With all of the talk of homeowners losing their homes to foreclosure, it’s no wonder so many con artists have now figured out how to use this angle to prey upon those who are vulnerable. Don’t become a victim to one of these “Foreclosure Rescue” scams. If any organization finds you to help, it’s a scam. Only those who need help will seek out assistance. Federal agencies who assist homeowners NEVER seek them out. Read the rest…
Much of Columbia’s history is wrapped around the railroad. In the early days, it was the Columbia, Newberry and Laurens (C.N. &L.) railroad that helped to make Irmo a town. It was because the trains needed a refueling stop that Irmo came into existence. In Columbia, one can see evidence of how the railroad helped shape a growing city. Read the rest…
With much ado from Washington, D.C. and our Congress, the talk of “helping homeowners stay in their homes” is a hot topic these days. However, when it comes down to it, the homeowner is the only person who can save their own place when facing foreclosure. This informative video tells us about the process, what’s involved and how you can keep your home from being taken back by the bank.
Well, here I go again, on another political rant. (At least I warned you.) As a result of the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac fiasco, there has been a lawsuit settlement reached between the NY Attorney General, the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. While the proposed law seems good on the surface (it’s meant to protect us, right?), there are some serious flaws that will hurt borrowers, sellers, lenders and real estate agents. It will most likely hinder efforts to sell property in the future. Read the rest…
I was amazed, but then again, not really so surprised at the latest press release from HUD today. They issued Mortagee Letter 09-ML-15 “Using First Time Homebuyer Tax Credits”. It really tells us the bigger picture with some information, but the really useful details are totally left out. What makes me uneasy is that each state and each lender can really do their own interpretation of the rules here in many ways. Read the rest…
It’s easy to fall victim to all of the “Chicken Littles” of the world and believe that the economic sky is indeed falling. However, how did all of this start, and are we truly in such bad shape? Dave Ramsey takes this topic on and deals with many of our questions and concerns, one by one – including the real estate market. How bad is it, and will it recover? If so, by how much? What will be the leading indicators that we are in a recovery? Should we invest in gold? How can my 401(k) be so worthless now, and should I cash it out?
Got questions? This video most likely will provide the answers you are seeking. Check it out!
It’s official, folks! First time buyers can use the $8,000 tax credit on closing costs or down payment on FHA loans! There must be a catch, as it sounds too good to be true. You’re right. Read the rest…
For many of us, we get suspicious when we’re offered “free money”. I’m even more suspect when that offering party is the U.S. Government; however, with the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit program, it really is as good as it seems. Read the rest…
Today I found myself amongst a cheering crowd for the housing industry in South Carolina. It was refreshing to be a voice in the choir, instead of the odd man out when talking about real estate in the Midlands. Yes, it’s true. Things have slowed down, but we haven’t come to a screeching halt as portrayed in the popular media. Unfortunately, many of us are focused on what’s happening nationally and somehow have come to the conclusion that if it’s going on in Michigan, Florida or California, then it must be happening here.Read the rest…
One can say that Realtors step into people’s lives, one story at a time. Many of my clients say I should write a book someday of the experiences I’ve had and the families I’ve met over the years. Perhaps someday I will, but a tale that involves real estate and a woman that could be anyone’s Grandmother has captured my fascination this week. It is the story of 90 year-old Addie Polk from Akron, Ohio. She is someone I will never meet, but in knowing her story it has changed my perspective on big business, Congress and those in foreclosure forever. Read the rest…
Well, here I go again, on another political rant. (At least I warned you.) As a result of the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac fiasco, there has been a lawsuit settlement reached between the NY Attorney General, the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. While the proposed law seems good on the surface (it’s meant to protect us, right?), there are some serious flaws that will hurt borrowers, sellers, lenders and real estate agents. It will most likely hinder efforts to sell property in the future. 
It’s official, folks! First time buyers can use the $8,000 tax credit on closing costs or down payment on FHA loans! There must be a catch, as it sounds too good to be true. You’re right. 
For many of us, we get suspicious when we’re offered “free money”. I’m even more suspect when that offering party is the U.S. Government; however, with the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit program, it really is as good as it seems. 
Today I found myself amongst a cheering crowd for the housing industry in South Carolina. It was refreshing to be a voice in the choir, instead of the odd man out when talking about real estate in the Midlands. Yes, it’s true. Things have slowed down, but we haven’t come to a screeching halt as portrayed in the popular media. Unfortunately, many of us are focused on what’s happening nationally and somehow have come to the conclusion that if it’s going on in Michigan, Florida or California, then it must be happening here. 
One can say that Realtors step into people’s lives, one story at a time. Many of my clients say I should write a book someday of the experiences I’ve had and the families I’ve met over the years. Perhaps someday I will, but a tale that involves real estate and a woman that could be anyone’s Grandmother has captured my fascination this week. It is the story of 90 year-old Addie Polk from Akron, Ohio. She is someone I will never meet, but in knowing her story it has changed my perspective on big business, Congress and those in foreclosure forever. 
