rodney mason: Appliance Rebate Program - Georgia - LIMITED TIME OFFER!!!! - 02/15/10 02:20 PM
ACT NOW before funds run out!!!!!
Beginning, February, 12, 2010, Georgia residents can earn rebates ranging from $25 to $199 for a qualified purchases in the State Energy Efficient Appliance Program.  Nationally, this program has made available $300 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 in order to stimulate the economy and improve energy efficiency.  Georgia received approximately $8.6 million in funds to offer in the form of rebates. 
Sample rebates include:
$50Refrigerators
$50 or $99 (depending on model)Clothes washerDishwasherWater heater gas storage
$199Air source heat pumpsBoilers - gas or oilFurnaces - gasWater heater - gas tanklessWater heater … (0 comments)

rodney mason: Georgia Dream Changes - 02/13/10 04:17 AM
On February 11, 2010, The Department of Community Affairs announced several changes to some Georgia Dream programs. 
Georgia Dream Rewards (Name changed from Georgia Dream Plus)
Increased income limitations:
Atlanta MSA1 or 2 persons $71,0003 or more persons $82,000
Purchase price up to $250,000
Statewide1 or 2 persons $61,0003 or more persons $70,000
Purchase price up to $200,000 
Sales Price/Down Payment Assistance Amount Changes$5,000 if sales price is $150,000 or less$7,500 if sales price is greater than $150,000
Credit score requirement remains at 660+.  Buyers may retain cash assets up to the greater of $20,000 or 20% of the purchase price.
… (0 comments)

rodney mason: Closing Cost Assistance and Appliance Incentive for Fannie Mae Homes - 01/31/10 04:28 AM
Closing Cost Assistance and Appliance Incentive for Fannie Mae Homes
Fannie Mae is offering a 3.5% incentive* for buyers who purchase and close on a Fannie Mae-owned home between January 28 and April 30, 2010. Buyers purchasing properties listed at www.HomePath.com, that are closed within this period, may receive up to 3.5% of the final sales price for:
Closing costs The purchase of new Whirlpool® appliances by Fannie Mae A mix of closing costs and appliances, at the buyer's discretion, up to the maximum 3.5%. To be eligible for this incentive:
Offers must be accepted on or after January 28, 2010 Property sales … (2 comments)

rodney mason: Fannie Mae First Look Initiative - The Owner Occupant Advantage - 01/30/10 10:27 AM
Buyers.....tired of submitting offer after offer after offer, only to lose out to a cash offers from investor buyers?  Well, relief is on the way for Fannie Mae REO properties.
"First Look is designed to provide owner occupants and buyers using public funds a "first look" at Fannie Mae homes. Under First Look, Fannie Mae will only consider offers from owner occupants and buyers using public funds during the first 15 days a property is listed in the local multiple listing service (MLS). If the property is still for sale on the 16th day, investor offers may be submitted and will … (7 comments)

rodney mason: USDA 100% Financing - 11/22/09 06:09 AM
The USDA program is still offering 100% financing.  There are income & geographic limitations (see links below).
Here are some highlights of the program that you should be aware of:
Borrower is not required to be a first-time homebuyer No minimum borrower cash contribution Maximum 100% LTV based on appraised value (102% LTV including the 2% Guarantee Fee financed in) Seller contribution typically limited to 6% (may cover closing costs & pre-paids) 30 Yr Fixed Rate No Monthly Mortgage Insurance is required No borrower reserve requirement In-ground swimming pools are permitted only if the appraiser give no value to it Chap … (2 comments)

rodney mason: GA Dream Recovery - Down Payment Assistance Program - Temporary Revisions - 10/08/09 01:49 PM
There are some TEMPORARY revisions to the GA Dream Recovery (formerly Plus) Down Payment Assistance Program.
FOR A LIMITED TIME THERE ARE SPECIAL GUIDELINES FOR HOME BUYERS PURCHASING IN COUNTIES DESIGNATED AS DISASTER AREAS  
Twenty One (21) GA counties have been designated as Federal Disaster Areas as a result of the recent floods.
The counties are Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, Crawford, Dawson, DeKalb, Dooly, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Heard, Houston, Newton, Paulding, Peach, Rockdale, Stephens, Taylor & Walker.
Home Buyers in these counties are eligible for Georgia Dream First Mortgage Loans with Rewards/Recovery Down Payment assistance and these special provisions: 
* Home Buyers Do NOT have to be … (1 comments)

rodney mason: Georgia Dream Rewards - Down Payment Assistance Program - 09/10/09 03:00 PM
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs released the GA Dream Rewards (formerly "PLUS") down payment assistance program in mid-2009.  The GA Dream Rewards (formerly "PLUS") Loan amount is $5,000 or $7,500, depending on the sales price, and it must be combined with a GA Dream Rewards First Mortgage.
Atlanta MSA
1 or 2 persons $71,000 3 or more persons $82,000 Purchase price up to $250,000
Statewide
1 or 2 persons $61,000 3 or more persons $70,000 Purchase price up to $200,000
 Sales Price/Down Payment Assistance Amount
$5,000 if sales price is $150,000 or less $7,500 if sales price is greater than … (4 comments)

rodney mason: Atlanta Home Buying Seminar - 02/10/09 02:11 PM
Thinking about buying a home, but just not sure it's the right time? Come to our FREE Home Buying Seminar to find out more details on why now more than ever is a great time to purchase a home!
First time home buyers face so many questions.  Is now the right time to buy a home?  How much home can I afford?  How much home would I even qualify for in today's market?  Exactly WHAT is involved in the home buying process?
Learn about all of this and more.  Join our Home Buyer's Seminar on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of … (3 comments)

rodney mason: FHA Minimum Down Payment Increase, As it Applies to 203K - 12/30/08 04:13 AM
Beginning Jan 1st, 2009, the minimum down payment on all FHA purchase transactions will increase from 3% to 3.5%.  As the mortgagee letter states, "limit the total FHA-insured first mortgage to 100 percent of the appraised value, and require the inclusion of the upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP) within that limit."  This does not mean that FHA is 100% financing, but rather the 96.5% LTV + the Upfront MIP (normally 1.75%) must be less than 100%.  Since 203K will go to 110% of the appraised value, the 100% limit does not apply.
Specialty products with higher LTVs: Section 203(k), Section 203(h) for … (3 comments)

rodney mason: Atlanta Home Buying Seminar - 11/30/08 01:56 PM
Thinking about buying a home, but just not sure it's the right time? Come to our FREE Home Buying Seminar to find out more details on why now more than ever is a great time to purchase a home!
First time home buyers face so many questions.  Is now the right time to buy a home?  How much home can I afford?  How much home would I even qualify for in today's market?  Exactly WHAT is involved in the home buying process?
Learn about all of this and more.  Join our Home Buyer's Seminar on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of … (0 comments)

rodney mason: Why Do You Need a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist? - 11/30/08 12:04 PM
Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist professionals have demonstrated financial knowledge and expertise regarding the tax and financial planning implications of various mortgage and real estate investment strategies.Therefore, CMPS professionals can better advise you when it comes to:
Your single largest debt - mortgage Your single largest asset - real estate equity Life Planning needs and goals - cash flow CMPS professionals are trained to help you increase your cash flow CMPS professionals are skilled in helping you become debt free sooner and achieve true financial freedom CMPS professionals are equipped to help you profitably invest in real estate and protect you from … (0 comments)

rodney mason: Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval - 11/30/08 11:28 AM
"How do I know what price range to look in?" 
"How do I make sure my offer is accepted?"
These are two of the most commonly asked questions from first-time and experienced homebuyers alike. One of the best places to start is by getting pre-approved by a lender upfront in the process. Not only does it give you peace of mind knowing your price range is already pre-approved by your lender, but it also strengthens your position at the negotiating table, especially in a multiple offer situation.
Pre-qualification
Provides a "ballpark" estimate of your buying power Is based on summary information you … (0 comments)

rodney mason: Georgia Dream Homeownership Program - 11/23/08 11:36 PM
 
 Georgia Dream First Mortgage Loan Financing
30 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage Conventional, FHA, USDA-RD, or VA programs available Up to 100% financing (Additional household income restrictions apply) The GA Dream program is for credit eligible first time home buyers or buyers who have not owned a home in the past 3 years or for buyers purchasing in a targeted county.
To qualify, buyers in the Atlanta MSA* must have a total annual household income less than:  
1 to 2 persons - $71,000 3 or more persons - $82,000 And purchase a home with a sales price of no more than $250,000
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… (1 comments)

rodney mason: Buy a HUD Home for Only $100 Down - 11/22/08 11:02 AM
Buy a HUD Home for Only $100 Down
Don't miss out on this GREAT opportunity to purchase a home.  For a limited time, you can purchase a HUD Owned property using a FHA loan with only $100 down instead of the normal 3% down payment requirement.  This offer is valid for owner-occupants only.  HUD homes are currently available in nearly every GA county. 
If the property is in need of repairs, you can still purchase it using a FHA 203K Renovation loan.  The 203K loan allows the buyer to purchase a home that has required repairs above the FHA limit of … (3 comments)