On an unusually bright, sunny morning I was a little early to a meeting when I decided to pull over and stop by my favorite neighborhood bistro for a cup of joe. Once inside through all the chatter,I heard a conversation coming from a small table. There was what appeared to be a small group of "BOOMERS" (1946-1964) , discussing an upcoming entrepreneurial event to be held that day. One gentleman in the group seemed less enthusiastic about the function than the others stating that his "SALAD DAYS" were well behind him, that he didn't have the zest he once had to embark on a new venture.
I have an encouraging word for this seasoned group: Start where you are. With the advent of today's technology that moves at or faster than the speed of light, fortunes and success are created with click of the mouse, rather than the stroke of the pen of yesteryear. Your "SALAD DAYS" may be a thing of the past but, the new and ever evolving technologies make the perfect "DRESSING" for future opportunities to come and,
ON THAT NOTE, do make it a great week!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Financing Can Be A Single Women’s Best Friend.
If you read the newspapers or surf the internet you can’t help but notice the buzz surrounding the latest trend in real estate, Single Women! The reasons for this significant rise in single women buyers has many different components. This trend which is changing not only the face of home-ownership but the industry itself is making a significant shift. Industry professionals are scrambling to meet the demand for this growing segment from marketing strategies to the products they offer and that includes the mortgage industry!
Lenders have begun to create programs which offer assistance to single women. For example, divorced women are frequently given first time buyer status even if they owned a home in the marriage, making many low down payment or subsidized loans available to them. Child support payments can now be counted as income, bolstering many newly single parent’s ability to qualify for a mortgage. Single women may also be allowed to use alternative forms of credit history, such as a phone bill if they have no credit history. Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA all offer assistance to single women, low to moderate income purchasers and minorities.
The department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has the Good Neighbor Next Door Loan Program. It offers substantial discounts to individuals in certain service oriented professions on eligible properties in areas targeted for revitalization efforts.
Emergency Medical Technicians
Fire Fighters
Law Enforcement Officers
School Teachers (pre-K through 12th grade)
Most veterans of the United States Military are eligible for federally guaranteed home loans. Surviving spouses are also able to benefit from VA loans. Eligible veterans may apply for low-interest rate home loans of up to $417,000 to purchase a home. Because down payments and mortgage insurance are not required, these loans are often significantly less expensive than conventional loans.
As you can see there is much to consider and there are many options available to assist single women in becoming homeowners. Consult your mortgage professional to discover the one that best fits your needs.
Lenders have begun to create programs which offer assistance to single women. For example, divorced women are frequently given first time buyer status even if they owned a home in the marriage, making many low down payment or subsidized loans available to them. Child support payments can now be counted as income, bolstering many newly single parent’s ability to qualify for a mortgage. Single women may also be allowed to use alternative forms of credit history, such as a phone bill if they have no credit history. Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA all offer assistance to single women, low to moderate income purchasers and minorities.
The department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has the Good Neighbor Next Door Loan Program. It offers substantial discounts to individuals in certain service oriented professions on eligible properties in areas targeted for revitalization efforts.
Emergency Medical Technicians
Fire Fighters
Law Enforcement Officers
School Teachers (pre-K through 12th grade)
Most veterans of the United States Military are eligible for federally guaranteed home loans. Surviving spouses are also able to benefit from VA loans. Eligible veterans may apply for low-interest rate home loans of up to $417,000 to purchase a home. Because down payments and mortgage insurance are not required, these loans are often significantly less expensive than conventional loans.
As you can see there is much to consider and there are many options available to assist single women in becoming homeowners. Consult your mortgage professional to discover the one that best fits your needs.
Monday, November 23, 2009
ON THAT NOTE
As I was reading a book by the great Earl Nightingale on the subject of leading an "EXTRAORDINARY" life, I had a brief flashback to a point one of my colleagues mentioned
when he stated that you have to create something special to achieve great reults.
If you have the same mindset and use the same approach as the average person you'll get exactly what they have: an "ORDINARY" life.
For those who are not content with the "SEDATE" lifestyle; take note of what the high achievers do. By practicing this behavior over and over again it'll become second nature, the end result being the "SUCCESS" mindset and,
ON THAT NOTE DO MAKE IT A GREAT WEEK!
when he stated that you have to create something special to achieve great reults.
If you have the same mindset and use the same approach as the average person you'll get exactly what they have: an "ORDINARY" life.
For those who are not content with the "SEDATE" lifestyle; take note of what the high achievers do. By practicing this behavior over and over again it'll become second nature, the end result being the "SUCCESS" mindset and,
ON THAT NOTE DO MAKE IT A GREAT WEEK!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
My First Michigan Home and Volunteers of America Michigan Join Forces to Serve Meals to Over 100 People
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
November 2009- My First Michigan Home is pleased to announce their recent team up with Volunteers of America Michigan to serve meals to 100+ people in need at Williams Chapel Missionary Baptist Church on November 21, 2009 at 4:00pm.
Chef Williams of Joey’s Catering of Detroit has volunteered his time and talent in preparing a dinner to be enjoyed by families in particular need. Participating families have been selected from the Adopt-A-Family program run by Volunteers of America Michigan. Staff and volunteers affiliated with both My First Michigan Home and Volunteers of America Michigan will
Start your holiday season off on the right track by volunteering your time on November 21, 2009 with My First Michigan Home and Volunteers of America Michigan. To volunteer, please contact Chris Shaw, Joe Williams or Darrick Scruggs of My First Michigan Home at 248-569-1486.
To learn more about My First Michigan Home and their impact on the Michigan community, please visit www.MyFirstMichiganHome.com.
For more information about Volunteers of America Michigan and the work they are doing throughout the Michigan area, please visit www.VOAMI.org.
My First Michigan Home and Cheap Metro Detroit Homes are cooperatively run by Christopher J. Shaw and Darrick H. Scruggs. With more than two decades in the real estate industry, Shaw and Scruggs have dedicated themselves to educating potential buyers and sellers on the housing market and navigating the acquisition of investment properties. Their decision to fuse MFMH and CDMH came from a mutually shared belief in the power of teamwork and a desire to create accessible investment opportunities.
Assist the MFMH and CMDH team in bringing extra cheer to Michigan families this holiday season by volunteering on November 21, 2009. Contact Chris Shaw, Joe Williams or Darrick Scruggs at 248-569-1486 to make the holiday season a bit brighter for those in your local community.
Press Inquiries Contact:
Christopher J. Shaw
My First Michigan Home
16250 Northland Drive Suite 242
Southfield, MI 48075
Telephone: (248) 569-1486
Fax: (248) 569-7637
www.MyFirstMichiganHome.com
November 2009- My First Michigan Home is pleased to announce their recent team up with Volunteers of America Michigan to serve meals to 100+ people in need at Williams Chapel Missionary Baptist Church on November 21, 2009 at 4:00pm.
Chef Williams of Joey’s Catering of Detroit has volunteered his time and talent in preparing a dinner to be enjoyed by families in particular need. Participating families have been selected from the Adopt-A-Family program run by Volunteers of America Michigan. Staff and volunteers affiliated with both My First Michigan Home and Volunteers of America Michigan will
Start your holiday season off on the right track by volunteering your time on November 21, 2009 with My First Michigan Home and Volunteers of America Michigan. To volunteer, please contact Chris Shaw, Joe Williams or Darrick Scruggs of My First Michigan Home at 248-569-1486.
To learn more about My First Michigan Home and their impact on the Michigan community, please visit www.MyFirstMichiganHome.com.
For more information about Volunteers of America Michigan and the work they are doing throughout the Michigan area, please visit www.VOAMI.org.
My First Michigan Home and Cheap Metro Detroit Homes are cooperatively run by Christopher J. Shaw and Darrick H. Scruggs. With more than two decades in the real estate industry, Shaw and Scruggs have dedicated themselves to educating potential buyers and sellers on the housing market and navigating the acquisition of investment properties. Their decision to fuse MFMH and CDMH came from a mutually shared belief in the power of teamwork and a desire to create accessible investment opportunities.
Assist the MFMH and CMDH team in bringing extra cheer to Michigan families this holiday season by volunteering on November 21, 2009. Contact Chris Shaw, Joe Williams or Darrick Scruggs at 248-569-1486 to make the holiday season a bit brighter for those in your local community.
Press Inquiries Contact:
Christopher J. Shaw
My First Michigan Home
16250 Northland Drive Suite 242
Southfield, MI 48075
Telephone: (248) 569-1486
Fax: (248) 569-7637
www.MyFirstMichiganHome.com
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
ON THAT NOTE
As a parent the birth of you child is a wonderful and miraculous event to say the least.
Regardless of what anyone thinks your baby is the most beautiful in the world. No one is going to love, nurture and care for your little one like you do. Sometimes you can’t help but dote on your little one. Please don’t be offended if others around you aren’t as excited or emotional as you, remember: it’s your baby.
In the business world a new start-up can stir up a lot of good emotions. Keep in mind; not everyone you tell about your new venture is going to be as enthusiastic as you. As you’re bringing your new ideas into “FRUITION”, you may feel alone in you quest. Over a period of time you’ll develop a strong, unyielding resolve against this state of mind and the naysayers. In closing don’t be discouraged even if those close to you aren’t as excited as you, remember: it’s your baby and
ON THAT NOTE, do make it a great week!
Regardless of what anyone thinks your baby is the most beautiful in the world. No one is going to love, nurture and care for your little one like you do. Sometimes you can’t help but dote on your little one. Please don’t be offended if others around you aren’t as excited or emotional as you, remember: it’s your baby.
In the business world a new start-up can stir up a lot of good emotions. Keep in mind; not everyone you tell about your new venture is going to be as enthusiastic as you. As you’re bringing your new ideas into “FRUITION”, you may feel alone in you quest. Over a period of time you’ll develop a strong, unyielding resolve against this state of mind and the naysayers. In closing don’t be discouraged even if those close to you aren’t as excited as you, remember: it’s your baby and
ON THAT NOTE, do make it a great week!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Security is Priority to Single Women Buying Homes
As you may be aware the fastest growing demographic in real estate sales is single women second only to married couples. Previously we asked the question, “What are Single Women looking for ….. In a Home?” Well, high on the list of 10 things most desired by single women when purchasing a home was security.
Coldwell Banker’s latest consumer survey found that a home’s security is a deal breaker! Sixty-four percent of women said if they found the home of their dreams but had concerns about its security, they would no longer be interested. Single women also account for a large number of condominium purchases where they find a sense of security. Builders, who have also taken notice of this growing segment, are betting on features such as gourmet kitchens, built in vacuums and security systems to attract single female buyers.
The following list should be taken into consideration when determining the security of a home.
1. Buy Homes With Attached Garages.
Consider how you might feel walking in the dark toward the house if your garage were detached. Insist on an electronic garage door opener.
2. Consider Gated Communities
Ask how often the gate code is changed. Most homeowner associations routinely change the codes to prevent entry by unauthorized persons. Check to make sure the gate is timed to close before a second car can enter.
3. Pay Attention to Lighting
Abundant street lighting and motion-sensor lights offer more security than dimly lit areas.
4. Buy Homes With Security Systems
Find out if the security system is leased or owned and how much it costs per month. Ask for an explanation about how the home is wired, and whether all the doors and windows are monitored on the system.
5. Inspect Door Locks and Door Jambs
Look at the door jamb to determine if it’s been cracked or repaired. Notice if the lock is new. A screen door that acts as a security door with its own locking system provides more protection.
6. Check Location of Bedrooms
Second-floor bedrooms might appear safer, but the likelihood is the distance from the first floor could make them effectively soundproof, so sounds of a break-in may not travel to the second floor.
7. Consider Condos Above the Main Floor
Criminals don’t want to bother with climbing stairs, taking an elevator or being noticed in a building, which is why first-floor condos tend to attract more crime. Condos that face the street are often considered more secure.
8. Inspect the Windows
Single-pane windows are easier to break than dual pane. If any of the exterior doors have large windows of glass, make sure the door knob is located far enough away from the window to discourage break-ins.
9. Beware of Homes on an Alley
Alleys are quiet, generally dark at night, and provide ways for criminals to approach your home — unnoticed by the neighbors.
10. Pull Neighborhood Crime Reports
Most city police departments report crime statistics online.
11. Check Out the Neighboring Structures
Some studies show that crime is higher in mixed-use neighborhoods than in subdivisions or communities of single family homes.
12. Buy Homes With a Fenced Back Yard
A fenced yard discourages crime because it makes it harder for unauthorized persons to
gain access.
There are many factors to consider when determining the security of a home or neighborhood. Hopefully the above list will help guide potential homebuyers in making a safe and secure decision.
Coldwell Banker’s latest consumer survey found that a home’s security is a deal breaker! Sixty-four percent of women said if they found the home of their dreams but had concerns about its security, they would no longer be interested. Single women also account for a large number of condominium purchases where they find a sense of security. Builders, who have also taken notice of this growing segment, are betting on features such as gourmet kitchens, built in vacuums and security systems to attract single female buyers.
The following list should be taken into consideration when determining the security of a home.
1. Buy Homes With Attached Garages.
Consider how you might feel walking in the dark toward the house if your garage were detached. Insist on an electronic garage door opener.
2. Consider Gated Communities
Ask how often the gate code is changed. Most homeowner associations routinely change the codes to prevent entry by unauthorized persons. Check to make sure the gate is timed to close before a second car can enter.
3. Pay Attention to Lighting
Abundant street lighting and motion-sensor lights offer more security than dimly lit areas.
4. Buy Homes With Security Systems
Find out if the security system is leased or owned and how much it costs per month. Ask for an explanation about how the home is wired, and whether all the doors and windows are monitored on the system.
5. Inspect Door Locks and Door Jambs
Look at the door jamb to determine if it’s been cracked or repaired. Notice if the lock is new. A screen door that acts as a security door with its own locking system provides more protection.
6. Check Location of Bedrooms
Second-floor bedrooms might appear safer, but the likelihood is the distance from the first floor could make them effectively soundproof, so sounds of a break-in may not travel to the second floor.
7. Consider Condos Above the Main Floor
Criminals don’t want to bother with climbing stairs, taking an elevator or being noticed in a building, which is why first-floor condos tend to attract more crime. Condos that face the street are often considered more secure.
8. Inspect the Windows
Single-pane windows are easier to break than dual pane. If any of the exterior doors have large windows of glass, make sure the door knob is located far enough away from the window to discourage break-ins.
9. Beware of Homes on an Alley
Alleys are quiet, generally dark at night, and provide ways for criminals to approach your home — unnoticed by the neighbors.
10. Pull Neighborhood Crime Reports
Most city police departments report crime statistics online.
11. Check Out the Neighboring Structures
Some studies show that crime is higher in mixed-use neighborhoods than in subdivisions or communities of single family homes.
12. Buy Homes With a Fenced Back Yard
A fenced yard discourages crime because it makes it harder for unauthorized persons to
gain access.
There are many factors to consider when determining the security of a home or neighborhood. Hopefully the above list will help guide potential homebuyers in making a safe and secure decision.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
NAR Frequently Asked Questions Homebuyer Tax Credit Changes
National Association of REALTORS® Government Affairs Division
500 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 20001
Question: Existing homeowner credit: Must the new house cost more than the old house?
Answer: No. Thus, for example, individuals who move from a high cost area to a lower cost area who meet all eligibility requirements will qualify for the $6500 credit.
Question: I am an existing homeowner. On October 25, 2009, I signed a contract to purchase a new home. I have lived in my current home for more than 5 consecutive years and am within the new income limits. I will go to settlement on November 20. If
President Obama has signed the bill by the time I go to settlement, will I qualify for the new $6500 tax credit?
Answer: Yes. The existing homeowner credit goes into effect for purchases after the date of enactment(when the bill is signed). There is no reference to the date of contract for the new credit. The provision looks solely to the date of purchase, which is generally the date of settlement.
Question: I am a first time home-buyer but was not within the prior income limits at the time I entered into my contract to purchase on October 30, 2009. I will be covered,however, by the new income limits. If the new rules have been signed into law by the time I go to settlement, will I be eligible for a credit?
Answer: Yes. The new income limitations go into effect as soon as the President has signed the bill. The income limit and other eligibility rules will look to your status as of the date of purchase, which is the settlement date. So if the new rules have been signed when you go to settlement, you should be eligible for the credit (or a portion of the credit if you're within the phase out range).
Question: I am an eligible existing homeowner. I have a fair amount of equity in my home. I have found a home with a non negotiable price of $825,000. Will I be able to use any of the $6500 tax credit?
Answer:No. The $800,000 cap on the cost of the purchased home is firm at $800,000. Any amount above $800,000 makes the home ineligible for any portion of the credit. The $800,000 is an absolute ceiling.
Question: I owned my home for 10 years, but sold it two years ago year and have been renting since. If I purchase a home, will I be eligible for the $6500 tax credit if I meet all the other eligibility tests?
Answer: Yes. Because you lived in the home for more than 5 consecutive years of the previous 8, you will qualify for the $6500 credit. For example, Say John and his wife bought a home in 2000 and lived there until 2008 when he got a divorce. Whether John has been renting or bought in the interim, he WOULD INDEED be eligible for the credit because he owned a home and occupied it as his principal residence for 5 consecutive years out of the last 8 years. The keyword here is "consecutive." As long as he lived in that house for 5 years straight what he did since 3 years doesn't impact eligibility.
Question: I am an eligible first time home-buyer. I entered into a contract to purchase on November 1, 2009. Do I have to go to closing before December 1? How does the extension date affect me?
Answer: You do not have to close before December 1. Once the legislation has been signed, it will be as if the Nov 30 date had never existed. Therefore, so long as the contract settles before April 30 (or July 1, worst case), the purchaser will be eligible for the credit.
500 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 20001
Question: Existing homeowner credit: Must the new house cost more than the old house?
Answer: No. Thus, for example, individuals who move from a high cost area to a lower cost area who meet all eligibility requirements will qualify for the $6500 credit.
Question: I am an existing homeowner. On October 25, 2009, I signed a contract to purchase a new home. I have lived in my current home for more than 5 consecutive years and am within the new income limits. I will go to settlement on November 20. If
President Obama has signed the bill by the time I go to settlement, will I qualify for the new $6500 tax credit?
Answer: Yes. The existing homeowner credit goes into effect for purchases after the date of enactment(when the bill is signed). There is no reference to the date of contract for the new credit. The provision looks solely to the date of purchase, which is generally the date of settlement.
Question: I am a first time home-buyer but was not within the prior income limits at the time I entered into my contract to purchase on October 30, 2009. I will be covered,however, by the new income limits. If the new rules have been signed into law by the time I go to settlement, will I be eligible for a credit?
Answer: Yes. The new income limitations go into effect as soon as the President has signed the bill. The income limit and other eligibility rules will look to your status as of the date of purchase, which is the settlement date. So if the new rules have been signed when you go to settlement, you should be eligible for the credit (or a portion of the credit if you're within the phase out range).
Question: I am an eligible existing homeowner. I have a fair amount of equity in my home. I have found a home with a non negotiable price of $825,000. Will I be able to use any of the $6500 tax credit?
Answer:No. The $800,000 cap on the cost of the purchased home is firm at $800,000. Any amount above $800,000 makes the home ineligible for any portion of the credit. The $800,000 is an absolute ceiling.
Question: I owned my home for 10 years, but sold it two years ago year and have been renting since. If I purchase a home, will I be eligible for the $6500 tax credit if I meet all the other eligibility tests?
Answer: Yes. Because you lived in the home for more than 5 consecutive years of the previous 8, you will qualify for the $6500 credit. For example, Say John and his wife bought a home in 2000 and lived there until 2008 when he got a divorce. Whether John has been renting or bought in the interim, he WOULD INDEED be eligible for the credit because he owned a home and occupied it as his principal residence for 5 consecutive years out of the last 8 years. The keyword here is "consecutive." As long as he lived in that house for 5 years straight what he did since 3 years doesn't impact eligibility.
Question: I am an eligible first time home-buyer. I entered into a contract to purchase on November 1, 2009. Do I have to go to closing before December 1? How does the extension date affect me?
Answer: You do not have to close before December 1. Once the legislation has been signed, it will be as if the Nov 30 date had never existed. Therefore, so long as the contract settles before April 30 (or July 1, worst case), the purchaser will be eligible for the credit.
Friday, November 6, 2009
8202 Pembroke, Detroit, MI A Steal at $18500.00
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Tuesday, November 3, 2009
17546 Tracey Detroit, MI $29,900
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Monday, November 2, 2009
It is an Inside Job
I recently saw a movie entitled "Inside Man," which illustrates my point wonderfully. Spike Lee directed the movie. It featured Denzell Washington and Jodie Foster. Denzell Washington plays detective Keith Frasier. Fraiser is assigned the investigation of a bank heist that involves a hostage situation. The story takes an odd twist when the hostages are released and interrogated only to find that no money was taken and there was no trace of the bank robber. The entire time that everyone was searching high and low for the robber, he was right under everyone's noses. He was in the bank the entire time and ultimately walked out of the bank undetected and unscathed.
Wow! Does that not sound like our own real lives? We look to a people, places and things for fulfillment and continue come up empty handed. It is important to understand that, 'Everything reproduces after its own kind.' This is called The Law of Genesis. That's good stuff. I am here to tell you that like the popular spaghetti sauce, Prego. 'It's in there!"
You might not have everything you want, but you do have everything you need to fulfill your Life's assignment. Listen to what Peter said regarding the inside man, "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue." I told you, it's in there.
In my latest book "Life" and seminar series, " The L.I.F.E. Experience," we bring home the point that Life is an inside job. We often spend our energy, time and money looking outside of ours selves for the answers, when everything we need is within us. Growing up my parents called it 'soul searching'.
I want you to place both hand on your abdomen and repeat after me, "IT'S IN THERE" You must not only say it you must believe it and walk with that authority daily. I want to share with you want Paul shared with the people of Corinth, "For which cause we faint not, but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." Remember life is an inside job.
To hear more about how to tap into the gold mind called "You" visit www.kenbrowninternational.com for information and resources.
Ken Brown
CEO
Ken Brown International
http://www.Kenbrowninternational.com
http://www.Livinginfreedomeveryday.com
Wow! Does that not sound like our own real lives? We look to a people, places and things for fulfillment and continue come up empty handed. It is important to understand that, 'Everything reproduces after its own kind.' This is called The Law of Genesis. That's good stuff. I am here to tell you that like the popular spaghetti sauce, Prego. 'It's in there!"
You might not have everything you want, but you do have everything you need to fulfill your Life's assignment. Listen to what Peter said regarding the inside man, "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue." I told you, it's in there.
In my latest book "Life" and seminar series, " The L.I.F.E. Experience," we bring home the point that Life is an inside job. We often spend our energy, time and money looking outside of ours selves for the answers, when everything we need is within us. Growing up my parents called it 'soul searching'.
I want you to place both hand on your abdomen and repeat after me, "IT'S IN THERE" You must not only say it you must believe it and walk with that authority daily. I want to share with you want Paul shared with the people of Corinth, "For which cause we faint not, but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." Remember life is an inside job.
To hear more about how to tap into the gold mind called "You" visit www.kenbrowninternational.com for information and resources.
Ken Brown
CEO
Ken Brown International
http://www.Kenbrowninternational.com
http://www.Livinginfreedomeveryday.com
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