As many of you know, the Mortgage Market is changing faster than Tom Welling's Superman character into his "get-up" in the television show, Smallville. It's truly a jungle out there and you'll need a Machete, Cargo Field Pants, and the proper Guide to navigate you through the ever growing foliage. As a guide in the jungle that is the Mortgage Industry, I wanted to give some simple bits of information to arm you on your journey.
In no particular order, please take note of the following as they may be pertinent along your travels:
As of April 1st, 2009, FHA will reduce the LTV's (loan amount compared to the value of your home) on cash-out transactions. It currently is 95% but that will be cut back to 85% real soon. To ensure you can get in before the guideline changes, an appraisal case number must be assigned to your home before said date.
100% Financing is still available! Yet, the only two products currently sporting this popular product are VA & USDA Loans. For more information and shameless self-promotion on the latter, click here. Might I add that if you are going to utilize 100% Financing, try to ensure you have money in the bank after the fact. Being a homeowner bears certain responsibilities. God forbid something goes wrong and you don't have Lenny The Landlord to fix the issue. You don't when you own a home.The responsibility falls on you.
Know your Credit Score. I can't stress how important that is these days. I got word from one investor today who has changed their minimum credit score on ALL Mortgage Products to 660. Most are at 620. A few still may go below that but proceed with caution. Know the rules and learn to use them to your advantage. For more extensive insight on Credit, grab that mouse and left click right here.
Pay close attention to what homes like yours are selling for (not just being listed for) in your area. That's a good indicator of what your home is currently worth in this market.
While the media may give you the heads up in the drop in interest rates, contact your Mortgage Professional to get the real scoop. Taking the anchor of CNN's advice on where Mortgage Rates are at are akin to asking me what the weather will be like tomorrow. By the way, you can expect a balmy day with hints of fog glazing the ides of morning... turning into a slightly breezy, overcast, but generally nice day. High will be 99 Degrees. Low will be -20. But don't quote me on that.
If you are considering buying a home in the least bit, be aware of the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit. It could prove to be another incentive (in addition to low interest rates and a large amount of inventory) to take that next step in owning your own home. It isn't a reason in of itself, yet it is icing on what could be a very delicious piece of cake.
I will be writing about five more useful tips very soon. I wanted to keep this short and sweet, like Ryan Seacrest:) Besides, you only have so much time on your hands while you sift your way through this jungle.
And if you aren't already a homeowner, you may want to take that leap. If you have the right Guide, you aren't just drawing on faith when you are in mid-air.
About The Author: Jason Sardi has been on the lending side of the Real Estate Business for over eight years. His passion for helping people and general disdain for con-artist blowhards has kept him trying to do right by as many people as possible along the merry way. You can reach this happy chap by email @ jsardi@ihmci.com or by phone @ 610-439-2166 ext. 229. He's a survivor in that jungle out there and has the scars to prove it:)
Previously, our commitments with Pichi Chacay have led us to blog about the property and it's nearby city center, San Martin. In this post we'll focus more on the property's surrounding area through pictures taken by the owners of the property.
In our last installment we introduced you to Pichi Chacay, a beautiful mountainfront property in Argentina. Today we will talk about San Martin, the attraction to Pichi Chacay.
San Martin de Los Andes is the most important tourism center in Neuquen Provice. It is located southwest of Neuquen province on the eastern shores of Lake Lacar in Vega Maipu Valley, a natural basin protected from wind. It lies 640 meters above sea level, 1,575km from Buenos Aires and only 45km from the Chilean border.The characteristics of San Martin consist of dense forests of Pine, oak and cypress trees. The Alpine-like city of San Martin was founded on February 4th, 1898.
The town itself offers many different lodging options for tourists with more than 4000 beds available distributed amongst 3-5 star hotels. The are also a number of hostels and cabins offering great food and entertainment. Restaurants in San Martin offer some of the finest international cuisine in the region. There are also a number of Viennese pastry houses and picturesque tea houses where you can relax, enjoying the views of the surrounding mountains. San Martin has a reputation as a "family Friendly Tourism Center" with a population of 25,000+ people.
Tourism in San Martin wholly consist of adventurers looking to raft on the rivers, hang glide from the mountain tops, trek the mountains or climb nearby inactive volcano tops. Lanin National Park offers many of these adventures including sport fishing, photo safaris, 4 wheel-drive excursions and sightseing groups. The main attraction to San Martin continues to be Lanin National Park and the famous "belt" both of which offer year round activities.
Fishing can be enjoyed year round with added possibility of catching a wide variety of trout in the rivers and lakes of the area. The great number of waterways and bodies of water enable sport fishing of all kinds; fly casting, trolling and spinning. The most popular rivers in the region are the Caleufu, Collon Cura, Malleo, Chimehuin, Alumine or Quilquihue. On nearby lakes of San Martin(Lacar and Lolog) one can enjoy activities such as sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and water skiing.
During winter months, the city receives snow and allows for Excellent skiing at the nearby Chapelco Sports Center. In June Skiing resumes at the Cerro Capelco Ski Resort. The incredible beauty of San Martin may very well be a determining factor for it's explosive urban growth and tourism activity over the last decade but a lot of that also has to do with the incredible investment opportunities that exist for those looking to purchase a large lot of land in a picturesque setting.
We have an exceptional investment or retirement property for sale in Patagonia Argentina.This property is located in San Martin De Los Andes which is just 6.2 miles(10km) from the airport and 3.7 miles(8km) from the renowned Jack Nicklaus Chapelco Golf Course.
The Milton S. Hershey Penn state Medical Center is a state of the art facility in Hershey Pennsylvania. It was founded more than 45 years ago (1963) by Milton S. Hershey and his foundation. It is located 10 miles east of Harrisburg and just a whisker from High Pointe.
The Hospital has been ranked among the best children's hospitals in the nation in the U.S News & World Report's 2008 edition of America's Best Children's Hospitals. Coupled with that honor was the Magnet Recognition for the best health care organization which had previously only been given to 255 other organizations nationwide. The staff of the hospital was also recognized as 140 of it's doctors were named to the prestigious "Best Doctors in America list". In all there are more than 560 doctors at the facility.
The medical center is located less than one mile from High Pointe in Hershey and can be seen visibly from High Pointe park through the trees. This makes High Pointe a prime location for doctors on staff at the hospital and for active adults who want the safety and convenience of knowing that they can get healthcare within a short distance of their home.
The Bridge at Dubai Sports City offers investors an opportunity to invest in premium real estate perfect for capital growth and rental returns. Several famous sportsmen already own such property. Examples include: Michael Owen and Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff. The Bridge offers both commerical and residential office space. The 28 storey tower is just minutes away from the vibrant retail and leisure attractions in the heart of Dubai Sports City. With it's contemporary interior design and state-of-the-art facilities, it's features showcase World Class Architecture at it's best. UPDATE: Units are almost sold out
The Bridge is truly spectacular
Spacious rooms and large windows throughout
High atop the tower enjoy incredible views
Designed for simplicity
Dine indoors or out
Use your unit as an office or as a residence
Have meetings iatop the world
Your business is calling
The windows to Dubai Sports City
The Bridge stands out from all the rest during the day...
...and at night
If interested, contact Everard at 717-390-8704 and we'll make your dreams come true
I just got a text message that Everard is at the Kennedy Space Center awaiting the launch of the most complex space shuttle mission in NASA history. He is part of a group that was invited to see the launch and he'll be providing this blog post with some beautiful pictures. Me and Ray will conversely add our own photos from Pennsylvania as we see it. We're not going to bore you with any details on the launch as it's just a mere
15 minutes from now... (UPDATE: It has launched)
The launch was also viewable at NASA.GOV and CNN News.
I just finished listening to their speaker over the phone, but have to go now to setup my camera in hopes of catching a glimpse of it.
UPDATE from Lancaster PA: i believe i made out a little bit of white light for about 20 seconds moving from left to right when looking west. We could hear the shuttle the entire time though (can't verify it as it could have been a plane but the sound did not let up even after 5 minutes.
Note: We'll provide Everard's pictures as seen first hand tomorrow when he returns from his trip.
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UPDATE: 3/18/09 here are the pictures from the event (as shown above). There was apparently also an air show accompanying the launch.
Everard took this incredible photo which is perhaps his best yet considering the subject.
There were also stuntplanes in the air doing tricks
The museum has some wonderful artifacts from the Space program of years past.
The Space shuttle program is set to halt in 2010, awaiting completion of it's successors, Ares I, Ares V, and Orion, which will be unveiled in 2014. so these launched are becoming historic and soon a thing of the past. In total 133 launches will have taken place by the end of the program. There are only 7 launches left till the end of the program. View the Space Shuttle Launch Schedule
5 Space Shuttles were originally built but only 3 remain(one of which is for not functional and for display only) The Challenger and Columbia have since been lost including it's crew. Only 2 active shuttles remain.
So next time there's a launch perhaps considering going to the Museum as it may be your last chance to do see the current space shuttle launches. Map to Kennedy Space Center | Driving Directions
As mentioned in the title, Castellum Realty LLC now has a new broker and it's our very own Nathan Mountain. With this great news, nathan joins about 160 other brokers in Lancaster County out of 1407 registered agents. Conversely Everard will soon become an associate broker. With this issue settled, Castellum is ready to expand to other cities and recruit new agents.
NATHAN MOUNTAIN
Restaurant Manager - Mr. Steak Restaurant Manager - Ruby Tuesday's Owner - The Discovery Bin Real Estate Agent -6 years (Prudential Berger-Lusk Real Estate - 3 years Berger Real Estate - 1 year) Castellum Realty, LLC - 3 years
To ContactNathan Office: 717-390-8706 Cell : 717-572-7423 Nathanmountain@aol.com View Nathan's Listings View Open House Listings
We are currently looking for telecommute agents who are interested in working with lancaster clients and beyond. We are particularly interested in working with agents who have experience in the business and are looking to get the best possible deal in town that we promise cannot be beat. We repeat, if you are an agent in lancaster county we can guarantee the best deal in town.
TOP 10 REASONS TO USE CASTELLUM REALTY LLC
10. Castellum Realty, LLC.is knowledgeable about Lancaster county. Our company's Realtors have lived here a combined total of 89 years! 9. We work with many top companies in the area to ensure you get top quality treatment. 8. Nathan specializes in many different kinds of financing programs with many different lenders. 7. Everard has a lot of experience in negotiations and will help you find the best deal for your needs. We go the extra mile to help you in every phase of buying or selling. 6. We pride ourselves in our ability to provide you with top notch tradesmen if you should need additional services. 5. We try to make each and every client feel as though they were our only client. 4. We offer testimonials from previous clients as proof of our superior service. 3. We try to utilize superior lenders and title companies to not only give you the best service, but at the best price! 2. We try to think outside the box to meet your requirements and wishes.
.... and the #1 reason to work with Castellum Realty, LLC. is:
we enjoy what we are doing in Real Estate and it shows!!
So come join Castellum Realty and enjoy working from home with little expenditures on your part. Call Nathan or Everard today for more details. You'll be glad you did!
This Amazing villa in prestiguous Stonehenge exemplifies STonehenge to a T. Upon entering in this stunning home, you'll feel overwhelmed by the romantic environment, artistic expression and quality workmanship that this estate presents.
Not only is this a showcase builder home, but it's also a perfect place to entertain a large group of guests, friends or family members in style and comfort due to the ample space and layout of the property.
Make use of this fantastic opportunity to buy a multi-family estate with long term profitability for investment return at half the reconstruction cost. No cost has been spared to build, decorate and maintain this home and it's 2 acres of professionally landscaped grounds.
The house features 6100 Square Ft. above ground, 4 bedrooms & 4 full bathrooms including a first floor mastersuite with 2 sitting areas with fire place. Other rooms include: A breakfast room/nook, living room w/fire place, large family room and a wet-bar.
The description above cannot possibly justify the actual beauty, efficiency, affordable price and location of this estate. You will simply have to come out and see this gorgeous property for yourself. For your convenience and to wet your appetite, we've included some pictures of this property below. Enjoy!! Listing price is in the high 900's. Special financing arrangements are a possibility in this tough economy.
Photos by Everard
For more information about this property or others, contact Everard Korthals at 717-816-4685 or visit Castellum Realty LLC. You can also contact any representative at Castellum Realty LLC and provide you with any intimate details for this property. Everard looks forward to working with potential clients to sell this property with in good time which will benefit both parties.
Lancaster PA Luxury Real Estate information for homeowners in Lancaster County Pennsylvania and for those wishing to relocate to Lancaster PA. We offer downsizing services specifically for 55+ seniors looking to move into an Active Adult community in Lancaster PA or Hershey PA. This blog covers, green building practices, historic homes, market conditions and statistics, and general news and information about the real estate market in Lancaster, Lititz, Hershey and all neighboring communities. If you are looking to buy or sell a home in Lancaster PA, then Castellum Realty is your preferred Real Estate Agency of Choice. Castellum Realty strives to treat it's customers like Royalty.
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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.
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