Did you know about this?

Maximum of $7500 Tax Credit For 1st Time Home Buyers who purchase between April 9, 2008 thru June 30, 2009!

Great news for any 1st time home buyers out there.

An immediate great call to any 1st time home buyers you put in a home after April 9, 2008, now that is a great customer touch!

Go to the web site below for all the details.

http://federalhousingtaxcredit.com/index.html

 

 

 

 

 

Now there is a FREE way to lower your home gas energy bill, and a way to even get your gas for FREE!

As of May 2008 Ambit Energy is now available as your provider for Gas Energy for your home, thru deregulation, you now have a choice of whom you purchase your gas energy from.

By choosing Ambit Energy instead of NICOR GAS for the purchase of your gas you are guaranteed savings in writing on your NICOR bill.

Nothing changes, NICOR will still bring the gas to your home through their pipes, they'll still send you a bill, you still pay them, and you are only having Ambit Energy purchase the gas you use.

You'll see no changes in your service, no one comes out to your home, the only change you'll see is a lower gas bill!

It costs nothing to choose Ambit Energy.

No contracts, no monthly fee's, no disruption in service. If you don't like getting your gas for cheaper we'll switch you back for free.

Plus a lot more perks you'll see on the web site!

How to get your NICOR gas for FREE -

As an Ambit Energy customer, you can reduce or eliminate the amount of payment due on your bill every month simply by referring people you know to use our service. When a minimum of 15 customers you refer pay their bills, you will receive a credit* on your Ambit Energy bill equal to the average amount of their payments. This credit applies every month as long as you maintain a minimum of 15 customers who pay their bills. If the average of your referred customers' monthly payments is equal to or more than your bill for the month, you pay nothing!

Go to the following web site for more info and to switch, all you need is your NICOR bill for the account number.

www.fchteam.joinambit.com - Save On Your Energy Bill & Sign Up Today

www.fchteam.ambitenergy.biz – Unlimited Income Business Opportunity

www.fchteam.energy526.com – Energy Video

Thank you.

Frank Schiefelbein

Marketing Consultant

847.894.1629

     

Why does Countrywide^® appreciate and respect Real Estate Professional partners like you so much? Let us count the ways (from #10 backwards, of course!):

10.      You bring us donuts. No, wait ... that's OUR job!

9.      In tough times like these, it's nice to have somebody to share the tissues with.

8.      We can mention "Fannie Mae" or "Freddie Mac" and you know it isn't a new hip hop act.

7.      You're the only other people on the planet who care what the Chairman of the Federal Reserve says.

6.      You're the only other people who don't think "Title Insurance" is something to protect books in a library.

5.      Who else would invite us to all those exciting Open Houses on Sunday afternoons? 

4.      You know that a 5/1 ARM is not an episode of the Bionic Woman.

3.      We can use "HELOC" in conversation and you won't say, "Bless you!"

2.      Without making home loans to your buyers, our $ billions in available funding would just sit around in a savings account.

And the #1 Reason We Appreciate Our Real Estate Professional Partners ...

You help us turn more home browsers into homeowners!

Speaking of numbers, I've got many proven ways to help you make the most of current market conditions. Call me today and let me show you how much you're appreciated at Countrywide! 

Frank Schiefelbein

Home Loan Consultant

847-894-1629

frank_schiefelbein@countrywide.com  

www.FrankForHomeLoans.com

News about the current state of the mortgage industry can be unsettling for those of us who make our living in this business.  This challenging time has brought about greater than usual media coverage of our sector, including coverage about Countrywide.

 With all the information that's being distributed, I wanted to take a moment to personally update you on what's going on at Countrywide.

 ••          We have supplemented our existing liquidity options by infusing an additional $11.5 billion in to our operation through a syndicate of 40 of the world's largest banks.  More than 70 percent of this facility has an existing term of greater than four years.

 ••          We announced our strategy to fund a significant portion of loans through Countrywide Bank, which has approximately $100 billion in assets.  Today, we fund approximately 70 percent of our loans through Countrywide Bank, and expect that nearly all of our loan volume will be funded through the bank by the end of September.

 ••          We expect that approximately 90 percent of the loans we originate will be eligible for funding through Countrywide Bank or the Government Sponsored Entities (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac).  

 ••          Just this week, we increased our product options for fully documented Jumbo loans.

 I want to let you know that while this industry turmoil may continue for some time, Countrywide is here to assist you in and meet the home loan needs of your customers.  

 While the current industry news can be unsettling, know that I am here, backed by Countrywide, to meet your mortgage lending needs.  Feel free to contact me directly by phone or email.

 Frank Schiefelbein

Home Loan Consultant

1121 E. Main Street, Ste. 330

St. Charles, IL 60174

www.FrankForHomeLoans.com

frank_schiefelbein@countrywide.com

630.513.4815 Office Direct

847.894.1629 Direct

866.905.7983 Fax

888.265.9824x4815 Toll Free

 

  

We are pleased to bring you this advertisement.  If you do not wish to receive future email offers, simply click on the following link to unsubscribe, or copy and paste the link into your browser's address bar: http://countrywide.p.delivery.net/m/u/cw/cmd/unsubscribe.asp

If you have comments, questions or feedback, you may write us at the following address: 31303 Agoura Road, MS WLAR-17M, Westlake Village, CA 91361.

To view licenses and registrations, click on the following link, or copy and paste the link into your browser's address bar: http://my.countrywide.com/Licenses.aspx?linkid=PCFT015

To view Countrywide's privacy policy, click on the following link, or copy and paste the link into your browser's address bar: http://my.countrywide.com/privacy.aspx

  Equal Housing Lender. ©2008 Countrywide Bank, FSB, Countrywide Home Loans Division. Member FDIC.  Trade/service marks are the property of Countrywide Financial Corporation, Countrywide Bank, FSB, or their respective affiliates and/or subsidiaries. Some products may not be available in all states. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved.

Last Updated: 01/01/2008

 

  

  

Provided to Builder /  Real Estate Professionals for information only. Not intended or authorized for public or consumer distribution.

Here is a photo I took of the Iwa Jima Memorial while I was in Washington D.C.

Here is a good article on Fed Rate Cuts and their effect on Home Mortgage Rates.

Click on below article to see the cause and effect on interest rates.

I always get calls after a Fed Rate Cut and expalin all day why rates went up whenthe Fed just cut them. 

 http://biz.yahoo.com/usnews/080430/30_what_fed_moves_mean_for_mortgage_rates.html

 

 

http://www.marketingsplash1.com/RequestHBSR.asp?ID=SQKUQLBMAADF

Realtors, Home Sellers and Home Buyers

I added a new service for my clients and it is FREE, it's called Home Buyers Scouting Report!

For home buyers and sellers, it is a new way to search for homes on the internet, and I personally think it's 100 times better than what is out there now.

Home Buyers/Sellers you can.......

•  Search all the MLS listings

•  Save listings you want to watch in your notebook and receive emails if the price drops or if it's under contract

•  Map your searches, switch it to view a photo and see what the neighborhood looks like

•  Search for schools and get demographics, libraries, fire dept., transportation, Starbucks etc.

Not planning on selling your home you can.......

 •  Track homes for sale in your neighborhood, save them in your notebook and see what price they close at

•  Search for closed homes for the last 2 yrs in your neighborhood

•  Keep track of your home value based on sales

I really think you'll enjoy this service. 

If you know someone that might be buying a home in the next year I would be happy to sign them up as well.  It is FREE with no obligations.

Call or email me to sign up.

Save on Your Home Loan

By Frank Schiefelbein

You may be aware that by refinancing you may be able to reduce your monthly mortgage payments. However, you may not realize that by using your mortgage as a financial tool, you can save big money and build more equity in your home. Now, you can use this simple strategy to help you.

By making an extra payment each year, you can save on interest and reduce the term of your loan. This can be accomplished in two ways: you can pay an additional one-twelfth of your mortgage payment each month by dividing your loan payment by 12 and then adding that amount to your regular payment; or, you can simply make one extra month's payment once a year by indicating to the mortgage company that the extra payment should be applied to your principal balance. Some homeowners use annual bonuses or inheritances to pay down their mortgage principals.

By voluntarily making an extra payment each year and reducing your principal, you can save more than $45,000 in interest on a $100,000, 8 percent, 30-year mortgage and take more than seven years off the loan.

This is just one of many tools homeowners are learning about when it comes to using their homes as a financial tool. By learning how to build equity faster and reduce their monthly payments, they can have more money for other things in life.

Frank Schiefelbein of the St. Charles, IL., office of Countrywide Home Loans, a division of Countrywide Bank, FSB. The office is located at 1121 E. Main Street, Ste. 330, St. Charles, IL 60174.  www.FrankForHomeLoans.com

Choosing an Online Mortgage Lender
By Frank Schiefelbein @ http://www.frankforhomeloans.com/

Where you get a home loan could affect your finances and even your credit rating for years, so it's important to know as much as possible about your lender. Below are some questions to help choose among the many lenders online.

Is this a direct lender or an online broker? A direct lender funds the loan, making decisions about your eligibility and the terms of the loan. A direct lender also coordinates required services, such as credit verification and home appraisal.

Some Web sites provide quotes from many lenders, serving as loan brokers or "aggregators". A broker is a go-between, with no power to make decisions or speed loan closing. That's important if you need to settle quickly. Brokers charge fees for their services, so they don't always offer the lowest overall prices.

Is the lender experienced? Many online lenders are new to the mortgage industry. Home lending is complex, with many Federal and state regulations. An inexperienced lender can face delays and problems in closing loans. Make sure the company has a proven record.

Is the company financially stable? Read their annual reports, quarterly financial reports and business reviews and articles.

Is the organization trustworthy? Research the company's reputation, including a call to the Better Business Bureau. Be suspicious of very low interest rates, promises to lend to anybody or high fees to apply for a loan. Make sure that any personal information you provide is protected by online security (including data encryption).

Can you reach a loan expert? Online borrowers often have trouble reaching representatives who can help them. You need prompt and reliable answers to your questions about the loan, the application and any papers you'll sign during closing.

Does the lender have a local office? If not, where will loan closing occur? A local office can make closing easier and help resolve things more quickly if you encounter a problem before closing.

What services are available after you get your loan? If the lender services your loan (collects your payments and provides escrow and tax information), find out if it offers convenient service hours, e-mail access and online customer service (free electronic payment, online account statements and online escrow reports).

What are the actual loan costs? It can be difficult to compare loans, in part because so many types are available:

· fixed-rate conforming loans
· fixed-rate jumbo loans
· balloon loans
· conforming adjustable rate mortgages or ARMs
· jumbo ARMs
· hybrid ARMs with a fixed rate period of several years before the rate adjusts

The type of loan, whether it's government backed (FHA or VA), the term (typically 10, 15, 20 or 30 years), and whether there is a penalty for pre-payment all affect the interest rate.

The interest rate is only part of a loan's cost, along with application or processing fees, charges that make up "closing costs" and any "points" or fees paid to buy down the interest rate. Lenders often have different names for the same fees, making it even harder to compare loans. Make sure the lender thoroughly explains all the loan costs.

For more home loan information, see these free federal resources:

Looking for the Best Mortgage? from the Federal Trade Commission: www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/homes/bestmorg.htm

A booklet series on home loan issues from the Consumer Information Center: www.pueblo.gsa.gov/housing.htm

Frank Schiefelbein of the St. Charles, IL office of Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., a national leader in residential finance. The office is located at 1121 E. Main Street, Ste. 300, St. Charles, IL 60177  630-513-4815. www.FrankForHomeLoans.com

What's Hiding In Your Home Loan?
Five Factors Every Homeowner Should Know to Maximize Mortgage Management
By Frank Schiefelbein

A study recently released by Countrywide Home Loans revealed that many homeowners may not be fully capitalizing on the powerful fiscal opportunities within their homes. Ninety percent of survey homeowner respondents admitted that their home is one of their most important assets, yet nearly half indicated they would never consider leveraging their mortgage and available equity as a financial management tool.

These findings suggest that Americans may be neglecting to recognize their home as an asset that can-and should-be managed like other investments in their portfolios. Survey results also underscore the widespread misperceptions that exist about mortgages, including how they work, their flexibility, and their place in an individual's overall financial package.

When it comes to stocks, for example, it's considered obvious for Americans to keep an eye on and take action on their investments to maximize growth potential, but the same doesn't seem to hold true for their homes. Instead, many homeowners simply stick with their original mortgage, even if it may not make the most sense to do so.

To empower homeowners with strategies that can help them maximize and effectively manage their mortgages, Countrywide Home Loans imparts a few options worth checking out:

· Cash In on Cash-Out-For Upgrades and More.

Increased home values over time may mean that many people's home equity has grown significantly. So, the time may be right for them to consider refinancing and pulling money out of their home equity in a lump sum to fund repairs, renovations or other expenditures. After all, any upgrades made may add to their home's value in the long run. A cash-out refinance could be a smart solution that may make the most of their investment by generating a source of funds needed to meet personal and financial goals.

· Unlock the HELOC Opportunity-Spending and Saving.

Used to fund everything from major home improvements and vacations to college tuition and debt consolidation, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) have proven to be a smart choice for many homeowners because, unlike regular credit cards, the interest paid on these credit lines is often tax deductible (a tax advisor can provide details.) Plus, since the interest rates on HELOCs are generally lower than on credit card or installment loans, the monthly payments are also lower.

A HELOC also can provide a safety net in the event of emergencies or unforeseen expenses because borrowers can tap the unused line of credit, which typically does not require a payment until it is accessed. And, interest-only payments usually are allowed on amounts drawn for at least the first five years and often for the first 10 years. (HELOCs are typically 25-year loans and their rates vary according to the prime rate.) Some HELOC products also have a "no-cost" feature that waives the initial appraisal and application fees.

· Consider Your Best Interest-Changing and Deferred.

If a homeowner currently has an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM), they should be sure to monitor their monthly statement, understand how the loan's interest rate is changing, and pay attention to deferred interest on option ARM products. When these rise outside of homeowners' comfort zones, it may be a wise move to refinance with a different loan that has a lower rate, a fixed payment, a different loan term, or other features that make the most sense in their current financial situation. Making a move to refinance when the time is right could save money in the long run or in the short term, depending on their needs.

· Help Yourself to Seconds-Vacation Homes and Investment Properties.

In recent years, many homeowners are using the equity from their first home to springboard into a second home or other investment property. This can be an excellent way to maximize their current investment to build assets and bolster their financial portfolio.

· Move Ahead with Reverse Mortgages-Payments and Peace of Mind.

For homeowners who are at least 62 years old, a reverse mortgage can be a great and simple way to access available equity in a home and obtain a source of funds for everything from daily expenses and medical bills to maintaining a leisurely retirement lifestyle. There are generally no restrictions on how borrowers can use the loan proceeds, which usually can be obtained in a lump sum, monthly, through a line of credit, or other payment structures.

A reverse mortgage enables seniors to remain in their homes for the remainder of their lives if they wish. And, funds received from a reverse mortgage are generally categorized as loan advances and not taxable income (borrowers should consult their tax advisors for details). Reverse mortgages also are usually "non-recourse," which means that the borrower, their heirs, or their estate will not owe more than the appraised market value of the home at the time of maturity of the loan, even if the loan balance is higher.

Borrowers should obtain as much information as possible before obtaining a reverse mortgage and consult with their family, a financial or tax advisor, and other resources to fully explore all of their options so they can make an informed decision that's right for them.

For more information about these and other smart mortgage management tips, homeowners should call 847-894-1629. *About Countrywide Home Loans, Inc.
Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., a member of the Countrywide® family - America's #1 home loan lender - (as ranked for 2005 by Inside Mortgage Finance, Jan. 27, 2006, Copyright 2007), originates, purchases, securitizes, sells and services home loans and is the primary subsidiary of Countrywide Financial Corporation (NYSE: CFC). Countrywide Financial Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides mortgage banking and diversified financial services in domestic and international markets. Founded in 1969 and a member of the S&P 500 and Fortune 500, Countrywide Financial Corporation is headquartered in Calabasas, California and its family of companies has a workforce of more than 55,000 in over 900 offices across the country.

About Harris Interactive
Harris Interactive is the 12th largest and fastest-growing market research firm in the world. The company provides research-driven insights and strategic advice to help its clients make more confident decisions which lead to measurable and enduring improvements in performance. Harris Interactive is widely known for The Harris Poll, one of the longest running, independent opinion polls and for pioneering online market research methods. The company has built what could conceivably be the world's largest panel of survey respondents, the Harris Poll Online. Harris Interactive serves clients worldwide through its United States, Europe and Asia offices, its wholly-owned subsidiary Novatris in France and through a global network of independent market research firms. The service bureau, HISB, provides its market research industry clients with mixed-mode data collection, panel development services as well as syndicated and tracking research consultation. More information about Harris Interactive may be obtained at http://www.harrisinteractive.com/.

Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online by Harris Interactive on behalf of Countrywide Home Loans among 2,357 adults (aged 18 years and older) within the United States between October 10 and 12, 2006, among whom 1,560 were homeowners. Figures for region, age within gender, education, household income and race/ethnicity were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents' propensity to be online. With a pure probability sample of 2,357 one could say with a ninety-five percent probability that the overall results have a sampling error of +/- 3 percentage points. Sampling error for subsamples is higher and varies. However that does not take other sources of error into account. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

Frank Schiefelbein of the St. Charles, IL office of Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., a national leader in residential finance. The office is located at 1121 E. Main St., Ste. 330, St. Charles, IL 60174.

Frank Schiefelbein

Home Loan Consultant

Countrywide Home Loans

847-894-1629 Cell

630-513-4815 Office Direct

866-905-7983 Fax

888-265-9824 Toll Free

http://www.frankforhomeloans.com/

frank_schiefelbein@countrywide.com

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