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craigbland: Increase in Upfront Premiums for FHA Mortgage Insurance - 01/22/10 02:17 PM
ML 2010-02: Increase in Upfront Premiums for FHA Mortgage Insurance (01/21/10)
First-Time Homebuyer with HUD-Approved Pre-Purchase Counseling
The National Housing Act, as amended by the Housing and Economic Recovery Act in 2008, authorizes upfront premiums of up to 3.00 and authorizes premiums of up to 2.75 percent for first-time homebuyers who complete HUD-approved pre-purchase counseling. Since the upfront premium rate of 2.25 percent remains below the statutory cap, no variable rate for counseled first-time homebuyers is provided for under this Mortgagee Letter.
If you should have any questions concerning this Mortgagee Letter, call 1-800-CALLFHA. Persons with hearing or speech impairments may … (2 comments)

craigbland: Is anyone looking at me? - 12/09/09 04:36 AM
Do you have a website? STOP.  If not go and get one.  They are really cheap.  If you need one there is a really easy way to get one.  Go and get a bid from hundereds of developers at www.elance.com.  You will be amazed how many developers will work for next to nothing.
Once you have a website you need visitors right?
Well. Listen up Active Rainers here are a couple of fairly simple ways to give people a reason to interact and also make it easy for them to interact with your website. 1. A Reason: The rule of thumb … (6 comments)

craigbland: Will tax credit for ‘move-up' homebuyers spur you to act? - 11/05/09 06:09 AM
7:00 am November 5, 2009, by Craig Bland
Late Wednesday, the Senate voted 98-0 to extend the first-time homebuyer tax credit of $8,000 to April 30.
The Senate also took action to spur sales to "move-up" buyers, AJC reporter Bob Keefe writes.
Legislation, which still must be passed by the House, would provide a $6,500 tax credit for homebuyers, as long as they had been in their previous home for at least five years.
The tax credits would be limited to homebuyers who make $125,000 or less as an individual or $225,000 or less as a couple. The cost of the home … (8 comments)

craigbland: First time homebuyer tax credit - 10/30/09 06:15 AM
Those of you that have been waiting for an update on the first time homebuyer tax credit, and a possible extension, may be happy to hear that this is all but certain now.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20603037&sid=ai5ZNuz56Q4g
The senate will vote next week on the bill but it appears certain it will go through.
Great news for first time homebuyers is that the income limits have been increased from $75,000 to $125,000 for individuals and up to $225,000 for couples.  This will bring more buyers into the market that will be able to buy larger homes and boy have we needed that!
The other … (1 comments)

craigbland: GEORGIA PROPERTY TAXES - IMPORTANT DUE DATES FOR 2009 - 08/28/09 09:55 AM
Many property tax deadlines have been extended for 2009:  
Fulton County:  bills have not been generated yet- the county is seeking a Temporary Collection order to bill and collect taxes
Usual due date:  October 15th
2009 due date:  Undetermined
City of Atlanta:  if in Fulton County, will be billed as shown above
If in DeKalb County, already billed and due 9/15/09
DeKalb County:  payable in two installments
1.     8/31 (extended from 8/15 just for 2009)
2.     11/15 (same deadline for 2nd installment)
Gwinnett County:  payable in two installments
1.     10/15 (extended from 9/15 just for 2009)
2.     11/15 (same deadline for … (0 comments)

craigbland: The 10 Commandments - when applying for a mortgage - 08/27/09 01:16 PM
1. Thou shalt not change jobs, become self-employed or quit your job. Longer employment time shows stability and a reduced likelyhood of default.
2. Thou shalt not buy a car, truck or van (or you may be
living in it)! This will increase your debt to income ratio.
3. Thou shalt not use charge cards excessively or let your
accounts fall behind. This shows poor money management and an increased risk of default.
4. Thou shalt not spend money you have set aside for closing. It costs money to borrow money - make sure you have enough.
5. Thou shalt not … (3 comments)

craigbland: 95% Conventional Financing is Back - 08/27/09 12:10 PM
Wonderful News. 
95% conventional loans are back! 
Academy Mortgage can now offer a combo loan with a 80% first loan and a 15% second loan. 
 This is great news as it was very difficult to get mortgage insurance ob loans greater than 90%.
Call Craig Bland at 678-234-0545 for more details.
… (0 comments)

craigbland: Possible Extension of the Home Buying Credit - 06/24/09 11:33 AM
Yesterday, USA Today reported that Congress is considering an extension of the first-time home-buyer credit due to expire this fall. Some in Congress are even proposing to raise the credit from $8,000 to $15,000 and apply it to anyone who buys a home.
It seems likely the credit will be extended beyond the fall as there are a few proposed House bills to do so. Each bill carries a different twist beyond merely extending the credit past the fall.
According to the article,  four separate proposals and ideas to continue to spur the housing market have emerged:
A Senate bill submitted … (0 comments)

 

Craig Bland

Lawrenceville, GA

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