USDA Rural Housing Loan

Amazing Visalus Health and Wealth 90 day Body By Vi Challenge in Peachtree City!

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:38:21 -0400

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I cannot wait to see everyone August 7th!

Justin Messer | Active Rain Confirmed Loan Officer | SEO Trainer

Apply Now - My Outside Blog - ActiveRain - USDA Loans - FeedPing

Search for homes in your area by entering your city and state into the search bar from my blog page or profile page.

USDA Loan Eligibility

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:15:12 -0500

USDA Loan Eligibility is a very basic process. A borrower's income and credit file must be underwritten just like any other loan program. However, USDA rural development loans are far more lenient when it comes to down payment requirements and credit score requirements. There are many great benefits to USDA Rural Development Loans. This loan program enables a borrower to obtain a mortgage with the cheapest possible monthly payment when compared with FHA loans and 3.5% as a down payment.

STEP ONE: Is your middle credit score above a 620? If so, then you may proceed with USDA loan eligibility. Do you have recent derogatory items on your credit report such as foreclosures, bankruptcies, judgments, tax liens, or collections? If so, then call me to discuss the details. For basic details, please see the following:

Foreclosure- Must wait 3 years
Bankruptcy- Chapter 7 must wait 3 years, Chapter 13 must wait 1 year
Judgments- Must be paid and have none outstanding within 12 months
Tax Liens- Must be paid and have none outstanding within 12 months
Collections- May have one collection within the last 12 months

STEP TWO: Is the property you are looking to purchase in a USDA rural loan eligible area? Below, click accept, then select your state. Find your county on the map or on the list. If the county is not on the state list, then the entire county is INELIGIBLE for a USDA Rural Development Loan. If the property is located in the lighter colored area, then it is located in a USDA Loan Eligible area. The USDA loan eligibility map will state whether or not the property is approved for USDA.

STEP THREE: Does your total household income meet the USDA Income Requirements? There are two separate income levels. The first level is for a household of 1-4 family members. The second is for 5 or greater. Every county varies on the total household income limit. The limits typically range from 70,000 (1-4 members) to 110,000 (5+ members). Below, enter your state, then enter your county and follow the next steps.

STEP FOUR: Apply online, over the phone at 770-631-5750, or in person. USDA Rural Housing Loans take approximately 30 days to complete. If you have questions, contact me or visit TheUSDAhomeloan.com or contact your local loan officer.

Justin Messer | Active Rain Confirmed Loan Officer | SEO Trainer

Apply Now - My Outside Blog - ActiveRain - USDA Loans - FeedPing

Search for homes in your area by entering your city and state into the search bar from my blog page or profile page.

Kedron in Peachtree City, Georgia

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 12:07:04 -0400

Kedron in Peachtree City, Georgia is located on the North end of Peachtree City. Peachtree City is located on the south metro side of Atlanta in Fayette County. It is one of Pathway Communities sigature creations. Peachtree City is home to more than 30,000 residents with tons to offer. The beautiful cities stretches approximately 15,000 acres, features more than 125 neighborhoods and has four distinct villages: Braelinn, Aberdeen, Glenloch, and Kedron! There are plenty of architechural styles to choose from. Most of the cities most distinctive features is its 90 miles of public cart paths that link the entire city together. These paths, great schools, low crime, and beautiful homes have made Peachtree City the #8 best city to live in the United States!

Kedron is an area in Peachtree City that is full of neighborhoods, schools, cart paths, recreational activities, great shopping, and a lake!

Elementary Schools:

Kedron
Crabapple Lane

Middle School:

J.C. Booth

High School:

McIntosh

Each one of these schools are rated top in the state of Georgia. McIntosh is the number one high school in Georgia.

Kedron and Peachtree City also features 3 great golf courses that are all linked by golf cart paths.

Braelinn Club
Flat Creek Club
Planterra Ridge Club

These courses are part of the Canongate Golf Communities which has over 20 courses throughout Georgia and the Southeast!

Parke and Recreation:

Lake Kedron docks
Kedron Field house and Aquatic Center
Kedron Multipurpose Rink
Peachtree Dive Center, Inc.
Riley Field

Top Selling and Desirable Neighborhoods!

The Pointe
The Peninsula

Both of these neighborhoods have quickly become the most desired places to live in south metro Atlanta. They both sit on Lake Kedron's beautiful shore line and have the most amazing homes in Kedron! Check back this week for photos and details on these two highly desired places to call home!

Justin Messer | Active Rain Confirmed Loan Officer | SEO Trainer

Apply Now - My Outside Blog - ActiveRain - USDA Loans - FeedPing

Search for homes in your area by entering your city and state into the search bar from my blog page or profile page.

Smokerise Estates in Peachtree City, Georgia

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 11:12:52 -0400

Justin Messer | Georgia Banking Company | 770-631-5750

516 Ashley Way, Peachtree City, GA

SPECTACULAR FULL BRICK 6100+ SQ FT SHOWPLACE PLUS FINISHED TERRACE LEVEL! Stunning 2 story great room + vaulted keeping room, banquet size dining, ove

5BR/4+1BA Single Family House

offered at $698,500

Year Built 1994 Sq Footage 6,100 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 4 full, 1 partial Floors 3 Parking 4 Car garage Lot Size 1 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

* Single Family Property
* Status: Active
* Area: 171
* County: FAYETTE
* Subdivision: SMOKERISE ESTATES
* Year Built: 1994
* 5 total bedroom(s)
* 4.5 total bath(s)
* 4 total full bath(s)
* 1 total half bath(s)
* Two story
* Type: Renovated home, Renovated home, Detached home
* Style: European, Traditional
* Dining room
* Basement
* Laundry room
* Bedroom(s) on main floor
* Hardwood floors

* 2 fireplaces
* Fireplace features: Great room, Living room, Factory built, Gas, Gas logs
* Garage
* Attached parking
* Heating features: Central, Forced air, Gas
* Central air conditioning
* Interior features: Basement entrance on the inside, Basement entrance on the outside, Daylight basement, Finished basement, Full basement, Ceiling fan(s), Zoned temperature control, Double pane window(s), Energy efficient home, Gas water heater, Programmable thermostat, Central vacuum system, Cooktop range, Dishwasher, Disposal, Double oven, Fire/smoke alarm(s), Ice maker line, Intercom system, Microwave oven, Refrigerator, Security features, Wall/built-in oven, Zoned temperature control, 9 ft.+ ceiling(s), Built-in bookcase(s)/shelves, Foyer, Jetted bathtub/whirlpool, Tray ceiling(s), Two story foyer, Vaulted ceiling(s), Wall to wall carpeting, Breakfast area/room, Breakfast bar, Keeping room, Kitchen island, Pantry, Upstairs laundry, Bonus room, Great room, In-law suite, Library, Recreation room, Separate dining room, Separate living room, Bedroom(s) on upper level(s), Basement bathroom(s)
* Exterior features: Lake/river area/setting, Street lights, Underground utilities, Deck, Garden area, Outside workshop, Sprinkler system, TV cable available, Greenbelt, Level lot, Private backyard, Wooded, Automatic garage door, Public water supply, Septic sewer system
* Exterior construction: Concrete foundation, Brick
* Roofing: Composition
* Community park(s)
* Community recreation facilities
* Community tennis court(s)
* Corner lot
* Located on a cul-de-sac
* Elementary School: CRABAPPLE
* Middle School: BENNETTS MILL
* High School: MCINTOSH
see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C - Central heat - Fireplace - Hardwood floor - Tile floor - Family room - Living room - Bonus/Rec room - Office/Den - Dining room - Breakfast nook - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Microwave - Granite countertop - Stainless steel appliances - Attic - Basement - Washer - Dryer - Laundry area - inside - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Swimming pool(s) - Tennis court(s) - Golf course - Lake - Playground

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Street View

Front Entry

Sitting Room

Kitchen

Dining Room

Master Suite

Contact info:

Justin Messer

Georgia Banking Company

770-631-5750

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 25, 2010, 12:38pm PDT

Justin Messer | Active Rain Confirmed Loan Officer | SEO Trainer

Apply Now - My Outside Blog - ActiveRain - USDA Loans - FeedPing

Search for homes in your area by entering your city and state into the search bar from my blog page or profile page.

Gary Sloan | Advantage Inspection

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:05:33 -0400

Gary Sloan | Advantage Inspection

Gary Sloan, a residential and commercial home inspector for Advantage Inspection, has been inspecting properties for over 10 years! His company serves the greater Atlanta, Georgia area but has preformed inspections in many other states as well as Europe, Japan, Mexico, and Canada! Gary Sloan provides a complete inspection every time by spending hours at a property going over every single detail of a property. He will provide the property owner with a fully detailed tangible report of their property along with an online version for convenience.

Gary Sloan works for Advantage Inspection and has accumulated many certifications through out his 10 plus years experience.

Gary has an active membership in the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors.
He is code certified for new construction.
He is a Certified Infrared Thermographer
He’s inspected several commercial/industrial facilities over the years including:
- The Braves stadium
- Frito Lay
- Michelin
- Honeywell
- NASA facilities in Cape Canaveral
Gary is a certified FEMA inspector
He is a trained industrial hygiene technician
He is fluent in Japanese
He is 1 of only 19 inspectors in the state of Georgia who is rated as a Certified Master Inspector

At Advantage Inspection, Gary Sloan has created a website that is full of information. If a question's answer cannot be found, then he welcomes as many questions as you can think of. Gary wants the property owner to be completely satisfied in his extremely detailed inspections and professionalism. There are many inspectors out there, but none come as highly recommended as Gary Sloan at Advantage Inspection. Even though an inspection is completed, the relationship will continue for years to come. He has a handpicked group of industry related professionals that provide additional services to insure the integrity of every property.

Gary Sloan's entire inspection process is amazing. I highly recommended anyone purchasing a home or commercial property to use his services. Also, make sure you ask about his amazing Infrared technology. This technology, as well as his service as a whole, will blow you away. He constantly continues to separate himself from the competition as one of the top home inspectors in the state of Georgia!

Order a Home Inpection Now

Contact Gary Sloan at Advantage Inspection
Office: 678.364.1111
Toll Free: 1.866.923.7941
Mobile: 404.406.6100
Email: advantagepeachtreeoffice@gmail.com
Address: 420 Dividend Drive, Suite A-2
Peachtree City, GA 30269

Justin Messer | Active Rain Confirmed Loan Officer | SEO Trainer

Apply Now - My Outside Blog - ActiveRain - USDA Loans - FeedPing

Search for homes in your area by entering your city and state into the search bar from my blog page or profile page.

The USDA Rural Development 100% home loan is expected to have exhausted its funds by the end of April.

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:39:55 -0500

The USDA Rural Development 100% home loan is expected to have exhausted it funds by the end of April.

USDA Rural Loans are a fantastic way for home buyers to purchase a home, finance closing costs, and close with or without a down payment. This 100% loan program is rapidly growing throughout the nation. This is a government insured and funded loan program. For the past few years, the funds of USDA have been depleted. Then, it was not a big deal because all the USDA lenders were still providing and closing these loans with conditional commitments that more funds were on the way.

Now, USDA has not stated when they expect to receive more funds from the government. So, lenders WILL NOT close any more loans once the funds run out!

Will this program be funded again soon? MOST LIKELY. With FHA becoming more difficult and more expensive, so many people are turning to USDA. Granted, USDA rural loans are much cheaper than FHA so everyone should look into this program first. If the government decides to hold off on re-funding, then it will cripple the housing market even further. But, I'm sure OBAMA has better plans for the money! HAHAHAHA.....RIIIIGHT!

Via Thomas Mortgage, Florida's FHA Loan Pro:

Updated information- Check it out below

I normally hate titles that are meant to scare people into reading but unfortunately this time there is no exaggeration to the severity of the issue. USDA Guaranteed Rural Development loans, one of the best low/no down payment financing programs left, has recently announced they expect to be out of the funds they use to guarantee loans by late April. If no action is taken by Congress to re-appropriate more funds then it will be the next budget year, after October, before we have this financing option again.

But the Tax Credit deadline is looming

Exactly- This funding shortfall couldn't happen at a worse time. Now as contacts are being negotiated, applications are being taken and plans are being made to ensure buyers meet the dates of the tax credit deadline, we throw a wrench in the system. Should a buyer proceed with USDA financingif they have just received a fully executed contract? Should a buyer that has been prequalified for a Rural Development loan continue house shopping? What can this mean to a buyer that is already in the process too far to turn back?

These questions must all be dealt with on a case by case basis, depending on a variety of factors. One of the most important factors to consider is current and anticipated turn times for your local USDA underwriting. Here in Lake County, FL USDA is at 7-10 business days so unless you can have your loan ready to go to the USDA by April 9^th, there is a good possibility you may not make the funding cutoff. This is further complicated by the fact that USDA is the only loan program that does not require HVCC type appraisal restrictions (VA is a different animal but with the same results). This means if you commit to USDA financing now and are forced to revert to FHA or another program, you may need a new appraisal.

Buyers should follow the advice of their trusted lenders and know that proceeding with a USDA loan without enough time to make this cutoff is a gamble. We truly need an act of Congress to approve additional funds for these loans. Although it seems logical that they should want to avoid such a deep blow to the housing industry at this time, we all know oftentimes there is precious little logic in D.C. If you think I'm exaggerating the seriousness of this, do know the USDA Guaranteed RD program resulted in over 3500 transactions since October 1, 2009 in Florida alone! That breaks out to over 350 deals a month. Sure, some may be able to qualify through another program like FHA or VA but many won't.

Is there anything we can do to help?

Yes- please accept this call to action to contact your trade associations and express the severity of this. NAR, NAMB and the NAHB have all been made aware of this and I trust are beginning lobbying efforts to rectify it. You could also contact your members of elected officials in the House and in the Senate and urge them to sponsor legislation and fast track it to minimize the damage a funding delay could cause. This is not a partisan issue, both sides of the aisle should be eager to approve this. This isn't about bailing out the housing industry, it's about maintaining funding for a loan program that has suddenly become much more popular than anyone expected due to the current environment of real estate.

Gerry Suarez, Jr.

Your FHA Loan Pro!

UPDATE 03/11 5p EST- I just received the first notice from an investor on this and interestingly enough they are not allowing locks on USDA loans until a conditional commitment setting aside available funds is received from the USDA. That basically means borrowers will be forced to float their rate until the loan is almost ready to close. Look for more developments on this as more investors chime in with changes.

Your FHA Loan Pro on Facebook

Justin Messer | Active Rain Confirmed Loan Officer | SEO Trainer

Apply Now - My Outside Blog - ActiveRain - USDA Loans - FeedPing

Search for homes in your area by entering your city and state into the search bar from my blog page or profile page.

USDA Rural Development loans expecting to run out of funds by late next month

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:36:27 -0500

The USDA Rural Development 100% home loan is expected to have exhausted funds by the end of April.

USDA Rural Loans are a fantastic way for home buyer to purhcase a home, finance closing costs, and close with or without a down payment. This 100% loan program is rapidly growing throughout the nation. This is a government insured and funded loan program. For the past few years, the funds fo USDA have been depleted. Then, it was not a big deal because all the USDA lenders were still providing and closing these loan with conditional commitments that more funds were on the way.

Now, USDA has not stated when they expect to receive more funds from the government. So, lenders WILL NOT close any more loans once the funds run out!

Via Thomas Mortgage, Florida's FHA Loan Pro:

Updated information- Check it out below

I normally hate titles that are meant to scare people into reading but unfortunately this time there is no exaggeration to the severity of the issue. USDA Guaranteed Rural Development loans, one of the best low/no down payment financing programs left, has recently announced they expect to be out of the funds they use to guarantee loans by late April. If no action is taken by Congress to re-appropriate more funds then it will be the next budget year, after October, before we have this financing option again.

But the Tax Credit deadline is looming

Exactly- This funding shortfall couldn't happen at a worse time. Now as contacts are being negotiated, applications are being taken and plans are being made to ensure buyers meet the dates of the tax credit deadline, we throw a wrench in the system. Should a buyer proceed with USDA financingif they have just received a fully executed contract? Should a buyer that has been prequalified for a Rural Development loan continue house shopping? What can this mean to a buyer that is already in the process too far to turn back?

These questions must all be dealt with on a case by case basis, depending on a variety of factors. One of the most important factors to consider is current and anticipated turn times for your local USDA underwriting. Here in Lake County, FL USDA is at 7-10 business days so unless you can have your loan ready to go to the USDA by April 9^th, there is a good possibility you may not make the funding cutoff. This is further complicated by the fact that USDA is the only loan program that does not require HVCC type appraisal restrictions (VA is a different animal but with the same results). This means if you commit to USDA financing now and are forced to revert to FHA or another program, you may need a new appraisal.

Buyers should follow the advice of their trusted lenders and know that proceeding with a USDA loan without enough time to make this cutoff is a gamble. We truly need an act of Congress to approve additional funds for these loans. Although it seems logical that they should want to avoid such a deep blow to the housing industry at this time, we all know oftentimes there is precious little logic in D.C. If you think I'm exaggerating the seriousness of this, do know the USDA Guaranteed RD program resulted in over 3500 transactions since October 1, 2009 in Florida alone! That breaks out to over 350 deals a month. Sure, some may be able to qualify through another program like FHA or VA but many won't.

Is there anything we can do to help?

Yes- please accept this call to action to contact your trade associations and express the severity of this. NAR, NAMB and the NAHB have all been made aware of this and I trust are beginning lobbying efforts to rectify it. You could also contact your members of elected officials in the House and in the Senate and urge them to sponsor legislation and fast track it to minimize the damage a funding delay could cause. This is not a partisan issue, both sides of the aisle should be eager to approve this. This isn't about bailing out the housing industry, it's about maintaining funding for a loan program that has suddenly become much more popular than anyone expected due to the current environment of real estate.

Gerry Suarez, Jr.

Your FHA Loan Pro!

UPDATE 03/11 5p EST- I just received the first notice from an investor on this and interestingly enough they are not allowing locks on USDA loans until a conditional commitment setting aside available funds is received from the USDA. That basically means borrowers will be forced to float their rate until the loan is almost ready to close. Look for more developments on this as more investors chime in with changes.

Your FHA Loan Pro on Facebook

Justin Messer | Active Rain Confirmed Loan Officer | SEO Trainer

Apply Now - My Outside Blog - ActiveRain - USDA Loans - FeedPing

Search for homes in your area by entering your city and state into the search bar from my blog page or profile page.

USDA Loan Requirements

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:59:52 -0500

USDA Loan Requirements

The USDA home loan is a fantastic way to purchase a home with no money down. This loan program is insured by the United States Department of Agriculture. The rural loan is quickly becoming the most popular home loan in 2010 now that FHA has begun to increase their requirements such as credit score, down payment, mortgage insurance, and qualifying ratios.

In order to qualify for the USDA rural housing loan, a borrower must meet the following USDA loan requirements.

Income Eligibility:

Total Household Income - There are two tiers (income ranges from on average from 70K to 110K per year)
1. Household of 1-4 will equal the current 4 person limit for the property's county.
2. Household of 5-8 will equal the current 8+ person limit for the property's county.

Property Eligibility:

The property must be located in an approved area designated by the USDA. Eligibility for counties, cities, and towns are determined by population. Originally, the USDA loan program was created for farmers. Today, it is open to all residential properties that are deemed rural property by the USDA. Most metro areas do not qualify but approximately 80% of the nation does qualify.
New or proposed home construction: Must meet FHA appraisal standards
Manufactured Homes: Only allowed if the manufactured home is brand new, double wide, and purchased from an Agency approved dealer.
Modular Home: No restrictions
Condo and Town Home: Must meet the requirements of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or FHA.

Credit Scores:

620 minimum middle credit score (scores are likely to increase to 640-660 soon)
Must have at least 2 credit scores

Other Requirements:

Must be a primary residence
May not have other financed properties
Co-signors not allowed if the co-signor will not be living the subject property
No non-essential buildings and land. The property must be considered residential
Housing ratios and debt-to-income rations: 31/43

Check out USDA loan eligibility for exact income figures and property maps for your area!

Justin Messer | Active Rain Confirmed Loan Officer | SEO Trainer

Apply Now - My Outside Blog - ActiveRain - USDA Loans - FeedPing

Search for homes in your area by entering your city and state into the search bar from my blog page or profile page.

Activerain Confirmed Loan Officers

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:29:37 -0500

Active Rain Confirmed Loan Officers provide the skills neccessary to help all real estate professionals the ability to create a massive web presence. We can show you how to properly write your blogs and websites, how to structure them, and how to get consumers searching Google to find them. SEO seems like a really confusing term. Once we teach you the basics behind SEO, you will be able to use these skills and improve upon them in no time. These skills will absolutely help your business today, but will most certainly help your business in the future.

Contact one of the Active Rain Confirmed Loan Officers from below to get started. We can discuss your goals and what it will take to meet those goals. We can meet in a one on one session, a group session, online webex training, or over the phone.

Once you learn the basics, then it starts to get really fun! We have tons and tons of SEO and website tricks that you will simple go crazy over. These tips and tricks and new web gadgets will not only help your web presence, but it will help with your everyday business. As an Active Rain Confirmed Loan Officer, I have had tremendous success in my internet marketing. The best part, it is FREE marketing!

Contact me or one of the other Active Rain Confirmed Loan Officers today. Take our training (short version or extended version) and become the expert in your office!

Coming soon! Free video SEO training basics. I will show how to write your blog as well as show you the many newly discovered web technologies.

Subscribe to my blog or contact me now!

Justin Messer - Atlanta Georgia/National

Over 85% of consumers begin their home search via the internet. Can consumers find you? If not, then they will simply find your competitors. Gain a competitive advantage with my free training. You'll learn blogging techniques, blog and website SEO, and new technologies that will seperate you from your competitors.

3 Reasons to take my FREE SEO Training:

1 MORE LEADS

2 MORE LISTINGS

3 MORE CLOSINGS

Via ActiveRain Approved Business Builders (ActiveRain - Approved Business Builders):

Activerain is proud of our Confirmed Loan Officer Team. They have all taken the time to complete an exhaustive blogging SEO course taught by Steven Graham, one of the Activerain blog trainers. They also recieve regular weekly training on new tactics and technologies to assist you with your blogging.

Our Confirmed Loan Officers are approved Activerain trainers, and they are very capable and ready to teach you how to get your blogs to the first page of Google.

Getting your blogs to the first page of Google is one of the quickest most cost effective ways to promote your website and increase its traffic and SEO. If you are a real estate professional looking to generate new business and referrals and you want to know how blogging can help you please contact the Activerain Confirmed Loan Officer that is closest to you. Our confirmed loan officers offer one on one and group trainings either in the office or over the phone.

Many of our Confirmed Loan Officers also teach social media classes regularly for their local and state board of REALTORS TM making them your best choice for local training and assistance for your blogging.

Phil Caulfield - Burlingame, CA

Would you like to incorporate social media into your marketing mix? I can help you! A blog is your home base - it is where all of your social media efforts begin. I can help you:

1. Set up your ActiveRain blog and profile
2. Teach you how to promote your blog without spending any money
3. Show you tips and tricks to have your blog posts get to page one of Google

After you are set up, I will be available to help you with your social media marketing efforts!

Ruth Vogt - Littleton, CO

When it comes to blogging, there really is no right or wrong. The only mistake might be to waste precious time trying to figure out the short cuts on your own. Those of us in the ActiveRain Confirmed Loan Officer program, as well as the Ambassadors in ActiveRain, represent a number of seasoned bloggers.

we are willing to share tips and techniques to help you solve the mystery of social media lead generation using ActiveRain to attain Google rankings. I have assisted individuals at all levels of experience achieve blogging success in just one or two meetings. I can help you do the same!

Drew Sygit - Birmingham, MI

It's amazing how many professionals use the internet daily, but still ignore the power of social media! Remember back in 1995, at the "dawn" of the internet going mainstream, how many professionals thought they'd NEVER need the internet for their business? Where are those businesses today?

We are now at the "dawn" of social media going mainstream. Traditional "static" advertising, even through e-mails & websites,is waning. People do business with people they know, like & rust. Are you blogging to dynamically engage your target market and show them your expertise? How do you expect to survive if you don't?

Ricky Khamis - Scottsdale, AZ

I am one of Arizona's top bloggers, Confirmed by ActiveRain because of my ability to teach you how to use the internet and the extreme power of the top search engine on the internet, Google. By working with me you will learn how to create Single Property Web Sites for every one of your listings, and blog them on ActiveRain. This will cause them to show up on the first page of Google With minimal effort, time, or money involved. All you need is determination.

Justin Messer - Atlanta Georgia/National

Over 85% of consumers begin their home search via the internet. Can consumers find you? If not, then they will simply find your competitors. Gain a competitive advantage with my free training. You'll learn blogging techniques, blog and website SEO, and new technologies that will seperate you from your competitors.

3 Reasons to take my FREE SEO Training:

1 MORE LEADS

2 MORE LISTINGS

3 MORE CLOSINGS

Michael Cantwell West Palm Beach Florida

Websites are so yesterday. Without a blog to help drive traffic to your website, how will you be found in today's competitive marketplace? With the Active Rain Platform we can show you how to jumpstart your blogging Google juice faster than any other platform on the internet today.

If you would like to learn more about building a network of like minded professionals blogging together with a comment goal of web domination of your local marketplace contact me. I can help you with SEO tips and tricks that really work.

Warm regards,

Nevin Williams Carlsbad California/OR WA NC

Your blog is a personal, professional journal and proof that you’re knowledgeable. Active Rain is a powerful, worldwide networking and advertising tool when used properly. “Properly” is what I teach. Knowledge is what you blog.

Combine these two ”properly” and you’ll dominate search engines. This is your first impression to thousands of internet prospects. Learn shortcuts, methods and free technologies to maximize your exposure.

Learn how your competitors get page 1 Google rankings and mimic it. Want proof? Google or Yahoo: FHA broker Carlsbad, Astoria or Cary. I’m on page 1 a few times on all 3 searches. Cost2u: $0

Justin Messer | Active Rain Confirmed Loan Officer | SEO Trainer

Apply Now - My Outside Blog - ActiveRain - USDA Loans - FeedPing

Search for homes in your area by entering your city and state into the search bar from my blog page or profile page.

EXTENDED first time home buyer tax credit for 2010

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:34:40 -0500

Extended First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit for 2010.

The extended first time home buyer tax credit for 2010 will allow more borrowers to purchase a home and receive the $8,000 tax credit even if their income was ineligible in 2009. The revision to the 2009 version has added $50,000 in qualifing income to single purchasers and $100,000 for married couples filing jointly. This is HUGE. If you thought you made too much money, or that the tax credit had expired, then you have ONE LAST CHANCE to take advantage of the government's free handout! For now, the buyer must have a signed purchase sale agreement by April 30th and must close by June 30th.

Please read below for further details including the new $6,500 tax credit for primary residence owners. If you are thinking about buying, please go ahead and get pre-qualified by submitting a secure online loan application. Why not, its free!

Do not miss out on this amazing opportunity and take advantage of the extended first time home buyer tax credit for 2010!

Via Pacita Dimacali - e-PRO, SRES, CDPE, MBA East Bay, North CA real estate (Gallagher & Lindsey):

My first time home buyers are whooping it up. Why not? The popular first time home buyer tax credit that was set to expire end of November 2009 may be extended through end of June 2010.

I have buyers who have been looking for months but are getting outbid so many times, or are running out of time waiting for the short sale approval/acceptance of their offers.

Even better, it isn't just first time buyers who have reason to celebrate. A new tax credit was introduced to aid repeat buyers. I wonder if this will apply both for buyers who want to move up as well as buyers who want to downsize.

Although the complete details aren't available yet, here are the key provisions.

First time home buyer tax credit

Buyers must be in contract by April 30, 2010

Buyers have 60 days from that day to close escrow to qualify for the tax credit

Tax credit is $8,000 or UP TO 10% of purchase price

Repeat buyers tax credit

Defined as homeowners who have lived in their residence for five years

Tax credit is $6,500

But wait, there's more! The levels for the home buyers were increased! Good news, indeed, for at least one of my buyers who was making more money than the previous qualifying level. So now, there's a chance that he will qualify for the tax credit after all!

Individuals earning up to $125,000, up from $75,000 for individuals under the current law

Couples earning up to $250,000, up from $150,000 under the current law'

More tax credits.

Additionally, there are other tax credits that the homeowners can explore. Although folks may argue that these tax credits are costing us....think of another way to look at these credits. They will encourage folks to BUY! And when they buy more goods and services, they (and we) do our share to stimulate the economy.

federal tax credits for energy efficiency. Time to replace that old furnace? Want to get double pane windows? Need to get better insulation? Want to replace that leaky roof? Old water heater on its last legs? There's an energy-efficient solution to meet your requirements.

ENERGY (Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy) STAR appliances that may apply to central air conditions, washers, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, and more. More on this as things develop.

Have fun shopping!

Justin Messer | Active Rain Confirmed Loan Officer | SEO Trainer

Apply Now - My Outside Blog - ActiveRain - USDA Loans - FeedPing

Search for homes in your area by entering your city and state into the search bar from my blog page or profile page.

How To Create and Use iFrames and Tables on Your Blog

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:02:56 -0500

Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):

How To Create and Use iFrames and Tables on Your Blog

Last week I promised to create a post explaining how to add iFrames and tables to your Blog posts. Instead of making this a long drawn out technical "How To" tutorial, I decided to make it really easy for those of you interested in using this feature. It is HTML based and does require a little HTML skill, but I think the way I'm about to show you will totally simplify the process and keep you from losing your sanity! lol~

The hardest thing you'll have to do is switch the tabs at the top of your New Blog Post from "WYSIWYG" to "HTML" then you'll just need to copy the code onto the HTML page where you want your iFrame to appear, then save it. Can't make it much easier than that. So let's start with the iFrame. The purpose of Adding an iFrame to a Blog post is so that you can share a large amount of information in a very small (customized) space. Maybe a website, or an interactive page, or even an entire Blog for example.

Here's an iframe of a site I'm sure you'll all recognize. :-) (updated to show image only)

The size, color, width, height, URL, etc. can all be customized. Now for all you advanced HTML users and Bloggers, this is probably easy stuff, but for many of our members and friends, learning this type of stuff has been known to cause overdoses of Tylenol and in some extreme cases, even alcohol. So here's a way for you to preserve your anxiety and stress for something a little more worthy.... I hope.

HTML Basics has setup what they call an iFrame generator. You just enter in the information, and it creates the iFrame for you, then just copy and paste the code into the HTML tab of your new Blog post. It looks like this:

Just enter the URL of ANY page you want to appear in your iFrame, never make it wider than 550pixels if you don't want to Blow Out your Blogs sidebar, select any height you want, give it a name, set the alignment, maybe add a border with some color, setup how you want it to scroll, and generate the code for your Blog post. This is much easier than trying to explain the HTML which you're about to see once you generate the code anyway. Once you become familiar with the iframe code, you won't need the generator anymore. Now try it yourself.

Suggestions: Try using your MLS page, your IDX page, your Website, one of your Blog posts, maybe your AR Outside Blog, any page that's on the internet will work as long as you have the URL or website address. You can use iFrames to add some additional value to your Blog if this is something you're interested in. Now just be creative and imagine all the ways your clients, visitors, and subscribers might benefit from your using custom iFrames in your Blog posts.

Are you ready for tables now? Here's a link to a table generator, you'll be a pro in no time at all! :-)
Some Table Scraps RE Video RETechWorld Goal Planner ActiveBrads Blog iDomain TechKnowBabble AR Manual The REBlogger
HTML Tables

"RainMaker" Special - Signup Here for New Member Discount
Visit RainCamp™ - "Because The Way We Do Business Has Changed!"

Justin Messer | Active Rain Confirmed Loan Officer | SEO Trainer

Apply Now - My Outside Blog - ActiveRain - USDA Loans - FeedPing

Search for homes in your area by entering your city and state into the search bar from my blog page or profile page.

Hit Router

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:17:32 -0500

Via steven graham activerain member services/ blog trainer (ActiveRain):

Hit router was created to drive more traffic to your website.

There are two sides to hit router:

the free side i.e my markets,

the pay for clicks side i.e start a new campaign.

You also get credits for driving traffic to other agents sites who are not competing within your markets. You can use these credits to pay for a click campaign within your own markets. You could be routing consumers to Ted's url in Alaska and use the credits you earn to buy clicks/traffic for your own url in Arizona for instance.

There are a couple tricks and strategies that will help you get the most out of Hit Router, but first you need to set up your markets. This is very easy to do. First from your 'my home' page, on the left hand side of your screen you see the word 'Hit Router' in blue just beneath where it says write a blog post. Click on it. Now you see three key phrases that are in blue starting at the top it says 'start a new campaign' under that it says 'my markets' and then under that it says 'click credits'.

In the city box just under where it says my markets type in the name of the city where you do the most farming. then click on the city name that is in the right state in the drop box menu. Once you have done this an empty box appears that says:

this is where you will put the url (link) you want to route clients to. Make sure this is the unique url that will have them looking at pictures of homes for sale in the city you have selected. not the front page where they must enter their search terms. It is best to send them to a web site that will capture them as a prospect through forced registration. It will be best to force the registration after they have clicked on their first listing then moved on to their second one. Only require a name and e-mail address leave phone number optional.

If we route our potential prospects to any other type of web site where we are not displaying listings, we have a high chance of losing them.

Once you have set up your markets any visitor to the site who is reading your blog or is on your profile or outside blog and types one of your market cities into the search for homes bar that is on every page of active rain if you are not logged in as a member, will be routed directly to the url you have chosen.

If they type in a city that is not within your markets then they will be routed to whatever url belongs to the person who is buying clicks for that city and you will get click credits. When you consider that within most markets google charges an average of $2-$4 per click our cost per click which is as low as $0.49 is a much better deal. when you consider the fact that the person being routed to your site from ActiveRain is looking up real estate related information already, their traffic to your site is worth much more then generic google traffic of some one who for instance just typed in a city and state into their google search bar for something unrelated to real estate.

Starting a click campaign is very easy under where it says 'start new campaign' type the name of the city you want to buy clicks for into the box that says city. Next highlight the city that is in the right state in the drop box menu and give it a click. Now under location it says the city you will be buying clicks for to the right of that it has the min. suggested bid for that area to the right of that you see a green check mark that means if your bid is equal to or greater than the bid in the CPC (cost per click) box just to the right of it you will get all the clicks for that area until you have reached your monthly budget which is directly to the right of the CPC , then the person who is in line behind you will begin getting the clicks for that area.

if you see a red check mark that means you are not in the first position to get those clicks so you must wait till those who have bid more per click then you have meet their budgets before you begin getting the clicks for that area. Now set the URL that will have them looking at homes for sale within that city and click create. Once you enter your payment info you are ready to set up new campaigns. right now we have members who are getting a 17% conversion ratio on their clicks. that means if mary sue bought 100 clicks at $0.50 she should get roughly 17 new clients for the cost of $50 that is a pretty good deal by any standards. even if Mary Sue only gets one new client out of those 100 clicks its still a great! deal for $50.

If you have any questions about Hit Router or any other feature of the ActiveRain network please give me a call 425-636-3314. Here at ActiveRain member services we are dedicated to the success of each and every member.

Justin Messer | Active Rain Confirmed Loan Officer | SEO Trainer

Apply Now - My Outside Blog - ActiveRain - USDA Loans - FeedPing

Search for homes in your area by entering your city and state into the search bar from my blog page or profile page.

2010 changes to FHA

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:40:44 -0500

FHA, the Federal Housing Administration, has announce many changes for 2010. The FHA wants to lower its market share in residential mortgages throughout the United States. They are currently insuring around 40% of mortgages throughout the nation. In an attempt to lower market share, they are increasing their UFMIP from 1.75% to 2.25% on all FHA loans. A little over a year ago, this amount was only at 1.5%. Most of the 2010 changes to FHA will not take place until April. Althought these 2010 changes to FHA are positive, it will also slow any recovery to boost the housing market. Odds are, they will only last for a couple of years. For more information on other loan products, visit Justin Messer at GBCmortgage.com.

Via Sabrina Linman (Prime Lending):

The rumors are true and I am excited! FHA has handed down the changes...

FHA had talked about increasing down payment to 5% rather than 3.5%

Increased Enforcement- HUGE WIN! Let's get the lenders that are not playing by the rules out of here- - the one's doing it right!

MIP changes- not as big as you think- the analysis on monthly payment isn't a big hit

We all have to follow the same rules, so no one has a leg up!

3% vs. 6% seller concession- talk to your borrowers about gifts!

   Credit and Credit Scores

New borrowers will now be required to have a minimum FICO score of 580 to qualify for FHA's 3.5% down payment program. New borrowers with less than a 580 FICO score will be required to put down at least 10%. (PrimeLending requires a 620 credit score for all transactions)

This allows the FHA to better balance its risk and continue to provide access for those borrowers who have historically performed well.

This change will be posted in the Federal Register in February and, after a notice and comment period, would go into effect in the early summer.

Reduce allowable seller concessions from 6% to 3%

The current level exposes the FHA to excess risk by creating incentives to inflate appraised value. This change will bring FHA into conformity with industry standards on seller concessions.

This change will be posted in the Federal Register in February, and after a notice and comment period, would go into effect in the early summer.

Increase enforcement on FHA lenders

Publicly report lender performance rankings to complement currently available Neighborhood Watch data - Will be available on the HUD website on February 1.

This is an operational change to make information more user-friendly and hold lenders more accountable; it does not require new regulatory action as Neighborhood Watch data is currently publicly available. Enhance monitoring of lender performance and compliance with FHA guidelines and standards.

Implement Credit Watch termination through lender underwriting ID in addition to originating ID.

This change is included in a Mortgagee Letter to be released tomorrow, January 21st, and is effective immediately.

Implement statutory authority through regulation of section 256 of the National Housing Act to enforce indemnification provisions for lenders using delegated insuring process Specifications of this change will be posted in March, and after a notice and comment period, would go into effect in early summer.

HUD is pursuing legislative authority to increase enforcement on FHA lenders. Specific authority includes:

Amendment of section 256 of the National Housing Act to apply indemnification provisions to all Direct Endorsement lenders. This would require all approved mortgagees to assume liability for all of the loans that they originate and underwrite

Legislative authority permitting HUD maximum flexibility to establish separate "areas" for purposes of review and termination under the Credit Watch initiative. This would provide authority to withdraw originating and underwriting approval for a lender nationwide on the basis of the performance of its regional branches

In addition to the changes proposed today, the FHA is continuing to review its overall response to housing market conditions, and continuing to evaluate its mortgage insurance underwriting standards and its measures to help distressed and underwater borrowers through FHA/HAMP and other FHA initiatives going forward.

These changes are a positive move for our industray. Industry leaders will embrace them and continue to help more people achieve their dreams of home ownership!

Justin Messer | Active Rain Confirmed Loan Officer | SEO Trainer

Apply Now - My Outside Blog - ActiveRain - USDA Loans - FeedPing

Search for homes in your area by entering your city and state into the search bar from my blog page or profile page.

Georgia Mortgage Rates for December 4th, 2009.

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:42:28 -0500

Georgia Mortgage Rates for December 4th, 2009.

Since November 9th, mortgage rates have continued to drop. November 25th mortgage rates hit an all time low at 4.375%. For the past 6 days straight, mortgage bonds have worsened and worsened causing mortgage rates to climb every single day. Did we see this coming? YES! Will rates continue to tick higher? YES! Will we see 4.375% again? Most likely not. Although, wouldn't it be nice to refinance your 5.5% (extremely high rate loan, HAHA) into another low 4.5% loan? YESSSS! Contact your local mortgage lender and check to see if refinancing is a good option for you. If the rates have ticked too high to benefit you, then go ahead and apply and if rates drop once again, then you will be ready to attack!

Rate Lock Advice and Mortgage Market Update.

Via Bill Ladewig Your FHA Guru - FHA and VA Loans Since 1970:

Rate Lock Advice and Mortgage Market Update

December 4, 2009, 11:45 PT

RATE LOCK ADVISORY

Lock Advice: LOCK
MBS prices are down -17/32. After the Employment data came in stronger than expected. The economy lost just -11K jobs in November, and the Unemployment Rate fell to 10.0% from 10.2%.

RATE NOTES:
When MBS prices are up, Rates are down.
Lock advice can change throughout the day .
Good economic news = Bad Rate News.

National Average Fixed Rate Mortgage
Unchanged at 4.87% on Dec.3

Fannie Mae Mortgage Backed Securities
MBS Opened at 4.544% Up 0.06%.

10 Year Treasury Currently 3.470% Up 0.08%

DJI Stocks $10,361.92, Down -4.23, -0.04%

European and Asian Markets Up 0.654%

Nymex Crude Oil Currently $75.40 Down $1.06

If you value your business then please watch this three minute video
See TBWS Video

Rates 12-04-09, 11:45 PT
30 Year Fixed to $417,000
Rate 4.75% Point 0.875, APR 4.884%
APR Based on $350,000 Loan at 80% LTV
Above Rate can be locked for 30 days.
Call for Quotes on FHA and VA loans With Detailed Good Faith Estimates.
No Application or Credit Report required

Education is the ONLY Effective Consumer Protection

How to Find Legitimate Rate Quotes

What is APR

What is Yield Spred Premium (YSP)

Avoid Closing Day Nightmares

President signs the First Time Buyer Tax Credit Extension Read Story

Bill Introduced to Increase FHA Down Payment to 5.00% from 3.50 Read Story.

Bill Ladewig

800.664.7283 (SAVE)

Bill@YourFhaGuru.com

Website

Bill Ladewig is a Mortgage Broker Licensed by the California Department of Real Estate 00968137

San Diego FHA and VA Home Loans Escondido Mortgages Escondido Localism San Diego FHA and VA Home Loans San Diego Localism San Diego UFMIP Escondido Mortgages Escondido Localism San Diego Mortgage What is APR

Justin Messer | Active Rain Confirmed Loan Officer | SEO Trainer

Apply Now - My Outside Blog - ActiveRain - USDA Loans - FeedPing

Search for homes in your area by entering your city and state into the search bar from my blog page or profile page.

USDA Rural Development

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:51:58 -0500

USDA Rural Development is a fantastic avenue for to obtaining a mortgage in the United States. Guaranteed Rural Housing Loans allow a home buyer to finance up to 102% of the appraised value, pay NO Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), and have the lowest possible payment for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage!

USDA Rural Development Benefits:

Loan-to-Value: Can finance up to 102% of appraised value.
Guarantee Fee: One time fee of 2% of the loan amount. It is usually financed.
Cash to Close: Very little or zero cash needed to close in most cases, no minimum contributions.
Mortgage Insurance: NONE what so ever!
Term: 30 Year Fixed Rates only
Interest Rates: Rates are typically in line with conventional and FHA rates.
Property Location: Must be located in eligible "rural" areas. Go to USDA Property Eligibility to see if an address qualifies. If the site cannot find the location, then I can do a manual search for you. New construction usually do not show up, but they do qualify.
Household Income: Must verify all income of all household members. The adjusted total cannot exceed USDA Rural Development's Income Limits. You will be surprised by how much the limits are for your county. Generally, the income limits for USDA Rural Development range from $70,000 to $105,000!
Credit Scores: USDA Rural Development requires a borrower to have a middle credit score of 620. Credit qualifying is very linient and similar to that of FHA (Federal Housing Administration).
Derogatory Credit Items: Cannot not have any federal tax liens or judgments. Cannot have a foreclosure within 3 years, a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy with 3 years or a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy within 1 year. Also, applicant must not have any 30 day or more late payments on a mortgage within the most recent 12 months.

USDA Rural Development is a division of the US Government that was established to help families achieve home ownership. USDA home loans are fully backed and insured by the government and are the absolute best way to obtain a no down payment loan. These Guaranteed Rural Development loans are cut and dry. They are fixed rate loan programs with no fine print or deceiving terms.

APPLY NOW for a USDA Rural Development Home loan.

You may also visit USDA Loans for more information!

Justin Messer | Active Rain Confirmed Loan Officer | SEO Trainer

Apply Now - My Outside Blog - ActiveRain - USDA Loans - FeedPing

Search for homes in your area by entering your city and state into the search bar from my blog page or profile page.