
$239 per month
DESCRIPTION
Nicest unit available! Youll love the open concept floor plan, hardwd flooring,fireplace, NEW ceilings w/recessed lighting, granite countertops,2.5 baths, interior designer colors, basket weave berber &fully finished basement. Master has vaulted ceilings, sky light, walk in closet&master bath. Lrge 2nd bdrm has double closets& full hallway bath! Finished basement has large family room and additional room w/full size closet! Dont forget the garage,deck, pool & tennis
NICEST townhouse available at StillWater Meadows. Pool, Tennis
Courts, & Pet friendly
2BR/2.5BA Townhouse
offered at $225,000
Year Built
1988
Sq Footage
1,223
Bedrooms
2
Bathrooms
2 full, 1 partial
Floors
3
Parking
1 Car garage
Lot Size
Unspecified
HOA/Maint
$239 per month
DESCRIPTION
Nicest unit available! Youll love the open concept floor plan, hardwd flooring,fireplace, NEW ceilings w/recessed lighting, granite countertops,2.5 baths, interior designer colors, basket weave berber &fully finished basement. Master has vaulted ceilings, sky light, walk in closet&master bath. Lrge 2nd bdrm has double closets& full hallway bath! Finished basement has large family room and additional room w/full size closet! Dont forget the garage,deck, pool & tennis
PRICE RIGHT! 5 lot subdivision on 3.05 acres of Beautiful wooded land w/ VIEWS. All lots are .50-.60 acre lots. Subdivision is located off a small dead end street within a two minute walk to center of town and 2 miles from Sterling public lake. Sterling boasts great schools, rural country setting, great highway access w/its central location, apple orchards, world famous Davis Farmland, 10 minutes to Wachusett Mountain and much more! Road costs available upon request
Showing: Facilitator: Call List Agent, Call MA-Pass at 508-389-1780, Other (See Rmk)
Facilitator Comp: 2.0
Showing: Buyer-Agent: Call List Agent
Buyer-Agent Comp: 2.0
Firm Remarks: Existing home to be raised
Show Instructions: email annmariebelair@comcast.net for land documents.sign & go MA PASS
Directions: Rte 12 North,In the center take Left onto Newel Hill,Left onto Goulding.
Exterior
Acres:
3.05
Cable Available:
Unknown
Electrical:
Underground
Gas:
None
Improvements:
Other (See Remarks)
Land Description:
Wooded
Lot Size:
132,858
Lots:
5
Water:
Public, At Street
Perc Test:
Unknown
Road Type:
Public
Sewer:
Private
Tax
Assessed Price:
$230,000
Documents in Hand:
Legal Description, Perc Test, Septic Design, Subdivision Approval
Taxes:
$1,362
Tax Year:
2008
Book/Page:
4970/341
Homeowner's Assoc.:
No
Homeowners Assoc. Required:
No
Zone Usage:
Single Family
Schools
Grade School:
Houghton
Middle School:
Chocksett
High School:
Choice
Beach
Beach:
Yes
Miles to Beach:
1 to 2 Mile
Additional
Amenities:
Park
Disclosure:
Existing house needs to be removed. DO NOT ENTER HOME
Photos
The information in this listing was gathered from a third party source including the seller and public records. Rls2000 and its subscribers disclaim any and all representations or warranties as to the accuracy of this information.
DEAL # 2 REHAB OR TEAR DOWN!!!!!! IN STERLING UNDER $40K!
Ann Marie Belair- REALTOR® RE/MAX Advantage I 179 Shrewsbury St • Worcester, MA 01604 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
MOTIVATED SELLER for this lot with Small cottage .Lot is grandfathered to REBUILD 1 one bedroom home. New Septic Treatment facility already being installed, roads being paved by spring..up and coming area! Do not enter home..not safe..tear down only.
Show Instructions: DO NOT ENTER PROPERTY...TEAR DOWN..VIEW FROM OUTSIDE ONLY
Directions: rte 12 to gates rd L onto Chestnut L at end to Trinity
Exterior
Acres:
0.08
Cable Available:
Yes
Electrical:
On-Site
Gas:
None
Improvements:
Storm Drains, Fence
Land Description:
Other (See Remarks)
Lot Size:
3,496
Lots:
1
Water:
Public
Perc Test:
No
Road Type:
Private, Paved
Sewer:
Private
Tax
Assessed Price:
$47,800
Taxes:
$603
Tax Year:
2008
Book/Page:
40363/188
Homeowner's Assoc.:
Yes
Homeowners Assoc. Required:
Yes
Homeowner's Assoc. Fee:
$200
Zone Usage:
Single Family, Other (See Remarks)
Schools
Grade School:
houghton
Middle School:
chocksett
High School:
choice
Beach
Beach:
Yes
Miles to Beach:
0 to 1/10 Mile
Beach Description:
Lake/Pond
Beach Ownership:
Private, Public, Association
Additional
Amenities:
Walk/Jog Trails
Disclosure:
TEAR DOWN/CAN REBUILD SAME SQUARE FOOTAGE/1 bedroom only
Photos
The information in this listing was gathered from a third party source including the seller and public records. Rls2000 and its subscribers disclaim any and all representations or warranties as to the accuracy of this information.
DEAL #3 REHAB OR TEAR DOWN! STERLING UNDER $40K!
Ann Marie Belair- REALTOR® RE/MAX Advantage I 179 Shrewsbury St • Worcester, MA 01604 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Lot with petite cottage..could be torn down or TOTAL rehab. Lot is grandfathered to rebuild the current square footage/ 2 bedroom home. Connected to new sewerage treatment system...roads being newly paved...up and coming area! Buyer to do all due diligence....
Showing: Facilitator: Call MA-Pass at 508-389-1780
Facilitator Comp: 500
Showing: Buyer-Agent:
Buyer-Agent Comp: 1500
Show Instructions: Tear down-careful entering property-BUYERS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AGENT AT ALL TIMES.
Directions: Rte 12 to gates to Chestnut to Laurel
Exterior
Acres:
0.10
Cable Available:
Yes
Electrical:
On-Site
Gas:
None
Land Description:
Level, Other (See Remarks)
Lot Size:
4,456
Lots:
1
Water:
Public
Perc Test:
No
Road Type:
Private, Paved
Sewer:
Private
Tax
Assessed Price:
$52,800
Documents in Hand:
Recorded Plat
Taxes:
$667
Tax Year:
2008
Book/Page:
40363/188
Homeowner's Assoc.:
Yes
Homeowners Assoc. Required:
Yes
Homeowner's Assoc. Fee:
$200
Zone Usage:
Single Family
Schools
Grade School:
houghton
Middle School:
chocksett
High School:
choice
Beach
Beach:
Yes
Miles to Beach:
1/2 to 1 Mile
Beach Description:
Lake/Pond
Beach Ownership:
Private, Public, Association
Additional
Disclosure:
AS IS WHERE IS
Photos
The information in this listing was gathered from a third party source including the seller and public records. Rls2000 and its subscribers disclaim any and all representations or warranties as to the accuracy of this information.
MANY MORE DEALS IN ALL SURROUNDING TOWNS! CALL ME ...OR VISIT MY WEBSITE TO VIEW
PRICE RIGHT! 5 lot subdivision on 3.05 acres of Beautiful wooded land w/ VIEWS. All lots are .50-.60 acre lots. Subdivision is located off a small dead end street within a two minute walk to center of town and 2 miles from Sterling public lake. Sterling boasts great schools, rural country setting, great highway access w/its central location, apple orchards, world famous Davis Farmland, 10 minutes to Wachusett Mountain and much more! Road costs available upon request
Showing: Facilitator: Call List Agent, Call MA-Pass at 508-389-1780, Other (See Rmk)
Facilitator Comp: 2.0
Showing: Buyer-Agent: Call List Agent
Buyer-Agent Comp: 2.0
Firm Remarks: Existing home to be raised
Show Instructions: email annmariebelair@comcast.net for land documents.sign & go MA PASS
Directions: Rte 12 North,In the center take Left onto Newel Hill,Left onto Goulding.
Exterior
Acres:
3.05
Cable Available:
Unknown
Electrical:
Underground
Gas:
None
Improvements:
Other (See Remarks)
Land Description:
Wooded
Lot Size:
132,858
Lots:
5
Water:
Public, At Street
Perc Test:
Unknown
Road Type:
Public
Sewer:
Private
Tax
Assessed Price:
$230,000
Documents in Hand:
Legal Description, Perc Test, Septic Design, Subdivision Approval
Taxes:
$1,362
Tax Year:
2008
Book/Page:
4970/341
Homeowner's Assoc.:
No
Homeowners Assoc. Required:
No
Zone Usage:
Single Family
Schools
Grade School:
Houghton
Middle School:
Chocksett
High School:
Choice
Beach
Beach:
Yes
Miles to Beach:
1 to 2 Mile
Additional
Amenities:
Park
Disclosure:
Existing house needs to be removed. DO NOT ENTER HOME
Photos
The information in this listing was gathered from a third party source including the seller and public records. Rls2000 and its subscribers disclaim any and all representations or warranties as to the accuracy of this information.
DEAL # 2 REHAB OR TEAR DOWN!!!!!! IN STERLING UNDER $40K!
Ann Marie Belair- REALTOR® RE/MAX Advantage I 179 Shrewsbury St • Worcester, MA 01604 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
MOTIVATED SELLER for this lot with Small cottage .Lot is grandfathered to REBUILD 1 one bedroom home. New Septic Treatment facility already being installed, roads being paved by spring..up and coming area! Do not enter home..not safe..tear down only.
Show Instructions: DO NOT ENTER PROPERTY...TEAR DOWN..VIEW FROM OUTSIDE ONLY
Directions: rte 12 to gates rd L onto Chestnut L at end to Trinity
Exterior
Acres:
0.08
Cable Available:
Yes
Electrical:
On-Site
Gas:
None
Improvements:
Storm Drains, Fence
Land Description:
Other (See Remarks)
Lot Size:
3,496
Lots:
1
Water:
Public
Perc Test:
No
Road Type:
Private, Paved
Sewer:
Private
Tax
Assessed Price:
$47,800
Taxes:
$603
Tax Year:
2008
Book/Page:
40363/188
Homeowner's Assoc.:
Yes
Homeowners Assoc. Required:
Yes
Homeowner's Assoc. Fee:
$200
Zone Usage:
Single Family, Other (See Remarks)
Schools
Grade School:
houghton
Middle School:
chocksett
High School:
choice
Beach
Beach:
Yes
Miles to Beach:
0 to 1/10 Mile
Beach Description:
Lake/Pond
Beach Ownership:
Private, Public, Association
Additional
Amenities:
Walk/Jog Trails
Disclosure:
TEAR DOWN/CAN REBUILD SAME SQUARE FOOTAGE/1 bedroom only
Photos
The information in this listing was gathered from a third party source including the seller and public records. Rls2000 and its subscribers disclaim any and all representations or warranties as to the accuracy of this information.
DEAL #3 REHAB OR TEAR DOWN! STERLING UNDER $40K!
Ann Marie Belair- REALTOR® RE/MAX Advantage I 179 Shrewsbury St • Worcester, MA 01604 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Lot with petite cottage..could be torn down or TOTAL rehab. Lot is grandfathered to rebuild the current square footage/ 2 bedroom home. Connected to new sewerage treatment system...roads being newly paved...up and coming area! Buyer to do all due diligence....
Showing: Facilitator: Call MA-Pass at 508-389-1780
Facilitator Comp: 500
Showing: Buyer-Agent:
Buyer-Agent Comp: 1500
Show Instructions: Tear down-careful entering property-BUYERS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AGENT AT ALL TIMES.
Directions: Rte 12 to gates to Chestnut to Laurel
Exterior
Acres:
0.10
Cable Available:
Yes
Electrical:
On-Site
Gas:
None
Land Description:
Level, Other (See Remarks)
Lot Size:
4,456
Lots:
1
Water:
Public
Perc Test:
No
Road Type:
Private, Paved
Sewer:
Private
Tax
Assessed Price:
$52,800
Documents in Hand:
Recorded Plat
Taxes:
$667
Tax Year:
2008
Book/Page:
40363/188
Homeowner's Assoc.:
Yes
Homeowners Assoc. Required:
Yes
Homeowner's Assoc. Fee:
$200
Zone Usage:
Single Family
Schools
Grade School:
houghton
Middle School:
chocksett
High School:
choice
Beach
Beach:
Yes
Miles to Beach:
1/2 to 1 Mile
Beach Description:
Lake/Pond
Beach Ownership:
Private, Public, Association
Additional
Disclosure:
AS IS WHERE IS
Photos
The information in this listing was gathered from a third party source including the seller and public records. Rls2000 and its subscribers disclaim any and all representations or warranties as to the accuracy of this information.
MANY MORE DEALS IN ALL SURROUNDING TOWNS! CALL ME ...OR VISIT MY WEBSITE TO VIEW
Lot with petite cottage..could be torn down or TOTAL rehab. Lot is grandfathered to rebuild the current square footage, 2 bedroom home. Connected to new sewerage treatment system...roads being newly paved...up and coming area! Buyer to do all due diligence....
Agent Information
Listing Office: RE/MAX Associates 50 Leominster Road, Sterling, MA 01564
Office Phone: (978) 422-8100
Listing Agent: Ann Marie Belair
Direct: (508) 523-2676
Email:
Original List Price: $39,000
Listed Date: 4/10/2009
DOM: 6
Web Hits: 169
Entry Only: No
Agreement Type: Exclusive Right to Sell
Showing: Sub-Agent:
Sub-Agent Comp: Not Offered
Showing: Facilitator:
Facilitator Comp: 500
Showing: Buyer-Agent: Call MA-Pass at 508-389-1780
Buyer-Agent Comp: 1500
Show Instructions: Tear down-careful entering property-BUYERS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AGENT AT ALL TIMES.
Directions: Rte 12 to gates to Chestnut to Laurel
Interior
Basement:
No
Cooling:
None
Cooling Zones:
0
Heating:
Gas, None
Heating Zones:
1
Fire Places:
0
Lead Paint:
Unknown
Insulation Features:
Unknown
UFFI:
Unknown
Exterior
Acres:
0.10
Lot Size:
4,456
Lot Description:
Other (See Remarks)
Foundation:
Other (See Remarks)
Foundation Size:
irreg
Garage Spaces:
0
Parking Spaces:
2
Road Type:
Private, Paved
Color:
yellow
Construction:
Frame
Roof Material:
Asphalt/Fiberglass Shingles
Exterior:
Shingles, Wood
Sewer/Water:
City/Town Water, Private Sewerage
Tax
Assessed Price:
$52,800
Taxes:
$667
Tax Year:
2008
Book/Page:
40363/188
Homeowner's Assoc.:
Yes
Homeowners Assoc. Required:
Yes
Homeowner's Assoc. Fee:
$200
Warranty Available:
No
Beach
Beach:
Yes
Miles to Beach:
1/2 to 1 Mile
Description:
Lake/Pond
Ownership:
Private, Public, Association
Additional
Exterior Features:
Enclosed Porch
Disclosure:
AS IS WHERE IS
Rooms
None Listed
Photos
The information in this listing was gathered from a third party source including the seller and public records. Rls2000 and its subscribers disclaim any and all representations or warranties as to the accuracy of this information.
The federal government has launched a new website with online tools that will allow a homeowner to determine if they are eligible to participate in the "Making Home Affordable" loan modification and refinancing program.
The site isWWW.MAKINGHOMEAFFORDABLE.GOV and shares information about how this program works and who is eligible for assistance.
PLEASE HAVE THIS INFORMATION AVAILABLE AND READY WHEN YOU CALL:
* Information about your first mortgage, such as your monthly mortgage statement. * Information about any second mortgage or home equity line of credit on the house. * Account balances and minimum monthly payments due on all of your credit cards. * Account balances and monthly payments on all your other debts such as student loans and car loans. * Your most recent income tax return. * Information about your savings and other assets * Information about the monthly gross (before tax) income of your household, including recent pay stubs if you receive them or documentation of income you receive from other sources. * It may also be helpful to have: A letter describing any circumstances that caused your income to be reduced or expenses to be increased (job loss, divorce, illness, etc.) if applicable.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
Fireplace
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