I am listing a property right now in a condo development....."condo" is the optimum word.  The whole development never had an FHA funded settlement, and, it's one of the most affordable selections in the school district!  The property manager insists that the development will never be an FHA approved development as it's too hard to contact every owner to get a unanimous "yes" to FHA.   I will tell you that there is a another way......"spot approval".....FHA will approve one unit in the development!  Eureka!  It's out there boys and girls....Also, Fannie Mae has a list of the approved developments on the website https://www.efanniemae.com/sf/refmaterials/approvedprojects/index.jsp?from=hp

I have been turned on to the USDA loans, which is known widely as the old "farmer's home loans" of yesterday.  These loans do come with restrictions.  The location of the property has to be an approved site as dictated by the USDA.  There are income limits as outlined on the USDA site.  But, if you get through that red tape (and believe me, there's red tape no matter what you do), you are off to the races...the only catch is every once and a while the USDA will run out of money.....usually towards the end of the year....but, take heart, we are in the beginning of the year! 

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/sfh/GSFH_Income_Limits/PA%20GRH.pdf   income limits

http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do       Housing eligibility, select single family housing

I must tell you that when I hear realtors in the market make statements like "I am choosing not to participate in the recession", it really makes me nuts.  I think I may share the same sentiments as many of my fellow realtors by saying, "neither do we".  And, the majority of us are still trying to plug along and make a living, sometimes to the detriment of our family's well being......and we all know why.  Real estate is what we do.  We haven't lost our way, or taken our eye off our goals.  The playing field isn't level anymore and hasn't been for years because of many factors, but, the biggest one is FEAR.

I happened to be in a "final required" continuing ed class for the DE 4/30/09 deadline!   I was sitting there trying to behave myself, when, some smart Alick piped up about some superstar in their office.....this rock star was really pushing the "first time" home buyer's $8000 tax credits.....she actually had four closing last month because of her efforts.  Well, that news was like poking a sleeping bear......my emotions ranged from "why didn't I think of that", to "well, first time home buyers have a hard time qualifying with the stricter mortgage guidelines these days", to "why am I in this class anyway"?   Well, what does everybody think out there.....FHA credit cutoff is 620???????  They have to have at least 3.5% of their own monies, unless you do USDA.......

Boy, I've done everything short of getting the Mummers to hold a parade in front of my listings!  Newspaper ads don't do the trick anymore!  Open houses produce traffic, but unqualified traffic.   Although, I have sold two houses from an open house......What are some of your ideas?

Boy, I've tried to tell my buyers that "now is the time"......"carpe diem"!  But, the truth be told....I have a couple of sheckles to throw out there and I've been draggin' my feet.  Because I realize that buying right now takes a lot of speculation on the stability of the market.  I find myself sizing up the potential candidates for president to guess at what the next four years will be like.....Guess what, I'm gonna' take the plunge anyhow, but, I have a renewed appreciation for the "thought process" of the buyers out in the market today!

Boy, am I going to sound like an idiot....but, is there another way to advertise a home on Craig's List, with more than the standard 4 pictures?  Is there a professional Craig's List tier that I can pay for or is that bogus propaganda from a "spammer".   Do you feel that Craig's List works?  Who the heck from Britain always e-mails me to say they'll buy or rent anything I have up?  And what's behind that? 

Wow, I never realized a little known fact to you and I as real estate agents.  Mortgage companies are rating our "areas or markets".    I do a lot of business in Chester County, PA.  Even though it has experienced an increase in pricing over the last year, the mortgage gurus are rating it "a soft market area" and are really scrutinizing the value of the property because of the location.  Some mortgage professionals will not even take a mortgage app in this area.  Unbelievable!  You might want check and see what your area is rated as it concerns the mortgage professionals in the area!

I hate to listen to the news in the morning.  I realize I have to stay in touch with the outside world, but....food prices going up, gas prices going up, housing prices going down, stock prices going down.  When actually, I think compared to the world economy, I still believe in the American Dream.  I think if most of us admit it, we're living it, and we are helping others to live it.  I'm proud of US, in fact, I'm proud of the USA!

Unfortunately, divorce has caused a lot of listings lately!  I often tip toe into these situations, because if the sellers/husband and wife are not getting along in their personal life, there's a good chance they won't be able to agree on a decision regarding their largest asset! 

Also, when one party is on the deed and mortgage note, do both parties have to sign the listing contract and seller's disclosure?  I realize that the property is maritial asset, but, what if one does not appear on the paperwork?  Does the "absentee" partner have to be consulted?   We are in a state wherein the seller can be forced to sell a property with the threat of specific performance......

Help!!!!