Kristeen Smith, Maine's Mortgage Specialist

I recently read a post about property flipping.  The Realtor basically said it's not as easy is it seems to make money flipping homes.  So true.  But now, Banks and Mortgage Lenders have their own rules about it.  Some comments touched on the new 90 flipping rule/policy that many Lenders have.  I...

What is a USDA Home Loan or a Rural Development Home Loan? USDA stands for United States Department of Agriculture. A USDA loan is an insured home mortgage loan at a low cost. A USDA mortgage loan is one of the few remaining loans that allows you to purchase a home with no down payment. You do NO...

Rent your old home and Buy a New Home?In the past, if you wanted to buy a new home, it was simple.  You put your present home on the market and boom... it went under contract quickly, you sell it and buy your new home the same day.  Things are much different today.  Selling your home in this mark...

I get the same call or e-mail every day from clients or their Real Estate Brokers.  They've found a great priced property, but it is in need of some repairs and they believe there's no way to finance the property.  There is a is a way. First, FHA changed Appraisal guides on January 1, 2006.  Basi...

Many clients want to check their credit before beginning their home or mortgage search.  There are many ads on TV saying, get your free credit report on ... you know, freecreditreport.com.  This credit report is not free.  In fact, you will be charged a monthly fee after 7 days.  For clients to g...

No Downpayment loans are still available.  Some brokers still remember the old days of having to deal with FHA and Rural Development rules.  I'm sure it seemed like no property was good enough.  However, there was a major overhaul of these programs and most properties do qualify for financing.  ...