Rental Program by the Govm't?

Just remember anytime the government gets involved with private enterprise it skews the natural balance/energy of the markets. Look what happened when the Glas/Speigle Act was repealed in 1999! This opened the flood gates to derivitives and Voila the banking debacle that has resounded for 10 years --- so far. Let the natural market of investors and buyers absorb this wrecked housing market. Limit the monies that have been given to the banks to only be used to actual real estate purchasers NOT for their investment portfolios. Sadly there was no oversite nor accountability designed when the BILLIONS where handed out - Amazing! You don't cure a cold by inducing pneumonia. I whole heartedly agree with NAR.

Is this really tax relief or just perpetuating the problem???

Two Things You May Have Missed

by Dean Hartman on February 16, 2012

Before the end of the year, Congress and the President agreed to extend the payroll tax cut. In that bill, there were two items of interest for those involved in real estate.

1.) The hike in the Guarantee Fees charged by the GSEs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

The 10 basis point increase in the fees has translated to a .375% to .5% increase in mortgage rates for conventional loans. Many customers who started their loans a couple of months ago are being “surprised” with higher than expected rates. Heck, everything you read in the papers says rates are at historic lows and will likely stay there through 2014. Many consumers feel as if their lender is being unscrupulous. However, your lender has fallen victim to the increase in Guarantee Fees and how the secondary market is passing on the cost. What looks like possible lender greed is just a passing on of the increased expense imposed by the government. Sadly, the increased revenue isn’t even being used to help aid an ailing Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. It is being turned over to the US Treasury to cover the temporary extension of the payroll tax cut.

2.) Permission for HUD to increase the insurance premiums they charge on FHA loans.

If you remember, HUD charges two insurance premiums – a monthly one and an up-front one that is usually added into the loan. Most recently, they reduced the up-front mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP) and dramatically raised the monthly fee (MMIP). It is widely anticipated that, maybe as soon as April, we will see a hike in the UFMIP with no adjustment to the MMIP. While this will help shore up the reserves in the insurance fund, it will simultaneously make buying a home more expensive. No one knows the effective date or amount of the increase. Buyers should look to buy before the increase in fees.

We always hear how our government officials tuck away things in their bills. In this case, while the headlines during the holidays praised Washington for preserving the payroll tax cut, they may have hurt us more in the long run.

Energy Efficient Mortgage 101

                                                                              

A little Mortgage Knowledge can go a Long way! 

Not really that well utilized is the EEM and EIM --- Energy Efficient Mortgage and Energy Improvement Mortgage respectively --- 203 K's

The first is for new homes that are designed and rated Energy Star and the later for existing homes. It has many benefits and is incorporated into the First mortgage at the time of purchase. It comes with load of benefits that can easily be actualized monetarily.

The purchaser of an existing home would have it energy rated by an approved contractor. This would be to determine what needs to be done, at what cost, to make the home more ’efficient’. According to what the energy savings would be once the improvements are completed, this is how much more is allowed in mortgage payment of the borrower. The limit in Calif. for additional mortgage balance is $31,000. on an existing home.

The benefits range from creating a more sound home for the family, to being able to, once you are done with the home, offer it for a premium due to the upgrade of with efficiency features .

From insulation to efficient appliances to weather stripping and double pane windows, the quality of your living environment and the reduction of you utility bills will be directly proportionate to your enjoyment of living.

This can be done additionally when you chose to refi your home.

The offset is in the savings on your utility bills so there is no requirement of additional income. Sweet!

Always keeping myself up-to-date for the benefit of my clients!

Marlene Henderson, Broker/Owner

MoeBEST-Henderson Properties and

Property Management

www.BestSantaCruzProperties.com

Call anytime 831-429-9091

Summer in the Winter - Santa Cruz, Calif.

Yes, we know why we live here and it gets better all the time. 
While the East coast is suffering with their typical abysmal snow, wind, slush, and horizontal rain, the Midwest is terminally digging out, we in The Monterey Bay are enjoying Summer 70's with clear blue sky's.
While sipping champagne and munching on crabcakes at Chaminade today, gazing out at the crystal clear blue bay dotted with sail boats, I realized how blessed I am. 
When YOU decide you want your piece of heaven, call me.  I'm always happy to share the beauty of the bay and my expertise in guiding you to find your treasured spot to call home.

Marlene Henderson, Broker/Realtor
MoeBEST-Henderson Properties and
Property Management

831-429-9091  Anytime

The Altruistic approach to Real Estate

Well, here we have the latest and greatest vehicle by the administration to get some troubled assets or just some derelict properties cleaned up.  Know of any idle millionaires with spare change laying about?  A few slum lords that need a $ boost to spur things along?  or just your average 'Joe' or "Josie"  that would like to improve the community!  This is all about revitalizing communities and giving dying areas a second chance.
This could be another paperwork nightmare with more bureaucrats with new jobs they don't know how to do or it could be a 'Golden Opportunity' for some truly altruistic types.  I would really like to help the latter.
Since selling Real Estate is my passion, Call me.  There are truly TONS of properties available and with the "Just introduced Gov't program" rolled out, there's no time to waste.  I can lead you to all kinds of locations with a truly needy appeal and the market is ripe for the picking.
Make this YOUR year to make a difference and invest in improving something bigger than yourself.

It's almost FREE money

The rates are AT ALL TIME LOWS,  prices of Real Estate  are what they were in the mid 90's, the selection is fantastic so . . . .   WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR????
This week we will hear all the results of what studies have been worked on the numbers of the last half of last year.  Predictions will be aired, prognostications ventured upon and a good ol rousing Ra, Ra, Ra  for this upcoming year.

Well my advice is, if you have been waiting it's time to jump in!!!  Don't just pay attention to the prices, it's those interest rates that are the real make or break component.  Lock into a below 4% 'er and you will see how you are now paying less than if you were renting and IT'S YOURS.  You can do what you want and not have to ask permission --- Home Ownership.  Looking for that special place is as easy as clicking right here.

I'd love to get you all the info you need, to find the home of your dreams!


Marlene Henderson, Broker/Owner
MoeBEST-Henderson Properties and
Property Management

831-429-9091  Office
831-419-9091  Cell
775-588-3325  Nevada Office

Santa Cruz Rental with 3 Bedrooms 2 baths and 2 car garage 95065

 Santa Cruz Rental with 3 Bedrooms 2 baths and 2 car garage 95065 in the wonderful secluded Santa Cruz Gardens neighborhood. Home is seculded and across from community Pool in the respected neighborhood of Santa Cruz Gardens.


Fully fenced back yard with patio ready for your bar-b-q's and a great place for the little ones to play safely with a low maintenance! yard!

Updated tile kitchen with beautiful cabinetry that makes cooking a joy. Hardwood floors through out home, that has a floor plan allowing for both congenial entertaining and privacy. Cozy woodburing fireplace in living room and forced air heating system. Two car garage with laundry hookups .This wonderful Santa Cruz Rental with 3 Bedrooms 2 baths and 2 car garage home will be available in Jan. 2012.
 It backs up to 10 acres of undevelopable land which affords the quiet of the woods.
With beautiful hardwood floors, freshly painted and professionally cleaned, this home will be a delight for anyone.
A current credit report to be submitted with application.  Employed responsible adults, no pets, smoking, drugs.
Home will be available the first part of January 2012
The monthly rate is $2850.
Deposit of $4350.

Santa Cruz Rental with 3 Bedrooms 2 baths and 2 car garage 95065

209 Serrell AV, Soquel, CA 95065 Soquel CA 2850 95065 Marlene Henderson (831) 429-9091Moebest-henderson Properties