A voice for the silent majority... I ran across this and thought is worthy of sharing. Hope you think so as well. I am very proud of my country and my heritage and like everyone else in this country, can trace my ancestry to somewhere else. However, if you ask me where I from I will tell you the United States of America! We are a United country and need to act like it again!

Woooo hoooo to the US Women's Fencing Team!

If you haven't heard the fantastic news well here it is... the US Women's Fencing team made Fencing history today!  Sweeping the competition and winning bronze, silver and gold medals!  You go ladies!

(Photo credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

I'm hoping this is a sign of the great things to come from our great country during these games.  If you missed the opening ceremonies... you missed one of the most amazing events of our lifetime and should really check it out.  The vast number of performers, the elegance with which they performed, the themes and messages... and of course the fireworks were at times awe inspiring. 

You can also checkout NBC's site dedicated to the Olympic games in Beijing.  Not only can you get all of the standings and check the schedule of events, there are fantastic videos and pictures!  When you get to the site you may have to search "opening ceremonies".  I have found 3 videos so far that combined show the entire event...  truly worth the time to watch!

On a Saturday when I expected to be showing property and giving a tour of the waterfront areas of Eastern NC,

I am actually home on the sofa blogging, watching the 2008 Beijing Olympics and working on various other work "projects". 

  Although I would love to be selling a house, sometimes it's nice when clients call to let you know they have

  had to cancel their trip to town... you end up with a free day that you can fill with anything your heart desires! 

  This is it today for me...  While letting my touch of ADD have control for the day and hopping from one project

  to the next, I got to thinking about a friend of mine and his recently opened business... so now I'm going to plug

  it for him here on ActiveRain!

If you happen to be planning or even just thinking about a trip to Alaska, check our my friend's new hostel! 

They are the newest hostel in Anchorage and located right downtown. 

My friend (a contractor and real estate investor) bought an older hotel and converted it into a hostel.  The remodel was completed in 2007 and they opened for business!  They offer both "dorm style" as well as private rooms and the floor of every room was hand painted by friends, family and local artists.  The walls are covered with artwork painted and drawn by guests.  You can see lots of pictures of the artwork, the hostel and Alaska on the Alaska Backpackers Inn myspace site.

Come Visit Pamlico Plantation

A gated community on the mouth of Broad Creek which flows into the Pamlico River and the Pamlico Sound in Washington, NC.  A planned Weyerhaeuser development, this beautiful boating community has much to offer it's residents particularly those who enjoy waterfront living.  The community is made up of 80 multi level low-country townhouses and 200 custom home sites.  All homes are built on large wooded lots and every property owner is assigned a personal deep water boat slip.  The clubhouse facilities are available to property owners and their guests for any kind of event from elegant to casual, meetings, socializing or entertaining.  Relax or unwind at the adjoining waterfront pool and covered picnic area.  Enjoy jogging or bicycling through the winding wooded trails that meander through the hundreds of private acres surrounding you. 

  Simply click the picture below to view my virtual tour of Pamlico Plantation!

Some of the amenities include:                                   

Gated Community

80 Townhomes / 200 Home Sites                              

Personal Deep Water Boat Slip

Club House

Swimming Pool

Tennis Courts

Covered Picnic Area

Outdoor Racket & Basketball

Boat Ramp

Pond    Park Area

Fishing

Walking trails

Playground

Organized Activities and MORE!

102 Egret Bay located in Pamlico Plantation!   See full listing information in post below...

 SELLER WILL CONSIDER A LEASE OR LEASE OPTION at $800 monthly

Mobile Home 82822 Active 3321   MILLS ROAD GREENVILLE, NC  27858 (12) L$89,900
	Area: GREENVILLE Beds: 3 County: Pitt Baths: 2 Subdivision: NONE Half Baths: 0 City Limits: No Rooms: 7 Year Built: 1973 New Const.: No Const. Type: Siding-Vinyl Apx Htd SF: 1,573 Deed Ref: DC90/0000 Apx Other SF:   Parcel: 035404 Apx Out. Stor. SF:   Elem. School: Chicod Elementary Apx Garage SF:   Middle School: Chicod Middle High School: D.H. Conley High
Lot Size: 135X170X136X179 Zoning:   E-300:   Acres: .53 Lot:   Assum. Loan:   HOA/ Mgmt Comp.: No/   Est. Yr Tax/Yr: $209/ 2007 Loan Type:   HOA Mthly Fee: $ Tax Value: $29,540 Lease:
Approximate Room Dimensions
Level Dimensions/Description   Level Dimensions/Description Living Room:     Master Bdrm: 1   Dining Room: 1   BR 2: 1   GR/Den: 1   BR 3: 1   Kitchen: 1   BR 4:     Rec Room:     BR 5:     Utility Room: 1
Baths Lvl 1: 2 Baths Lvl 2:   Baths Lvl 3:   Baths Bsmt:   Half Bth Lvl 1:   Half Bth Lvl 2:   Half Bth Lvl 3:   Half Bth Bsmt:
Features
Int Features: Cathedral Ceilings , Ceiling Fans , Gas logs , Laundry Room Ext Features: Concrete Drive , Garden Space , Play Area , Storage Building Appliances: Dishwasher , Range/Oven Electric , Vent/Hood Porch: Concrete , Deck , Front , Rear Misc Search: Bedroom 1st Floor , Remodeled Misc Search: .5-1 Acres , Cable TV Available
Style: Traditional Roof: Composition Shingle Type: Double Wide Mobile Home Attic: Access Only Lvl/Stories: 1 Story Flooring: Carpet , Ceramic Tile , Vinyl Construction: Siding-Vinyl Bsmt/Found.: Crawl Space , Slab on Grade Dining/Living: Breakfast Nook , Formal Dining Fencing: Partial , Split Rail , Vinyl Garage/Carp.: Double Attached Garage , Double Detached Carport Windows/Drs: Thermal Windows Heat System: Gas Pak A/C: Central Heat Fuel: Gas Disclosures: Above Ground Tank , Lead Paint Water/Sewer: Community Water System , Septic Tank Possession: At Closing HOA Amens.: None
Public Rems: Beautifully remodeled and updated with tons of additions including: double attached garage, master bed/bath, exterior vinyl, sunken den with gas logs, 2 double detached carports, wired workshop with concrete floored dog pen, new carpet and fresh paint. Remodeled kitchen has custom cabinets, tile floor, new countertops and appliances. Beautifully landscaped! Truly a MUST SEE! Directions: Hwy 43 South towards New Bern, turn left at the light at Mills Road, house is on the left past Hope Middle School.
Prepared by
Prepared by:  LAURA CLAY Email : ecurealtor@gmail.com RE/MAX PREFERRED REALTY Direct Ph# : (252) 355-5006 3208 S. CHARLES BOULEVARD Other Ph# : (252) 347-9529 GREENVILLE, NC 27858 Fax Ph# : (252) 321-1314     lauraclayhomes.com
Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed  - - -  Copyright 2006  08/02/2008 10:23 AM

Customer Display Single Family 84746 Active 102   EGRET BAY WASHINGTON, NC  27889 (12) L$425,000   Area: OTHER Beds: 3 County: Beaufort Baths: 3 Subdivision: PAMLICO PLANTATION Half Baths: 0 City Limits: No Rooms: 10 Year Built: 1991 New Const.: No Const. Type: Cedar Apx Htd SF: 2,477 Deed Ref: 1591-767 Apx Other SF:   Parcel: 6614-01-7850 Apx Out. Stor. SF:   Elem. School: Outside County Apx Garage SF: 795 Middle School: Outside County High School: Outside County   Lot Size: 195 X 311 X 190 X 229 Zoning:   E-300:   Acres: 1.00 Lot:   Assum. Loan:   HOA/ Mgmt Comp.: Yes/ Pamlico Plantat Est. Yr Tax/Yr: $1,665/ 2007 Loan Type:   HOA Mthly Fee: $76 Tax Value: $244,536 Lease:     Approximate Room Dimensions   Level Dimensions/Description   Level Dimensions/Description Living Room: 1 12 X17 Master Bdrm: 1 15.6 X 14.6 Dining Room: 1 12 X 14 BR 2: 1 13.10 X 11.7 GR/Den: 1 20.5 X 17.7 BR 3: 1 11.2 X 10.10 Kitchen: 1 18.3 X 18.7 BR 4:     Rec Room: 2 see comments BR 5:     Utility Room: 1 6.2 X 11.6 Porch 1 12 X 18   Baths Lvl 1: 3 Baths Lvl 2:   Baths Lvl 3:   Baths Bsmt:   Half Bth Lvl 1:   Half Bth Lvl 2:   Half Bth Lvl 3:   Half Bth Bsmt:     Features Int Features: Ceiling Fans , Central Vacuum , Gas logs , Laundry Room , Master Bedrm 1st Floor , Open Foyer , Walk-in Closets , Washer &/or Dryer Hook Up Ext Features: Concrete Drive , Garden Space , Lawn Sprinklers , Secluded Area , Wooded Lot Appliances: Built-in Microwave , Dishwasher , Jenn-Aire Type , Refrigerator Porch: Deck , Front , Screened Misc Search: Bedroom 1st Floor , Bonus-Unfinished , Hardwood Floors Misc Search: 1-3 Acres , Cable TV Available , Garage Door Opener   Style: Ranch Roof: Composition Shingle Type: Site Built Attic: Floored , Permanent Stairs , Walk In Storage Lvl/Stories: 1 Story , 1.5 Stories Flooring: Carpet , Ceramic Tile , Wood Construction: Cedar Bsmt/Found.: Crawl Space Dining/Living: Breakfast Nook , Formal Dining , Formal Living , Great Room/Den Fencing: None Garage/Carp.: Double Attached Garage Windows/Drs: Thermal Doors , Thermal Windows Heat System: Heat Pump A/C: Central Heat Fuel: Electric Disclosures: None Known Water/Sewer: City Sewer , Septic Tank Possession: At Closing HOA Amens.: Club House , Playground , Pool , Tennis   Public Rems: Beautiful home on Fantastic lot in a River Front Subdivision! Features heavy moldings, built-in cabinetry, Fab kit w/brkfst nk, HWF in the foyer & kit, screened porch & deck, extensive landscaping, over 800 sf unfin bonus/attic space, unfin space over the garage & lg master w/private bath, Just over an acre backing up to Boy Scout Camp Bonner!! SELLER WILL CONSIDER A LEASE OPTION! BRING OFFER! Directions: 264E thru Wash, pass Hwy 32 (Douglas Xroads), RT on Goose Creek Rd (NC 1332), at Stop RT on Harvey, L into Pamlico Pl, RT on Broad Crk, L on Egret Bay   Prepared by   Prepared by:  LAURA CLAY Email : ecurealtor@gmail.com RE/MAX PREFERRED REALTY Direct Ph# : (252) 355-5006 3208 S. CHARLES BOULEVARD Other Ph# : (252) 347-9529 GREENVILLE, NC 27858 Fax Ph# : (252) 321-1314     lauraclayhomes.com   Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed  - - -  Copyright 2006  07/29/2008 11:26 AM

The seller will consider a lease option or simply a lease! 

Wednesday, July 23, 2008 (Roll Call #519) the US House of Representatives passed HR 3221; The Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008; 272-152, 11 not voting.  Shortly thereafter on Saturday July 26, 2008 (Roll Call #186) the US Senate passed HR 3221; 72-13.  Both branches of our government passing the bill by an overwhelming majority intending to send a message to the American public that our leaders are trying to bring some relief to those in need as well as stimulate the housing market.  President Bush is expected to sign the bill on Tuesday, July 29th.  The bill encompasses the following:

National Association of REALTORS® Summary of Key Provisions of HR 3221 (as of 7/28/08)

• GSE Reform – including a strong independent regulator, and permanent conforming loan limits up to the greater of $417,000 or 115% local area median home price, capped at $625,500. The effective date for reforms is immediate upon enactment, but the loan limits will not go into effect until the expiration of the Economic Stimulus limits (December 31, 2008).

• FHA Reform – including permanent FHA loan limits at the greater of $271,050 or 115% of local area median home price, capped at $625,500; streamlined processing for FHA condos; reforms to the HECM program, and reforms to the FHA manufactured housing program. The effective date for reforms is immediate upon enactment, but the loan limits will not go into effect until the expiration of the Economic Stimulus limits (December 31, 2008).

• Homebuyer Tax Credit - a $7500 tax credit that would be would be available for any qualified purchase between April 8, 2008 and June 30, 2009. The credit is repayable over 15 years (making it, in effect, an interest free loan).

• FHA foreclosure rescue – development of a refinance program for homebuyers with problematic subprime loans. Lenders would write down qualified mortgages to 85% of the current appraised value and qualified borrowers would get a new FHA 30-year fixed mortgage at 90% of appraised value. Borrowers would have to share 50% of all future appreciation with FHA. The loan limit for this program is $550,440 nationwide. Program is effective on October 1, 2008.

• Seller-funded downpayment assistance programs – codifies existing FHA proposal to prohibit the use of downpayment assistance programs funded by those who have a financial interest in the sale; does not prohibit other assistance programs provided by nonprofits funded by other sources, churches, employers, or family members. This prohibition does not go into effect until October 1, 2008.

• VA loan limits – temporarily increases the VA home loan guarantee loan limits to the same level as the Economic Stimulus limits through December 31, 2008.

• Risk-based pricing – puts a moratorium on FHA using risk-based pricing for one year. This provision does will be effective from October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009.

• GSE Stabilization – includes language proposed by the Treasury Department to authorize Treasury to make loans to and buy stock from the GSEs to make sure that Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae could not fail.

• Mortgage Revenue Bond Authority – authorizes $10 billion in mortgage revenue bonds for refinancing subprime mortgages.

• National Affordable Housing Trust Fund – Develops a Trust Fund funded by a percentage of profits from the GSEs. In its first years, the Trust Fund would cover costs of any defaulted loans in FHA foreclosure program. In out years, the Trust Fund would be used for the development of affordable housing.

• CDBG Funding – Provides $4 billion in neighborhood revitalization funds for communities to purchase foreclosed homes.

• LIHTC – Modernizes the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program to make it more efficient.

• Loan Originator Requirements – Strengthens the existing state-run nationwide mortgage originator licensing and registration system (and requires a parallel HUD system for states that fail to participate). Federal bank regulators will establish a parallel registration system for FDIC-insured banks. The purpose is to prevent fraud and require minimum licensing and education requirements. The bill exempts those who only perform real estate brokerage activities and are licensed or registered by a state, unless they are compensated by a lender, mortgage broker, or other loan originator.

As a real estate broker in the residential sector, I of course am all for legislation that will hopefully at least help to get things truly moving again.  This bill certainly offers some benefits that if you qualify for the why not go for!  With any luck this bill will not only help prevent further foreclosures but will also stabilize housing prices and values.

Now... not to play devils advocate but I also like to understand all of the potential consequences of not only my own actions but those effecting me, my family, my friends, my kid, my nation...  So I have done some reading from those who question HR 3221.   In my quest for knowledge I ran across an article written by Fred Cederholm, who brings attention to the snowball effect that is rolling through the mortgage industry and real estate markets across our country.  He nut shells the financial picture of what has been happening and how it has taken on a life of it's own and likens HR 3221 to an "umbrella in a hurricane".  Easy read and makes you think.

Continuing along that same line of things that make you go hmmmm... I ran across this video which again got my wheels spinning.  Seems to me that our country in between the proverbial rock and hard place... and in so many ways!  I could seriously digress so I'm going to stop here :o)