Club Chaos Agents - All Things Hollish, Wacked, and Jacked

LAUGH AT MY NAME TAG IF YOU WISH ! ... BUT THAT SHINY LITTLE THING JUST GOT ME A CLIENT !!!

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:08:37 -0400

Ha !

... I hear so many of you right now !

"I wouldnt be caught DEAD wearing my REALTOR NAME TAG !!!!!"

OK ! No problem from me ! If it's not your thing, then I'd never rib you for NOT wearing your badge, but I OFTEN get people snickering at me because I wear mine ALMOST EVERYWHERE ! ... especially during my workday ! (... I would not wear it to my sons soccer match for example, but to drop him at school ? ... sometimes ;o) lol !!!)

Anyway, I'm so excited I can hardly speak type ... hold on, let me catch my breath !!!!

I stopped by last night to put a lockbox on a brand new CO-OP listing of mine in a Luxury High Rise in my region, AND I WAS WEARING MY NAME TAG !

In the elevator, a sweet older lady 'looked at my badge' ... (as everyone does if you are wearing it, whether you are in the post office, grocery store or bus stop or wherever !).

She immediately said "Oh you're a Realtor? are you showing a unit here?"

I told her I was actually just about to list a new 1 bedroom unit in the building, when she replied:

..."Oh a 1 bedroom ! I am looking for a 1 bedroom ! I live on the 19th floor in a 3 bedroom unit which I want to downsize from and get a 1 bedroom. I love this building so do you mind if I take a look at the one you are about to list ??"

Do I mind !?!?!?! Well heck of course not !!!! Come right in !!!!!!

To cut a long story short - she LOVED the 1 bedroom I'm just about to list, AND HERE'S THE CHERRY ON TOP ...

SHE WANTS ME TO IMMEDIATELY LIST HER 3 BEDROOM UNIT IN THE SAME BUILDING !!!!

She he wants me to sell that one, and buy the 1 bedroom I'm about to list !

THINGS ARE JUST NOT SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN THIS WAY !!!

... unless of course you are wearing your MAGIC NAME TAG !!!!!!

.... if you are, then anything is possible

Go ahead and chuckle at my name tag ! ... I'll smile right back atcha while I'm signing my new listing, and likely getting two new sales from wearing it !!!

Cheers !!!!!

Call Phones from Gmail - Now We're Talking!

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 07:54:27 -0400

Call Phones from Gmail - Now We're Talking!

This is great news folks. The "Inside of the Internet World" just keeps on pushing and reaching out to connect with the "Outside World" and today, there's a new break-through demonstrating this very point. Call phones from Gmail, I'm doing it right now as I write this. Anyone care to guess who I'm talking to? Maybe some bonus points? haha, just kidding... the real point is that Gmail users (and those who will become Gmail users now) will love and benefit from this great new feature.

Who ever thought we'd be "calling" someone from our "Email" box. Cool~

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Realtors - A very unique tool for helping your new buyers & it's FREE !!!

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:31:47 -0400

How many people love helping others? How many like to be in front of their clients, especially when you can offer them a service that could possibly be like a one stop shop kind of place. Something like Progressive insurance, to where you can buy and compare all at once.

Well, thanks to listening to Ken Cook's BlogTalk radio show, RE Tech Radio, he had an excellent guest on his show today. Scott Oakley from Connect My Buyer.

How does it work? This service allows you to help your buyer connect their utilities and services, such as gas, electric, television, phone, and other home services. Read more from the site : How it works

This site not only gives discounts to the new homeowner, but it could allow you to make some extra money on the side by putting these buyers in touch with Connect My Buyer.

You might ask yourself, what's the catch???

There really is no catch. The site and service that it provides is free to both you and to the consumer. Because Connect My Buyer deals with 20,000 + clients daily, it can offer such discounts from these services to the consumer. And they can even pay you for passing these clients onto the company. It's very simple, because they set up an 800# that you pass along to your buyer which keeps track of who you pass along. What's also very unique is that Connect My Buyer always you to create a flyer that you can pass along to your buyer, which introduces them to the site and to it's services.

Here is an example of the flyer. (sorry if it's a little blurry)

As you can see within the flyer, that it gives you difference services, their contact information and best of all, some prices to compare. And what's nice about this set up is that you can add your own service providers such as... lawn care service, home repair person, home improvement person, day care, pest control, etc, etc.

Click here for - Connect My Buyer's FAQ section -

Overall... I think this is very cool and can be very helpful, especially for those buyers that are from out of town. Now, get working on your flyers.

UPDATE : everyone, please read this comment. There is some good information by a realtor that gives good insight about this company and what they offer... and it makes sense... Please read : Comment # 35 - Good insightful info -

~ ENJOY ~

Click the box above to take you to today's talk show

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For more information on FHA loans, please go to this link. The FHA Expert

For important mortgage insight to watch for, please read : Consumers need to be aware of these Red Flags!

For information about FHA myths & FHA rumors, please read : FHA Myths & Rumors

The Labor Day Weekend and the “end” of Summer!

Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 07:58:14 -0400

Is it just me or did Summer just fly on by at warp speed? It seems like just a few weeks ago I was writing about Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.

But as the hours of daylight wane and the night air finally begins to cool, it’s time to start thinking about sampling some muscadines and scuppernongs or heading to the mountains for some fried apple pies.

The tomato vines are starting to wither from old age. Here in the South, they rarely make it until frost as the inherent genetic maladies erode the vigor of new growth and the vines simply succumb to “old age.”.

And the migrating hummingbirds are passing through on their way to warmer winter climes. We counted fifteen around the feeder yesterday.

Fall is just around the corner. And although we’ll still reach 90 degrees in Newnan Georgia today, Summer’s grip is loosening.

I hope that everyone has a great holiday weekend!

All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate Better Homes and Gardens Metro Brokers, Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2009. Richard Weisser REOS, E-Pro. licensed Auctioneer. 770-827-6225.
Learn more about Coweta County and Fayette County Georgia Real Estate, and to search the entire Georgia MLS for free with no registration required visit CowetaFayetteRealEstate.com! Photos of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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Life With Wee People iMix

C Tann-Starr (CarolynTannStarr.com TannStarr.net REMAX People Realty) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 07:43:59 -0400

Life With Wee People iMix

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewIMix?id=391032262

I keep thinking that Noah needs to be wearing the blue "It's my brother's fault" tee shirt (LOL). The cool thing about learning to be a blogging beach bum with a laptop and air card is the fact that you can have impromptu dance parties with the wee people stomping through the surf to the likes of Duffy, Glee, U2 and Jewel (LOL).

The kids even threw me a musical bone while playing iMix DJ. Check out their fave tunes during our Hurricane Earl is coming surf party. Stephen, the Blur Minion shaking his money maker to Anya Marina and Christina Aguilera was priceless. Noah likes to air guitar Chris Isaak and Meg Hutchinson. I bet you'd like to be a fly on the wall when we all do the Apple ipod Nano dance to Vertigo (LOL).

Did I mention I am sooooooo easily amused? I am you know... It's great to be a kid with your kids. Even better when they love music just as much as you do and can make up their own minds as to what it means to be a taste maker. That's what DJs do. They select music that they want to introduce to listeners. I bet if you click that link their faves will surprise you. :-)

BTW, wanna see some old but cool Apple movies? Oh go ahead... you know you want to click that link. ;-)

Disclaimer: Any comments and contributions provided on ActiveRain.com (or other electronic or print media) does not establish an agency relationship with any third party. Blog posts are intended to be informational only. Please be advised that real estate practices vary in regions and from state to state and market to market. The information contained herein does not constitute legal advice. All parties in need of legal, accounting, tax, or real estate guidance are directed to consult with the licensed professional of their choice. Please seek specific guidance from a retained professional in the specific field(s) required to service your interests. I and/or team blog writers make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this web site and its associated sites inclusive of but not limited to CarolynTannStarr.com MySpace/TannStarr 46486 NY Working Moms Examiner ActiveRain Group Club Chaos ClubChaosAgents.com CyberMinions.net CTannStarr Outside Blog CTannStarr Localism Blog TannStarr.net UberMental.com

© Carolyn Tann-Starr, 2008-2010. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from the re-blog authors (when appropriate)and Carolyn Tann-Starr is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Carolyn Tann-Starr, (the re-blog authors when appropriate) and Wordy C's Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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Don't Mess With Earl...

C Tann-Starr (CarolynTannStarr.com TannStarr.net REMAX People Realty) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 06:42:55 -0400

Don't Mess With Earl...

The surf is up so we had a pizza dinner on the Melbourne Boardwalk to watch the waves crashing on shore. Looks like Hurricane Earl is gonna make us leave early. Bummer... Coa Coa Beach was having a surf competition this week end and I really wanted to see/film that. US192 also has a bunch of open houses scheduled beach side and we were looking forward to being lookie-lous (LOL).

Oh well... We shall see what Earl has in store for us before we make our final decisions...

I have several YouTube drafts that need to be completed and posted before we head back up the coast. I also have to complete the second album and send it to the distributor before the end of the month. That may be delayed because Granny is in the hosp and we are stressed out about that...

Shall catch up on my posting later on today. We've been very busy exploring Florida and tracking hurricanes. I have lots and lots of eye candy to sort through with the wee people and get posted. While hanging out on the Boardwalk we learned three things: (a) Melbourne has good pizza, (b) don't swim in water with a bacteria warning posted or you'll get the stomach flu and (c) don't mess with Hurricane Earl. Hurricanes rule... Also, Mr Autism and Mr PDD-NOS find their effects on the surf fascinating. :-)

Examiner.com

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Life With Wee People

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At This Moment - A Social Media Way To Record and Share

Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:50:31 -0400

This Moment - A new Social Media Way To Record and Share the past, the now, and the future!

What are you doing right at this very moment? Well you're reading this post obviously, but wouldn't it be cool if there were a site that could combine all your "moments" and social media and real life adventures into one nice convenient place that you could seamlessly share with friends and family?

Imagine having all your accounts like Youtube, Flickr, Twitter, and Facebook accessible from a single link or click, and then you could share "Those Moments" with specific friends or others from your Google or Yahoo contacts. That would be the coolest site imaginable!

ThisMoment.com is exactly what you'll want to check out. I played on the site this morning after seeing this video that The Scobelizer (Robert Scoble) put up on Youtube, and I'm totally loving this new site. Follow Robert Scoble if you want to keep up with World Changing Technology. I've posted a couple samples on the site so I could demonstrate it here, but once you dive into it, I can guaranty you'll be hooked.

Take a look at the time-line and widget I added below, then head on over and check it out. Be sure to add me as a friend there, this way I can keep up with what YOU'RE doing at any given moment, at least with the moments you're wanting and willing to share. lol~ I give these guys @ThisMoment a BIG 10 and 5 GOLD stars for this site. It's the THEN, The NOW, and THE FUTURE all wrapped up into one!

See Brad's full public timeline

I've added a couple steps below to get you started, the rest is up to you:
The First Step is that you'll need to join ThisMoment. Yes, it's FREE! :-)

What is thisMoment

Connect with friends and family

Link photos, videos, and update services

Add your first moment

Learn how to add moments by email

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It's official - FHA has formally announced the mortgage insurance changes for FHA loans

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:04:56 -0400

FHA first shared these changes on August 4th, after it had been approved by Congress and then the President signed off on it on August 11th. FHA has finally come out with the mortgagee letter, ML 2010-28, which puts it officially in writing now.

This mortgagee letter is effective on FHA loans in which the case number is assigned on or after October 4th, 2010. This policy will increase the monthly mortgage insurance and decrease the mortgage insurance premiums for purchase money and refinance transactions, to include FHA streamline refinances.

So what are the major FHA changes regarding mortgagee letter 2010-28? - For terms greater than 15 years -

LTV's <= 95% will increase the monthly fee to 85 bps >> Old monthly fee was .50 bps

LTV's > 95% will increase the monthly fee to 90 bps >> Old monthly fee was .55 bps

And lastly, it will reduce the Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium, UFMIP, from 225 basis points to 100 basis points.

How will this affect new homebuyers?

3 quick examples (these examples are putting the minimum down payment of 3.5%)

On a $275,000 mortgage – the change in payment would be about $70 higher a month

On a $200,000 mortgage – the change in payment would be about $45 higher a month

On a $125,000 mortgage – the change in payment would be about $27 higher a month

Buyers Beware - If you have your eye set on a specific home, or are negotiating on a property, or are very serious about buying soon, you will have 31 days to make a mortgage application before these new changes take place.

FYI in regards to Charlie Ragonesi's comment, #4 - I still don't think that this will move buyers from FHA loans to conventional loanss. Here is my reason why... please read : FHA loans vs conventional loans - The buyer's buying power will only decrease by about $10,000 or so.

These 2 posts I wrote previously below go into more details about the changes and showing more detailed figures.

Bill H.R. 5981 passes - FHA Mortgages to increase it's annual mortgage insurance premium

STOP TAXATION? - The new changes for FHA loans are being called : The New Homebuyer Tax

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- Energy Efficient Mortgages -

- Conventional Loans - 203 k loans -

- FHA Home Loans - Mortgages -

Experience & Knowledge at its BEST !!!

Follow me on:

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

For more information on FHA loans, please go to this link. The FHA Expert

For important mortgage insight to watch for, please read : Consumers need to be aware of these Red Flags!

For information about FHA myths & FHA rumors, please read : FHA Myths & Rumors

Extreme Makeover Home Edition - Nashville, TN 2010

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:52:22 -0400

It's that time again - Extreme Makeover Home Edition - Nashville, TN. 2010

Ty Pennington and the Extreme Makeover Home Edition Team is set to roll into Nashville, TN and suprise one lucky family.

There will be a kick off pep rally held on Friday September 3, 2010 at the Curb Event Center at Belmont University. Start time is 10:00 am

The builders for The Nashville Build are LP Products and Hardaway Construction.

I've had the honor to assist with the two Extreme Makeover Home Edition builds in Clarksville Montgomery County in 2005 & 2009 and look forward to the opportunity to help again in Nashville, TN. If you have never had the opportunity to see or participate on an Extreme Makeover Home Edition build, be sure to volunteer and enjoy the experience of a life time.

For more information - Visit www.TheNashvilleBuild.com

**************************************************************************************

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me their contact informtion and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

Roland Woodworth is a member of NAR's Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource

Roland Woodworth, REALTOR ® Exit Realty Clarksville

Call: 931-320-9411

E-Fax: 866-596-2172

TN Lic # 273649 - KY Lic # 57120

Exit Realty Clarksville 931-647-9900

1289 Northfield Dr. Ste 3. Clarksville, TN 37040

Each Exit Realty Office is Independently Owned & Operated

**************************************************************************************

As a seller, do you listen to your listing agent's advice about potential buyer's financing offers with FHA Loans?

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 22:29:33 -0400

Sellers, don't accept offers from a buyer with FHA financing. Wait, don't accept offers with VA financing. Wait, don't accept offers with conventional financing. Gee, you might as well wait around for a cash buyer.

FHA loans are not a bad thing. It could just be that your listing agent isn't familiar with FHA mortgages, or maybe had a bad experience once before, or that they are afraid that the house might not pass a FHA appraisal. In my opinion, I just think the listing agent is flipping a coin on your property and it could cost you thousands of dollars.

I have been hearing negative things about FHA loans since I first got into mortgages back in 1992. But what prompt me to write about this again was after reading a comment by Sally Cheesman in her post, Holding an offer hostage for a second pre-approval. Read Sally's comment : Listing agent denies offers with FHA & VA financing.

PS... make sure you truly understand about the difference between pre-approval letters and pre-qualification letters.

I wanted to point out two comments from a post comparing FHA loans and Conventional loans. And keep in mind, these 2 comments are coming from realtors defending FHA mortgages.

Chris Olsen wrote this comment : Comment by Chris - He states that a seller accepted a conventional offer that was $10,000 less than his clients FHA offer.
Karen Crowson wrote this comment : Comment by Karen - She states the bias opinions from other realtors.

Here are some false assumptions about FHA loans :

Only for first time homebuyers

for those borrowers with poor or bad credit

for those with no money

FHA loans take a longer time to process or close - FALSE

FHA loans are more expensive, have higher fees and or rates. Again, False. Every mortgage lender has a profit margin, regardless of the type of mortgage. If someone is charging you more on a FHA loan, it's purely out of greed. Here is a good example. FHA fees and why I was charged more. Please read the 2nd paragraph.

appraisers are more difficult on the appraisals. This comment is so 2002 and prior. Yes, this was sometimes an issue back in the '90s. But HUD changed the appraisel requirements about 7 years ago. (I would love for some appraisers to chime in here and I will post your answers.)

If you have 20% down, conventional is the way to go. FALSE.... it depends on your credit score. Please read this. FHA Loans vs Conventional Loans - 20% down - A Rude Reality Check

a lender that is asking for more information that you didn't expect, because it's an FHA loan. This is not always because of FHA, but could be because of specific investor overlays. Just keep this in mind.

Conclusion : Pick your realtors and loan officers wisely. We all should have the buyers or sellers best interest at hand, but this is not always the case. Is this negative? Yes, but it's the truth and it's reality. Just do your research carefully and keep the emotions out of your decision.

Overall, these negative comments from realtors about FHA loans usually come from old time realtors that haven't left the 90's, from those new realtors that don't know any better, or just from someone that heard a comment by another agent. You know, that trickle down effect. when someone gives their opinion as a fact, sometimes that other person listening will do the same. Just beware...

Solutions : If the property needs some work, or even major work, why not use a FHA 203-k loan. Here is some information on 203 k loans.

- What is a FHA 203 k loan & what can 203-k loans be used for -

- Energy Efficient Mortgages & 203-k loans -

PS... I don't make any extra money by promoting FHA loans. My job is to make sure that the borrower gets the best type of mortgage out there that suits their needs and goals.

Sellers, fire your listing agent if they tell you not to take an FHA offer !!!! Just my opinion, but the agent could be costing you lots of money. Unless you just don't care about throwing money out the window, this is extremely poor advice that could be based on assumptions or just a bad experience.

Please read : FHA loans aren't a bad things and the reasons why.

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- Energy Efficient Mortgages -

- Conventional Loans - 203 k loans -

- FHA Home Loans - Mortgages -

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Follow me on:

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For more information on FHA loans, please go to this link. The FHA Expert

For important mortgage insight to watch for, please read : Consumers need to be aware of these Red Flags!

For information about FHA myths & FHA rumors, please read : FHA Myths & Rumors

Importance of ACCURATE listing information !

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:44:21 -0400

... boy this one is frustrating !

I have a buyer couple who I have shown about 20 listings to, super nice couple, but are nervous first time buyers.

They have been uneasy whether they should buy now or 'wait and see if prices go lower' !!

I have told them that no-one can predict if in fact prices will dip a little more, but all forecasts are in agreement that if you buy now, your home will almost certainly increase in value over the next 3 to 5 years and beyond.

... so they are willing to buy if they run into the right home !

Enter the perfect home !

Has everything they need - just at their price limit, and just at the limit on the amount of annual taxes they did not want to exceed.

Exciting stuff !

However !

When they excitedly asked for a second showing, I decided to check the taxes with the local tax office, just to be sure that the annual tax amount listed in the listing was accurate, or at least close.

Well, it turns out the current taxes, are $1,900 / year HIGHER than the amount stated in the listing !

... that is not chump change !!

And at almost $2000/yr more than they budgeted for in annual taxes - it was GAME OVER FOR THIS HOUSE !!!

Now my buyers are completely deflated. They now feel this is a sign they shouldnt buy !!!

SO ! ... thank you Mr Listing Agent for DREADFULLY INDICATING THE INCORRECT TAX AMOUNT IN YOUR LISTING, as you may have cost me a buyer :o)

Disclaimer: I'm sure all members of ActiveRain are sharper than this listing agent, but this is just a reminder to double check facts in your listing for accuracy :o) Cheers !!!!

If “Home Ownership” is passé, what do you tell the 40% of Americans that own their primary residences free and clear?

Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 07:56:44 -0400

Pundits ignore it. Prognosticators omit it. Politicians are oblivious to it. But there is one argument in favor of home ownership that no one can legitimately dispute:

40% of American homeowners own their primary residences “free and clear.”

This large segment of our society is immune to the cyclical winds of real estate change. They can never be “upside-down” or “underwater.” And while they may have lost some equity in the market value of the property, their only consequence is a lower tax assessment if they opt to appeal.

As long as they choose not to sell, the true value of their property as a residence remains intact. It will continue to serve their housing needs for years to come.

And as long as the ultimate goal of any purchaser is to own their home outright, ownership will NEVER be passé!

Get the latest GA Foreclosure List Updated Daily! We Do HUD bids in Georgia! 770-827-6225

FHA Loans vs Conventional Loans - Proof that FHA home loans with 5% down after major change are still cheaper 09-01-10

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:39:38 -0400

FHA loans have been one of the main focal points in today's real estate transactions. Two main reasons for this is that it comes to the down payment and the credit scores. In the past, some loan officers were using other types of financing that were easier for them, but not suited best for the borrower. What I do hate hearing is that FHA mortgages have taken the spot of the subprime loans. This is not true at all. This statement is very misleading. Many subprime loans should have gone FHA and that is just a fact.

But why are FHA loans getting bad press now, stating that they are the most defaulted loans recently? Read this : We should ABOLISH FHA loans... Even with 10% down and credit scores less than 680, FHA mortgages in many cases will be the best mortgage for you.

As I have stated many times, a lot of it comes down to your goals, when determining what mortgage would be better for that specific borrower.

Just about a month ago, FHA got it's approval to increase the monthly mortgage insurance while decreasing the upfront mortgage insurance. Many thought that this would make FHA loans more even with conventional loans. Please read : FHA mortgages new mortgage insurance changes - One main factor not mentioned when most people bring this topic up is that it's still hard in many cases to get mortgage insurance on a conventional loan if your credit scores are under 680. You also need to be careful of the rumors circulating around FHA loans regarding the new monthly mortagge insurance changes.

The example below is based on a $250,000 purchase price with 5% down. One reason why conventional rates are a little higher in this scenario as in FHA rates is because Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have added penalties per se. If you are putting down less than 30% and your credit score is less than 720, certain fee penalties would apply to you, which would increase your rate and or points. The FICO (credit score) that I am going to use is 659 and I will still show in this example that FHA loans are cheaper, even with 5% down and the new increase in monthly mortgage insurance.

***And keep in mind, some lenders have penalties on FHA mortgages with credit scores under 660 or can't do them. And many lenders can't do FHA loans under 620. Just beware of those that promise you a mortgage with scores under 620. It can happen, but they aren't as easy as advertised. Please read - Credit scores/FICO scores - I need a 700 credit score? ***

Disclaimer : These rates are examples of today's pricing, and the spread shown in the example is real with the same profit margin for both sides. The conventional rate also includes the penalty for the 659 credit score, hence why the interest rate is much higher.

Some of you might be saying that you will be adding $2,375 onto your principal balance if you did the FHA mortgage because of the FHA one-time mortgage insurance premium. This is correct and I don't want to confuse you with more numbers and charts. But here is a quick breakdown. If you kept your house for 5 years, you would have saved $5,629 in payments. Subtract the Upfront Mortgage Insurance premium from the monies saved in 5 years and you have saved a difference of $3,254!!! And one other thing that is very small, but still makes a difference. You will be subtracting a few more dollars per month from your principal because your interest rate is lower, which would offset the interest that you would write off on the 5.00% rate. Just something else to remember, but consult your tax consultant or CPA. And as I showed above, you would have reduced your principal balance by $4,508 more in 5 years on the FHA loan scenario.

IMPORTANT REMINDER : Mortgage Insurance on conventional loans can be harder to obtain nowadays. The scenario above could only be done by some mortgage insurance companies if your credit score was a 680 or above. The monthly mortgage payment reflected above for the conventional scenario would be this exact monthly payment for a credit score of 680.

FHA Myth - Some people, including loan officers, without doing the math, will say that FHA loans are more expensive because of the Upfront Mortgage Insurance. Because in this scenario, you are adding $2,375 to the FHA loan and because of the new monthly mortgage insurance change. This kind of mortgage myth needs to be squashed on all levels.

For more FHA loans vs conventional loans comparisons :

FHA loans vs Conventional loans - A true numbers comparison with 5% down - 12-20-08 -Using a 710 credit score

FHA loans vs Conventional loans - A real comparison with 5% down - 11-15-08 - Using a 659 credit score

FHA Loans vs Conventional Loans - 20% down - A Rude Reality Check - 04-03-09 - Would you believe that FHA loans could be cheaper even with 20% down? Come see why and how.

FHA Loans vs Conventional Loans - 5% - 4 comparisons that you need to know - 05-02-09 -Comparing a FHA loan against 3 types of conventional loans with different types of monthly mortgage insurance. Guess who won while still using a 679 credit score.....

FHA loans vs Conventional loans - Knowing the true comparisons - 07-10-09 - A great comparison with a 679 credit score and 5% down. This example will still show that even with a better than average credit score, that FHA loans are still better in many cases.

FHA loans vs Conventional loans - Things you need to know with 10% down, especially in regards to Condos - 09-19-09 -

FHA loans vs Conventional loans - Even with 20% down, FHA loans could be better - 05-23-10 - Knowing your goals are very important and this should be talked about, even if putting 20% down.

FHA loans vs conventional loans - Why FHA home loans in New Jersey can be better with 5% down - 07-11-10 - There is a huge savings by using FHA loans with a credit score of 679 and 5% down.

Donw Payment Series - A Must Read -

FHA loans vs Conventional loans - A real comparison with 20% down - Part 1 of 3 - 01-28-10 - Not much of a difference, unless you stay in the house for more than 5 years. Hence why a loan officer should be talking about your goals. So very important, yet many dont ask.

FHA loans vs Conventional loans - Don't be cash poor!! - Part 2 of 3 - 01-29-10 I want to show even a bigger difference if you put less down. And even if you decided to put less than 10% down, because cash is king now. You can't predict even next week. And keeping in mind of some misleading rumors, that you need more than 10% down to buy a house.

FHA loans vs Conventional loans - Get a bang for your buck - Large down payments aren't always the best way - Part 3 of 3 - 02-01-10 - Some great examples of having cash left over and not really affecting your monthly mortgage payment. And that you will have cash left over for emergencies. Keeping in mind that cash is king.

And sellers, don't listen to your agents on how bad FHA loans are.

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For more information on FHA loans, please go to this link. The FHA Expert

For important mortgage insight to watch for, please read : Consumers need to be aware of these Red Flags!

For information about FHA myths & FHA rumors, please read : FHA Myths & Rumors

Tennessee Titans or Brooks & Dunn ....

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:44:50 -0400

What where they thining ? Two great event on the same night. How is one to choose between the Tennessee Titans or Brooks & Dunn on Thursday night ?

Nashville is going to be a BUSY city for sure. Maybe this will be a good night to stay home and watch the Tennessee Titans on TV. Would love to go see Brooks & Dunn too, but I don't have tickets to the show.

I guess there will always be Brooks & Dunn CD's available to purchase. The music will remain the same. How ever each game the Tennessee Titans play will be full of excitement that can't be reproduced except on the replay.

Either way you look at it, Nashville, Tennessee has two great events happening on the same night. Be ready for traffic jams all around the down town area.

Titans ~VS~ SAINTS at LP Field

Kick off at 7:00 PM

Brooks & Dunn at the Bridgestone Arena

Show time at 7:30 PM

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Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me their contact informtion and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

Roland Woodworth is a member of NAR's Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource

Roland Woodworth, REALTOR ® Exit Realty Clarksville

Call: 931-320-9411

E-Fax: 866-596-2172

TN Lic # 273649 - KY Lic # 57120

Exit Realty Clarksville 931-647-9900

1289 Northfield Dr. Ste 3. Clarksville, TN 37040

Each Exit Realty Office is Independently Owned & Operated

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Moving to the Emerging Technology Centers (ETC) in Baltimore, MD

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:35:16 -0400

The company I work for, StraighterLine, is moving its offices to the Emerging Technology Centers (ETC) at 1101 East 33rd Street, Baltimore MD. I saw the space a few weeks ago and it is a great building. Of course I forgot to snap some photos of the place. The facility used to be a high school that was converted into offices. The track and field are still in place and usable. Don't worry, all the other high school signs are basically gone. There are no lockers in the halls, blackboards, science labs etc. I do wonder if there is a gym and cafeteria...hmm I'll have to check that out on my next trip down.

Our team has been working remotely and this is exciting for us to have a formal office. Even if some of us will continue to work from other locations.

What is so special about this move to the Emerging Technology Centers (ETC)?

Well, the ETC, a venture of the Baltimore Development Corporation, is a non-profit business incubator focused on growing early-stage technology and biotechnology companies. The ETC promotes economic development, providing business, technical, and networking connections to help these companies grow and prosper – adding to both the job and tax base of Baltimore City. To date, ETC client companies have received over $865 million in funding and have been issued nearly 200 patents. Since 1999 ETC has provided assistance to 201 companies of which 71 are current companies. Eighty-three percent of its graduate clients are still in business.

Moving into Emerging Technology Centers (ETC) is so noteworthy that the Baltimore Sun wrote an article about the move in yesterday's paper.

We hope that this move helps our education company grow and continue to succeed.

If you are in the area give us a call and stop by.