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How do you BUY A HOME WITH NO MONEY DOWN? - 03/31/12 04:54 PM
How do you buy a home with no money down? Is this even possible with the new regulations that came into effect after the housing bubble burst? Believe it or not, the answer is yes--to a degree. VA, USDA, and FHA loans all allow you to put no money or a small amount of money down upfront. This following blog explains these loans in detail.
Via Scott Godzyk, One of Manchester NH's Leading Brokers (Godzyk Real Estate Services):
Every few days in the Manchester NH area I seem to get an inquiry from a Buyer looking to PURCHASE A HOME WITH NO MONEY DOWN. The … (2 comments)
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RainCamp: More Social, Less Media - 03/31/12 04:49 PM
The following blog details some aspects of social media marketing along with announcing an ActiveRain seminar on the top, "More Social, Less Media." While I believe there's actually a role for more media in the real estate industy (photos, YouTube videos, customer testimonies, etc.), the social aspect of "social media" is often neglected--with disastrous results (perhaps that's a bit hyperbolic...unproductive results, let's say).
Via ActiveRain Corp.:
Registration now open for RainCamp: More Social, Less Media When: April 19th 9:00am to 12:30pm Pacific Time (12:00pm to 3:30 Eastern Time)Where: Online, join us from your office, couch or even your bedHow much: Free … (0 comments)
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Is It a Buyers' Market or a Sellers' Market? It Depends Who You Ask - 03/31/12 04:26 PM
I've blogged in the past about the importance of "location, location, location" in terms of home valuation, especially in the current market where the housing industry is still recovering in many places throughout the country. In addition to location, as this blog notes, a lot of a home's value is based on the owner as well.
Via Tammie White Realtor® Franklin TN Homes For Sale (Benchmark Realty, LLC):
Is It a Buyers' Market or a Sellers' Market? It Depends Who You Ask
Last night, I was at my son's high school sports banquet. There were two men sitting at a table behind me. … (1 comments)
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Google's New Algorithm is Penalizing Over-Optimized Websites - 03/27/12 02:18 PM
I've written about the topic before, but for those unfamiliar with search engine optimizations tips and tricks, Google updates its proprietary search algorithm every few months or so--and this decides where your website(s) will end up in the ranked search results provided by Google. The most recent update, as this followin blog notes and explains very well, in fact hurts those with "over-optimized" content. What does that mean to you? Read on...
Via Tammy Emineth (Personal SEO - Website SEO and Real Estate Marketing):
This month Google released a new algorithm (the way they measure and track websites) that will actually penalize … (1 comments)
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Congratulations on Choosing a Local Lender vs. an Internet Lender - 03/26/12 05:57 AM
While I am writing this on the Internet, this article sums up-nonetheless--the benefits of working with a local, community lender like myself. This is a great blog post I want to share with all that are reading this...
Via Julie Chroust, Prospect Mortgage, Walnut Creek, CA:
Often times buyers miss the point in the beginning of an Escrow that choosing a lender with amazing customer service, constant updates, tight communication and knowledge of local ordinances HOLDS THEIR WEIGHT IN GOLD. Some buyers feel the need to shop endlessly for the "BEST RATE", which sometimes can lead to the buyer choosing an Internet Based … (2 comments)
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3 Pieces of Good News for Charles County, MD Home Sales - 03/19/12 01:37 PM
Jonathan Benya, a real estate agent from Charles County, makes note of three very important pieces of news--good news for a change--about home sales in the county.
Via Southern Maryland Real Estate~ Jonathan Benya (Keller Williams Southern Maryland):
Charles County, Maryland home owners may finally have some good news!
Good News #1 - Active Listing Volume Has Fallen There are less homes for sale in Charles County. A lot less. 12 months ago we had 991 homes on the market. Today that number is only 731, the lowest it's been in 5 years! Less homes for sake means less choices for buyers, … (0 comments)
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A Call To Arms in the Maryland State Capital to preserve HOME-OWNERSHIP. - 03/19/12 01:33 PM
This is a great blog and a must-read for those living in MD--the mortgage interest deduction many of us use while filing our taxes is at risk of being repealed. If you want to prevent this from happening, spread the word!
Via Ellie McIntire Homes for sale in Howard County Maryland (Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate):
A Call To Arms in the Maryland State Capital to preserve HOME-OWNERSHIP.
Many Howard County Realtors will be traveling to Annapolis today, Wednesday February 29th from 9am - 11am to attend a rally to save the Mortgage Interest Deduction.
Housing and real … (1 comments)
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That New Car Cost You A New House - 03/19/12 01:01 PM
This is an excellent blog post that serves as a reminder for those trying to clean up their credit in hopes of securing a mortgage: money does not grow on trees and if something seems to good to be true--well, it may in fact be that: too good to be true.
Via Doug Rogers- Your Pineville Louisiana Agent (Bayou Properties Realty):
In his defense, the new car was sweet. A Car and Driver 10Best, the BMW 3 series was worth a second glance. The exterior was a work of art, and the interior had enough leather to make a cow nervous. So … (2 comments)
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Wanted: Honest, Knowledgeable, and Experienced Mortgage Professionals - 03/19/12 12:35 PM
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Twitter's Purchase of Micro-Blogging Platform Posterous - 03/16/12 10:02 AM
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Five Common IDX SEO Myths - 03/16/12 09:35 AM
In a followup to a blog I shared on my ActiveRain page yesterday about SEO (search engine optimization), here is another fantastic blog that tackles five common SEO myths.
Via IDX Broker - Integrated IDX (IDX, Inc.):
The term SEO (Search Engine Optimization) means different things to different people. While there's not enough time in this blog post to explain every SEO technique available to REALTORS, there is enough space to dispel some common myths!
SEO vs. PPC
Before getting into the details of each myth, let's talk first about what SEO is, and is not. First off, SEO is not the … (1 comments)
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I learned some new SEO tricks from Active Rain University! - 03/15/12 09:46 PM
For those of us trying to gain an online presence, being easily found on Google is on the top of that list. In order to stand out amongst the crowd, you must understand proper SEO--search engine optimization.
Via Susan Neal, Fair Oaks CA Real Estate Broker, CA DRE#686562 (Century 21 Noel David Realty):
How to get found on page one of Google
I learned some new SEO tricks from Active Rain University!
The name of the class was “How to get found on page one of Google,” taught by Bob Stewart.
A few days ago, before I took this class, I posted … (2 comments)
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The Seven Deadly Sins of Social Media - 03/15/12 08:17 PM
Marketing in the 21st century means you must embrace social media. But many people are baffled by the amount of social networks, and how to use them properly.
Via Christine Stalsonburg (Social Media Partners):
Below are some tips to help you with your social media journey. Social media can be extremely beneficial to your business if you utilize it and leverage your industry brand and knowledge to your potential customers. You must always remember that your potential customers want value from you not just a sales pitch or commercial, or even worse - bragging about how good you and your company. Nothing … (0 comments)
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New Rules - FHA Changes rules for Self Employed borrowers - 03/15/12 08:05 PM
Current FHA rates are scheduled to change at the end of this month? Are you aware of all of the new details? This blog explains how it specifically affects those who are self-employed.
Via Mark Taylor FHA VA USDA HUD & Investor Loans (First Time Buyers Investors and move up buyers):
FHA Changes rules for Self Employed Borrowers
Documentation Requirements for Self-Employed Borrowers – Effective for all case numbers ordered on or after April 1, 2012 except non-credit qualifying streamlines and HECMs.
Documentation Requirements for Self-Employed Borrowers
Self Employed borrowers will need P&L and Balance Sheet if more than a calendar quarter has … (1 comments)
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The ActiveRain Rainmaker Account: An Honest Review - 03/13/12 05:20 PM
I've been exploring the benefits of ActiveRain compared to alternate platforms like Tumblr, Blogger, and WordPress, and this blog details very thoroughly what ActiveRain offers.
Via Roger Johnson, Realtor - Hickory NC Real Estate (CENTURY 21 American Homes):
The ActiveRain Rainmaker Account: An Honest Review I read a post from a twitter link the other day reviewing the ActiveRain Rainmaker account. I'm not posting a link to that review because I felt that it was a bit too much self-serving in its purpose. Hence, the honest review here.
First thing's first, though. If you're an active real estate agent, and you've not yet … (0 comments)
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Which is the right blogging platform for me? - 03/12/12 02:49 PM
From the Desk of Bob Caldwell And the test begins... I love ActiveRain.
I love that Google's AdWords program is "baked in," so to speak, with the rest of the ActiveRain package, making search engine optimization extremely easy. ActiveRain, along with my other social networking profiles, has given me an online presence--which I used to lack.
I love sharing my ideas about the industry and hearing others' ideas as well.
But lately I've been looking at Tumblr., Blogger, and WordPress. Even though I love ActiveRain, I am thinking of "jumping ship," so to speak. Tumblr. may not be a fair comparison … (4 comments)
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Property Tax Assessments and Tax Rates - Be the Source - 03/12/12 02:11 PM
Property taxes--like most tax laws--are complicated for the general public a lot of the time. The laws are written in ways that seem like lawyers can only figure them out; the laws change all the time; and people just plain out hate taxes. This blog brings this issue up for attention.
Via ActiveRain Inspiration Station ~ Find Inspiration for your Blog (ActiveRain Corp.):
How does someone go about challenging their property tax assessment? How do they find out what the mileage rates are for the area they are thinking about buying?
You tell me. In fact, while you're at it, take a chance … (0 comments)
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Boosting Your SEO – In Just Three Clicks - 03/12/12 08:52 AM
Here are some great SEO (search engine optimization) tools to make it easier for people to find you on the Internet. It is very much an "art" as it is a science, as you must have a lot to stand amongst the crowd on the Internet.
Via Home Finder.com (HomeFinder.com):
At HomeFinder.com, we are always looking to provide brokers and agents with effective marketing solutions that are easy to implement and will yield the highest results. In the age of an evolving Internet marketing & social media landscape, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or simply miss a beneficial marketing tool.
A very necessary … (0 comments)
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What are 98% of all Top Producing Agents doing? - 03/09/12 09:59 AM
Email, website, phone calls, and even "old-fashioned" face-to-face meetings are still the most effective way to conduct business in the social media era (not that one should shun the Internet; the contrary is the case). This article reminds us of this.
Via Celeste Grupman -Stay in touch with your sphere, automatically. (Happy Grasshopper):
What are agents making over $100,000 a year spending their resources on? It's not Facebook. It's email marketing!* I know, just when you thought Faceook killed email - suddenly its the place to be.
So what system should you be using? They all sound more like carnival rides -- Mad … (1 comments)
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FHA Steamline Refinance Charts - 03/08/12 08:20 AM
Here are some charts put together detailing all of the changes to the FHA loans and what they mean for you and/or your client(s). A lot of people have asked me about this over the past few days so if you have any questions, just throw them my way!
Via George Souto NMLS# 65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages Connecticut:
News about the FHA Upfront Premium and Monthly Mortgage Insurance (MI) going up is not new, there have been several blogs written about this already. However, what I have not seen is anyone provide a quick reference chart that can be printed and kept … (0 comments)
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Real Estate Klout Scores - 03/07/12 08:00 PM
I've been using Klout extensively lately and have found it an irreplaceable accet in defining my "online presence." This blog goes into greater depth on the topic,
Via IMSD Designation (Internet Marketing Specialist Designation):
Why do Klout scores matter for real estate agents?
Imagine you are faced with this listing presentation question:
“What makes you stand apart from Agent X?”
Being a savvy real estate marketer, you present the seller with your Klout Score of 65. Then, you show them the competing agent's Klout Score of 18. You have hard stats to demonstrate that your online influence is going to help you market their … (5 comments)
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VA Loan Reader Question: Buying A Second Home? - 03/06/12 09:49 PM
As someone who has worked with VA loans for over thirty years, this blog answers many of the questions that VAs typically approach me with. I highly recommend it.
Via Bruce Reichstein - Expert VA Loan Officer for 23 years: www.VALoans.com (VALoans.com - Expert VA Loan Officer - Agent Trusted Lender):
A reader asks, ” I have previously had a home loan through the VA that was paid off and my eligibility was restored for the purchase of our second house here in Las Vegas. Due to the market, we are upside down about 20k and do not have the option to sell … (1 comments)
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A Closer Look at the Upcoming FHA Changes - 03/06/12 09:42 PM
A great blog illustrating the proposed FHA upfront mortgage inusrance hike at the end of the month (1% to 1.75%). President Obama's announcement earlier today may extend the 1% rate for an unseen amount of time....anyway, enjoy the video!
Via Ken Pederson, Certified Mortgage Planner (FAIRWAY Independent Mortgage Corp):
Ken Pederson from FAIRWAY Independent Mortgage Corp. offers a closer look at the upcoming changes to FHA programs: http://content.screencast.com/users/Ken_Pederson/folders/Default/media/0e2c99a3-fb14-4fcb-93c8-5db5217b8ee8/FHA_Compare.png … (2 comments)
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Making your own Real Estate Videos: The basics - 03/06/12 04:51 PM
Video is one of, if not the best tool for social media marketing. Beyond real estate videos, video blogs are another effective tool. This article gives a lot of good suggestions.
Via Antonio Bruni (Property Tube):
As I mentioned in my last post on An introduction to making property videos, using a camera requires a certain amount of skill and the best way to start this is by trial and error. If you havent read "5 Ways to make your Real Estate videos a success" these tips will also assist you before you get started.
Here are some pointers to get you started:
1. Move the … (2 comments)
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Most Popular Social Networks - 03/04/12 10:38 AM
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FHA Increases Their Up Front and Monthly Mortgage Insurance Premiums April 1 2012 - How Does it Effect You? - 03/02/12 08:55 AM
Attention to all bankers, realtors, and homeowners (or prospective owners): FHA loan upfront insurance premiums will be rising at the end of the month from 1% to 1.75%. This blog post details what that means for home owners. Anybody who wishes to lock in at the 1% upfront insurance premium rate has the rest of the month to do so!
Via Donna Harris, REALTOR®, CDPE & ASP - Hill Country Austin Lakeway Homes (RE/MAX Austin Skyline):
In today's real estate market, many buyers are opting for the FHA route for obtaining their mortgage. FHA loans are different from Conventional loans in many ways, … (3 comments)
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Bob Caldwell—VA Mortgage Specialist and Military Relocation Services
Annapolis,
MD
More about me…
Fitzgerald Financial, a Division of Monarch Bank
Address: Annapolis, MD, 21403
Office Phone: (301) 643-3835
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Connect. Share. Learn.Welcome to ActiveRain, the #1 social community for real estate professionals.
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