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Featured Montgomery Gay Realtor: Jeff, Long and Foster Realtors

admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:08:30 +0000

Specializing in Homes Near Metro in Montgomery County MD and NW DC

First-Time-Buyers, Move-Up Sellers, Relocations

No pressure, friendly, helpful, experienced.

Clients say it best:

“Jeff is absolutely great to work with – patient, understanding, insightful, flexible, never ever pushy and just an all around nice guy and great realtor.”

“I would recommend working with Jeff to friends, family or anyone else for that matter without reservation – 100 percent. He’s a great guy and a great realtor – easy to talk to, easy to work with, natural and of excellent character. He’s truly an authentic guy, and that makes a real difference when seeking guidance in making big decisions. ”

Click here to search for a gay or lesbian real estate agent anywhere in the country.

Professional/Personal Distinctions:

E-PRO Chairman’s Club Customer Service Awards

Specialties:

First Time Homebuyers, Move-up Sellers, Homes on the Metro Red Line

View Jeff’s Complete Profile & Contact Him Immediately by Clicking Here

Occasionally we’ll feature one of our top gay real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some of the great Gay Realtors, Lesbian Realtors, Gay Friendly Realtors, and other Real Estate Professionals at GayRealEstate.com

At Gay Real Estate, we keep you posted about all the residential real estate news, gay real estate news and Gay Realtor stories affecting the gay and lesbian home buying and selling community coast to coast, and in your neighborhood!

Click here for list of gay realtors, lesbian realtors and gay friendly realtors Nationwide.

If you have a real estate story that you’d like to share with us with the LGBT community, please contact us at: manager@gayrealestate.com

HUD: 3 bills will complete Obama refinancing initiative

admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:31:56 +0000

Three bills intended to increase homeowner refinancing were introduced this week by Democratic senators — bills that HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan said are “a win, win, win and something that we think can gain real bipartisan support very quickly and get passed.”

The bills, if passed, would complete President Barack Obama’s plan for refinancing, which he outlined in the State of the Union Address.

In 2009, the Administration announced the Home Affordable Refinance Program to assist responsible homeowners refinance their mortgages. In its first two years it helped nearly 1 million homeowners refinance. However, eligibility regulations and costs associated with the program kept it from having a wider impact.

As a result, in October the President announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would work with lenders to remove barriers, allowing more families to benefit from refinancing their mortgages at historically low rates.

Speaking on a conference call Friday, Donovan heralded a bill introduced this week by Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., that encourages homebuyers who don’t have a Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Federal Housing Administration-backed loans to refinance.

“There are about 3.5 million families who are doing the right thing by paying their bills, current on their mortgages, but because they’re underwater and have a private-label securities loan, they have been locked out of refinancing,” Donovan said. “We want to expand refinancing to those families.”

And in an attempt to accelerate the rebuilding of homeowner equity, Senator Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., advanced a bill in which Fannie and Freddie cover the closing costs for some homeowners who are current on their mortgage and seeking to refinance into a 20-year loan term or shorter through HARP. It will save homeowners an average of $3,000 a year.

“One of the great powers of low interest rates isn’t that they can just help boost consumer spending, it also means that most homeowners can take savings from lower interest rates and plow it back into paying back their mortgage,” Donovan said. “They can keep their payments the same, but accelerate the amount of principal they’re paying every month and get back above water much faster.”

Mortgage applications are surging from the refinancing boom.

Refinancing activity edged up 1.3% for the week as the conventional refinance index rose 1.8% and the government refinance index fell 2.3%, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Refinancing activity made up approximately 72.1% of all mortgage activity for the week, mostly flat from 72.6% the week before.

Donovan also touted a bill introduced this week by Sens. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., and Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., that removes a minimum requirement for mortgage LTV through HARP.

“What we have here is a series of ‘We can’t wait’ actions that the President has taken under his own authority that has seen real early success,” Donovan said. “And there’s now evidence in an enormous jump in refinancing as a result of the actions the president took last fall.”

Ed Canaday, an global banking & markets analyst at the Royal Bank of Scotland ($6.95 0.16%) said in an email the Menendez-Boxer bill is unlikely to pass Congress.

However, if successful, investors should be aware of its potential impact on prepayments and valuation of HARP pools.

“Clearly, extending the HARP cut-off date allowing for “re-HARPing” could have a great impact on prepayments for certain coupons,” he said. The “re-HARPing” effect may result in worse convexity and lower dollar prices for some MHA and CQ/U6 pools.”

“Meanwhile, this could discourage many lenders from actively participating in the HARP program,” he added, “as HARP business could become less lucrative if rising prepayments lead to lower prices for pools backed by HARP collateral.”

On Friday in Reno, Nev., President Obama discussed the impact of his refinancing changes announced in October.

The author of this article is: Justin T. Hilley

See the original post at: http://www.housingwire.com/news/hud-three-bills-will-complete-obamas-refinancing-initiative

At GayRealEstate.com, we keep you updated with all the gay realtor, lesbian realtor, gay realty, gay real estate and general real estate news affecting the LGBT community coast to coast, and in your neighborhood.

Click here for list of gay realtors, lesbian realtors and gay friendly realtors Nationwide.

If you have a real estate story that you’d like to share with us with the gay and lesbian real estate community, please contact us at: manager@gayrealestate.com

Featured Frederick Gay Realtor: Ed, TeamBlackBerry & Associates

admin — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:01:56 +0000

I specialize in representing my clients in the purchase and sale of homes in and around Frederick, Maryland. I recently retired from the Service as an Air Force Senior Master Sergeant and bring to the table 24 years of administrative and managerial experience to ensure fine attention to detail in every transaction. Add all that up and that is why you want me and “TeamBerry” on your side when making possibly the biggest decision you have to consider.

Click here to search for a gay or lesbian real estate agent anywhere in the country.

Professional/Personal Distinctions:

Members of Frederick County Association of Realtors, Maryland Association of Realtors, and National Association of Realtors

Specialties:

Residential, Buyer Brokerage, Military, Condominiums, Investments, Luxury Homes, Lake/Beach Property

View Ed’s Complete Profile & Contact Him Immediately by Clicking Here

Mortgage Giant Offers Another Sign of Stabilizing Market

admin — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:32:18 +0000

Fannie Mae, which backs the most loans in the country, announced that it would not need taxpayer aid to cover losses for the first time since the federal government took control over the mortgage giant in 2008.

Fannie posted a profit in the first quarter of the year, reporting a net income of $2.7 billion compared to a $6.5 billion loss they reported in the first quarter of 2011.

“We expect our financial results for 2012 to be significantly better than 2011,” says Susan McFarland, Fannie Mae’s chief financial officer. “As our serious delinquency rate declines and home prices stabilize, we expect to reduce our reserves, which combined with revenue from our high-quality new book of business, will drive our future results.”

Several analysts say there are signs of the housing market stabilizing: The decline in home prices is slowing, more Americans are buying homes than a year ago, and housing starts have climbed in the last year.

Freddie Mac, also a government-sponsored enterprise and mortgage giant, recently reported a profit as well — a $577 million quarterly net income for the first quarter.

The author of this article is: realtormag.realtor.org

See the original post at: http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2012/05/10/mortgage-giant-offers-another-sign-stabilizing-market

Click here for list of gay realtors, lesbian realtors and gay friendly realtors Nationwide.

If you have a real estate story that you’d like to share with us with the gay and lesbian real estate community, please contact us at: manager@gayrealestate.com

Featured San Francisco Gay Realtor: Kirk, Vanguard Properties Real Estate

admin — Fri, 11 May 2012 19:10:36 +0000

Only the most informed real estate professionals can guide you through the ups and downs of the Bay Area real estate market. Kirk has been doing just that for buyers and sellers for several years.

Kirk started in the construction trade at an early age. From there, he moved on to renovating homes and managing property development before transitioning to sales. Kirk worked for Urban Bay Properties before his transition over to Vanguard Properties.

Kirk’s thorough understanding of his clients’ needs is a terrific asset. Few dedicate as much time to connecting with clients. For Kirk, focusing on the client-broker partnership is critical to a successful transaction.

A relentless advocate for his clients, Kirk is constantly networking with real estate professionals to find the best listings and to bring a property to the market. Past clients describe Kirk as incredibly resourceful with an uncanny ability to negociate a successful deal.

70% of Kirk’s business comes from previous clients and referrals. This reveals what people think about Kirk’s approach and winning strategy. They know it pays to go with what works!

In his free time, Kirk enjoys traveling and exploring the globe. He loves learning about the local culture in the cities he’s visited. At home, Kirk works hard and plays harder, volunteering for the SF AIDS Foundation, MS Society and Rebuilding Together, a local charity that rehabilitates homes for low-income homeowners.

Whether you are looking for an investment opportunity or are buying a home for the first time, Kirk’s background, knowledge, business acumen, and dedication help get an inside edge on the best listings.

Click here to search for a gay or lesbian real estate agent anywhere in the country.

Professional/Personal Distinctions:

National Association of REALTORS California Association of REALTORS San Francisco Association of REALTORS

Specialties:

~ Familiarity with San Francisco’s neighborhoods ~ New developments specialist ~ Tenant Rights and multiple-family buildings ~ First time home buyer specialist ~ Experience in home construction, management, renovation and sales

View Kirk’s Complete Profile & Contact Him Immediately by Clicking Here

Mortgage Applications for Home Purchases Tick Up 3.4%

admin — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:29:19 +0000

Home buyers and refinancers are looking at cashing in on record-low interest rates, sending mortgage applications higher for the week.

Mortgage applications for purchasing a home increased again last week, rising 3.4 percent for the week ending May 4, the Mortgage Bankers Association reports in its weekly survey.

Overall, mortgage applications rose 1.7 percent this week compared to the prior week. Applications for refinancing, which make up the biggest bulk of mortgage applications, increased 1.3 percent.

Home owners refinancing at today’s lower rates are seeing savings, according to a refinance analysis of the first quarter by Freddie Mac. Home owners who refinanced are, on average, seeing a reduction in an interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage of about 1.5 percentage points, or a savings of about 27 percent in the interest rate. It’s the largest percentage reduction in interest rate recorded for refinancing in the 27 years that Freddie Mac has been compiling data.

The author of this article is: realtormag.realtor.org

See the original post at: http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2012/05/10/mortgage-applications-for-home-purchases-tick-up-34

Click here for list of gay realtors, lesbian realtors and gay friendly realtors Nationwide.

If you have a real estate story that you’d like to share with us with the gay and lesbian real estate community, please contact us at: manager@gayrealestate.com

Featured Santa Clarita Gay Realtor: Tripp, Keller Williams Realty VIP Properties

admin — Thu, 10 May 2012 19:06:28 +0000

Over 10 yrs full time realtor serving the Santa Clarita Valley, San Fernando Valley, and Antelope Valley. Short Sales, REO, New Home construction & Land. Residential Resales, Land purchase, Foreclosure/REO listings & sales, New Home purchase-negotiate with developers to sell exisiting homes based on current market comps, Investment in cash flow properties, area specialist in Santa Clarita Valley, San Fernando Valley & Antelope Valley, Liason with Banks to determine value/Broker Price Opinions (BPO’s)

Communities I serve are: Valencia, Stevenson Ranch, Saugus,Castaic, Canyon Country, Newhall, Northridge, North Hills, Porter Ranch, Granda Hills, West Hills, Chatsworth,Van Nuys, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Lake Balboa

Click here to search for a gay or lesbian real estate agent anywhere in the country.

Professional/Personal Distinctions:

Member National Association of REALTORS

Specialties:

New Homes, Short Sales, REO-Bank Foreclosures, Condo’s to Castles…Residential Resales, Land purchase, Foreclosure/REO listings & sales, New Home purchase-negotiate with developers to sell exisiting homes based on current market comps, Investment in cash flow properties, area specialist in Santa Clarita Valley, San Fernando Valley & Antelope Valley, Liason with Banks to determine value/Broker Price Opinions (BPO’s)

View Tripp’s Complete Profile & Contact Him Immediately by Clicking Here

BofA Starts Writing Off Borrowers’ Mortgage Debt

admin — Thu, 10 May 2012 12:24:50 +0000

More than 200,000 underwater home owners with mortgages through Bank of America may be eligible to have a reduction in the amount they owe on their loan, which could possibly trim their monthly payments by up to 35 percent.

Bank of America has sent letters to home owners who may be eligible to take part in a program to write-off a portion of underwater home owners’ mortgage principal, reducing it by, on average, $150,000 each.

The bank’s move stems from the $25 billion settlement, which it and four other of the nation’s largest lenders reached earlier this year with federal and state officials over past foreclosure mishandlings. Bank of America agreed to reduce some home owners’ mortgage principles as part of the settlement.

Home owners eligible for the principal write-offs must be “underwater” (owing more on their mortgage than their property is currently worth), have a loan owned or serviced by Bank of America, and be at least 60 days behind on their mortgage payments as of the end of January. In order for the mortgage reductions to be made permanent, home owners must make at least three on-time payments.

“To the extent principal reduction and other modification tools help us turn mortgages headed for possible foreclosure into long-term performing loans, it will be positive for home owners, mortgage investors and communities,” says Ron Sturzenegger, a legacy asset servicing executive.

The author of this article is: realtormag.realtor.org

See the original post at: http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2012/05/08/bofa-starts-writing-borrowers-mortgage-debt

Click here for list of gay realtors, lesbian realtors and gay friendly realtors Nationwide.

If you have a real estate story that you’d like to share with us with the gay and lesbian real estate community, please contact us at: manager@gayrealestate.com

5 Cities Where Rents Are Rising Most

admin — Thu, 10 May 2012 12:21:36 +0000

Rents continue to inch up, soaring more than 5 percent nationwide in the 12 months ending April 31. In some places, rents have increased by more than 15 percent in that time period.

The following five metro areas have seen some of the biggest increases in rental prices — more than 10 percent — in the 12 months ending April 31, according to recently released data by Trulia:

1. Edison-New Brunswick, N.J.

Change in rent in 12 month period: Up 15.6 percent

2. San Francisco, Calif.

Change in rent in 12 month period: Up 13.2 percent

3. Miami, Fla.

Change in rent in 12 month period: Up 12.3 percent

4. Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills, Mich.

Change in rent in 12 month period: Up 11.8 percent

5. Indianapolis

Change in rent in 12 month period: Up 11.1 percent

The author of this article is: realtormag.realtor.org

See the original post at: http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2012/05/08/5-cities-where-rents-are-rising-most

Click here for list of gay realtors, lesbian realtors and gay friendly realtors Nationwide.

If you have a real estate story that you’d like to share with us with the gay and lesbian real estate community, please contact us at: manager@gayrealestate.com

Featured Denver Gay Realtor: Richard, The Real Estate Merchants

admin — Wed, 09 May 2012 23:33:50 +0000

As the preeminent real estate professional in my community, I am dedicated to providing the finest service available while breaking new ground.

Because the real estate industry is becoming more sophisticated and challenging every day, you need a professional that understands the industry and is positioned to stay ahead of the game.

I constantly research the market and property values so your home is priced effectively from day one & you never pay more for a home than the market will support ~ I go the extra mile to help you achieve your goals!

Click here to search for a gay or lesbian real estate agent anywhere in the country.

Professional/Personal Distinctions:

Member National Association of Realtors

Specialties:

First time buyers!

View Richard’s Complete Profile & Contact Him Immediately by Clicking Here