First Time Buyers Beware

The world is an amazing place. I say this each time new information is released about the mortgage process or rates being lowered. This phenomenon seems to cause a surge of interest from consumers wishing to become property owners. Yes, the process has been made easier to purchase homes however renters may not be accustomed to the increased responsibility or financial consequences attached to home ownership.

Let me explain. Of course, there is the customary monthly mortgage payment everyone expects but one must also consider expenses that are not apparent at the time of closing. For example deferred maintenance which simply means postponing or putting off maintenance activities. What happens if something unexpectedly breaks down in the home? There is no landlord to call to fix or replace what needs to be repaired or replaced. What about utilities? You now have total responsibility for electricity, telephone, internet and cable service, water consumption and heating. In most cases, contacting the proper supplier of the service to request a previous history of usage record from 12-24 months can give an accurate accounting of cost. This will enable the homebuyer to estimate the monthly charge associated with the service. Another expense that may not be considered is landscaping or lawn maintenance. Costs can vary depending on the size of property and type of service requested. Maintenance companies can offer a quote for the services that includes scheduled weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly lawn care.

Think about rising property taxes. This can be a real deal killer. A home can be purchased with a tax rate well below the current tax standard and then the rate will spike. Contacting the local taxing authority to inquire what the taxes will be after the property has been purchased is a way in which a prospective buyer can receive current information and not be caught off guard should the taxes increase.

Now, I do not want to discourage or overwhelm anyone who is giving serious consideration to going from renter to first time home owner status. I just want to make certain that new home buyers have taken the proper steps in realizing the joys of home ownership. First time home buyers need to have the most accurate updated information available to them 24/7.

My First Michigan Home (MFMH) lessens the stress and fills in the gaps for the new home buyer. MFMH conducts all of the above services free of charge. MFMH prides itself on producing the most informed First Time Home Buyers in the State of Michigan. We understand you may not have all the answers initially or know what questions to ask but throughout the buying process our goal is to inform you of conditions that may add to your cost at a later date.

If you are interested in obtaining more information on the Ultimate Home Buying experience then contact MY First Michigan Home at: www.Myfirstmichiganhome.com or www.Goodpeoplebruisedcredit.com.


Christopher Shaw
CEO

For the Love of Money

One of my all time favorite songs is the legendary O Jay's classic hit “For the Love of Money". What attracted me to the song were the wonderful beat and the hook:

“Money...money...money--
MONEY!
Some people got to have it!
Hey, Hey
Some people really need it…”

This song has a completely different meaning to me now than it did 30 years ago. Today I know the O Jay's were referencing one of the most popular and misquoted verses in the Bible: " For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows"(1 Timothy 6:10).

Many people misquote the verse saying, “Money is the root of evil.” That is dead wrong and it is not at all what the Bible tells us about money. It is important to note that money is neither good nor evil. It is the love of money that is wrong. Loving, lusting, lying, dying and killing for money are where the evil lies. When one loses all perspective and sets money as his or her primary objective in life, money is the root of evil. When money is worshipped and becomes a god for a person is when money is used to manifest evil. Money is defined by the heart and soul of every man, woman and child who conceives of it, gains it, loses it, lacks it or gives it a way.

Money is for surety an evil god. Money, however, does not make itself an evil god; we do! According to Matthew 6:24:" No Man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and Mammon."

Regarding money there are two essential tests we must pass. The first test has to do with how we act when we have money and the second test has to do with how we act when we have no money. When you love money it becomes your master, but when you master money it will become your servant. So what are you? The central question here is the one that Christ posed. What does it profit you to gain all the money in the world and lose your own soul?

Moving forward it will serve you best if you decide to look at money as a tool. For instance, a hammer is a tool. It’s a tool of the trade for a carpenter and great and useful things can be built or repaired with a hammer. A hammer in the hands of a tantrum throwing three year old, however, is a potential danger. A hammer wielded by an assailant against a defenseless victim on a darkened street is a harmful weapon used for evil intent. Do you see? It’s the intent that makes the hammer evil. It is the same way with money. Money has to always be regarded as a tool. As a tool, it can be used for good or bad. What are your intentions around money? Money, takes on the morals or values of the person who holds it. When money becomes your master, it can destroy your life. When, however, money is your servant, it can bless your life and the lives of millions of others. Listen now to what the O Jay's said:

“For a small piece of paper it carries a lot of weight;
For The Love of Money!
Do not sell your soul for the money-
No, no!”

That is profoundly prophetic and powerful advice. I also love the way that Paul put in 1 Timothy 6:17: "Tell those rich in this world's wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage- to do well, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they'll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life.”

Wow, you go boy, that's what I am talking about! Being rich in atonement with God is what is important in life. When you master money and put it in the proper perspective for the tool that it is, it is then and only then that you are on the road to wealth and abundance greater than anything you may have ever even conceived of before. When you begin to understand that reciprocity is an energy and force of God that keeps all things growing and moving.

Remember, Christ said that it is better to give than to receive. It is about sowing and reciprocity. When you sow, you reap. You can be rich, but first, so that your wealth is real, let us seek to be worthy.

Get ready to go to the next level in your faith, in your family, in your future and your finances! Contact me at TODAY by visiting www.kenbrowninternational.com

How to Apply For Down Payment Assistance

Article Body: Do you find yourself unable to purchase a home due to the lack of money for a down payment? Unfortunately, many people are currently in this same situation. Many people often stop the pursuit of home buying once they discover the amount they will need for a down payment. However, if you do not have the necessary down payment to purchase your home, you will find there are many down payment assistance programs available to help you achieve your goal of being a home owner.

Prior to October 1, 2008, those who took out a FHA loan were able to have the seller contribute funds towards the down payment. However, on October 1, 2008, a new law went into effect that prevents the seller from contributing any money toward the down payment on a loan or closing costs on any loan that is funded by the FHA. This made it more difficult for buyers who lacked the funds for a down payment. The many changes to the economy also have made an impact on home buyers as many loan companies are now requiring as much as a twenty-percent down payment.

With more and more people struggling to make ends meet, buyers are having difficulty coming up with the down payment to purchase their own home. Many people often pursue home ownership, only to find the down payment is holding them back. With the downslide of the housing market, the government responded to the need and there has been an increase in the amount of down payment assistance programs that are available to the home buyer.

The largest benefit to going through a down payment assistance program is the money will not have to be paid back. Basically, these are grant programs that have been funded by the government to help with both urban development and the stabilization of home prices. When you receive the money to assist you with a down payment, you will not have to worry about paying back a second loan. This money is yours to be used for your down payment and you will not have to struggle to pay it back.

You will also find that the qualification process is quite simple. Your credit score and income level may not be a determining factor in whether you receive the down payment assistance. The most important qualification may simply be the area in which you are purchasing your new home and it may be the only determination of whether or not you qualify for assistance.

While more and more people may be having difficulty coming up with a down payment on the home they wish to purchase, there has been an increase of the funds available to assist them. However, many people do not even know of the down payment assistance programs that are available to them. If you are struggling to come up with a down payment on your home, be diligent in your research on home mortgage grants in your area and you may be surprised by what you discover is available to you.

Christopher J Shaw

CEO

My First Michigan Home Inc

www.Myfirstmichiganhome.com

www.Goodpeoplebruisedcredit.com