Realtor Thursday

A conversation with Teresa Merelman, Stowe Realty, Stowe, VT

Stowe, Vermont is known as a 4 Season Resort Town located in the northern part of the State.  It became charted in 1763.  Stowe’s year round population is relatively small – 4,314 per the 2010 census, but Stowe is the largest town in Vermont land wise – 72+ square miles.

Mortgage Monday

There have been many changes in FHA regulations in the past few years. They have changed (increased) lots of fees including the Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) amount required for upfront and monthly amounts. They tightened qualifying guidelines to mirror those of Fannie and Freddie, increased minimum credit scores and other reasonable requirements in order to borrow hundreds of thousands of dollars.

One of the most recent changes FHA is initiating is the “no collection accounts” rule, and some people are in an uproar.  Previously, FHA allowed outstand collection accounts to remain as is when qualifying for a mortgage.

As of July 1^st, 2012, the rule will require people to pay off collection, unpaid or disputed accounts over $1,000. The thousand dollars is for total collection accounts, not each one individually. If they cannot pay it in full (settled), then proof of a payment plan with three months history must be shown.

Realtor Thursday

A conversation with Diane M. Phillips, REALTOR® with Frankly Real Estate, Inc. of Carroll County, MD.

Welcome to Carroll County, Maryland: feel right at home...I do! As a lifetime resident I can’t imagine living any place else. I grew up in Carroll County and chose to raise my family here too! The combination of history, business, agriculture, amazing people and Central Maryland location makes Carroll a desirable location for professionals commuting to Baltimore and Washington D.C.

Technology Tuesday

Most of our everyday lives are habitual and without conscious decisions about these tendencies, they become very hard to break. But whether they are good or bad, habits can be changed to make your life significantly better. Habit Changer is a website and application that motivate individuals to correct these bad habits in approximately a month and a half.

This program is designed to provide features that will keep in constant contact with its clients. There are specified programs that help with personal finance decisions, money and relationships, and how to maintain good habits. About 86% of participants became more attentive of their habits and 69% changed their actions due to this realization.

Mortgage Monday

FHA is increasing the upfront mortgage insurance premium (MIP) from 1% to 1.75% of the loan amount as of April 9^th, 2012.  The increase is being used to help refund the ever dwindling reserves of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).  This is the fourth time in three years that the cost of the premium has been increased, hoping to cover losses already accrued and deter the risky borrowers from entering the market at all.

The increase does not apply to all FHA loans that have been registered and assigned an FHA Case number before the date. It does not mean that the loan needed to be approved or even submitted, just assigned the number. So, if your loan is currently in the works but not yet approved, you are safe from the increase.

Realtor Thursday

A Conversation with Ruthmarie Hicks, Realtor with Keller Williams NY Realty of White Plains, NY

White Plains is often thought of as a microcosm of New York City. The diversity among the residents is a reflection of what White Plains has to offer. There is literally something for everyone. It is a true city with a thriving business district and a suburban town rolled into one. The fine public school system combined with the relatively low taxes and cost of living make it an attractive destination for those seeking the suburban lifestyle without the price tag of a Scarsdale or Sound Shore address. The downtown is akin to a mini-me Manhattan with fine dining, retail and entertainment. It’s a destination point for those looking for a night out on the town. The central location with easy access to primary traffic arteries such as I-287, I-95, I-684, the Hutch and Bronx River Parkways makes it an ideal location for commuters. White Plains is also a major express stop on Metro-North. You can be in Manhattan in 33 minutes. Even the county airport, which is a minor hub for at least 7 airlines, is just a few minutes away.

Sometimes we just don’t feel like talking about the trials and tribulations of real people’s mortgages. I know this is a bit unusual, but some people do have a problem deciding how to design their dog’s outside home. Below are a few pics we saw of dog houses in the price range of $3,500 to $20,000.  Read on for a good look.

A Conversation with Jennifer Fivelsdal, JFIVE Homes Realty LLC, Red Hook, New York

Red Hook is small town located along the Hudson River in the northern part of Dutchess County about 90 miles from New York City.

The town broke away from Rhinebeck in 1812 and is in the process of getting ready for the Bicentennial celebration of this event. Red Hook consists of the villages of Red Hook and Tivoli as well as several hamlets. One of the better known hamlets is Annandale-on-Hudson, home to Bard College, a liberal arts school.

Mortgage Monday

Getting a mortgage these days is super tough and can be a long and frustrating experience. Even though rates are low and do not seem to be showing signs of rising, the lenders have truly not eased up on lending or the torture. In fact, it could be a little bit harder these days than it was last year.

Part of the craziness is the waiting game. Some lenders are faster than others but the truth is no matter how perfect a borrower you may be, your loan still goes in the queue. I remember so many of my clients shouting, “Don’t they know who I am?” The fact is Britney, they really don’t care.

Mortgage Monday

Getting a mortgage these days is super tough and can be a long and frustrating experience. Even though rates are low and do not seem to be showing signs of rising, the lenders have truly not eased up on lending or the torture. In fact, it could be a little bit harder these days than it was last year.

Part of the craziness is the waiting game. Some lenders are faster than others but the truth is no matter how perfect a borrower you may be, your loan still goes in the queue. I remember so many of my clients shouting, “Don’t they know who I am?” The fact is Britney, they really don’t care.