While many people are not quite familiar with the USDA loan programs, they are very useful for rural areas and financing. And thier locations are all across the US. They often have a lower interest rate, with 100% financing and are lifesavers for those families with decent credit, but are in lower paying jobs. Regular lenders are oftentimes unable to these folks because they typically charge a higher interest rate.  No this is not for the 1%ers out there, it's for the hard working folks that don't make over a certain amount, whose home purchase price isn't over a certain purchase price, located in rural areas, and it's not for investors. The rural areas in my location are:

NAVARRE     CRESTVIEW     MARY ESTHER (west of Hurlburt Field)     NICEVILLE     and  DESTIN (believe it or not)

In October 2011 USDA made some changes to it's programs fees to help insure it's self sufficiency instead of having to wait for funds to become available from the Government each year. The USDA has just announced new and upcoming changes to their Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program. Effective for all USDA Conditional Commitments received on or after October 1, 2012, there will be an increase to the annual and up-front fee.

With this change, the annual fee will increase from 0.30% to 0.40%, which will be applied to both purchases and refinances. In addition, the current up-front fee will be increased from 1.50% to 2.00% for refinances only.

For more information on the USDA rural housing program and to find out if a property you are considering is located in an Eligible location visit: http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do?NavKey=home@1

If you are considering buying or selling in the Fort Walton Beach area of Northwest Florida give me a call, I'm here to help.

 karenbutler realtor     

 

Steam Shower Sound System For Your Home
07/31/2012
share
I recently came across this cool gadget, and no I don’t have one in my shower… yet! The Steam Shower Sound System from Amerec is designed for use in the high-moisture environment of a steam bath. The system features a waterproof FM… more
Do You Know Your TRICARE Pharmacy Choices?
07/30/2012
share
I live in a military community, and after a recent visit to a military clinic, they gave me a prescription. But when I took it to the pharmacy, they told me they were out of that medicine but would mail it to me in a couple of days. So after giving… more
Did You Know There Are 7 Different Kind of Approval Letters?
07/29/2012
share
Yes, you called the Bank for a loan to buy your long awaited home. The Bank issues you a pre-approval letter, and you are off to the races. But are you really guaranteed that mortgage loan? Here are some things you need to know about approval… more
TSA Expands Pre Check System for Military Members
07/15/2012
share
The Transportation Security Administration is expanding a program that’s designed to provide faster processing for traveling service members passing through the nation’s airports. TSA began testing the system in November 2011 at the… more
I have a Real Estate License and "They" don't- That's Why!
07/15/2012
share
When they say real estate is local in nature, it's definitely true. What's going on in Nevada had nothing to do with what's going on in Fort Walton Beach! Cable news channels "opinionate" (not report) that the sky is falling, and foreclosures are… more
400, 000+ Yahoo email accounts hacked!
07/12/2012
share
Okay with all the cyber and computer hacking threats that have come up recently, this just blows me away. I'm scared to ask how many people in my sphere of influence, family friends, past clients have these everyday passwords. I guess if I hear you… more
Get Your Insurance in place ASAP when Buying A Home!
07/09/2012
share
When you think about the homebuying process, your consider Realtors, Lenders, houses, interest rates, monthly payments and more right? But what about your insurance? I tell my clients to have insurance in place within 7 days of contract acceptance… more
Veterans July Hiring Fair in Chicago
07/09/2012
share
With so many people unemployed across the United States, studies show that many of them are actually Veterans. Veterans aren't looking for hand outs, they are looking for hand ups. Please do what you can to try help the economy and our Veterans who… more
Local Real Estate Market Update for Okaloosa County May 2012
06/30/2012
share
If you've been wondering as most people have what the market is doing, you won't find the answers for our market on Fox news. They are reporting or averages across the country. This graph is specifically for our market and encompasses all of… more