A man was posing as a real estate buyer and then stealing money and credit cards from agents that tried to assist him in finding a home. The MLS was asking for information to be directed to the sheriff's department. Apparently it was, because an attorney, Tivis Sutherland wrote:
"I am the attorney for two of James Young's victims. He is in the Kershaw County Detention Center. To contact the Richland County Investigators on his case dial 576-3000 and ask for Investigator Potash or Investigator Strange. I hope you got away from this guy without suffering too much fiscal damage."
and
"You are quite welcome. He was "looking at houses" as late as last week (in Barnwell if my information is correct), just prior to his arrest. He is trying to get out of jail, and we are trying to keep him in; but bonds are typically not very high for these types of offenses. If he gets out I will let you all know. Everyone who has been victimized should contact the investigators listed above."
It has been brought to our attention that there is a Caucasian gentleman going by the name of James Wesley Young, he has brownish hair, is approximately 6 feet 3 inches in height & weighing 170lbs. He may be driving a Black Nissan Truck or a Black Toyota Car. He is posing as a buyer, stating he has cancer and will be paying for house with cash, he may also mention a sister & brother-in-law named Will and Kristi.
Apparently, a few Realtors have been helping this man and when they walk away he has stolen $ and credit card information. There have been police reports filed against this guy, and if you have any further information you may contact the sheriffs dept., this has been happening in the downtown Columbia area. Please stay safe and alert."
I received this question today from a client that I was privileged to assist in purchasing a home not too long ago. Here is his question:
"Charlie, I hope all is well with you. I had a real estate question that I am hoping that you or some of your colleagues can weigh in on. What I'd like to know is how much street lamps can improve the value of houses in a neighborhood. This is something my neighborhood is considering doing in the coming months and I'd like to get everyone on board."
So there it is colleagues, whaddya think? Do street lamps or street lights improve property values?
HUD Secretary Announces Monetization of Tax Credit at NAR Real Estate Summit
WASHINGTON (May 12, 2009) - Shaun Donovan, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, said that the Federal Housing Administration is going to permit its lenders to allow homeowners to use the $8,000 tax credit as a downpaypment.
Donovan's remarks came in an address to several thousand Realtors® gathered this morning at The Real Estate Summit: Advancing the U.S. Economy, a special daylong session at the Realtors® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo <http://www.realtor.org/meetings_and_expo/2009_midyear_live> here.
Secretary Donovan said that important changes, which the National Association of Realtors® has been calling for, will help consumers purchase a home. "We all want to enable FHA consumers to access the home buyer tax credit funds when they close on their home loans so that the cash can be used as a downpayment," Donovan said. According to Donovan, the FHA's approved lenders will be permitted to "monetize" the tax credit through short-term bridge loans. This will allow eligible home buyers to access the funds immediately at the closing table.
Donovan said the Obama administration plans to further stabilize the housing market. "I do think we have some early signs that the market overall is stabilizing," said Donovan. "Since January we've seen both home sales moving up and down around a relatively stable number and we are seeing the first signs that the rapid decline in home prices is starting to abate."
NAR President Charles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Dallas-Fort Worth, said, "As the leading advocate for housing issues and homeownership, NAR continues to take a leadership role in promoting ideas for improving our economy by stabilizing the housing and real estate markets. Today we have the best of the best to begin a dialogue, develop solutions and initiate action toward real estate and economic recovery."
The morning session included a panel discussion that was moderated by CNBC's Ron Insana. The 13 panelists and Realtors® in attendance examined cutting-edge solutions necessary to promote and preserve homeownership and real estate development, stimulate the economy, and protect the nation's taxpayers. They also shared their ideas on what the role and responsibility of the federal government is in the revitalization effort.
The list of distinguished panelists include Dr. Martin Feldstein, professor of Economics from Harvard University; Dr. Barry Bluestone, professor of Political Economy from Northeastern University; John Taylor, CEO of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition; Maria Kong, president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers; and Sarah Rosen Wartell, executive vice president for the Center for American Progress.
"Right now the Federal Reserve is the market," said Jay Brinkman, chief economist for the Mortgage Bankers Association. "What will be the effect when the Fed stops buying?" Brinkman explained that an exit strategy must be planned for the long-term; the federal government cannot continue to support the mortgage markets indefinitely.
"We must make sure FHA and the GSEs are supported," added the Wharton School's Susan Wachter. "We are thrilled that so many high-caliber individuals were able to join us today at this important meeting to promote stability in the housing market and the U.S. economy," McMillan said. "We look forward to an ongoing dialogue and action toward this goal, during our midyear meetings this week and beyond."
The real estate summit is part of the Realtors® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo <http://www.realtor.org/meetings_and_expo/2009_midyear_live> here through Saturday. During the week, more than 8,500 Realtors® will attend meetings, visit lawmakers and inspire action on Capitol Hill.
The National Association of Realtors®, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest trade association, representing 1.2 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
I77 to Leesburg Rd. Travel beyond Ft Jackson Gate 5 to James Browder Rd. Turn Rt, James Browder becomes Greenlake Drive.
MLS - 241260
$64,000
Very nice home for 1st time buyer and investor. Take advantage of the $8,000 first time buyers tax incentive! Finished Garage. Ready to move in. Convenient to Fort Jackson, schools and shopping.
Well, I feel like crap. Slept til 10:15 this morning. This bug has worked it's way around the whole house now. I'm just letting you know that I'm taking the weekend off~! From work, honey-do's, and all social media and real estate. I'm going to drink Gatorade, take Tylenol Allergy Sinus and sleep.
Ok, Ok, Ok, I'm gonna get some chips and a six-pack and watch the NCAA Tournament, and I'll be drunk as a skunk by 4:30 in the afternoon. Are you happy?
See you next week, friends, twitterites, facebookers, and all you cool linkedin folks. If you're not on these sites, your children are and they asked me to tell you hello! Yes, it's your kids and 400,000 real estate agents all over the web. By the way, should you need to buy or sell real estate, call me and I'll be right out - after the game!
Joe Walsh sums it up for me, which lets you know I am in terrible trouble!
Move in ready! 4700 Sq Ft with walls of windows overlooking Lake Murray. Beautiful views from every room. Home located on a finger. Year round water. Additional off street parking. 3 screened porches & 1 unscreened porch. Extensive stone work, low maintenance landscaping. Abundance of decking! Custom 2 sided outdoor fireplace. Very open floor plan. Downstairs room could be 4th bedroom. Huge area downstairs for gameroom/pool table, etc... Laundry can be upstairs or downstairs. FROG for playroom or office! Too many features to list! NO HOA OR RESTRICTIONS!!
I must be one of the luckiest people in the world. Yes, like you I have won the Nigerian Lottery! But, today I also received this astounding piece of news. WHAT A LUCKY DAY!
Hello Mr. Harden,
My name is Mrs. Maria Johnson. I am a dying woman who has decided to donate what I have to you. I am 59 years old and was diagnosed for cancer about 2 years ago. Kindly contact my lawyer through this email address (johnwalteratlive.nl) if you are interested in carrying out this task, so that he can arrange the release of the funds ($10,500,000.00) to you. My lawyer's name is Barrister John Walter. I know I have never met you but my mind tells me to do this, and I hope you act sincerely.
Thank you and God bless you.
Maria Johnson.
I have replied to Barrister John Walter:
Barrister Walter,
I regret to inform you that I will not have time to "act sincerely" in arranging for the release of the 10 and 1/2 million dollars from Ms. Johnson, as I will be busy in my new job with AIG! My sincere condolences to Ms. Johnson on her impending death.
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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