Bridget's Blog

It's a Small World After All!

Bridget McGee (Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:09:37 -0600

I don't have many memories of my childhood. I don't know why. I do have some very strong memories. (If there are some psychologist/realtors/lenders out there, I would probably make a great case study!)

One of the strongest memories I have is a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida when I was about 11. This was a family trip taken when my mom was in remission from Colon Cancer. It was a big deal, we stayed at The Contemporary Resort, the one the monorail runs right through. There were lots of rides and treats, and tons of sun. My poor mom (a very proper lady) even almost lost her lunch in one of Disney's trash can's after having been talked into riding the Apple Turnover with us.

The ride I remember most, even more than one of the coolest rides of all time, Space Mountain (a roller coaster in the dark) was the "It's a small world" ride. We waited and waited and waited in a line that snaked around outside. We excitedly entered the building thinking we were close, only to wait and wait and wait again in a line that snaked inside. It was finally our turn to board the boats that would take us on the much anticipated ride. We just knew that it would be so worth the wait. Well, it wasn't. The boat slowly rode along a river with murals, and dolls, and sculptures from all around the world while the song "It's a small world after all, it's a small world after all, it's a small world after all. It's a small, small world" played over and over and over again.

I have been reminded how small the world really is quite a bit lately. I was in my office the other day when a sales rep stopped by. Steve sells wholesale cabinets and was hoping to meet with one of our Realtor partners. We talked a bit, and since I am looking to remodel my kitchen I gave Steve my card so that he could contact me about setting up a time to see my house. Always on the look out for referrals, as I handed him my card I said "By the way, if you happen to know anyone who may need some help purchasing or refinancing, we would love to help." He said he couldn't think of anyone at the moment but his Aunt is a realtor in Carroll County, MD and he would be happy to give her my information. I asked her name. It turned out his aunt is Carol Fertitta of Lederer and Company. I had met Carol at an open house about 6 months ago. We had just closed a loan for one of her buyer's the day before, and I had just gotten off the phone with her minutes before Steve walked in. Small world.

It get's smaller. Carol is sponsoring an open house event in the Elmwood neighborhood of Parkville, MD on November 15th from 2-4. She has invited all eight of the houses for sale in that area to hold an open house on the same day. There will be prizes and discounts and a wide variety of homes for sale.

I am working with Carol to help to market this event, and will be there to offer information and mortgage pre-qualifications. I contacted the realtors who are to be a part of the event and had a lovely conversation with one agent in particular, Laura Christensen of Homes by Riley. We talked about business philosophy, but we also spoke about our lives. It turns out that Laura currently lives in northern Baltimore County. She grew up in Catonsville (which is where I live now). Her kids went to the same pre-school my daughter attends. Her kids now attend the school where my nephews attend. Small world. It gets smaller. After Laura and I got off the phone I sent her an email about the event and a great co-marketing program we sponsor. She later emailed back to say that my nephew and her son had plans to trick or treat together the following night.

It's a small world after all! I wonder where the next connection will be!

Oooh, this is a little wierd, but just as I was finishing this post Jimmy Fallon told an "It's a small world" ride joke on Late Night. It is a small world!!

Warm Regards,

Bridget McGee Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp #1448 410-960-2061 EHO

Yours but for the finishing touches! HUGE Price Reduction!!

Bridget McGee (Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:43:38 -0600

216 Gibson Rd
Annapolis, Md 21401
HUGE Price DROP! THIS IS THE ONE!

Margarita Kinstler RE/MAX Classic

Mobile:	410-969-2352
Office:	410-647-4800
Website:	Visit Website

Price	:	$550,000
Bedrooms	:	6
Bathrooms	:	5.5
Square Foot	:	4,500
Lot Size	:	10,890
County	:	Anne Arundel
Property Type	:	Detached
Year Built	:	2008
MLS Number	:	aa7035978

click for more information and pictures

Property Description

The house of your dreams in a water privilige community. Walk to downtown Annapolis from your home. The builder is unable to finish this dream home. This is your chance to add the finishing touches. 100% VA financing Available!

Features List

Water Privelages	6 Bedroom	5.5 Baths
Sunroom	Penisula Fireplace	Fab Master Bedroom
Lovely landscaping	Large Office	Wet Bar
Wood Flooring	Finished Basement	Deck
Walk-out Patio	8ft Attic	Fenced Yard
Soaking Tub	Off Street Parking	Upper Level Laundry
French Doors

Equal Housing Opportunity.

RE/MAX CLASSIC : 8155b Ritchie Highway - Pasadena MD 21122 : 410-969-2352

Warm Regards,

Bridget McGee Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp #1448 410-960-2061 EHO

Amazing views, custom home and the boat's yours too!

Bridget McGee (Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 11:58:49 -0500

7406 GREENBANK RD
Middle River, MD 21220
Gorgeous Water Front Home and 26.5 Ft Bayliner -

Foster & Huddleston Team

Lois:	410-935-7100
Kirk:	443-858-1091
Website:	Visit Website

Price	:	$800,000
Bedrooms	:	4
Bathrooms	:	2
Square Foot	:	2,000
Lot Size	:	9,583
Community	:	Oliver Beach
County	:	Baltimore
Property Type	:	Detached
Year Built	:	2005
MLS Number	:	BC7107609

click for more information and pictures

Property Description

DRASTICALLY REDUCED! Owners want to retire and move South. Custom built professionally decorated water front home. Amenities abound: all the usual, plus heated flrs,3 boat lifts, professionally. landscaped, 2 decks 3 boat lifts, repurposed hrdwd flrs; high end lights, baths, fixtures railings 2 story entry. Includes a 2003 26.5 Bayliner Cirus cruiser, like new. All this and no flood ins. Nothing to do but move in!!

Features List

50 Ft Water Front	Gunpowder River	2 Decks
2003 26.5 Bayliner	3 Boat Lifts	Private Pier
Boat House	Outside Shower	Water Fountains
Extensive Hardscape	2 Stoy Entrance	9 Ft Ceilings
Contemporary	Open Floor Plan	Hi-Tech Home
Gourmet Kitchen	Off Street Parking	Fully Fenced
Central A/C	Heated Floors	FABULOUS!!

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Cummings and Co. Realtors : 2929 O'Donnell St - Baltimore MD 21224 : 410-935-7100

Warm Regards,

Bridget McGee Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp #1448 410-960-2061 EHO

Ask me how you can WOW your listing clients!

Bridget McGee (Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:56:31 -0500

8039 Brightwood Ct
Ellicott City, MD 21043
It doesn't get any better!

George Brookhart

Mobile:	(410) 627-1731
Office:	410-719-0760
Website:	Visit Website

Price	:	$320,900
Bedrooms	:	3
Bathrooms	:	4
Lot Size	:	16,988
Community	:	Brightfield
County	:	Howard
Property Type	:	Attached
Year Built	:	1990
MLS Number	:	HW7157191

click for more information and pictures

Property Description

Beautiful 3 bedroom townhome in the sought after Brightfield community convenient to all RT 100 and 95. You will love the spacious rooms with special touches including crown moulding and chair rails. No neighbors peeking out their windows behind you since this home backs to open space and trees. The lower level is fully finished. Storage abounds and includes pull-down stairs to a floored attic. The new High Efficiency HVAC completes this great home. Contingent on Seller HOC.

Features List

3 Bedroom	2 Full/2 Half Baths	Master Bath
Master Walk-In	Wainscotting	Wall to Wall Carpet
Programmable Therm	Central A/C	NEW HVAC
Lots of Storage	Floored Attic	Finished Basement
Walk-Out Basement	Brick and Siding	Great Community

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Maryland Residential Realty : 6123 Northdale Road - Catonsville MD 21228 : (410) 627-1731

Warm Regards,

Bridget McGee Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp #1448 410-960-2061 EHO

Lovely Catonsville Home...Ready to show!

Bridget McGee (Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:52:38 -0500

Warm Regards,

Bridget McGee Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp #1448 410-960-2061 EHO

What? Me quit? NO WAY!

Bridget McGee (Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 17:06:36 -0500

After reading a post entitled "The Sun Will Come Up Tomorrow (on the Mortgage Industry)" by Melissa Breeland, it made me think about my time in the mortgage business. You see, I started in the mortgage processing end of this business at the height of the refinance boom. We worked crazy hours and worked really hard. There were lots of frustrations, but we knew that if we followed the guidelines, loans would close and we would make a lot of people happy.

Times have changed. Guidelines change almost daily. Lenders don't follow the guidelines and add requirements at the last minute. The "power's that be" are adding busy work and convoluted, poorly executed laws and guidelines to make sure that it's even harder for a good borrower to get a loan, much less a quality appraisal on that home. Even when a loan is closed, until the funds are in, it may not really be done.

Last week, I was re-closing a loan for a buyer who had completed a remote closing in Hawaii for the purchase of a property in Maryland. I had been working with these folks since October of 2008 when they first learned they were to be transferred to Maryland. The lender was the now defunct Taylor, Bean, Whitaker. The loan closed, but did not fund. It was a call I didn't want to make to any of the parties involved, but as they say, I swallowed the frog and made the call. Everyone involved asked that we just get the loan re-closed as soon as possible. We started over and the new lender's underwriter was not terribly efficient (she says with a great deal of charity) adding more angst to an already frustrating situation.

My husband didn't like to see me take so many things that were not in my control to heart and didn't want to see me getting so stressed. He even suggested that if I wanted to, I could quit my job.

Well, that loan did close, for better terms for the buyer, in the tight time frame that was put in place, the day they arrived in Maryland. I was able to sit across from that couple, holding their 6 week old for them while they signed their new loan package. They thanked me over and over again. The realtors and the seller appreciated my professionalism and hard work and will probably refer more business to me.

The satisfaction of making it work are worth the stress, even in these uncertain and frustrating times! The sun WILL come up tomorrow, sellers will still sell and buyers will still buy. Loans will still close!

Sorry honey, thanks for the offer, but I love this crazy, ever-changing, frustrating, stressful, wonderful business!

Warm Regards,

Bridget McGee Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp #1448 410-960-2061 EHO

FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER SEMINAR BALTIMORE COUNTY

Bridget McGee (Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp) — Tue, 12 May 2009 00:35:56 -0500

FREE HOMEBUYER SEMINAR

"How to Purchase and Finance Your First Home"

A community service sponsored by Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp and REMAX Classic

Come learn the five most important things you must know before you buy and finance your first home. This free, no obligation seminar will help answer your questions and get you started off right! With interest rates low and hundreds of affordably priced homes on the market, and up to an $8,000 tax credit for anyone who has not owned a home in the last three years, NOW is the time to BUY!!

"How to Purchase and Finance Your First Home"

Baltimore County Public Library Arbutus Branch

1581 Sulphur Spring Road Ste 105 Arbutus, MD 21227

Saturday May 30^th9:30 AM-11:30 AM

Reservations Required Call Bridget McGee at 410-960-2061 or email bmcgee@alliedhomenet.com

FREE credit report just for attending!!

FREE REPORT on GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS AVAILABLE FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS!

WWW.mymdhomeloan.com

Warm Regards,

Bridget McGee Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp #1448 410-960-2061 EHO

Can your lender do this?

Bridget McGee (Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 02:02:03 -0500

Wow! I got a frantic call from one of my buyers at 8:45 AM on Easter Saturday (April 11th). "Bridget, I hate to bother you on a Saturday but I need a new pre-qual letter today. We had the water turned on (in the bank-owned home) and the pipes burst through the walls! I am not buying that money pit, but I still need to move in to a home in the area by May 1st. We are making an offer today on another home."

I was at the beach (down de ocean, hon) with my family. I grabbed my lap top, called his realtor for the particulars and proceeded to write a new prequal. I had it sent to both agents in about an hour (darn hotel connections). I got a call from the seller's agent asking..."Do you think it is pushing it for a May 1st closing date." "Yes", I said, "but I work with some fantastic folks who will help me to do every thing in our power to get it done on time." Needless to say, the contract was accepted, we got the ratified contract on Tuesday. (There was a contingent offer with a 24 hour kick out).

We had a clear to close LAST Thursday, docs out to the title company on Wednesday afternoon (2 days ahead of closing) and we settle at 10 AM on Friday morning. I was able to lock the conventional loan at 4.875, with no points with a credit to the buyer for both the appraisal and the credit report.

I am so happy to have the partners that I do that help to make me look good. The only way it worked out this way is that the lender, Aegis Title Group, Eastern appraisals, both realtors and the buyers and sellers all cooperated with me to make it happen. I LOVE it when a plan comes together!

This is a crazy lending environment with banks being overwhelmed by both purchase and refinanance business. Make sure you have a loan officer who knows where to go and who to work with to get you to the table on time, and at a better rate and cheaper fees than originally quoted!

I LOVE MY JOB!

Warm Regards,

Bridget McGee Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp #1448 410-960-2061 EHO

NOW HIRING! MORTGAGE PRO/SLASH/SLASH/SLASH

Bridget McGee (Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:43:11 -0500

Hello there,

Do you know someone who got knocked out in the meltdown? Someone who was great at mortgages but their company didn't make it? Do you have a part time processor that wants to work full time (They can supplement your work with ours!) My brother and I are looking to hire someone with mortgage experience (preferred) who can help us to streamline our processes, assist with processing and marketing and possibly do some originating with provided leads.

If you know someone in the Baltimore area looking for part time (growing to full time possibly) work, please have them contact me at 410-960-2061. Our office is on Dundalk Avenue, at the city/county line. Easy commute from just about anywhere. Hours are VERY flexible, some work can be done from home.

We are not a fancy office, but we take good care of our clients and our business partners. We are looking for someone who is ethical, flexible, easy-going and hardworking!

Call today!

Warm Regards,

Bridget McGee Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp #1448 410-960-2061 EHO

Not for the Faint of Heart!

Bridget McGee (Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 06:13:41 -0600

Social Networking that is....OK, I am on Facebook, Active Rain, Twitter, LinkedIn...I am a mom, a wife, and a Maryland loan officer/real estate marketing assistant. I get over 150 emails a day and I review my brother's (our branch manager) over 300 emails to ensure he doesn't miss an important email.

I am up late and up early. How in the world do you find the time, in the midst of all the networking to actually have a life, much less actually get some work done?

My plan this morning when I woke at 6:00 was to workout, then start working on my list of TO DO's. I made the mistake of working on that list in front of the computer where my husband had left his facebook profile open.

"Well, just a minute to see what's happened since 10 PM!"

"Now that I have seen his page, let me just take a minute to check mine...."

"Oooh, might as well check the AR blogs for a sec...Marty Garaughty "There's a Nipple In My Coffee"???? Hmm, that sounds interesting. Oooh, look there's a link to a cute Follow Me on Twitter sign, wonder how he did that? Ok, I should put that in my blog profile....Well, while I am here, I should write a post about not getting any work done...links not working, try again...still not working, try again....still not working try again...Holy *(#)$@ It's 7:15, where the heck did the time go"

MOMMMYY!

Guess I will work out later.

HELPP!!

Warm Regards,

Bridget McGee Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp #1448 410-960-2061 EHO

What is your PURPOSE?

Bridget McGee (Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 23:19:11 -0600

I am a loan officer. My primary job is to help people get loans for real estate.

I am a marketer. My job is to help Realtors and FSBO's market their properties. My job also includes gathering information for our newsletter that will help our clients and prospects and to disseminate timely market changes to our clients, partners and prospects. I also represent myself, my branch, and my company wherever I go, to the best of my ability.

I am an administrator/processor. My job is to help my brother Tony, the branch manager of our office to gather documentation, work with underwriters, appraisers, realtors, buyers, sellers, title agents, to get loans to closing; assist clients, follow up on referrals and keep our office in compliance with all the changes in the market.

Beyond my JOB is the true belief that my PURPOSE is to assist people, in any way that I can, to help them better their lives. Or, as my mother used to say, to treat people so that when they walk away from you, they feel better about themselves. The easy part is helping them to find the right realtor to show them a property or sell their home. The easy part is helping them to find the RIGHT loan for their situation and to fit their goals. The easy part is coordinating all the "fingers in the Real Estate pie" to get folks to the settlement table on time, with the right loan.

The hard part is helping a client through a painful separation or divorce that is complicated by the dissolution of assets that includes their home. The hard part is knowing that a friend, client, business partner or prospect is trying to find something that is beyond my job description. The hard part is not being able to limit myself to the financial part of buying or selling a home, but becoming emotionally involved on so many greater levels.

I don't believe that I was put on this earth to be a loan officer. I believe that I was put on this earth to help people. Mortgages are my job, I am good at it, we will get there eventually. In the meantime, call me to say hi, or vent or share your struggles or your good news.

By the way, I have a client who is looking for a junior program manager or quality engineer type position within about a 30 minute commute from Annapolis. Her husband found a new job and they are planning a move to Annapolis, MD from West Virginia. If you know someone who might be on the lookout for someone with strong qualifications, let me know. I will be happy to get you in touch. After all, it's my job purpose!

Warm Regards,

Bridget McGee Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp #1448 410-960-2061 EHO

A Doughnut and a Rate Sheet...

Bridget McGee (Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:21:37 -0600

What kind of PARTNER is your "Preferred" lender?

Does your "preferred" lender wait around for your call or are they pro-actively working to help you get more business?

Do you only get calls when business is slow?

Does your "preferred" lender have programs in place to help you market your listings?

Does your "preferred" lender offer a program to help your borrower's with mortgage education and protection?

Does your "preferred" lender meet your closing date 100% of the time with NO surprises at the table?

Does your "preferred" lender bring you leads by helping FSBO's to market their properties?

If not, you may not want to rush that "mortgage guy or girl" off the phone before you find out all they can offer and what they can do to help your business.

What are you doing to help your partners increase their business??

Loyalty is extremely important in life and in business. Are you losing out on helping your borrower's and getting more business by not having the best partner and by not being the best partner? Is your loyalty misplaced?

It's a new year! It's time to re-evaluate your partnerships!

Many Blessings,

Bridget

Warm Regards,

Bridget McGee Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp #1448 410-960-2061 EHO

Builder Disincentives Delayed...message as forwarded from David Hail AHMCC

Bridget McGee (Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 03:28:01 -0600

HUD to Delay Contested Provision of Final RESPA Rule

Posted By DIANA GOLOBAY
January 8, 2009 12:08 pm

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will be delaying implementation of the "required use" provision of the final Real Estate Settlement and Procedures Act (RESPA) rule, which was to take effect on Jan. 16 and will prevent home builders from offering incentives or discounts to buyers that use specific settlement services providers, like brokers or lenders. American Banker [1] broke the story Wednesday after unnamed sources leaked the information, according to HUD spokesman Brian Sullivan. The delay comes after the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) filed a petition for a preliminary injunction against the rule in late December.

"We could have argued the preliminary injunction," Sullivan told HousingWire. "What we've done is, instead of contesting a preliminary injunction, we decided that we would simply agree to delay the implementation of the new ‘required use' provision for 90 days while we could produce the administrative record and get our legal ducks in a row to mount a vigorous defense of our position on the merits of the case."

The delay of the "required use" provision, originally slated to take effect Jan. 16, doesn't necessarily mean the rule will not go into effect - or even that HUD is reconsidering its relevance - but is tied to the NAHB lawsuit and will give HUD some time to form a case for reforming the "required use" definition, according to Sullivan. "Builders are not settlement service providers - a very important legal distinction that makes them unique," he said. "They're feeling singled out because they are not settlement service providers."

The RESPA has always established that it's a violation of law for a settlement service provider to require the use of an affiliate, according to Sullivan. Such a practice "puts the consumer in an impossible situation and is tantamount to required use," he said. Borrowers were urged into expensive loans provided by brokers and lenders with higher rates simply because they didn't understand the fine print. "We were getting complaints from consumers who, after they got their house and their new granite counter tops or their new framed-in sun room - or whatever the incentive was - and they started to do the arithmetic saw that the loan they were put in was appreciatively more expensive than they could otherwise qualify for and so it wasn't a true discount," Sullivan said.

Other provisions within the final RESPA rule - like the new good faith estimate - will still go into effect at the scheduled date of Jan. 1, 2010, according to Sullivan. "We're trying to allow time for the industry to ramp up, train its staff and incorporate those forms into their working models and business practices," he said.

This marks the second lawsuit filed against HUD since the announcement of the final RESPA rule. The first came from the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB), "which challenged the yield spread premium disclosure requirement," according to Sullivan. "Brokers are saying we're creating a situation that's too transparent, and we just don't think that's possible," he said. "We're mystified why anyone would stand in the way of transparency, especially in today's marketplace."

Write to Diana Golobay at [2] diana.golobay@housingwire.com.

Warm Regards,

Bridget McGee Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp #1448 410-960-2061 EHO

How about some peace of mind?!

Bridget McGee (Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 22:06:09 -0600

PRESS RELEASE November 25, 2008

Allied To Offer FHA Homebuyers

New Rainy Day Foundation HELP Program

First-time Buyers Receive Counseling, Support To Make Payments

(Houston, TX.) - Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corporation, the Houston Based nationwide lender, today announced it is the first nationwide lender to partner with the Rainy Day Foundation, a national non-profit organization to offer educational tools and mortgage loan protections services through their new Homeowner Education and Loan Protection program (H.E.L.P.)

"The Rainy Day Foundation, headquartered in Washington, D.C., encourages responsible home ownership. Through its HELP program it teaches home buyers how to position themselves for success with their new mortgage. It educates them about home ownership and teaches them how to resolve problems that may arise," said Jim Hodge, chief executive officer of Allied Mortgage.

Participation in the Rainy Day HELP program is made available to all FHA borrowers who finance their homes through Allied, at no cost to the borrower. "We feel that it is essential that we do our part to provide financial stability to our borrowers," added Allied.

The program provides:

* Monthly communication and newsletters that focus on budgeting and offers solutions to home ownership challenges for a period of two years.

* Direct communication between the non-profit and borrower for a period of twelve months after the loan closes to reinforce standards, answer questions and gauge financial challenges.

* A job loss insurance policy that is in effect for the first year of the home loan. Depending on circumstances, the policy will pay up to six months of a borrower's mortgage, up to a maximum of $1,800 (principal, interest, taxes and insurance).

* The ability for the homeowner to apply for an emergency grant to resolve short term financial challenges. These grants are specific for mortgage assistance.

"We know that many borrowers today don't have the ability to navigate through real life issues. These are trying economic times and we believe that we want to give our customers every chance at successful homeownership", said Hodge. "No one, including banks and lenders, wants a homeowner to default on a loan. We feel the Rainy Day program will proactively address problems that our borrowers might encounter"

This year alone it is anticipated that the Foundation will enrolled more than 20,000 homeowners, a figure that is projected to double in 2009.

"What happens when homeowners suddenly are scheduled for less hours at work, or they encounter unexpected medical expenses?" asks Rick Del Sontro, chief executive officer of the Rainy Day Foundation. "Life happens and there is no way to underwrite a loan to life. Our goal is to help families achieve and maintain the American Dream. We applaud Allied for taking this significant step and proving that not only do they care about making a loan, but those they want to create successful homeowners"

About Allied:

Founded in 1991, AHMCC is the largest privately held mortgage banker/broker in the U.S., with hundreds of offices licensed in 50 states and the United States Virgin Islands. It offers a wide variety of mortgage products and services from hundreds of lenders.

In 2004 the company funded over $12 billion in loans and was named as one of "The Top 25 Tech-Savvy Lending Firms" by Mortgage Technology magazine.

###

Warm Regards,

Bridget McGee Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp #1448 410-960-2061 EHO

My Son Graduated From Basic Training with HONORS!

Bridget McGee (Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:43:27 -0600

My Husband, daughter and I recently returned from Fort Sill, in Lawton, OK. I am the proud mom (ok, step-mom, but that is really semantics) of one of our newest United States Army Soldiers. Way to Go Bill! We are very proud of you!

This is truly a different Army then when my husband went to basic training the day after his high school graduation. He retired in November of 2006 after over 22 years in the military. Everyone has heard the horror stories of the drill seargents barking orders and breaking the recruits, my husband, and I am sure that many of you, lived it. My son said that he was very surprised that instead of being told to drop and do pushups the minute they got off the bus, they were thanked. The young men were told how much they were respected for joining during a time of war. I don't think that the change in training lost anything (although I never went through Basic!) Phiffer, one of Billy's friends (another Soldier) stated that he didn't like the pictures like the one I attached because they were taken before they were soldiers. There was no less pride, no less determination, they were not lesser soldiers because they hadn't been broken the way so many were before them. The drill seargents helped to bring out the best out of these boys and helped them to become men!

I spoke to some of the other parents, some spoke of the changes in their son's (for the better), some were concerned about them being sent into danger, and some just held their son's in long hugs as soon as they saw them. I thought of all the mother's and father's who have sons and daughters that are already serving overseas and said a silent prayer for their safety.

Seeing my son in his dress Uniform with his head held high and his shoulders back as he graduated with honors is an image I won't soon forget. Watching my son hug my husband with a new found bond brought tears to my eyes. Watching the tear come to my son's eye as his 3 year old sister recited the Pledge of Allegience to him, was almost more than I could handle!

May God Bless all of our soldiers, the new one's and the seasoned Vets. Thank you for your service, and thank you to your families for loaning you to the United States of America.

Warm Regards,

Bridget McGee Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp #1448 410-960-2061 EHO

Builder Dis-Incentives!

Bridget McGee (Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:08:17 -0600

For anyone who has shopped for a new construction home and was told that by using the builder's
"preferred lender", they would receive great incentives, if not, they would pay a higher price, not get special perks, whatever. It always struck me as being a bit on the shady side. I am glad that RESPA finally is helping the consumer the leeway to find their best advocate!

Effective Jan. 16, 2009 a new home builder can no longer use "disincentives" to steer their customers to their preferred mortgage company. In practice, builders have for years offered huge monetary incentives to steer customers to their preferred/affiliated lenders. Likewise, if the customer chose not to use the preferred/affiliated lender a huge "disincentive" was created in that the monetary incentives were taken away.

HUD makes it clear that economic disincentives that are used to improperly influence a consumer's choices are as problematic under RESPA as are incentives that are not true discounts. Under the new rules a consumer would be more likely to shop for a home and the loan and settlement service that is best for them, free from the influence of deceptive referral arrangements.

RESPA Final Rule: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-27070.htm

Warm Regards,

Bridget McGee Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp #1448 410-960-2061 EHO

The 5 people I tagged for THE CLOSEST BOOK MEME

Bridget McGee (Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:08:42 -0600

The five people I tagged for The Closest Book MEME.

Ed Rybczynski who brought me into this fine group of Rainers!

Charlie Harden who really gets technology, something I am still working on!

Jeannette Neepat who just reached 100,000 points

Mirela Monte who wrote a really important warning about gift cards for this holiday season

Doug Wolfe who joined MySpace and is still fairly new to Active Rain

Warm Regards,

Bridget McGee Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp #1448 410-960-2061 EHO

My Closest Book MEME, I've been tagged!

Bridget McGee (Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:44:10 -0600

I have been tagged by Margaret Rome for my first ever MEME! Margaret asked me to find my closest book and follow the instructions.

Here is the way it works:

1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 56.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next two to five sentences.
5. Don't dig for your favorite book, the cool book or the intellectual one. Pick the Closest.
6. Tag five people to do the same

*The one book that this can not be is the Bible*

Here's my closest book: CONNECT by Keith Harrell and Hattie Hill Keith is a "superfantastic" motivational speaker that had been invited to speak at an Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp. convention in Houston. He spoke on Attitude. If you ever get a chance to hear him, grab it! He's fabulous!

from page 56 For some people change is hard to accept, much less embrace; yet we have been changing physically, emotionally, and spiritually since birth. Our circumstances and surroundings change day by day, even moment by moment. Think how boring life would be without change.

In this ever-changing real estate and mortgage market we all have to embrace change. Many in this market wander around moping like Eeyore (Woe is me, it's a horrible market, there's no business to be had) or hop around like Tigger (Maybe if I bounce around enough telling everyone how special I am, someone will bite). I think as the best of all agents and brokers we need to be like Pooh keep our eye on finding the Honey Pot. Focus on the right thing, surround yourself with good folks, go with the flow and we will be fine!

Thanks for the tag! I thought at first that maybe we all work with siblings since I work with my brother and my sister, and Randy works with his brother Russ, but when I checked out Gail's blog, there didn't seem to be any resemblence. Is is that we are all amazingly intelligent and quick to act? I don't want to spoil the mystery!

All the best with your new book! I can't wait to read it!

Now it's my turn to tag 5 more....

Ed Rybczynski who brought me into this fine group of Rainers!

Charlie Harden who really gets technology, something I am still working on!

Jeannette Neepat who just reached 100,000 points

Mirela Monte who wrote a really important warning about gift cards for this holiday season

Doug Wolfe who joined MySpace and is still fairly new to Active Rain

Wow, that was harder than I thought, looking forward to seeing the posts!

Thanks!

Bridget McGee

Warm Regards,

Bridget McGee Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp #1448 410-960-2061 EHO

Barbie's at the Bottom of the Toy Box

Bridget McGee (Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 10:00:20 -0500

I have a three year old and although she doesn't watch much TV, she is now on a commercial kick. Everything she sees, she wants. I have told her that she won't be able to watch TV with commercials if she continues to want everything she sees. I am trying to teach her sharing and that greed isn't pretty. We talked about it being OK for her to find things that she thinks her friends might like, instead of "wow mommy, I want that for my next birthday". She now says, "Mommy, come quick, this is something Matt would like!" or "I think Jordan would love this dolly!". She even finds things for me, we saw a commercial for OxyClean that she just new I would love to use on our laundry....

Political commercials really should take a page from the advertising gurus who are marketing to kids. I have not heard one commercial for Barbie where they tell you how horrible the Bratz are, how sleazy they dress. Not a commercial for Giggling Elmo saying that Barney is just a dumb purple dinosaur who's a little pitchy. All of these commercial show how much fun they are to play with, they extol the virtues of the toy being advertised, they add music and facts (with some artistic license...I mean really, if Barbie was advertised naked, with marker tatoos, at the bottom of a toy box with her hair out of sorts, who would buy her?)

I wish our politicians would stop telling me all the wrongs that their opponents committed in their voting policies and start showing me what you voted in favor of instead. Tell me that the reason that you didn't vote for better education policies for our children was because the bill also included funding for....(put your own pork here). Show me how much fun it would be to play with you, add a catchy tune. I know that eventually you will end up at the bottom of the toy box, at least make me really want you until I find out, now that you're home and out of the box and you really can't fly!

Maybe if the politicians would do that, I would know who I am going to vote for on Election Day, or maybe Sydney will decide for me! She really seems to have a good feel for what others would like!

Warm Regards,

Bridget McGee Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp #1448 410-960-2061 EHO

Higher Take home+ more savings = SOLD!

Bridget McGee (Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 01:22:48 -0500

First homebuyers can get a $7500 tax credit for purchasing a home between April 9th 2008 and July 1st, 2009. How can this help your buyers?

David Hail, Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp. FHA Trainer and Government Loan Guru makes this suggestion:

The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 authorizes a $7,500 tax credit for qualified 1^st time home buyers purchasing homes on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009.

The big question is how can a home buyer access the money sooner for down payment and closing costs than by filing their 2008 tax return? Remember, it's a tax credit and not readily available in a lump sum cash amount as a source of funds to close. Here's a way that at least helps your borrower get started using this tax credit benefit:

Any first-time home buyers who believe they would be eligible for all or part of the credit can modify their income tax withholding (through their employers) or adjust their quarterly estimated tax payments. The effect of reducing the tax withholding (up to the amount of the credit) will allow the potential home buyer to accumulate cash by increasing their take home pay. The accumulated money saved as a result of a net take-home pay increase could be used for down payment and closing costs. Individuals subject to income tax withholding could adjust their withholding amount on their W-4 via their employer or through their quarterly estimated tax payment.

Although this is not a perfect solution, if you have buyers who are just beginning to look for a home and are sure they want to buy in the next 6-8 months, you can make this suggestion to them to help them to increase their available funds. Just a reminder, you will look like a hero if you call your first time buyers who have purchased a home since April and have them contact their accountant to see how it will affect their take home. This is also a great opportunity to introduce one of your trusted advisors (your CPA) to your clients.

Warm Regards,

Bridget McGee Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp #1448 410-960-2061 EHO

Wonderful Catonsville Home for Sale in Hilcrest Elementary district

Bridget McGee (Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 23:10:06 -0500

200 S. Rolling Road
Catonsville, MD 21228
Old Catonsville, Ready to Move-In

Troy Stevenson

Daytime:	410-313-6953
Evening:	410-746-3222
eMail:	Contact

Price	:	$375,000
Bedrooms	:	3
Bathrooms	:	1.5
Lot Size	:	8,000
Community	:	Catonsville Park
County	:	Baltimore
Property Type	:	FSBO
Year Built	:	1939
MLS Number	:	BC6869030

click for more pictures

Property Description

This wonderful updated home is move in ready updated home in Old Catonsville! You'll love the fantastic fenced yard with 3 stone patios and a detached garage. Not only will you be near some of the best schools in the area, you'll be minutes from the library, lots of playgrounds and a wonderful park built almost entirely of recycled tires! Storage abounds with a finished basement and walk up attic. Your commute to almost anywhere will be easy since 695, 95, 295, the park and ride, and BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport are all a hop, skip and a jump away. CCBC and UMBC are also minutes away.

Features List

Hardwood Floors	Walk up Attic	Finished Basement
Central Air	3 stone patios	Fenced Yard
Big Rooms	Detached Garage	All Appliances
Freshly Painted	New Carpeting	Move In Ready
Stone Grill/Patio	Close to parks	Easy Commuting
Screened Porch	Catonsville High	Catonsville Middle
Hilcrest Elementary	I'M LOVELY!	MAKE AN OFFER!

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Warm Regards,

Bridget McGee Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp #1448 410-960-2061 EHO

HANDYMAN SPECIAL?

Bridget McGee (Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 23:06:14 -0500

Do you want to buy a "Handyman Special"? Have one to sell? Most of them are priced below "Fair market value", and sellers either don't want to do the work or can't do the work to get them "market ready". Home that are selling quickly in my area are homes that are priced right and show like a model, or those that offer what the buyer perceives as a "great deal".

Picture this: Grandma has just moved in with one of her kids. She has lived in her home for 60 years and had no need or no desire to paint and the carpet is the lovely orange shag she bought in the 70's. If it ain't broke.... Well now, the kids have to sell the home and live out of town, or don't have time, skills or desire to do the work. They want to sell fast but don't want to give the house away. Who is going to buy that house? Can't you just get a loan for the value of the property (sales price)?

and this....The buyer only has saved enough for a downpayment, but hates the color of the walls and the carpet. Will they pass this great house by that just needs some minor cosmetic improvements? What if it needs up to $35,000 in repairs? Bye-bye dream home....bye bye.

But wait, hold on, haven't you heard about a great loan program that offers buyers a chance to get a loan for the "As is" price PLUS from $5,000-$35,000 in repairs/updates/improvements? It's a 203KS FHA loan. This government backed fixed or adjustable rate (not too many adjustable rate options that make much sense right now) 30 year mortgage, can include the cost of repairs, as long as they are not structural.

From Mortgagee letter 2005-50:

What improvements are eligible under the new Streamlined (k) program?

The Streamlined (k) program is intended to facilitate uncomplicated rehabilitation and/or improvements to a home for which plans, consultants, engineers and/or architects are not required. The Streamlined (k) program includes the discretionary improvements and/or repairs shown below:

•· Repair/Replacement of roofs, gutters and downspouts

•· Repair/Replacement/upgrade of existing HVAC systems

•· Repair/Replacement/upgrade of plumbing and electrical systems

•· Repair/Replacement of flooring

•· Minor remodeling, such as kitchens, which does not involve structural repairs

•· Painting, both exterior and interior

•· Weatherization, including storm windows and doors, insulation, weather stripping, etc.

•· Purchase and installation of appliances, including free-standing ranges, refrigerators, washers/dryers, dishwashers and microwave ovens

•· Accessibility improvements for persons with disabilities

•· Lead-based paint stabilization or abatement of lead-based paint hazards

•· Repair/replace/add exterior decks, patios, porches

•· Basement finishing and remodeling, which does not involve structural repairs

•· Basement waterproofing

•· Window and door replacements and exterior wall re-siding

•· Septic system and/or well repair or replacement

A Handyman Special + 203KS = A GREAT HOME! (AND IT' S NOT JUST FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS!)

Warm Regards,

Bridget McGee Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp #1448 410-960-2061 EHO

This Rancher Features a huge yard, a pool and plenty of parking...Lovely!

Bridget McGee (Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 22:54:45 -0500

1223 Rolling Road N
Catonsville, MD 21228
Don't Drive By This Lovely Westview Rancher

John Canter

Office:	410-544-8800
Mobile:	410-793-0399
Website:	Visit Website

Price	:	$339,900
Bedrooms	:	3
Bathrooms	:	1.5
Lot Size	:	19,890
Community	:	Westview Park
County	:	Baltimore
Property Type	:	Detached
Year Built	:	1963

click for more pictures

Property Description

This is a well-cared for three bedroom, 1 1/2 bath rancher on almost a half acre In Westview Park! You will love this wonderful home with plenty of off-street parking for ALL your vehicles. Not only is there a one car garage, but a two car carport! Relax in the beautiful Sun Room and enjoy views of the lovely landscaped fenced yard with an above ground pool, deck, patio and more. The finished basement has a rec room and bar, 1/2 bath, cedar closet and plenty of storage. Wait til you see the hardwoods! When you live here you will be close to parks, shopping, dining, downtown Catonsville and Ellicott City. It's a smooth commute to where ever you want to go with easy access to all interstates and highways, and public transportation.

Features List

3 Bedroom	Vinyl and Brick	Above Ground Pool
Fenced Yard	Sunroom	25x24 Rec Room
One Car Garage	Carport	Newer Kitchen
Open Floor Plan	Back Yard Oasis	All Appliances
Public Water/Sewar	Natural Gas	Air Conditioning
Pack Your Bags!	Ready to Move-In	Bring All Offers

Equal Housing Opportunity.

RE/MAX Experts Realty, Inc. : Severna Park MD : 410-544-8800

Warm Regards,

Bridget McGee Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp #1448 410-960-2061 EHO

Fabulous Contemporary Home in Columbia, Don't Miss This One!

Bridget McGee (Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 22:48:09 -0500

6066 Watch Chain Way
Columbia, MD 21044
Fabulous Contemporary Colonial in Columbia!

Brent Johnson of Re/Max Advantage Realty

Mobile:	443-277-1929
Office:	410-740-1200 x1020
Website:	Visit Website

Price	:	$749,900
Bedrooms	:	4
Bathrooms	:	2.5
Square Foot	:	4,050
Lot Size	:	24,721
Community	:	Village of Hickory Ridge
County	:	Howard
Property Type	:	Detached
Year Built	:	1987
MLS Number	:	HW6871794

click for more pictures

Property Description

Picture this, you turn down your private driveway returning home to your peaceful wooded retreat. Now imagine that you only left the township ofColumbia and all it's conveniences 5 minutes ago! This could be your life! This gorgeous contemporary home features a lovely 2 story foyer as you enter through your front door. The living room has large windows, a gas fireplace and goregous hardwood floors. Dinner parties will be a breeze in your fabulous dining room. Just off the dining room is your gourmet kitchen with granite countertops. Relax on your screened porch and enjoy the summer breeze or the fall evenings. You won't be disappointed!

Features List

Gas Fireplace	Fabulous Kitchen	HUGE Rooms
Coy Pond	Custom Tile	Screened Porch
Wooded Setting	Lovely Master	High Ceilings
Lots of Storage	Plenty of Light	Open Floor Plan
Beautiful Lighting	Bow WIndow	High Ceilings
Gourmet Kitchen	Center Island	1st Floor Laundry
Hot Tub	Decks	AMAZING!

Equal Housing Opportunity.

The Brent Johnson Team for Re/Max Advantage Realty : 8815 Centre Park Drive - Columbia MD 21045 : 443-277-1929

Warm Regards,

Bridget McGee Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp #1448 410-960-2061 EHO

Looking for a fabulous house at a fantastic price...this place has it all!

Bridget McGee (Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp) — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 20:34:22 -0500

1206 Redcliffe Road
Baltimore, MD 21228
Don't pass by this Unique Rancher in Westview

Foster & Huddleston Team

Lois:	410-935-7100
Kirk:	443-858-1091
Website:	Visit Website

Price	:	$279,900
Bedrooms	:	3
Bathrooms	:	2
Lot Size	:	13,638
Community	:	Westview Park
County	:	Baltimore
Property Type	:	Detached
Year Built	:	1963
MLS Number	:	BC6861916

click for more pictures

Property Description

Wait til you drive up to this fabulous rancher in Westview Park. You will be welcomed by a lovely covered entrance, carport and beautiful gardens. Step inside to see the open floor plan, with lots of light (including skylights!), hardwood floors, center island in this updated kitchen. Walk down the stairs to the finished basement, perfect for relaxing in front of the fireplace and catching the game, or entertaining friends and family! Step into the Florida room and out onto the patio to see your beautiful pool and large fenced yard. Make an offer for the wonderful, newly installed Gorilla playset and it could be yours...your kids will never want to stay inside to watch TV!

All you need to do is bring your furniture! You could be enjoying the pool before it gets cold if you act now. This home looks like a model and has wonderful amenities, and upgrades.

Special financing available through preferred lender.

Features List

Hardwood Floors	Skylight	Finished lower level
Carport	Large back yard	In ground pool
Cathedral ceilings	Cedar closet	Florida room
Dishwasher	Washer/Dryer	Central air
Kitchen Island	Shed	Open floor plan
Fireplace	Freshly painted	Kitchen 3 yrs. old
Landscaping	New front door	Loads of storage

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Cummings and Co. Realtors : 2929 O'Donnell St - Baltimore MD 21224 : 410-935-7100

Warm Regards,

Bridget McGee Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp #1448 410-960-2061 EHO