As of March 1st, Fannie Mae is changing the maximum number of mortgaged properties allowed per borrower from four properties (reduced in 2008) back UP to ten properties Obviously this will help restore the ability of investors to get conventional mortgages in this market. Many local
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02/06/2009
DON'T FALL FOR THE FED PR: Strike While The Rates are HOT! Last week, the Fed kept the Fed Funds Rate steady at 0 - .25%, the lowest range ever and this was no surprise. However, they did offer some interesting thoughts, with their statement indicating that they anticipate "economic condition
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02/03/2009
WASHINGTON STATE has many many veterans returning home and several military installations with active duty officers and staff living in our area. I stumbled into the VA program a couple of years back when a borrower who had some credit issues happened to mention he was a veteran. 100% PUR
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02/02/2009
EFFICIENCY REALLY PAYS YOU BACK! In January 2009, Congress extended solar and alternative energy tax credits to take a bite out of the bill of upgrading your home energy systems. Since when is solar considered 'alternative'? Isn't the sun our main method of heating the earth? Even primiti
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01/31/2009
We have quite a lot of green action up here the the 4th corner. Something about all this clean air and rain maybe. I meet people who lived polluted urban lives who have come here in search of something you can feel when you look at Mount Baker's snow covered peak on a sunny day. It's fres
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01/31/2009
So you think you want to work in Commercial Real Estate? Heard the glory stories about whopping commissions and up front fees? That commercial is thriving while residential falters? I'm here to tell you it's no place for the faint of heart or lazy of behind. WORK IN PROGRESS: I happen to have a f
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01/28/2009
susan templetonmortgage planner Earlier I Raised: What (or more accurately) WHO Determines Fair Market Value? (appraisers vs. auto valuations vs. bank reviews. We have a lot of theories on accurately matching up the person who will pay a given price. Kinda like describing the love of your
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01/26/2009
susan templetonmortgage planner Very Little! You may love a property and be willing to pay more than it is worth but your lender will now have more of a say. We have a new game in town called the Lender Authorized Appraisal, arriving on May 1, 2009 compliments of Fannie Mae. This means conve
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01/26/2009
susan templetonmortgage planner It was my turn: My lender downgraded a perfect appraisal based on their computerized valuation system that declared the property to be in a 'declining market'. I hit the ceiling. What does that mean, exactly? Are underwriters just looking for excuses to say no
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01/22/2009
First Time Homebuyers Take HEART and Reap $7500! If you have not owned a primary residence in the last 3 years (including both borrowers)....read on! Check the FAQ online: http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com Tax Incentive to Buy before July 1: The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 aut
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01/20/2009