Homeowners Insurance Costs Soar: "10 Most Expensive Homeowners Insurance States State Average Premium Change
Florida $1,534 Up 10.7%
Texas $1,448 Up 2.8%
Louisiana $1,400 Up 11.4%
Oklahoma $1,054 Up 3.5%
Massachusetts $1,023 Up 10.6%
Mississippi $1,019 Up 2.1%
Rhode Island $950 Up 3.4%
New York $936 Up 7.7%
Connecticut $929 Up 5.8%
California $925 Down 1.3%
National Average $822 Up 2.2%
Source: National Association of Insurance Commissioners"
YEah New Jersey is not on this list!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
CNBC – Big Banks, Short Sales, Kick Backs and Fraud « Jeremy Brandt
CNBC – Big Banks, Short Sales, Kick Backs and Fraud « Jeremy Brandt: "Short Sales, Bank Fraud and Off-HUD PaymentsCNBC – Big Banks, Short Sales, Kick Backs and Fraud
This morning CNBC aired the story we brought them regarding short sales, bank fraud and kick-backs to banks.
—————————–
Diana Olick — CNBC Real Estate Reporter
Big Banks Accused of Short Sale Fraud
Just as regulators, lawmakers and all forms of financial oversight boards are talking about new regulations to guard against mortgage fraud and another mortgage meltdown, there appears to be yet a new mortgage fraud out there today, allegedly perpetuated by agents of, yes, the big banks."
http://www.jeremybrandt.com/cnbc-big-banks-short-sales-kick-backs-and-fraud/
This morning CNBC aired the story we brought them regarding short sales, bank fraud and kick-backs to banks.
—————————–
Diana Olick — CNBC Real Estate Reporter
Big Banks Accused of Short Sale Fraud
Just as regulators, lawmakers and all forms of financial oversight boards are talking about new regulations to guard against mortgage fraud and another mortgage meltdown, there appears to be yet a new mortgage fraud out there today, allegedly perpetuated by agents of, yes, the big banks."
http://www.jeremybrandt.com/cnbc-big-banks-short-sales-kick-backs-and-fraud/
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Our Visit to the Rockefeller Tree
This was our 10th Anniversary and we celebrated by going to the Rockefeller tree and staying at the St Regis Hotel.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Looking Through the Buyer's Eyes
Below are questions to ask yourself when preparing your home for sale, to ensure it looks the best it possibly can to the buyer's eyes.
Exterior
•Does your yard look well maintained?
•Are the trees and bushes trimmed?
•Is your lawn mowed and edged?
•Is your lawn free of weeds?
•Are the decks and patios clean?
•Does your house need painting?
•Are there any exterior holes or cracks?
•Are your walks and porches clean and in good repair?
•Does your roof leak or sag?
•Are any shingles or tiles missing?
•Is your chimney in good shape?
Looking Through the Buyer's Eyes full story
Posted using ShareThis
Exterior
•Does your yard look well maintained?
•Are the trees and bushes trimmed?
•Is your lawn mowed and edged?
•Is your lawn free of weeds?
•Are the decks and patios clean?
•Does your house need painting?
•Are there any exterior holes or cracks?
•Are your walks and porches clean and in good repair?
•Does your roof leak or sag?
•Are any shingles or tiles missing?
•Is your chimney in good shape?
Looking Through the Buyer's Eyes full story
Posted using ShareThis
Tips for Finding The Right Home
When beginning the process of finding a new home, it is often difficult to know where to begin. Before researching the market or analyzing housing options, homebuyers may want to start by prioritizing their family's needs, determining what are "must-haves" versus what are "nice-to-haves." Below are some factors you may want to consider when trying to find the right home for your family.
Tips for finding the right home full story
Posted using ShareThis
Tips for finding the right home full story
Posted using ShareThis
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
N.J. homes sales jump 11 percent in quarter, while Atlantic County prices fall 10 percent from year ago - pressofAtlanticCity.com : Latest News
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Today We Celebrate ALL Veterans
Veterans Day is traditionally celebrated on Nov. 11 to coincide with the signing of an armistice that ceased most major conflict during World War I. In 1919 President Woodrow Wilson made Nov. 11 Armistice Day which would later be renamed Veterans Day.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Web site says that Veterans Day “is an opportunity to publicly commemorate the contributions of living veterans.”
It is also a day of remembrance for those serving in overseas conflicts and any who have served.
I know that alot of you have family or friends that have served or are serving in the military. There are many sacrifices that these brave individuals and their families make every day and because of these sacrifices we are fortunate to have the freedom to live our lives as we do.
Today I say thank you to those brave men and women and reflect on how fortunate I am to live in this great country.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Web site says that Veterans Day “is an opportunity to publicly commemorate the contributions of living veterans.”
It is also a day of remembrance for those serving in overseas conflicts and any who have served.
I know that alot of you have family or friends that have served or are serving in the military. There are many sacrifices that these brave individuals and their families make every day and because of these sacrifices we are fortunate to have the freedom to live our lives as we do.
Today I say thank you to those brave men and women and reflect on how fortunate I am to live in this great country.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
"President Obama has signed into law the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act (H.R. 3548) that included, as an amendment, the extension and expansion of the Homebuyer Tax Credit.
The bill provides a new incentive for existing homeowners who have owned their current homes at least five years, making them eligible for tax credits of up to $6,500 when they purchase a new home. I believe this provision benefitting existing home owners, combined with historically low interest rates, will help engage a large number of qualified move-up buyers who have been sitting on the sidelines hesitant to list their current homes… if they act now!
The bill also extends the previous incentive for first time homebuyers – or anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years. Those buyers will still get up to an $8,000 refundable tax credit.
The legislation includes other qualification provisions. For example, the credit is available only for the purchase of principal homes (no second or vacation homes) costing $800,000 or less and the credit is scaled back and gradually eliminated for individuals with annual incomes above $125,000 or couples with incomes above $225,000.
To qualify under either provision, buyers must sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30. This is likely to be the last tax credit that the government will offer to first time and move-up buyers. The window of time is shorter than it may seem, especially for potential buyers who need to list and sell their existing homes. We must do everything we can to help them take complete advantage of it."
The bill provides a new incentive for existing homeowners who have owned their current homes at least five years, making them eligible for tax credits of up to $6,500 when they purchase a new home. I believe this provision benefitting existing home owners, combined with historically low interest rates, will help engage a large number of qualified move-up buyers who have been sitting on the sidelines hesitant to list their current homes… if they act now!
The bill also extends the previous incentive for first time homebuyers – or anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years. Those buyers will still get up to an $8,000 refundable tax credit.
The legislation includes other qualification provisions. For example, the credit is available only for the purchase of principal homes (no second or vacation homes) costing $800,000 or less and the credit is scaled back and gradually eliminated for individuals with annual incomes above $125,000 or couples with incomes above $225,000.
To qualify under either provision, buyers must sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30. This is likely to be the last tax credit that the government will offer to first time and move-up buyers. The window of time is shorter than it may seem, especially for potential buyers who need to list and sell their existing homes. We must do everything we can to help them take complete advantage of it."
Home Buyers and Home Owners of 5 years, take advantage of the tax credit NOW
President Obama has signed into law the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act (H.R. 3548) that included, as an amendment, the extension and expansion of the Homebuyer Tax Credit.
The bill provides a new incentive for existing homeowners who have owned their current homes at least five years, making them eligible for tax credits of up to $6,500 when they purchase a new home. I believe this provision benefitting existing home owners, combined with historically low interest rates, will help engage a large number of qualified move-up buyers who have been sitting on the sidelines hesitant to list their current homes… if they act now!
The bill also extends the previous incentive for first time homebuyers – or anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years. Those buyers will still get up to an $8,000 refundable tax credit.
The legislation includes other qualification provisions. For example, the credit is available only for the purchase of principal homes (no second or vacation homes) costing $800,000 or less and the credit is scaled back and gradually eliminated for individuals with annual incomes above $125,000 or couples with incomes above $225,000.
To qualify under either provision, buyers must sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30. This is likely to be the last tax credit that the government will offer to first time and move-up buyers. The window of time is shorter than it may seem, especially for potential buyers who need to list and sell their existing homes. We must do everything we can to help them take complete advantage of it.
The bill provides a new incentive for existing homeowners who have owned their current homes at least five years, making them eligible for tax credits of up to $6,500 when they purchase a new home. I believe this provision benefitting existing home owners, combined with historically low interest rates, will help engage a large number of qualified move-up buyers who have been sitting on the sidelines hesitant to list their current homes… if they act now!
The bill also extends the previous incentive for first time homebuyers – or anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years. Those buyers will still get up to an $8,000 refundable tax credit.
The legislation includes other qualification provisions. For example, the credit is available only for the purchase of principal homes (no second or vacation homes) costing $800,000 or less and the credit is scaled back and gradually eliminated for individuals with annual incomes above $125,000 or couples with incomes above $225,000.
To qualify under either provision, buyers must sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30. This is likely to be the last tax credit that the government will offer to first time and move-up buyers. The window of time is shorter than it may seem, especially for potential buyers who need to list and sell their existing homes. We must do everything we can to help them take complete advantage of it.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Life Line Screening Sea Bright NJ Dec. 21,2009
No one knows when a stoke can strike - since 4 out of 5 stroke victims experience no apparent symptons whatsoever.
Life Line Screening Radiology have had over 275,000 people particpate in the ultrasound screenings that can determine your risk for storke caused by carotid artery disease, abdominal aortic aneuysm, and other vascular diseases.
I have had mine done by them when I saw their screening in Highlands because I fall under the risk factors and the price was reasonable as I did not have health insurance at that time.
I urge you to call Life Line Screening Radiology and pre-register fo rthe December 21,2009 screening as soon as possible. They will be in Sea Bright, NJ, ONLY DAY!
Call Today 1-866-579-4971
Life Line Screening Radiology have had over 275,000 people particpate in the ultrasound screenings that can determine your risk for storke caused by carotid artery disease, abdominal aortic aneuysm, and other vascular diseases.
I have had mine done by them when I saw their screening in Highlands because I fall under the risk factors and the price was reasonable as I did not have health insurance at that time.
I urge you to call Life Line Screening Radiology and pre-register fo rthe December 21,2009 screening as soon as possible. They will be in Sea Bright, NJ, ONLY DAY!
Call Today 1-866-579-4971
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Waterfront Condos along the Jersey Shore in Long Branch
Waterfront Condos along the Jersey Shore in Long Branch
I am constantly asked by prospective buyers looking to purchase a condo with "absolute ocean views" or a "waterfront condo" or a "condo on the ocean" oh yes and it must be under $200,000. Well that just does not happen and then they get very disappointed. So I decided to start writing about the different condos, townhouses that are specifically in Long Branch along the ocean and on ocean ave. For ease of use I am doing it alphabetically and will include address as well as map for visual aid.
Please feel free to contact me any time with questions you may have on these condos in Long Branch or other towns.
So we will now start with the Anchorage
Come and get away at the Anchorage, located 480 Ocean Ave., in one of the most up and coming towns on the Jersey Shore! This ocean front high rise building in the section known as west end offers comfortable living at a great price. Also a perfect escape from the hustle of the city, just step out your door and you're on the beach! Get cozy in a one or two spacious bedroom unit here at Anchorage. Relax on the balcony and enjoy direct water views, side views of water or wake to glorious sunrises from the large bedroom windows. Wind down with the re-modeled in-ground pool, exercise room, sauna and clubhouse. Literally steps to the ocean, this high rise is ready for your occupancy!
As with many condos along the Jersey Shore this is a no pets condo.Anchorage maintenance fee includes common area, exterior maintenance, snow removal, trash removal, sewer, water management fee. 2008 SOLD price range for a 1 bedroom 206,000 - $310,000
prices are affected by floor level and water views as well as updates if any were made
Nothing has sold yet in 2009,
Search for Anchorage Condos
Anchorage General Info:
Incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean
Walking distance to Pier Village
Minutes from Garden State Parkway
Anchorage Recreation:
Recreation room, exercise room and pool
Boating, fishing, and all water activities
Boardwalk along water
Anchorage Living Features:
Reserved parking
Laundry room on every floor
Waterfront
I am constantly asked by prospective buyers looking to purchase a condo with "absolute ocean views" or a "waterfront condo" or a "condo on the ocean" oh yes and it must be under $200,000. Well that just does not happen and then they get very disappointed. So I decided to start writing about the different condos, townhouses that are specifically in Long Branch along the ocean and on ocean ave. For ease of use I am doing it alphabetically and will include address as well as map for visual aid.
Please feel free to contact me any time with questions you may have on these condos in Long Branch or other towns.
So we will now start with the Anchorage
Come and get away at the Anchorage, located 480 Ocean Ave., in one of the most up and coming towns on the Jersey Shore! This ocean front high rise building in the section known as west end offers comfortable living at a great price. Also a perfect escape from the hustle of the city, just step out your door and you're on the beach! Get cozy in a one or two spacious bedroom unit here at Anchorage. Relax on the balcony and enjoy direct water views, side views of water or wake to glorious sunrises from the large bedroom windows. Wind down with the re-modeled in-ground pool, exercise room, sauna and clubhouse. Literally steps to the ocean, this high rise is ready for your occupancy!
As with many condos along the Jersey Shore this is a no pets condo.Anchorage maintenance fee includes common area, exterior maintenance, snow removal, trash removal, sewer, water management fee. 2008 SOLD price range for a 1 bedroom 206,000 - $310,000
prices are affected by floor level and water views as well as updates if any were made
Nothing has sold yet in 2009,
Search for Anchorage Condos
Anchorage General Info:
Incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean
Walking distance to Pier Village
Minutes from Garden State Parkway
Anchorage Recreation:
Recreation room, exercise room and pool
Boating, fishing, and all water activities
Boardwalk along water
Anchorage Living Features:
Reserved parking
Laundry room on every floor
Waterfront
Saturday, September 05, 2009
BOOST your Credit Score
Theoretically, You have More control over the amount and terms of debt than you do over how the markets impact the value of your investments. Do you have as much control as you would like? Are the low interest rates you've been reading about out of reach because your credit score isn't high enough? It's NEVER too late to get your debt under control and take steps to increase your credit score.
WHY CREDIT SCORES MATTER
The so called FICO score is the most widely accepted measure of credit worthiness; it is a quick gauge of your ability to repay debt. A high credit score can not only help you secure a lower interest rate when you need to borrow; it can even reduce your insurance premiums and some employers consider it when deciding whether or not to hire you for a job.
In general companies using the FICO score believe people with higher scores tend to act more responsibly in other ares of their lives as well. Conversely, a lower score makes it harder to get a loan, land a job or qulify for the best terms on a wide variety of consumer contracts.
FICO scores range from 300 to 850. Only a small percentage of consumers have scores over 800. The median score is roughly 725 and a score of 760 or higher usually gets you the best deals in interest rates etc. Income and assets (which are NOT included in the credit score formula) can also affect the amount and terms of a loan. However depending on the lender's standards a good job, high net worth may NOT be Enough to OVERCOME a POOR credit score.
A higher credit score will give you leverage in negotiating the best terms. MyFICO.com estimates that someone with a FICO score of at least 720 who takes out a 36 month $20,000 car loan will pay a 6.47% annual percentage rate (APR). In contrast with someone with a score between 500 and 589 will pay 18.403%.
(Source: MYFICO data as of July 14,2009. Interest rates are natioanl averages).
IMPROVING YOUR CREDIT SCORE
Five factors have an impact on your FICO score: payment history,leght of credit history, credit use, frequency of new credit requests and typres of credit. see previous article explaining what you can do to increase your credit score.
CHECK YOUR CREDIT HISTORY
The three main credit reporting agencies - Experian, Equifax and Transunion - are each required to provide consumers with a FREE copy of their credit report every 12 months.
It's a good idea to request a copy from one of the three agencies every four months on a rotating basis.
To do so go to http://www.annualcreditreport.com/
As you check out your credit reports, look for errors (such as accounts you never heard of or closed long ago, or late payments that were actually paid on time) and follow instructions for correcting mistakes.
THE BOTTOM LINE - BORROW SMART
For most people, some level of debt is a necessity. When you need to borrow, take appropriate steps so YOU are the one who is In Charge of the terms and conditions - not the lender.
The material here is provided for general inforamtion purposes only.
WHY CREDIT SCORES MATTER
The so called FICO score is the most widely accepted measure of credit worthiness; it is a quick gauge of your ability to repay debt. A high credit score can not only help you secure a lower interest rate when you need to borrow; it can even reduce your insurance premiums and some employers consider it when deciding whether or not to hire you for a job.
In general companies using the FICO score believe people with higher scores tend to act more responsibly in other ares of their lives as well. Conversely, a lower score makes it harder to get a loan, land a job or qulify for the best terms on a wide variety of consumer contracts.
FICO scores range from 300 to 850. Only a small percentage of consumers have scores over 800. The median score is roughly 725 and a score of 760 or higher usually gets you the best deals in interest rates etc. Income and assets (which are NOT included in the credit score formula) can also affect the amount and terms of a loan. However depending on the lender's standards a good job, high net worth may NOT be Enough to OVERCOME a POOR credit score.
A higher credit score will give you leverage in negotiating the best terms. MyFICO.com estimates that someone with a FICO score of at least 720 who takes out a 36 month $20,000 car loan will pay a 6.47% annual percentage rate (APR). In contrast with someone with a score between 500 and 589 will pay 18.403%.
(Source: MYFICO data as of July 14,2009. Interest rates are natioanl averages).
IMPROVING YOUR CREDIT SCORE
Five factors have an impact on your FICO score: payment history,leght of credit history, credit use, frequency of new credit requests and typres of credit. see previous article explaining what you can do to increase your credit score.
CHECK YOUR CREDIT HISTORY
The three main credit reporting agencies - Experian, Equifax and Transunion - are each required to provide consumers with a FREE copy of their credit report every 12 months.
It's a good idea to request a copy from one of the three agencies every four months on a rotating basis.
To do so go to http://www.annualcreditreport.com/
READ THE SCREEN CAREFULLY.
They will try to make you think you have to pay for the credit report.
Scroll the screen and you will find where to click for your FREE CREDIT REPORT!
Remember either every 4 months with a different agency or 1 time a year on ALL 3 agencies.
P.S. I just did it myself I got my credit report but NOT my credit FICO score you have to pay for that. OR get pre-qualified by a mortgage company and they will have to give you a copy of your report and the FICO score.
As you check out your credit reports, look for errors (such as accounts you never heard of or closed long ago, or late payments that were actually paid on time) and follow instructions for correcting mistakes.
THE BOTTOM LINE - BORROW SMART
For most people, some level of debt is a necessity. When you need to borrow, take appropriate steps so YOU are the one who is In Charge of the terms and conditions - not the lender.
The material here is provided for general inforamtion purposes only.
Five Ways to Improve Your Credit
PAY YOUR BILLS ON TIME! - Payment history accounts for roughly 35% of your score. Paying your bills on time is the MOST important thing to do. If you are behind, get caught up and then stay current. If you are struggling, CONTACT your creditors to work out a payment schedule.
INCREASE THE LENGTH OF YOUR CREDIT HISTORY - It accounts for 15% of your score. Cancelling an OLD card or getting alot of NEW credit within a short time span can hurt your score because it lowers the AVERAGE AGE of your accounts.
KEEP CREDIT BALANCES LOW - Credit use makes up 30% of your CREDIT SCORE. Try to keep the amoutn you borrow below 25% of your AVAILABLE CREDIT. Even if you pay off your credit cards every month, the average balance will still impact your score.
MINIMIZE NEW CREDIT REQUESTS - They account for 10% of your credit score. Every time a potential lender asks for a copy of your credit report, an inquiry is recorded. If you will be applying for a loan in the near future, DON'T apply for ANY NEW credit cards beforehand. You can also ask the three main reporting agencies to stop unsolicited credit offers.
MAINTAIN DIFFERENT TYPES OF INSTALLMENT AND REVOLVING DEBT - About 10% of your score depends on the type of credit used. How you handle revolvng credit (ie: credit cards) carries more weight than how you deal with installment debt (such as car loans and mortgages).
source; My fico. The material is for general informational purpose only.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
IRS Warns Taxpayers to Beware of First-Time Homebuyer Credit Fraud
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced its first successful prosecution related to fraud involving the first-time homebuyer credit and warned taxpayers to beware of this type of scheme.
On Thursday July 23, 2009, a Jacksonville, Fla.-tax preparer, James Otto Price III, pled guilty to falsely claiming the first-time homebuyer credit on a client’s federal tax return. Price faces the possibility of up to three years in jail, a fine of as much as $250,000, or both.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
New Truth In Lending Rules can cause a 3 day delay for closing
New Truth In Lending Rules for Mortgages
Here are the new rules for TIL (truth in lending) forms for all mortgages applied for after July 30th, 2009.
• The “early” TIL disclosures must be delivered or placed in the mail not later than 3 business days after the creditor receives the consumer's written application, and at least 7 business days before consummation of the transaction. This is a new “waiting period.”
“business days” do not include Saturday or Sunday. Similar to attorney review.
• If the annual percentage rate (“APR”) on the disclosure becomes inaccurate, by increasing or decreasing changes by more than 1/8 (.125%), the creditor must now make corrected disclosures to the consumer with a revised APR. The consumer must receive the corrected disclosures no later than 3 business days before consummation.
What does this mean?
If any of the fees change on the final settlement statement to a great extent compared to the GFE (good faith estimate) that was signed by the borrower at time of application (increase OR decrease in fees), a new TIL(truth in lending) disclosure will have to be generated and you have to wait 3 more days before you can close.
So a lender can’t have a higher or lower rate by more than .125% at closing AND the lender fees can’t go up or down by more than a couple of hundred bucks or you will have to wait another 3 days. Lender credits of any significant amount will cause a 3-day delay, even if it benefits the buyer.
for more highlights on this new rule
Here are the new rules for TIL (truth in lending) forms for all mortgages applied for after July 30th, 2009.
• The “early” TIL disclosures must be delivered or placed in the mail not later than 3 business days after the creditor receives the consumer's written application, and at least 7 business days before consummation of the transaction. This is a new “waiting period.”
“business days” do not include Saturday or Sunday. Similar to attorney review.
• If the annual percentage rate (“APR”) on the disclosure becomes inaccurate, by increasing or decreasing changes by more than 1/8 (.125%), the creditor must now make corrected disclosures to the consumer with a revised APR. The consumer must receive the corrected disclosures no later than 3 business days before consummation.
What does this mean?
If any of the fees change on the final settlement statement to a great extent compared to the GFE (good faith estimate) that was signed by the borrower at time of application (increase OR decrease in fees), a new TIL(truth in lending) disclosure will have to be generated and you have to wait 3 more days before you can close.
So a lender can’t have a higher or lower rate by more than .125% at closing AND the lender fees can’t go up or down by more than a couple of hundred bucks or you will have to wait another 3 days. Lender credits of any significant amount will cause a 3-day delay, even if it benefits the buyer.
for more highlights on this new rule
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