home purchase: Minnesota Homes Can Be More Energy Efficient| Free Green Home Guide - 08/20/08 01:50 PM
Want free guides on how to make your MN home more energy efficient? We have a couple of reports-one produced by RE/MAX called the Green Home Guide and the other is an ebook PDF entitled " How To Make Your Home Energy And Cost Efficient" that you can download from my main real estate site
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home purchase: The Cost Of Buying A Home Is About To Get More Expensive - 08/13/08 03:16 PM
Earlier this year, as part of the "Mortgage Meltdown", Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac instituted what they call Loan Level Price Adjustments. The basic concept is that borrowers getting a mortgage may be subjected to a higher cost depending on their credit score and loan-to-value(LTV). The lower the credit score and/or
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home purchase: Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent - 08/13/08 09:16 AM
Choosing the right person to represent you in negotiating your home purchase is a major decision. Whenever you see the designation of REALTOR® (with a registered trademark) you can rest assured that person is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR), and has a commitment to meeting the standards
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home purchase: Home purchase, New Home Purchase, First Time Homebuyer - 08/11/08 10:07 PM
Facts to know: (simply my recommendations)
1. Always use a Realtor. A Realtor will look out for your best interest in the transaction. They specialize in helping people buy homes. Use their expertise to make sure you are doing the right thing.
2. Have a home inspection done. You want to
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home purchase: Buying a new home, Home Purchase, First Time Buyer - 08/11/08 09:22 PM
How do I know if I am pre-qualified or pre-approved
The Story, This may seem basic, but there is a big difference between having a borrower Pre-Approved vs. Pre-Qualified to purchase a home.
Pre-Qualified, A Loan Officer will review the borrowers credit, income, assets, and debt ration to make sure they qualify to
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home purchase: First time buying - 08/05/08 04:51 PM
My wife and I have been married for several years now and we have been watching the market for a home to purchase. Being a first-time buyer, we have looking into FHA loans, Conventional loans, and down payment assistance programs. We currently don't have the 3% or 5% down, so a down payment
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home purchase: Get a grant for your first time homebuyer !!! Up to $10K towards the purchase of your first home. - 08/05/08 02:27 PM
So I've been looking for financing options to help out home buyers get that 1st home.(First time buyer being anyone who has not owned a home in the last three years)
Sure there are a few remaining places you can get a 100% loan these days, Rural Development, VA...some niche products within
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home purchase: Creative Ways to Afford a Home - 07/29/08 05:56 PM
1. Investigate local, state, and national down payment assistance programs. These programs give qualified applicants loans or grants to cover all or part of your required down payment. National programs include the Nehemiah program, www.getdownpayment.com, and the American Dream Down Payment Fund from the Department of Housing and Urban Development,
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home purchase: 1 in 5 Homebuyers is a Single Woman - 07/29/08 04:32 PM
If you're a single woman and debating whether to become a home buyer you're not alone. It's no longer unusual for women to buy homes by themselves. Still, it's good to be prepared for the possibility of discrimination when you are buying a home.
Video Transcript
I'm
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home purchase: Who Legally Owns a Home at Closing? - 07/29/08 04:06 PM
Summary: A reader asks who legally owns a home on the day of closing. The party who possesses the home on the day of closing varies depending on where you live. If a seller stays in a home beyond the day of closing, the buyer should charge the seller substantial rent
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home purchase: The Importance of Title Insurance - 07/29/08 11:39 AM
Summary: Should I buy title insurance? Not buying title insurance is a mistake, writes Ilyce Glink. Her advice? Get title insurance and give yourself peace of mind.
Q: We’re about to purchase a new home in a 55+ senior community in New Jersey. The builder is the largest in the state
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home purchase: Does This House Make Me Look Fat? - 07/26/08 11:28 AM
Ever buy a pair of jeans on line only to find that when they arrived they did not fit properly. It is not easy to shop on line.
Nor is it easy to shop on line for a new home. I understand lots of folks are searching for information and getting a
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home purchase: Home Purchase with Reverse Mortgage, NO MORTGAGE PAYMENTS - 07/23/08 05:10 PM
Arizona - Mortgage Concepts, LLC has been providing home purchase money with REVERSE MORTGAGES from both Fannie Mae and other proprietary sources since 2003, well ahead of the new legislation set to take affect after the new housing bill is signed by the President, later this week.
One of the benefits
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home purchase: Cherry Picking Homes - 07/14/08 07:43 PM
One of the sings of an improving real estate market is "cherry picking." What happens is buyers look for the best property they can find. It has the best location, best amenities, best upgrades, best landscape and most important-best price. As these properties begin to be priced at a number that
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home purchase: Fed Pauses - You Shouldn't - 07/09/08 02:28 AM
The Federal Reserve, taking a break from its aggressive rate-cutting policy, chose not to alter key interest rates Wednesday, leaving the Fed Funds rate at 2.00% and everyone wondering where interest rates are headed next.
Since last September, the Fed has cut rates seven times for a total of 3.25%. However,
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home purchase: more thoughts about location - 07/07/08 05:15 PM
Hello. Brad here again.
Thanks to everyone who commented on my recent blog entry about Location.
Now, I will share my thoughts about the importance of Location to the sale of a house.
In light of recent foreclosures (which seem to be happening a lot these days), I believe these are
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home purchase: Common Questions About FHA Loans - 07/03/08 02:33 PM
Why choose an FHA loan?What kinds of loans does FHA offer?How do FHA loans compare to conventional loans?
Why choose an FHA loan? - (Top)
There are lots of good reasons to choose an FHA loan, especially if one or more of the following apply to you:
You're a
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home purchase: Open House marketing help - 07/01/08 08:37 PM
Agents generally request open house sheets fairly often. I am always glad to prepare them on request. When I follow up to see how things went, sometimes the report is good and sometimes it is bad. It is not clear to me what things can be done to help make an
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home purchase: How to Negotiate a Home Purchase from Tippecanoe Mortgage Lafayette Indiana - 07/01/08 02:18 PM
There is much give and take involved in negotiating a property purchase. That's why it's important to have a checklist of what you want to get out of the deal as a buyer. Bear in mind, the home must be appraised and the lender will be looking at the fair market
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home purchase: Chattanooga Active Retirement Choice - MSN reports Chattanooga a top choice for active retirees - 06/30/08 09:31 PM
Tennessee and Chattanooga in particular are top relocation choices for the retired who want to be active. This is according to a recent MSN report.
Comments include "We wanted a friendlier climate," " I don't think we are retirement community material" so we chose Chattanooga, "It's an economical place to live,"
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home purchase: What Do I Need To Qualify For Home Ownership? - 06/30/08 06:45 PM
FHA Credit Requirements
FHA credit requirements are more lenient than conventional loan credit requirements. Past credit performance is considered a useful guide in determining an individual's future actions. An individual who has made payments on past or current obligations in a timely manner represents reduced risk. Conversely, if the credit report
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home purchase: Own Your Own Home With No Money Down!!! - 06/29/08 11:47 AM
FHA Cash Down Payment Grants
Down payment assistance and community redevelopment programs offer affordable housing opportunities to first-time homebuyers, low-income and moderate-income individuals and families who wish to achieve homeownership.AmeridreamThe AmeriDream program offers gift funds up to 10% of the home's purchase price which do not have to be paid back.
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home purchase: Sad Market? No! Prime Opportunity... - 06/26/08 06:01 PM
In spite of the negative media recently about real estate, it is my professional opinion that now is the prime time for purchase. Never in real estate history have we enjoyed this long a span in record low interest. The housing market has a plethora of properties that are ripe for
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home purchase: Earnest Money Negotiation - 06/26/08 11:52 AM
A purchase agreement for buying a home involves more terms that just the price. There is personal property to discuss, possession, rent, tests, inspections, closing dates, and more. One term that throws some buyers, especially first time buyers, for loops is the earnest money deposit. What is it? Why do I
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home purchase: 6 Ways to Accumulate Down Payment Money - 06/26/08 08:45 AM
One of the biggest problems facing potential homebuyers today is coming up with enough money for the downpayment and closing costs. The amount of money you have available can greatly limit or increase your purchasing power. Rather than saving all of the money yourself, there are options that may help. Here
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home purchase: Fed Holds Interest Rates - What the Fed decision means for you… - 06/25/08 07:28 PM
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home purchase: Book Review: Buy Your First Home - Diana Brodman Summers, Atty. , Author - 06/24/08 09:12 AM
This book gives a concise overlook at the home purchase process, in an indepth manner. Buy Your First Home is a comprehensive book focused on the subject of purchasing a home. Written by an attorney from Chicago, Diana Brodman Summers, this publication is packed with great informationa and advice to advise
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home purchase: Get Off The Fence And Buy Now! - 06/23/08 12:04 AM
With mortgage rates ticking upwards, now is the time to buy a home! In many markets people are just scared. They're thinking if they sit on the fence just a little while longer, then the prices will drop another $50,000.
Well, by waiting to buy a home the buyer runs the
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home purchase: Home Buying is both a thrilling and exciting experience. - 06/22/08 09:47 PM
Buying a home can be a double-edged sword: it's both a thrilling and exciting experience, but it can also be incredibly scary and tiresome at the same time.As you may imagine, most homebuyers experience a wide range of emotions as they traverse the buying process. Don't worry, this is normal. In
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home purchase: New emerging trend in Real Estate...THE MOST INNOVATIVE APPROACH EVER!!! - 06/14/08 03:56 PM
Introducing CONNECT REALTY... THE FIRST TRUE ALL-VIRTUAL REAL ESTATE COMPANY. REALTORS WORK FROM HOME...NO OFFICE HOURS REQUIRED.
COMPENSATION LEVEL: EXPERIENCED agents earn 80% commission splits. If you are a new agent...it is required that you be mentored by an experienced agent (you work out the mentoring fee among yourselves) on your first five
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home purchase: WHERE IS COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL DOWNPAYMENT ASSISTANCE GOING? THE SKY IS THE LIMIT! - 06/14/08 08:24 AM
______________________________________________________________________________________
DPA ON THE RISE
FEDFUNDS 2007 DPA FUNDINGS
Commercial and residential DPA is stronger than ever. Buyers are beginning to realize the benefits of using DPA to purchase real estate. The most recent statistics reflect six out of ten buyers do not have sufficient downpayment funds to qualify
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home purchase: Mid Hudson Valley - It's Time to Buy! - 06/11/08 05:49 PM
Mid Hudson Valley - It's Time to Buy
Despite what you may hear in the media, now is a good time to buy a home. Mortgage rates remain in the historically low range. Sellers are more willing to negotiate. Inventory is stabilizing, as is the number of days a
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home purchase: An excellent resource to learn more about the Inspection process - 06/09/08 12:18 PM
I would like to share with all of you my absolute favorite show on cable television. It also just so happens to be an excellent resource of information for buyers and sellers alike to become more familiar with the Home Inspection process. I feel it would be especially beneficial for first time home buyers
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home purchase: LinkedIn: Making Connections - 06/08/08 04:21 PM
Mom,Be careful about inviting LinkedIn folks to connect to you without having met them. That doesn't mean you can't. Sometimes connections happen online. But if a person you are reaching out to says they don't know you (or remember you), in the future, you will have to give email addresses when
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home purchase: A Tip To Help With Your Summer Vacation... - 06/07/08 10:23 AM
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home purchase: The Steps to Buying a Home - Lethbridge Real Estate - 06/02/08 11:00 PM
With these four easy steps, you can be on your way to home ownership:
1. Pre-Qualify: Contact the mortgage specialist at your bank or a mortgage broker and make an appointment to meet with them. Be prepared and bring with you verification of your income from your employer or at
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home purchase: FHA and VA ARE ONCE AGAIN IMPORTANT OPTIONS - 06/02/08 12:38 PM
When HUD came out with the FHA and VA programs, they were designed to fit the needs of the credit challenged borrower and the borrower with little to put down. When sub-prime programs hit the market, for a certain percentage of borrowers, it was easier to take the path of least
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home purchase: Real Estate Do's and Don'ts - 06/02/08 12:00 PM
In spite of the doubt and confusion surrounding the economy and the nation's housing market, this year actually presents some genuine opportunities for real estate investors - especially for first-time buyers. On average, housing inventory is up, prices are stable and historical data demonstrates that purchasing a home has proven a
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home purchase: FHA ~ Is it for you? - 05/28/08 12:37 PM
There are so many available loan products out there. Here is a bit of information that you might find helpful when considerring your loan options in California.
There are some handy links below for FHA loan limits, approved condo projects and approved appraisers.
FHA Highlights
FHA has no Declining Market Guideline for
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home purchase: Mortgage Information - 05/27/08 04:28 PM
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home purchase: What is a Short Sale, and Why Would the Buyer Care Anyway? - 05/21/08 01:15 AM
An out of town friend wants to buy a home for significantly less than the listing price. Typical in this market she figured, so why would her agent tell her that the seller had taken a lot of money out of the home? Why would that matter to her? She figured it
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home purchase: Real Cash Flow in OC? It’s back!!! - 05/13/08 03:52 PM
Here are some quick numbers on a property in the OC and it seems as if we’re there….cash flow is back baby!
Property Information:
2/2 condo in Anaheim built in 1972
$119,800
RentOMeter says average rents for the area are $1400 per month.
A quick run on my financial calculator:
*
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home purchase: Las Vegas Real Estate Sales Continue to Improve - 05/12/08 01:05 PM
The buzz of good news continues to travel across the mouths of industry professionals such as real estate agents, loan officers and escrow agents who for the last 10-12 months have seen enormous decreases in activity leading to unemployment or change of professions.
The good news we're seeing is an increase in
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home purchase: Save Gas, Shop the Internet! - 05/09/08 01:25 PM
Attention Home Buyers!
With the rising cost of gas, there is a better alternative to shopping for homes then the traditional "open house". Realtors make homes available to home purchasers through multiple pictures, virtual tours, and slide shows ... all on line! Homes on the market are ready for you to
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home purchase: Refining to Sell: The New "Curb Appeal" - 05/08/08 07:02 PM
Where do buyers first view a home? If you think buyers are seeing your house or listing for the first time on a Sunday afternoon drive-by, think again. Today's buyer shops for homes just like most other products: on line. Now, more than ever, Realtors and sellers need to pay special attention
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home purchase: BUYERS--THE HOME PURCHASE PROCESS-- A Few Good Points. - 05/07/08 10:43 AM
Buying a home is the biggest (most likely) purchase you'll ever make. And, one of the most difficult. Though there are no set rules when beginning a search, I have complied a list of items I "think" may be of help when you are starting your House Hunting process and through the purchase.
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home purchase: To My Realtor Friends and Future Fans - 05/04/08 03:52 PM
what a great day today, a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon here in Beaverton. With that in mind we are getting to the time of the year where alot of people are going to be out house shopping, So we all need to be at the top of our game. I am
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home purchase: This Week In The Mortgage Market - 05/03/08 06:54 AM
Mortgage bond prices rose last week pushing mortgage interest rates lower. The Fed took center stage with another rate cut exactly as expected and indicated "the committee expects inflation to moderate in the coming quarter." This statement helped bonds rally considerably. The majority of data released came in as expected with
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home purchase: Nervous about that purchase - 05/03/08 02:09 AM
So you want to buy your first home but are a little nervous about making such a big purchase. GOOD be nervous take your time and make sure you are ready for the responsibility of owning a home. Now dont get me wrong I am in no way trying to scare
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home purchase: What is a credit score? - 05/02/08 09:19 AM
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home purchase: CHOOING THE RIGHT HOME, (GREAT ARTICLE FROM BRUCE LUNSFORD) - 05/01/08 04:02 PM
Choosing the Right Home, A Home Inspector's Perspective by: Inspector62Total views: 46 Word Count: 1780 Choosing the Right Home, A Home Inspector's PerspectiveBy Bruce Lunsford, RPI, ASHI, FABIAs a veteran home inspector of over 16 years I'm still surprised by how often people make preventable and costly mistakes when choosing a potential
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home purchase: Teething Rings and Apple Blossom! - 04/29/08 09:39 AM
We face a variety of challenges everyday. The majority of our challenges require paitence, phone calls and a little hand holding. After the contract is said and done, we become transaction managers. We are responsible for opening the lines of communication as well as providing access to the property for loan officers, appraisers, inspectors, cleaning crews, contractors .
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home purchase: daily bond market for tooele, utah, weber, and davis county - 04/17/08 09:51 AM
Stocks are on a major rally today over earnings reports. Coca-Cola and Intel both reported better than expected earnings while JP Morgan's earnings declined by 50% (ONLY). With the JP earnings we see once again how the not so bad news can be turned into gold. The CPI (consumer price index)
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home purchase: Why I Strongly Advocate the Use of a Buyer's Brokerage Agreement When Representing Buyers - 04/12/08 03:23 PM
The California Association of REALTORS standard forms agreement provides for exclusive representation when working with a buyer. It clearly identifies the scope of responsibility for the agent. When a buyer is looking to secure property in California, it is my firm belief that they should always opt for an exclusive arrangement
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home purchase: What's It Gonna Cost to BUY A Home in Grand Rapids, Michigan? (Part 2) - 03/31/08 08:10 PM
The response to this Question from Homeowners has prompted me to do a similar article to address an issue which is also on the minds of many homebuyers. Although, the notion that you can buy a home for NO MONEY down has come under intense pressure in recent months, buyers have always
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home purchase: What's It Gonna Cost to BUY A Home in Grand Rapids, Michigan? (Part 1) - 03/31/08 06:58 PM
The response to this Question from Homeowners has prompted me to address the same issue which is also on the minds of many homebuyers. Although, the notion that you can buy a home for NO MONEY down has come under intense pressure in recent months, buyers have always wondered about what the
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home purchase: A Risky Proposition - How You Score Matters - 03/31/08 09:13 AM
Ever wonder just how far-reaching your credit score really is? The short answer: very. Your FICO credit score affects nearly all of your financial dealings, from the annual percentage rate that you pay on your credit card to whether you are able to purchase a cell phone. Your credit score
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home purchase: What is that counter offer going to cost? - 03/17/08 03:16 PM
You have made an offer on the property and the seller counters back with an offer higher than yours. If you're working with a 30-years loan each additional thousand dollars of the loan amount in increase your monthly investment by the following: As we continue the example, let's assume a 6
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home purchase: LUCK O' the IRISH TO YA! FEDS CUT RATES AGAIN!! - 03/17/08 08:09 AM
The feds cut rates again! Fresh and early this morning, we are seeing improvements in the bond market and should see this mornings' rate sheets improving. LET'S KICK THOSE CLIENTS OFF THE FENCE ALL YOU REALTORS! What a time to get out and get a great deal on a home. We
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home purchase: 100% Financing is Still Available!!! - 03/12/08 01:25 PM
There are a lot of changes going on in the Real Estate and Lending areas. About the time you have it figured out the rules change. But there has been a big change for consumers. The FHA has announced increased lending limits in a number of areas. The purchase limit in
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home purchase: Median Price Check: How Much House Does $201,100 Buy? - 03/07/08 04:26 PM
From the Desk of Don Draughn, Professional Mortgage Consultant Website: http://ahfmortgage.elliemae.net/ddraughn The following is from a blog I read from a Google Alert and I feel it needs to be posted here. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. The housing market is still in a downward slide. According to today's
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home purchase: Black Monday For Mortgage Brokers - 03/03/08 06:49 PM
What a month! With declining markets and Private Mortgage Companies cutting back loan to values on credit scores and declining markets. We needed some good news. Not today. How in the world is the housing market going to turn around with Fannies new appraisal code going into effect on January 1st
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home purchase: Newlywed Homebuying Trends - 03/02/08 04:36 AM
From time to time The Mortgage & Property Connection sends out specialized surveys to selected groups for marketing and educational services. With the recent changes in the real estate market place, as well as the wedding season around the corner, we decided to gather information about local newlyweds. I think you
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home purchase: I took a step back and asked myself this same question today: Are you a visionary? - 03/01/08 06:21 PM
Hello And allow myself to introduce my self. I am a Realtor in Milwaukee County, that sells all of Southeastern Wisconsin. Everything is real close. I also do Commercial and Investment all over the entire State. For years, as my others may have experienced, we became accustomed to our styles in Real
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home purchase: $0 Down Payment FHA loans for victims in Presidential Declared Disaster Areas - 02/26/08 05:16 PM
With the upcoming increase in FHA Loan Limits, it is a good time to review an under-utilized program: the FHA 203(h) loan. This FHA loan offers $0 downpayment mortgage financing to individuals in Presidential Declared Disaster Areas. This program is available to home owners and renters purchasing a new home because
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home purchase: Client Appreciation each month after closing - 02/22/08 05:11 PM
Within 2 weeks after closing, each and every one of my clients will receive a personal letter congratulating them on their sale and/or purchase, also explaining that they are now a part of my client appreciation program. Every month for twelve months they receive a little gift in the mail. Sometimes
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home purchase: Need a Spouse-BUY a HOUSE. - 02/20/08 03:34 PM
Both of my children bought a home because, of course their parents are Real Estate agents. Smarter to buy than rent, right. It just so happens that within less than one year both of them found the love of their life! They were married within just a short amount of time. Is this
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home purchase: OPEN HOUSE - 508 Thomas Cove Road, Penfield, NY - Sunday, February 17th - 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm - 02/15/08 01:26 PM
From the Desk of Don Draughn, Professional Mortgage Consultant Website: http://ahfmortgage.elliemae.net/ddraughn If you are in the market for a cozy home in a wooded setting then this is the home for you. Map of 508 Thomas Cove Rd Rochester, NY 14625-1427, US Don Draughn is a Professional Mortgage Consultant and a Sale Manager at Affordable
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home purchase: Democrat and Chronicle Addresses Local Housing and Mortgage Market - 02/15/08 08:26 AM
From the Desk of Don Draughn, Professional Mortgage Consultant Website: http://ahfmortgage.elliemae.net/ddraughn In the Sunday, February 10th, edition of the Democrat and Chronicle, staff writer Mary Chao wrote an article addressing the Rochester, NY, housing and mortgage market. It is a thorough article and covers many of the topics that are pertinant to the
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home purchase: Maryland Mortgage Bond Program ( CDA ) has been updated to include the Lifeline Refinance Loan Program - 02/12/08 06:56 PM
The "Lifeline" Refinancing Mortgage Program allows "CDA Loans" to offer refinancing options to MD borrowers who may be facing difficulties after financing their homes with adjustable rate or other unfavorable mortgages, or mortgages that no longer fit their financial situation. Also,ask me about the DC Bond Program for first time home
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home purchase: Are Buyers as Confused as I Am? - 02/11/08 08:55 PM
Last week I was willing to consider it a fluke when the highest priced home in a local neighborhood sold while others, very similar but lower priced, remain unsold. Then today, another "overpriced listing" went under contract (while another just like it languishes on the market for $40,000 less...and we're not
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home purchase: Applying for a Mortgage in 2008 - A Primer for First Time Home Buyers In Rochester NY - 02/11/08 03:18 PM
From the Desk of Don Draughn, Professional Mortgage Consultant Website: http://ahfmortgage.elliemae.net/ddraughn Over the last year, the mortgage industry has gone through a tremendous amount of turmoil. Some banks cut back drastically on the loan programs they offered. Others added some more stable loan products to replace the ones they discontinued. Still other banks
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home purchase: Increase Your Credit Score - 02/08/08 01:43 PM
From the Desk of Don Draughn, Professional Mortgage Consultant Website: http://ahfmortgage.elliemae.net/ddraughn Good credit translates to lower interest rates for borrowers. Here are just a few quick tips that can help put you in a better position under the discerning eye of an underwriter! •· Do you have past due balances that have been neglected?
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home purchase: Credit repair that sticks - 02/08/08 09:33 AM
My holding company Peck Holdings LLC has been doing credit repair via Credit Solutions LLC for almost 3 years now. With the changes in the mortgage market and credit markets, this has dictated many nessacary changes for us as a credit repair agency. The old days of adding authourized users to accounts
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home purchase: Current Interest Rates for Rochester NY - February 1, 2008 - 02/01/08 10:51 AM
From the Desk of Don Draughn, Professional Mortgage Consultant Website: http://ahfmortgage.elliemae.net/ddraughn Rates Continue to be very good. Now is the perfect time to purchase a new home or to refinance your existing mortgage. If I can be of assistance in any way please do not hesitate to call me.
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home purchase: USDA Guaranteed Rural Development 100% Financing - 01/30/08 03:52 PM
From the Desk of Don Draughn, Professional Mortgage Consultant Website: http://ahfmortgage.elliemae.net/ddraughn Below is information on the USDA Guaranteed Rural Development program that is a tremendous loan program for buyers who qualify. I have closed many loans with this program and I believe it is one of the best programs out there for First
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home purchase: How To Avoid Being Trapped By Your Trade-Up Model! - 01/29/08 12:35 AM
With interest rates dropping to their lowest levels since 2004, the home equity loan re-finance bug is itching a lot of folks again. As we approach the Spring Market which traditionally swings into full gear around March, home buyers will be able to take advantage of low interest rates and a large
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home purchase: Things to Avoid During the Loan Process in Rochester, NY - 01/23/08 04:43 PM
MORTGAGE PLANNING TIPSFrom the Desk of Don Draughn, Professional Mortgage Consultant Website: http://ahfmortgage.elliemae.net/ddraughn Avoid Financial Changes During the Loan Process Once your loan package has been sent to the lender, there are a number of things you should avoid doing that may change your financial picture. Remember, the lender is looking for stability and
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home purchase: Prevent Home-buying Nightmares by Using the TEAM Concept. - 01/21/08 08:18 PM
Picture this... It's the week before you're scheduled to close on the home of your dreams. As you're packing boxes, the phone rings. It's your loan officer, hostile, because they still haven't received from you a document the underwriter had requested. If that paper is not received today your closing will be delayed. Your call-waiting
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home purchase: California Housing Finance Agency continues to offer $0 Down Financing - 01/14/08 07:30 AM
California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) has decided to buck Fannie Mae and will NOT impose Soft Market Guidelines. This means a buyer can still get a CalHFA $0 down loan! CalHFA does have income limits. In Contra Costa county, those limits are: For a family of 1 - 2: $95,532For a family of
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home purchase: Are You Keeping Your Eyes On the Right Ball? - 01/12/08 12:01 AM
I've been a Soccer Mom for at least a decade. With two boys involved in sports, we've watched countless games and travelled to different areas of Michigan and the country for games. But, regardless of whether the game was soccer, football or basketball...you always heard someone yell this from the sidelines:
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home purchase: When Rates Go Down...Smart Buyers in Grand Rapids, MI Start Moving! - 01/09/08 06:23 PM
Rates are going down. Yippee Yeah! This is Great News For home buyers in Grand Rapids, Michigan. According to a January 9, 2007 article by Inman News, the Mortgage Bankers Association, a trade group for lenders indicates that this past week the Jump in applications for loans was a whopping 32%! This is the highest one week
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home purchase: Purchasing New Construction Is More Challenging in 2008 - 01/08/08 03:53 PM
Fannie Mae has tightened its guidelines for lending to purchasers of new construction. According to our favorite loan officer, Fannie Mae now requires 90% of the units must be conveyed to purchasers and control of project must have been turned over to the unit owners before a mortgage can be issued meeting
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home purchase: FREE FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER'S SEMINAR - 01/07/08 10:28 AM
FREE First Time Home Buyer's Seminar Hosted By: Don Draughn - Mortgage Consultant Chris Koch - Mortgage Consultant Ellis Oster - Attorney - RJS Abstract Corporation Alexandra Vysochan - Nothnagle Realtors - Pittsford When: Thursday, February 7, 2008 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Where:
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home purchase: Berni’s JAZZY Update: House Hunter Ad for December 2007 and more… - 12/30/07 07:02 PM
JAZZ UP YOUR HOME SALE.... Below is a copy of the color ad that appears in the House Hunter (Pioneer Valley's Showcase of Homes) for Dec. 17th, 2007 - January 16th 2008. The price of the 16 Acres home has been reduced to : $216,900. and it is FABULOUS, great for someone
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home purchase: Buy Now or Wait? - 12/28/07 01:01 PM
The question on every prospective buyer's mind is, "Should I buy now or wait?" There are five variables that must be considered to accurately answer this question: - Specific market area- Intended length of ownership- Interest rates- Mortgage qualifying guidelines- Availability of Seller Credits toward the buyer's financing costs Specific market area:While it
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home purchase: Buyers...Wake up and realize the deals out there! - 12/16/07 07:21 AM
Buyers...stop listening to the media hype. Instead...listen to your local real estate professional who truly knows their market data and information. They are in the best position to help guide you through your home buying experience. The media needs to write stories that ultimately produce advertising revenue. Your local real estate
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home purchase: FSBO Survival Guide...Buying & Selling Real Estate Without Help (Part 2) - 12/11/07 11:53 PM
We did not truly understand the implications of our decision to purchase this way until we decided to sell the home. After the transaction was closed, we contacted the agent to tell him we had moved. What transpired next was one unsettling conversation. He asked us how much we had bought the home for and
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home purchase: FSBO Survival Guide...Buying & Selling Real Estate Without Help (Part 1) - 12/11/07 11:51 PM
Many years ago, we bought our first home. Our first real estate transaction was with a FSBO aka Non Represented Seller. At that time, I had no idea that I would be a future real estate agent. In fact, we had looked for homes with a broker prior to deciding to go down this route. After
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home purchase: Oh There's No Place Like Home....Past the Holidays! - 12/11/07 10:47 AM
This song has been meandering through my mind all day. Oh, There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays...It's a song that we hear frequently on the airwaves at this time of the year. It conjures images of nostalgic warmth...fireplaces blazing, steaming hot cups of cider or hot cocoa, spicy earthy
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home purchase: “He Who’s Willing to Walk Away Usually Wins”…. Make Your Best Deal in ’08 - 12/09/07 03:31 PM
Buyers today are barraged daily with news of increased inventory, foreclosure sales and stories of co-workers making "killer deals" on real estate purchases. But for a Buyer today, what really constitutes a "Good Deal"? Consider this Scenario: Buyers fall in love with a house and want to make an offer. It's
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home purchase: December is a great time to buy! - 12/07/07 09:14 AM
December of 2007 is an excellent time for a home purchase in the West Valley of Phoenix. As a professional REALTOR, I'm advising my clients who are sitting on the fence to move. Prices have never been better and the interest rates are falling as well. Also, end of year purchases allow
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home purchase: Buyer tips - 12/03/07 05:33 AM
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home purchase: Michigan Buyers...When the Government Gives Free Money to Buy a House...Go Get IT! - 11/29/07 07:04 PM
It's almost the end of year...the time when most funding programs tend to run low on funds for buyers without down-payments. In a surprising and refreshing reversal this November, the Federal Housing Authority Administrations (FHA) Philadelphia Homeownership Center has approved several Sales Incentives for use in the purchase of HUD homes
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home purchase: Did you know that a reverse mortgage can be used in a home purchase? - 11/29/07 04:35 PM
It seems counter-intuitive that real estate professionals would need to know about reverse mortgages. After all, the purpose of a reverse mortgage is to help KEEP someone in his or her home, right? Actually, a reverse mortgage can INCREASE a Realtor's® business. How? You can double your business by listing the senior's
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home purchase: Self-Employed Borrowers May Pay Too Much When Buying or Refinancing a Home - 11/27/07 10:20 AM
Stated Income loans were originally created for self-employed borrowers with complicated tax returns, a good down-payment and excellent credit. The repayment profile of these borrowers was so strong that the Stated Income requirements became more lenient....to the point that a W-2 employee could obtain a Stated Income loan with $0 down.
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home purchase: Down Payment Assistance: DPA Servicing is the Fastest, Cheapest, and Most Flexible Company Available. - 11/26/07 04:17 PM
Dear Mortgage Professional, If you have a client that can't qualify for 100% financing and can only get 80% - 90%, DPA Servicing can help. DPA Servicing is a down payment assistance company that can provide the down payment funds needed by your client for funding. Unlike many other Down
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home purchase: Is Rent to Own Right for You? - 11/21/07 02:25 PM
Is Rent to Own right for you?Are you thinking about a rent to own deal? If so, you probably know a little bit about how this type of real estate transaction works. And when it comes down to it, you need to make sure that you know what rent to own
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home purchase: Tampa Homes for Sale - Understand your Values, First - 11/06/07 08:12 PM
HOW'S THE MARKET? Many people come to me for real estate advice and ask how the market is in the Tampa Bay area. They are surprised when I answer them because the market is different for so many people. The other day we were working with a couple that was moving into
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home purchase: Why Now is the Best Time in Years to Purchase a Home - 10/31/07 01:03 PM
Failure to act now could be the most costly mistake you make. Here are the top 5 reasons why: 1.) Leveraged investment power: With most investments, such as stocks and bonds, the money (and risk) you put into the investment is entirely your own. With real estate, while you may only put
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