USDA Rural Housing Loan

USDA Loan Requirements

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:59:52 -0600

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

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 -0600

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

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 -0600

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

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 -0600

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

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 -0600

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

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 -0600

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

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 -0600

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

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 -0600

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

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 -0600

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

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

The Georgia Shrimp Company

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:24:29 -0600

The Georgia Shrimp Company is one of the very few restaurants in Peachtree City, Georgia that actually understands how to successfully create an enjoyable atmosphere while providing fantastic meals on a very consistent basis.

I have lived in Peachtree City, Georgia for over 27 years and can arguably say that The Georgia Shrimp Company is one of the best restaurants that Peachtree City and Fayette county have ever hosted. The owners, Ant and Dee Murphy, are extremely friendly and welcoming to every visitor that walk through the door regardless if you are a first time visitor or weekly regular.

At The Georgia Shrimp Company, they offer a wide variety of lunch and dinner items along with many fantastic daily specials.

Ant and Dee are true connoisseurs of great wine. They provide a wide variety of tastes from all over the world ranging South Africa, to Australia, to California. The Georgia Shrimp Company carries white wine, medium white wine, semi-sweet wine, sweet wine, light red wine, medium to full bodied reds, and superior blended red wines. If you have questions about any, then do not hesitate to ask the owner's or the highly educated staff about certain selections.

Every month, The Georgia Shrimp Company and their fantastic chefs create an incredible menu for customer to experience worldly cuisines. The five course Wine Dinner includes 5 different wines that are exceptionally paired with each course. October, the Wine Dinner consisted of a German theme in honor of celebrating Oktoberfest! Here is last month's Wine Dinner menu for you to view.

German Oktoberfest

Featuring Wine or Beer Pairings or Both

Course 1:

Kassler Pork Chop

Served braised with red cabbage and apple.

Clean Slate Riesling - Ripe peach flavors balanced with lively acidity, hints of lime and good minerality.

Urthel Hibernus Quentum Belgian Triple Ale - This 9% offering is full bodied with a honeyed nose and beautiful hop bitterness.

Course 2:

Leatherneck Soup

A hearty country style German soup made with lean bacon, carrots, onions and broad white beans.

Zaca Mesa Shiraz – Rich blackberry, cassis and espresso, mocha and spicy sage aromas. The silky finish lingers following the ripe tannins & smoky oak.

Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse Dunkel - This beer is dark, rich, amber and cloudy from the yeast. The aroma has a slight banana and fruit smell from the unfiltered yeast balanced with sweet roasted malt and toffee from the dark wheat malt. You immediately taste yeast and citrus with a hint of bananas and spice up front. The Dunkel finishes clean with a hint of hops.

Course 3:

Poached Cod in White Wine Cream

Poached in Spatlese Riesling with garlic, herbs and lightly creamed. Served with German potato dumplings.

Karl Erbes Riesling Spatlese – A powerful wine with a noble sweet character accompanied by ripe peach and subtle spice accented with nice acidity and a strong bright finish.

Weihenstephan's Festbier – Rich and full bodied, hoppy beer truly representative of the Bavarian way of celebrating. Deep gold color and a great mouth-feel with big flavor. Prost!

Course 4:

Wiener Schnitzel

The original chicken fried steak! Tender Veal, flattened, breaded and pan sautéed; served with a traditional garnish of lemon, egg, anchovy and warm potato salad. Exquisite!

Way Kuhl Riesling – Semi-dry offering floral aromas accompanied by bright citrus fruit. Crisp flavors of lime zest, honey and slate with bright acidity and a lingering finish of fruit and stone.

Spaten Oktoberfest Beer –This medium bodied beer, amber in color, has achieved impeccable taste by balancing roasted malt flavor with the perfect amount of hops. Rich textured palate with traditional underlying sweetness.

Course 5:

Bavarian Chocolate Éclairs

A delicious dessert that melts in your mouth. Piped with Naghtmuziek cream.

Covey Run Gewutztraminer - Floral aromatic & lemony on the nose with clean spiciness and lychee flavors on the palette.

Amadeus Biere Blanche – Unfiltered seasoned wheat beer with pineapple and lemon overtures.

$49.95 per person (Wine or Beer only)

$ 59.95 (Beer & Wine)

This month, the Wine Dinner will either consist of a South African theme or a Russian theme. Be sure to check the website weekly for updates and specials! For December, check out the upcoming events that are taking place at the Georgia Shrimp Company!

All in all, everyone should visit The Georgia Shrimp Company as soon as you can. I promise, you WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!

THE GEORGIA SHRIMP CO

100 NORTH PEACHTREE PARKWAY

General Information: Murph@georgiashrimpco.com

Telephone & Reservations: 770-631-9114B 770-631-9115F

Justin Messer | Active Rain Confirmed Loan Officer | SEO Trainer
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Peachtree City, Georgia Real Estate Agents

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:23:53 -0600

Peachtree City, Georgia real estate agents are a fantastic way to find the right home at the right price. Homes for sale in Peachtree City, GA have begun to see a turnaround. The turnaround has not necessarily taken off, but listings have started to move. If you are thinking about listing your home or if you are simply new to the area and are in need of a great agent, then take a moment to review a few of the local offices. We have many fantastic real estate offices located in Peachtree City, Georgia. These realtor offices are located all throughout the area. A few brokerages that I highly recommend are

Obviously, there are many wonderful agents in Peachtree City, Georgia that can help you find the perfect home. If you are looking to purchase, then there is no reason you should not have a real estate agent. They can help you find the right property at the right price. If you are a first time home buyer, then I highly recommend having an agent. Agents will help you make sure you are protected with the proper contract contingencies such as a financing contingency and the appraisal contingency. These contingencies allow you to receive a refund for your earnest money deposit if you are denied approval for a loan from your mortgage company or if the appraisal on the property comes in lower than the anticipated sales price. Peachtree City, Georgia real estate agents will also help you negotiate a sales price so that you are getting the deal that best meets your needs. In today's market, the majority of seller's are more than willing to pay a portion of, if not all, closing costs. So, if you are able to have your Peachtree City, Georgia real estate agent negotiate all the cloisng cost, then you will be in a fantastic position.

To see how you can purchase a home with no down payment, no money out of pocket, and obtaining the first time home buyer tax credit, then visit my wealth creation blog to see how.

Before you speak with a real estate agent in Peachtree City, Georgia, its wise to be proactive and speak with a licensed mortgage professional from the local area.

Justin Messer | Active Rain Confirmed Loan Officer | SEO Trainer
Apply Now - My Outside Blog - ActiveRain - USDA Loans

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Top 40 Resources for Information and Education

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:23:05 -0600

Here is a GREAT source of valuable information!!!

Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):

These are my Top 40 Resources for Real Estate Industry Information and Education

Most of my reading hours are spent right here on ActiveRain. Your Blogs and Posts. Let's face it, one could sit at their computer ALL DAY everyday, and never run out of great material to read and learn from AR members. There is more information, education, inspiration, and entertainment here than you could consume in a lifetime. However, from time to time, I like to head out onto the Blogosphere SUPER-HIGHWAY and explore what else is out there.

When I first started working here at AR, I was reading folks like Seth Godin, The Scobelizer, Chris Brogan, and Guy Kawasaki. Then I discovered other great sites and resources like GeekEstateBlog, where I soon became a contributing author. The list kept growing over time. Now it has grown so large that I barely have enough hours in the day (or night) to try and keep up with all the great content that's available out there. I still try, but my efforts seem futile.

In the spirit of "Paying It Forward" I'm sharing some of these great writers, Blogs, and sites with all of you. The information and education available out there is very powerful and useful if you know where to find it, learn how to use it, and then apply it.

Here are my TOP 40 Favorite Blogs, Sites, Writers and Resources:

ActiveRain - TechCrunch - Mashable - Social Media Today - ProBlogger Blog Tips - ChrisBrogan - Blog World Expo - Social Media Marketing Strategy, Tactics, and Tools - Social Media Marketing - Daily Blog Tips - RE Tech Source - SEOmoz Daily SEO - SEO Book - Learn. Rank. Dominate - Matt Cutts - Transparent Real Estate - Google Official Blog - GeekEstate Blog - 1000Watt Consulting - The Real Estate Bloggers - Rain City Guide - Sellsius Real Estate Marketing - The Real Estate Tomato - RE Tech World - MyTechOpinion - 360Digest - Real Estate Opinion MAG - AgentGenius - About.com Real Estate Business - The Phoenix Real Estate Guy - Future of Real Estate Marketing - Inman News Blog - Realty Times - Copyblogger - Guy Kawasaki - Seth Godin - BloggingTips - BloggingPro - TechKnowBabble - The Scobleizer - Buzz Networker - OnLine Marketing - Realtor.com Blog - SEO Scoop

I'd be thrilled to make this a "Top 100" list, so if I missed any you think should be added, just let me know.

Top 40 Resources For Information & Education

I'm sharing this to try and "Pay it forward" to these sites and writers for all the information and education they've continued to provide me over the years. And to "you" for all that you have shared and contributed here as well. That's what it's all about, people Paying-It-Forward, so thank you. I've created my ALLTOP, where these sites and authors can be accessed from a single page. You can also create your own ALLTOP FAVS page to be shared.

So for those of you who ask me all the time, "Brad, Do You ever sleep" and "Where do you come up with all this stuff?" Well now my secrets have been revealed. Yes I do, and now you know. :-) The key is time management...and of course... a little speed reading. lol~

Hope you Enjoy, I sure have!

"RainMaker" Special - Signup Here and Get New Member Discount

Justin Messer | Active Rain Confirmed Loan Officer | SEO Trainer
Apply Now - My Outside Blog - ActiveRain - USDA Loans

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

Obama's extended first time home buyer tax credit

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:54:18 -0600

Obama's extended first time home buyer tax credit was passed just moments ago!!! There have been a few enhancements to the first time home buyer incentive program. The Home buyers Tax Credit jumped its last hurdle yesterday, as the both the House and the Senate have passed the bill and it now has received the official signature President Obama! The House voted 403-12 after the Senate unanimously approved the measure Wednesday night. The president also signed the bill that will extend unemployment benefits.

And while we have been expecting this to happen for some time and have given you many details, let’s go over them one more time. For First Time Home-buyers or those who have not owned a home within 3 years, the tax credit remains at $8000, with income restrictions maxing out at $125,000 for singles and $225,000 for couples. Current homeowners – those defined as having owned a home for five of the previous eight years – can now also take advantage of a credit, with the slightly lesser amount of $6500, with the income restrictions the same as described above. To qualify for the new program, purchase agreements need to be signed by April 30^th and close by June 30^th. For those in our armed forces, persons stationed outside the United States on official duty for 90 days during the period from January 1^st 2009 and before May 1^st 2010 will have eligibility extended for binding contracts signed before May 1^st, 2011 and closed before July 1^st, 2011.

This legislation is significant, and will give the housing industry the additional support we need to keep the real estate recovery going.

There are still many great loan programs out there for first time home buyers. USDA rural housing loans and FHA loans are an excellent and extremely affordable way to take advantage of the home buyer tax credit regardless if you are a first time home buyer or if you are looking to purchase a primary residence.

If you or a friend missed out on the first tax credit, then you have been given one last chance to take advantage of a fantastic opportunity to put a little extra cash in your pocket, purchase a home at an incredible discount, and obtain a mortgage with interest rates at some of the lowest levels in history. If you would like to see if you qualify for Obama's extended first time home buyer tax credit, then APPLY NOW or give me a call.

Jusitn Messer | Northstar Mortgage Group

Justin Messer | Active Rain Confirmed Loan Officer | SEO Trainer
Apply Now - My Outside Blog - ActiveRain - USDA Loans

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 Housing History

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:11:54 -0500

USDA Rural Housing History shows this government insured home loan program has had great success over the last 60 years and is gaining in popularity.

In 1949, USDA's telecommunications loan program was established to provide telephone service to rural America. At the time, only one in three farms had access to telephone service. As it did with the rural electrification program, the Telephone Loan Program revolutionized the lives of millions of rural families and businesses by providing connectivity, access to emergency services and business activities that fueled economic growth. Today, Rural Utilities Service (formerly REA), provides loans and grants for telecommunication, electricity and water and environmental services. It is also administering a program, funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, to provide broadband service to under-served communities.

Also in 1949, passage of the Housing Act marked a turning point the nation's history by establishing the Farmer's Home Administration. To date, three million rural Americans have benefited by receiving housing loans, grants and guarantees totaling $124.6 billion.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in home ownership, finances business development and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting www.USDALoanExpert.com!

Justin Messer | Active Rain Confirmed Loan Officer | SEO Trainer
Apply Now - My Outside Blog - ActiveRain - USDA Loans

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

This week in the Economy: October 26th - 30th

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:51:01 -0500

This week in the Economy: October 26th - 30th

Massive Treasury auctions and a big day of economic reports on Friday could combine for market-moving news throughout the week. Currently, we are in a floating status for rate locks while mortgage bonds are trading sideways with potential to move higher. If we can break through resistance, then mortgage rates should improve from their current levels.

Reports to Watch

The information below is a highlight of the reports due out this week. For more detailed information and insight, view the Economic Calendar, the Daily Market Update, and our exclusive Market News. And don’t forget, you can easily download the Economic Calendar to your Outlook Calendar to make sure you don’t miss important economic releases. Just click here to read instructions for downloading to Outlook.

Consumer Confidence for October kicks off the week on Tuesday. Last month, confidence was reported at 53.1. This month’s report is expected to climb up slightly to 54.0.

Coming after last week’s better-than-expected Existing Home Sales, New Home Sales for September will be reported on Wednesday. New Home Sales for August were reported at 429,000, slightly lower than expectations of 441,000. The inventory of unsold homes dropped to a 7.3-month supply--down from the previous reading of 7.5% and the lowest since January 2007. The report due out this week is expected to show an increase in New Home Sales to 440,000 for September.

Durable Goods Orders will also be reported on Wednesday. Durable Goods Orders are considered a leading indicator of manufacturing activity, and the market often moves on this report despite the fact that its headline number is a less-than-perfect indicator of activity. Last month, Durable Goods Orders for August unexpectedly fell 2.4% for the largest decline since January. The report for September is expected to be reported at 0.7%.

On Thursday, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and GDP Chain Deflator for the third quarter will be reported. The Chain Deflator is a key inflation measure included in the GDP Report. And since inflation is the archenemy of Bonds and home loan rates, this report could be a market mover. Unlike the Consumer Price Index--which is a more closely watched inflation indicator--the Chain Deflator has the advantage of not being a fixed basket of goods and services, so changes in consumption patterns or the introduction of new goods and services will be reflected in the Chain Deflator. GDP is expected to be reported at 3.1% compared to last quarter’s -0.7%, while the Chain Deflator is expected to come in at 1.3% from 0.0% last quarter.

The all-important Core Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) and Year-Over-Year PCE will also be released this Friday. This is the Fed's favorite gauge of inflation so the markets will be playing close attention to this report.

Friday also brings another look at Personal Income and Personal Spending. Personal Spending is expected to be reported at -0.4%, which would be down from last month’s reading of 1.3%. Personal Income is also expected to be down to 0.0% from last month’s reading of 0.2%.

The Chicago PMI will be released on Friday as well. This is a big report for the markets because many industry experts use it to help predict the upcoming ISM report. Last month’s reading was reported at 46.1, and this month’s is expected to come in at 48.5 when it’s released.

The Employment Cost Index (ECI) caps off the week of heavy hitters. This index is a comprehensive measure of labor costs and represents the price of labor as compensation per employee-hour worked, during the previous quarter. As such, the ECI is one way to evaluate wage trends and the risk of wage inflation, as well as possible price pressures. If wage inflation threatens, it is possible interest rates will rise through Bond prices dropping or Fed intervention.

The X Factor

This week, the Treasury Department auctions off a massive $123 Billion worth of Securities. That’s even more than anyone expected last week when the Treasury announced the amounts of this week auctions. Here’s how the auctions break down this week:

$7 Billion in TIPS on Monday
$44 Billion in 2-yr Notes on Tuesday
$41 Billion in 5-yr Notes on Wednesday
$31 Billion in 7-yr Notes on Thursday

This massive amount is enough to shake up the market all by itself if it isn’t received well. Then, when you combine that with the fact that the Fed’s purchase program of MBS is slowing and coming to an end, you can see how the X Factor has the potential to move the market this week as much as the heavy-hitting reports on tap.

The Bottom Line

Mortgage Bonds were able to stabilize last week but still closed below a key floor of support at the 200-Day Moving Average. The battle begins again this week.

Courtesy of Mortgage Market Guide

Justin Messer | Active Rain Confirmed Loan Officer | SEO Trainer
Apply Now - My Outside Blog - ActiveRain - USDA Loans

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

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