Effective this year homebuyers and sellers will have a new tool that will make home buying and selling more affordable than ever. I-Agent.com has launched a brand new interactive improved website in response to the growing popularity of their 2% rebate program.
The new website will be loaded with features such as:
• I-List, A free online classified section for homes
• A Free Home Valuation
• Free Foreclosure Information
• New Construction Search
• Free MLS search
.
“I-Agent.com’s innovative business model has quickly become a popular trend in the DC metropolitan area,” says I-Agent Realtor Khalil El-Ghoul. I-agent.com offers buyers 66% of the agent commission fee, (roughly 2% of the purchase price) which on average is a savings of up to $11,000 per I-agent transaction. El-Ghoul adds, “This is one of the most attractive benefits for many clients using the site.”
“The very best part was getting the $7000 refund at closing,” says Barbara Bauer, a site user who bought her home in Springfield, VA through I-agent.com. She also said the site made the home buying process “painless.” “I found my home on the first outing with my realtor! My realtor was very dependable and good about letting me know what to expect."
Other I-Agent benefits include a New Homes Database, access to the Multiple Listing Service, and a 24-hour customer service toll free line. "For the intelligent homebuyer, there is simply no better choice than I-agent.com,” says Scott Faircloth, who purchased a resale home in Loudoun County, “Not only did I receive exceptional customer service and an unparalleled commitment to excellence, I also received 2% back...a savings to me of nearly $8,000! Whether you are a first time or repeat buyer, I would not hesitate to recommend I-agent.com -- they really are revolutionizing the home buying experience."
http://www.atlantahomebuyingarticles.com/article.cfm/id/141821
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Countrywide Home Loans Shares 6 Home Buying Secrets Most First Time Buyers Don't Know
Buying a home is perceived as one of the most complicated transactions a person can make. That is why Countrywide Home Loans, is offering six home buying secrets that most first time buyers don't know. These helpful home buying tips may reduce confusion about mortgage payments and the cost of buying a house.
Countrywide Home Loans understands that home buying can be a difficult and confusing process, from deciding whether homeownership is right for you to finally making the move into your new home. As a result, many people are hesitant to ever start the process, despite their desire to own a home. So, the company also offers personalized, no obligation, free home loan consultation. First time buyers can call 1-800-768-9382 or apply online.
"Consumers are becoming more educated and prepared when making major purchases," said Dan Hanson, managing director, Countrywide Home Loans. "However, buying a home is still an area that is confusing and intimidating to most people. Prospective buyers should take advantage of the wealth of information and programs out there and be aware of some common misperceptions that could deter them from becoming a homeowner."
Here are six home buying tips and facts that can help you decide to buy a house, negotiate your home purchase and determine which home loan is best for your personal situation:
1. Your mortgage payments might be the same or less than rent payments - The (principal and interest) monthly payment on a $200,000, 30-year, fixed rate mortgage with an interest rate of six percent (6.25%) is $1,231 -- less than what some people pay for rent (taxes, insurance and any other fees, including closing costs, are extra).
2. Buyers don't have to put 20 percent down to buy a home anymore - Many low down payment loans are available. For instance, three and five percent down payments are common, and can help buyers purchase a home without a hefty down payment. This all adds up to less money out-of-pocket to buy a home.
3. Buyers may ask sellers to pay for closing costs - As part of the negotiating process when buying a house, the buyer may ask the seller to pay for a percentage of the non-recurring closing costs, sometimes saving thousands of dollars for the buyer.
4. Buyers can receive gifts or grants from relatives or nonprofit organizations - Many loan programs will allow a portion of the downpayment to come from a relative. Buyers can also investigate downpayment assistance programs and grants available through various nonprofit organizations and employers, as well as from many federal, state, and local governments. Many of these programs are designed for low-, moderate- and middle-income borrowers.
5. You should always get preapproved before you begin house hunting - Buyers should get a written preapproval from a reputable mortgage lender before they start shopping for a home. Preapproved buyers will not only know in advance how much home they can afford, but their preapproved status gives them clout with sellers and real estate agents when the time comes to negotiate a sale price. Lastly, preapproval speeds up the loan process after a purchase contract is signed and can help avoid last minute heartbreaks after a home is found.
6. You can protect your interest rate while you shop for your home - Some lenders, like Countrywide, offer home buyers the ability to lock in a rate, at no cost, before they select a home.
http://www.atlantahomebuyingarticles.com/article.cfm/id/158796
Countrywide Home Loans understands that home buying can be a difficult and confusing process, from deciding whether homeownership is right for you to finally making the move into your new home. As a result, many people are hesitant to ever start the process, despite their desire to own a home. So, the company also offers personalized, no obligation, free home loan consultation. First time buyers can call 1-800-768-9382 or apply online.
"Consumers are becoming more educated and prepared when making major purchases," said Dan Hanson, managing director, Countrywide Home Loans. "However, buying a home is still an area that is confusing and intimidating to most people. Prospective buyers should take advantage of the wealth of information and programs out there and be aware of some common misperceptions that could deter them from becoming a homeowner."
Here are six home buying tips and facts that can help you decide to buy a house, negotiate your home purchase and determine which home loan is best for your personal situation:
1. Your mortgage payments might be the same or less than rent payments - The (principal and interest) monthly payment on a $200,000, 30-year, fixed rate mortgage with an interest rate of six percent (6.25%) is $1,231 -- less than what some people pay for rent (taxes, insurance and any other fees, including closing costs, are extra).
2. Buyers don't have to put 20 percent down to buy a home anymore - Many low down payment loans are available. For instance, three and five percent down payments are common, and can help buyers purchase a home without a hefty down payment. This all adds up to less money out-of-pocket to buy a home.
3. Buyers may ask sellers to pay for closing costs - As part of the negotiating process when buying a house, the buyer may ask the seller to pay for a percentage of the non-recurring closing costs, sometimes saving thousands of dollars for the buyer.
4. Buyers can receive gifts or grants from relatives or nonprofit organizations - Many loan programs will allow a portion of the downpayment to come from a relative. Buyers can also investigate downpayment assistance programs and grants available through various nonprofit organizations and employers, as well as from many federal, state, and local governments. Many of these programs are designed for low-, moderate- and middle-income borrowers.
5. You should always get preapproved before you begin house hunting - Buyers should get a written preapproval from a reputable mortgage lender before they start shopping for a home. Preapproved buyers will not only know in advance how much home they can afford, but their preapproved status gives them clout with sellers and real estate agents when the time comes to negotiate a sale price. Lastly, preapproval speeds up the loan process after a purchase contract is signed and can help avoid last minute heartbreaks after a home is found.
6. You can protect your interest rate while you shop for your home - Some lenders, like Countrywide, offer home buyers the ability to lock in a rate, at no cost, before they select a home.
http://www.atlantahomebuyingarticles.com/article.cfm/id/158796
Your Home Buying Plan - Part 1 ... Uncle Sam May Back You Up
How can you start an aggressive home buying plan? This is reality. The following information is no fairy tale. If you are serious about buying a home, just understand the situation you are currently in and ask yourself the following questions:
Do homes appreciate in value?
Can I persuade a bank or lending institution to provide a mortgage given my present credit situation?
Will the US Government give us the money to buy a home with our credit as it is?
How serious am I about buying a home?
Studies conducted by HUD and the FHA concluded that most Americans are deprived of home ownership because of credit issues and not due to not having enough money for a down payment. With that in mind, compare these two scenarios:
A. Why would I give an apartment house a couple thousand dollars for the privilege of moving into a building I do not own? I might have to pay a higher rent after one year; I don't have any place to plant my tomatoes; I don't have any place for my buddies to park for the Sunday football games. And what are my chances of getting the security deposit back?
B. Would I be interested in having control of a $200,000 investment where I would only have to put the closing costs down (which is less than the amount required to move into an apartment in most cases)? How about the fact that the US Government will provide me an opportunity to resolve our credit issues, and if we prove we're serious we can get a Federal Housing Administration guarantee that will provide for the lender the assurance that the loan will be paid back? It has never been easier to purchase a home than now.
In my next article I'll continue with your home buying plan and how you can take further advantage of the FHA's generosity.
Chuck Lunsford is the owner and developer of EasyFloridaHomeLoans.com. He offers advice on how to get your credit in order and working for you. Visit his website and learn more about how to choose the right florida home loan without the usual headaches
http://www.atlantahomebuyingarticles.com/article.cfm/id/160090
Do homes appreciate in value?
Can I persuade a bank or lending institution to provide a mortgage given my present credit situation?
Will the US Government give us the money to buy a home with our credit as it is?
How serious am I about buying a home?
Studies conducted by HUD and the FHA concluded that most Americans are deprived of home ownership because of credit issues and not due to not having enough money for a down payment. With that in mind, compare these two scenarios:
A. Why would I give an apartment house a couple thousand dollars for the privilege of moving into a building I do not own? I might have to pay a higher rent after one year; I don't have any place to plant my tomatoes; I don't have any place for my buddies to park for the Sunday football games. And what are my chances of getting the security deposit back?
B. Would I be interested in having control of a $200,000 investment where I would only have to put the closing costs down (which is less than the amount required to move into an apartment in most cases)? How about the fact that the US Government will provide me an opportunity to resolve our credit issues, and if we prove we're serious we can get a Federal Housing Administration guarantee that will provide for the lender the assurance that the loan will be paid back? It has never been easier to purchase a home than now.
In my next article I'll continue with your home buying plan and how you can take further advantage of the FHA's generosity.
Chuck Lunsford is the owner and developer of EasyFloridaHomeLoans.com. He offers advice on how to get your credit in order and working for you. Visit his website and learn more about how to choose the right florida home loan without the usual headaches
http://www.atlantahomebuyingarticles.com/article.cfm/id/160090
AP9 Privacy Matters Preaches Patience -- Pitfalls to Avoid in Home Buying
Norwalk, Conn. (PRWeb) March 8, 2007 -- AP9 Privacy Matters, a leading security and privacy membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC, helps its members safeguard their credit and identity -- while also offering valuable tips on everything from making major purchases to getting low home mortgage rates.
AP9 PrivacyMatters understands that homebuyers -- especially first-timers -- often get so excited about a new home, they tend to forget about other financial responsibilities. AP9 Privacy Matters seeks to steer would-be buyers in the right direction, offering five helpful hints/friendly warnings -- a short list of what NOT to do when it comes time to buy a new home:
-- Don't overdo it. It's perfectly natural to get excited when it comes time to purchase a home. It's also perfectly natural to go on a spending spree at the same time. Avoid this at all costs. Don't make a major purchase (a car, boat, etc.) when it comes time to close on a new home. Being up to your eyes in debt is no fun.
-- Don't jump jobs. If possible, don't change jobs as closing day approaches. A sketchy job history tends to make lenders nervous. Sometimes a job change can't be avoided, but lenders and creditors crave stability.
-- Don't pay the seller directly. Even if a home is listed as "For sale by owner," take that with a grain of salt. Its better to have deposits go into a trust account, or to an attorney or another neutral party that can keep those good-faith dollars safe until closing.
-- Don't boil over. Getting a new home can be a prideful and fulfilling experience. It can also be both aggravating and frustrating beyond compare. During the inspection process, for example, be realistic. No home is without problems and needed fixes. If emotions do run high, take a deep breath. And if potential repairs seem extensive, make sure buying the house still makes sense.
-- Don't be a hero. When working with an agent, let him/her do their job. Make sure he/she keeps on top of things from a scheduling standpoint. And when it comes time to schedule the final walkthrough, make sure a firm date (plus a back-up) is secured.
Get excited about a new home. Just don't get too excited. The home buying preparation taken now will pay off in the long run. For these and all other credit-related issues, just call on AP9 PrivacyMatters.
http://www.atlantahomebuyingarticles.com/article.cfm/id/161316
AP9 PrivacyMatters understands that homebuyers -- especially first-timers -- often get so excited about a new home, they tend to forget about other financial responsibilities. AP9 Privacy Matters seeks to steer would-be buyers in the right direction, offering five helpful hints/friendly warnings -- a short list of what NOT to do when it comes time to buy a new home:
-- Don't overdo it. It's perfectly natural to get excited when it comes time to purchase a home. It's also perfectly natural to go on a spending spree at the same time. Avoid this at all costs. Don't make a major purchase (a car, boat, etc.) when it comes time to close on a new home. Being up to your eyes in debt is no fun.
-- Don't jump jobs. If possible, don't change jobs as closing day approaches. A sketchy job history tends to make lenders nervous. Sometimes a job change can't be avoided, but lenders and creditors crave stability.
-- Don't pay the seller directly. Even if a home is listed as "For sale by owner," take that with a grain of salt. Its better to have deposits go into a trust account, or to an attorney or another neutral party that can keep those good-faith dollars safe until closing.
-- Don't boil over. Getting a new home can be a prideful and fulfilling experience. It can also be both aggravating and frustrating beyond compare. During the inspection process, for example, be realistic. No home is without problems and needed fixes. If emotions do run high, take a deep breath. And if potential repairs seem extensive, make sure buying the house still makes sense.
-- Don't be a hero. When working with an agent, let him/her do their job. Make sure he/she keeps on top of things from a scheduling standpoint. And when it comes time to schedule the final walkthrough, make sure a firm date (plus a back-up) is secured.
Get excited about a new home. Just don't get too excited. The home buying preparation taken now will pay off in the long run. For these and all other credit-related issues, just call on AP9 PrivacyMatters.
http://www.atlantahomebuyingarticles.com/article.cfm/id/161316
Your Home Buying Plan - Part 2 ... Know The FHA Rules Beforehand.
The government, after being in the people business for decades, has taken a realistic attitude towards average people with credit issues. You are not the only one to have lost a job, gone through a divorce or had medical trauma in your life. When these things happen something has to give.
I can understand when average people take their paycheck home and try to figure out what bills to pay. Most people that have credit issues were in pretty good shape at one time in their lives. As I stated before things happen, bills accumulated and priorities such as putting food on the table came first. So after putting food on the table and paying the rent or mortgage, you became delinquent in other debts.
Remember when you buy a home; you have to pay the closing costs and down payment. This where the US Government in the form of the FHA can help. How does this happen? Well, the FHA has taken the position that a new home buyer can accept gift funds towards a down payment. The only catch is those funds must come from an approved source. Your family, for instance, can give you the money for the down payment. It CANNOT be a loan. That would impact your ability to make mortgage payments in the eyes of the FHA. The down payment can also come from an approved non-profit organization.
Approved non-profits must first be 501C organizations. Now that we know we can get down payment assistance, let's cover the requirements to get approved for a loan.
Under government guidelines you must have at least one (1) year of on time bill payments. This means paying every bill that is reported on your credit report. NO EXCEPTIONS! If you cannot do this, you most certainly are going to have a difficult time convincing an underwriter that you have the habit of paying your bills on time. The second requirement is evidence of paying your rent on time for two (2) years.
Unlike a conventional bank that won't even talk to consumers with credit issues, the government's program may be your only opportunity to purchase a home. Now analyze all of the things we've covered and decide if it's worth it. The Federal Government is aggressively making home ownership a reality. Do you want to be included? It's your decision.
This may not have been your idea of a home buying plan, but now that you've read this I hope it makes sense.
In my next article I'll discuss how a good rental is vitally important when it comes to qualifying for a home mortgage financing whether it's in California, Florida or Rhode Island.
Chuck Lunsford is the owner and developer of EasyFloridaHomeLoans.com. He offers advice on how to get your credit in order and working for you. Visit his website and learn more about how to obtain a florida home loan with bruised credit.
http://www.atlantahomebuyingarticles.com/article.cfm/id/161587
I can understand when average people take their paycheck home and try to figure out what bills to pay. Most people that have credit issues were in pretty good shape at one time in their lives. As I stated before things happen, bills accumulated and priorities such as putting food on the table came first. So after putting food on the table and paying the rent or mortgage, you became delinquent in other debts.
Remember when you buy a home; you have to pay the closing costs and down payment. This where the US Government in the form of the FHA can help. How does this happen? Well, the FHA has taken the position that a new home buyer can accept gift funds towards a down payment. The only catch is those funds must come from an approved source. Your family, for instance, can give you the money for the down payment. It CANNOT be a loan. That would impact your ability to make mortgage payments in the eyes of the FHA. The down payment can also come from an approved non-profit organization.
Approved non-profits must first be 501C organizations. Now that we know we can get down payment assistance, let's cover the requirements to get approved for a loan.
Under government guidelines you must have at least one (1) year of on time bill payments. This means paying every bill that is reported on your credit report. NO EXCEPTIONS! If you cannot do this, you most certainly are going to have a difficult time convincing an underwriter that you have the habit of paying your bills on time. The second requirement is evidence of paying your rent on time for two (2) years.
Unlike a conventional bank that won't even talk to consumers with credit issues, the government's program may be your only opportunity to purchase a home. Now analyze all of the things we've covered and decide if it's worth it. The Federal Government is aggressively making home ownership a reality. Do you want to be included? It's your decision.
This may not have been your idea of a home buying plan, but now that you've read this I hope it makes sense.
In my next article I'll discuss how a good rental is vitally important when it comes to qualifying for a home mortgage financing whether it's in California, Florida or Rhode Island.
Chuck Lunsford is the owner and developer of EasyFloridaHomeLoans.com. He offers advice on how to get your credit in order and working for you. Visit his website and learn more about how to obtain a florida home loan with bruised credit.
http://www.atlantahomebuyingarticles.com/article.cfm/id/161587
Home Buying: 1031 Exchange Jersey New Tax : Things to Keep in Mind
So you've decided you want to own a home and now you want to begin your search for one. Before jumping into a home search, there are a few things you should keep in mind when going about buying a home.First things first, you cannot buy a home if you can't afford it! Don't assume how much you can afford, find out your loan eligibility. If you're planning on purchasing a car or any other high-priced item on a loan, then please stall such purchase until after you get your home as your eligibility reduces with every other loan you hold at the time of a mortgage application.Next, when you go in to see a home, don't let an unkempt /untidy house put you off. Try and visualise the house in its best condition and see if it would suit you then. In fact, an unkempt house may put other buyers off and by some chance this may lead you into a better position when negotiating for the home, as the seller may find it difficult finding a buyer for his place.
For advises about Stock, Trading, Market Exchange, Investing Online, click the link.
Mikeal is a specialist in stock investing. After 15 years in looking magical solutions, he consider is no easy method : You need to read and follow your instinct and increase your self-esteem in your dreams...Trust you mind and see the results.
http://www.atlantahomebuyingarticles.com/article.cfm/id/169331
For advises about Stock, Trading, Market Exchange, Investing Online, click the link.
Mikeal is a specialist in stock investing. After 15 years in looking magical solutions, he consider is no easy method : You need to read and follow your instinct and increase your self-esteem in your dreams...Trust you mind and see the results.
http://www.atlantahomebuyingarticles.com/article.cfm/id/169331
Friday, September 28, 2007
House price growth 'slowest in a year'
The annual house price inflation rate has dropped to its lowest level in nearly a year following slow growth this month, new figures show.
According to Nationwide building society, there was only a 0.7 per cent increase in house prices during September.
While this was an improvement on August's 0.6 per cent figure and overcame predictions that price growth would take a further dip to hit 0.4 per cent, statistics for the entire year fell to their slowest growth rate since last October.
The fact that inflation continued at all is testimony to the strength of the market which is still fuelled by buyer demand, however Nationwide suggested purchases are likely to drop due to the high cost of borrowing due to the recent interest rate rises.
In addition, Nationwide economist Fionnuala Earley warned that the credit crisis could see banks pass on the increased charges they are facing to customers by raising fees and interest on loans.
"The message from lenders is clearly that from now on, risk must have its price," she said.
"As a result, highly leveraged borrowing will remain less attractive and lending volumes in this segment may decline."
This may, however, be avoided if the Bank of England moves to reduce the base rate of interest in the future, which Nationwide said may be on the cards as it suggested the outlook on rates had "shifted from hawkish to dovish".
http://www.stride.co.uk/home-buying-and-hips/house-price-growth-slowest-in-a-year-18297075
According to Nationwide building society, there was only a 0.7 per cent increase in house prices during September.
While this was an improvement on August's 0.6 per cent figure and overcame predictions that price growth would take a further dip to hit 0.4 per cent, statistics for the entire year fell to their slowest growth rate since last October.
The fact that inflation continued at all is testimony to the strength of the market which is still fuelled by buyer demand, however Nationwide suggested purchases are likely to drop due to the high cost of borrowing due to the recent interest rate rises.
In addition, Nationwide economist Fionnuala Earley warned that the credit crisis could see banks pass on the increased charges they are facing to customers by raising fees and interest on loans.
"The message from lenders is clearly that from now on, risk must have its price," she said.
"As a result, highly leveraged borrowing will remain less attractive and lending volumes in this segment may decline."
This may, however, be avoided if the Bank of England moves to reduce the base rate of interest in the future, which Nationwide said may be on the cards as it suggested the outlook on rates had "shifted from hawkish to dovish".
http://www.stride.co.uk/home-buying-and-hips/house-price-growth-slowest-in-a-year-18297075
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