The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act contains multiple changes to the Small Business Administration's programs. These changes have been put into effect to encourage lenders to open up their lending to the small business sector. These changes can effect small business loans and commercial loans of many different sizes and in many different ways. This act is critically important in the lending industry, and so we thought we'd share some highlights. -The present SBA guarantee was up to 85%. This has been increased to 90% on some loans to encourage lenders to continue financing. -A new business stabilization loan is in the works which will be 100% guaranteed by SBA. These loans will be up to $35,000 to help businesses refocus and succeed long term. -The 504 Certified Development Compa... 04/04/2009

The National Association of Realtors reported a 30% decrease in the sale of second homes in 2008.  In contrast, analysts predict long-term demand for investment and vacation residences remains favorable because of those buyers in their prime years looking for a retirement home.  This may be especially the case as buyers witness the retraction in their stock portfolios and return to good old bricks and mortar in the sun!  Timing is everything.  With over $1 billion of private and public sector investment in the New Fort Lauderdale Beach, I am advising clients to take advantage of the broad inventory of exciting luxury properties now, and enjoy the benefit of the beach renovation over the next two years. Fort Lauderdale Beach has enjoyed a luxurious transformation.  The brand new W, The R... 04/03/2009

A tale of April Fool's at AM 1470 WWNN didn't go over well with morning drive hosts Steve Kane and Brian Craig of the "Steve Kane Show" in south Florida.  From the radio waves to the telephone lines, an April Fool's prank played by fellow host Bill Lewis of the "Credit Restoration Consultants Hour" didn't sit well with Steve and Brian.  In a joke that spanned almost a week, it was only on April 2nd that fellow hosts and listeners alike learned that Bill Lewis had not left the station and his long standing show on financial issues.  Although not a holiday in its own right, April Fool's Day or All Fools Day as it is called in several countries, is celebrated on April 1st.  It is a day that is marked by the commission of hoxes and other practical jokes of varying sophistication on family, ... 04/03/2009

Christopher Shearer Some children with ADHD continue to have it as adults. And many adults who have the disorder don't know it. They may feel that it is impossible to get organized, stick to a job, or remember and keep appointments. Daily tasks such as getting up in the morning, preparing to leave the house for work, arriving at work on time, and being productive on the job can be especially challenging for adults with ADHD. These adults may have a history of failure at school, problems at work, or difficult or failed relationships. Many have had multiple traffic accidents. Like teens, adults with ADHD may seem restless and may try to do several things at once, most of them unsuccessfully. They also tend to prefer "quick fixes," rather than taking the steps needed to achieve greater rew... 04/01/2009

In the recent issue of REALTOR magazine this month--an article recommends "9 Ways to Beat Negativity" and I believe it is more good news worth repeating: 1.  Tell Yourself a Positive Story--Invent a new story!  Life is a story--tell it in an upbeat, positve way--become a better storyteller!  And while you are at it, tell other people your positive story. 2.  Model Yourself after Success--Learn from other successful professionals in your field and model their attitudes and actions. 3.  Focus on the Important Stuff--Forget the small stuff; focus on what counts! 4.  Replace 'have to' with 'get to'--Change your mind set with a simple rephrase. 5.  Refuse to Participate in the Recession--Turn OFF the television and only skim headline news! Take action to grow your business. 6.  Boost your Ma... 03/30/2009

Christopher Shearer Info: www.makinghomeaffordable.gov ADMINISTRATION LAUNCHES NEW CONSUMER WEBSITE FOR RESPONSIBLE HOMEOWNERS SEEKING RELIEF MakingHomeAffordable.gov Features Self Assessment Tools, Calculators to Help Borrowers Determine Eligibility, Payment Reductions under Administration's Refinancing and Loan Modification Program Washington, DC- The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today launched a new website for consumers seeking information about the Obama Administration's Making Home Affordable loan modification and refinancing program. MakingHomeAffordable.gov offers features including interactive self-assessment tools that will empower borrowers to determine if they're eligible to participate and calculate the monthly mo... 03/28/2009

Christopher Shearer What is FHA? info: www.hud.gov The Federal Housing Administration, generally known as "FHA", provides mortgage insurance on loans made by FHA-approved lenders throughout the United States and its territories. FHA insures mortgages on single family and multifamily homes including manufactured homes and hospitals. It is the largest insurer of mortgages in the world, insuring over 34 million properties since its inception in 1934. What is FHA Mortgage Insurance? FHA mortgage insurance provides lenders with protection against losses as the result of homeowners defaulting on their mortgage loans. The lenders bear less risk because FHA will pay a claim to the lender in the event of a homeowner's default. Loans must meet certain requirements established by FHA to qualify fo... 03/28/2009

Fort Lauderale FL, FHA Approved Condos, FHA CONDOMINIUM loans Florida FHA mortgage lender, specializing in FHA financing for Broward,Dade, Palm Beach, roward County FHA Loan 97% Financing, FHA Mortgage Lender in Broward County Florida Minimal Down Payment and Closing Costs. •·     Down payment less than 3% of Sales Price •·     100% Financing options available •·     No reserves or required. •·     FHA regulated closing costs. •·     Seller can credit up to 6% of sales price towards buyers costs. Easier Credit Qualifying Guidelines such as: •·     No minimum Credit score or credit score requirements. •·     FHA will allow a home purchase 2 years after a Bankruptcy. •·     FHA will allow a home purchase 3 years after a Foreclosure.  Easier Debt Ratio & Job Requirement Guidelines such as:... 03/26/2009

We have worked hard to bring you all of the best real estate opportunities in the Palm Beach real estate market. But, now we have a sister site for broward county. The site offers great access to the Broward MLS data and easy searching for all of your south florida real estate needs. The best part is, we can now help you find your dream home whether its in the Palm Beaches, Treasure Coast or in the Broward real estate market. Be sure to browse our newest sister site and find your dream home! Here are a list of the areas we cover. Click on any of the links to view the great communities and homes in those cities! Broward County Real Estate Coconut Creek Cooper City Coral Springs Dania Davie Deerfield Beach Fort Lauderdale Hallandale Hillsboro Beach Hollywood Lauderdale By the Sea Lauderd... 03/24/2009

Christopher Shearer U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT   WASHINGTON, DC 20410-8000 ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HOUSING FEDERAL HOUSING COMMISSIONER www.hud.gov espanol.hud.gov March 12, 2009 MORTGAGEE LETTER 2009-08 TO: ALL APPROVED MORTGAGEES SUBJECT: Limits on Cash-Out Refinances     Effective for case number assignments on or after April 1, 2009, the loan-to-value (LTV) of Any cash-out refinance to be insured by FHA may not exceed 85 percent of the appraiser's estimate of value. Given the continued deterioration in the housing market, and FHA's need to limit its exposure to undue risk, this reduction to the maximum LTV for cash-out refinances is being instituted on a temporary basis while FHA further analyzes the housing and mortgage industry as well as its own portfolio to... 03/17/2009

Over the last year I have shown many of my luxury listings to buyers who have genuinely asked, "Will you put me on your list for this property?" After thinking about this request, which we all receive on a regular basis, I have the following advice for all of the buyers who are looking to take advantage of the incredible opportunities offered by the current real estate market in South Florida.  Lists are great, they are a wonderful tool in preparation to take some action or make contact, or simply not to forget something important.  The danger is, however, that the list gets forgotten or lost in the shuffle of daily activities. However, to really be on the "A List" for a particular luxury property the solution is to put yourself on the list under no uncertain terms.  Write an offer!  By... 03/11/2009

Christopher Shearer ACCEPTABLE PROPERTY TYPESBORROWER ELIGIBILITYELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTSPROGRAM QUESTIONS LENDER QUESTIONS ACCEPTABLE PROPERTY TYPES Does the rehabilitation construction have to comply with HUD's Minimum Property Standards? Yes. The improvements must comply with HUD's Minimum Property Standards (24 CFR 200.926d and/or HUD Handbook 4905.1) and all local codes and ordinances. Is the Section 203(k) program restricted to single-family dwellings? No. The program can be used for one-to-four unit dwellings. Maximum mortgage limitations are the same as for properties under Section 203(b). Can Section 203(k) be used to improve a condominium unit? Yes, however, condominium rehabilitation is subject to the following conditions: A. Owner/occupant and qualif... 03/10/2009

Broward FL Home Loan, Broward home loans Serving all of Broward  County Florida Including the cities of Coconut Creek, Cooper City, Coral Springs, Dania Beach, Davie, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach ,Hillsboro Beach, Hollywood, Lazy Lake, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea ,Lauderhill ,Lauderdale Lakes, Lighthouse Point, Margate, Miramar, North Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Parkland, Pembroke Park, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Pompano Beach, Sea Ranch Lakes, Southwest Ranches, Sunrise, Tamarac, Weston, West Park, Wilton Manors, For Broward County Florida banks and other Broward FL lenders, FHA home loan financing offers the security of a government insured Broward County Mortgage. Win/Win! To learn more, just use our fast and easy quick application! Minimal Down Payment and Closing Cos... 03/10/2009

GRATEFUL: appreciative of benefits received b: expressing gratitude 2 a: affording pleasure or contentment... Just being grateful and remembering all our blessings....something we should try to do each day....life is challenging, especially now--and now is also the time to be even more grateful!  Here are a few words of wisdom that I've collected....here's to you: •·        The only thing that keeps me from getting what I want-is the story I keep telling myself about why I can't have it. •·        Joy is what happens when we allow ourselves to fully appreciate how great it is! Live life with a smile and a song in your heart!     03/09/2009

Sometimes as realtors we get so caught up in our 'farming' areas, we forget about what the rest of the areas are doing...I spent a few hours this morning just looking at inventory about Fort Lauderdale, FL and I was truly amazed....prices are incredible...some really great bargains are on the market!  I was in awe...and I do believe it's a great time to buy, especially primary residences, but don't discount investment properties...!  I encourage you to look around at other areas--when have you seen home prices this low! 03/09/2009

Broward Mortgage, Broward Home Loan 97% Financing, FHA Mortgage Lender in Broward County Florida For Broward County Florida banks and other mortgage lenders, FHA mortgage loan financing offers the security of a government insured Mortgage. Win/Win! To learn more, just use our fast and easy quick application! Minimal Down Payment and Closing Costs. •·     Down payment less than 3% of Sales Price •·     100% Financing options available •·     No reserves or required. •·     FHA regulated closing costs. •·     Seller can credit up to 6% of sales price towards buyers costs. Easier Credit Qualifying Guidelines such as: •·     No minimum Credit score or credit score requirements. •·     FHA will allow a home purchase 2 years after a Bankruptcy. •·     FHA will allow a home purchase 3 years af... 03/08/2009

Christopher Shearer Reverse Mortgages for Seniors - FHA's Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM)   Looking for housing options for yourself, an aging parent, relative, or friend? A reverse mortgage may be right for your situation. The loan, commonly known as Home Equity Conversion Mortgage or HECM, is with a lending institution such as a mortgage lender, bank, credit union or savings and loan association. Senior homeowners age 62 and older can use FHA-insured reverse mortgages to convert the equity in their homes into monthly streams of income and/or a line of credit to be repaid when they no longer occupy the homes. Homeowners are required to receive consumer education and counseling by a HUD-Approved counselor so they can be sure this program meets their needs. HECM counselors will di... 03/05/2009

After a week full of showings, emails, telephone conversations and meetings on my luxury inventory I found a whole new attitude surfacing--the re-emergence of a back-up contract.  I am actively encouraging this activity among the sellers and buyers that I work with on a daily basis!  Oh, no.  Already, I hear the chorus of, "What a waste of time....."    Let's stop and think about whose time is being wasted.  First of all, if you represent the seller and you are disclosing to the co-operating broker that there is a contract in place, then this is a good practice to ensure that your listing proceeds to closing.  This is especially the case with declining buyer confidence and strict, somewhat volatile mortgage underwriting.  That is assuming, of course, that the property has passed the ins... 03/05/2009

Christopher Shearer Intro To Selling HUD Homes   What Is a HUD Home? The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which is a part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provides federal mortgage insurance which ensures that mortgage lenders will be reimbursed in the event homebuyers default on the mortgage. When a lender is forced to foreclose on an FHA-insured single family home, townhome, or condominium because the owner can no longer make payments, it can file a claim with FHA for the balance due on the mortgage and convey title of the property to HUD. A HUD Home, therefore, is a one-to-four unit residence acquired as a result of a foreclosure on an FHA-insured mortgage. How Are HUD Homes Sold? When a HUD Home becomes available for sale, usually it is listed on the Mu... 03/04/2009

Christopher Shearer more info here: www.hud.gov NOTE: Homeowners, contact your existing lender and/or a new lender to discuss how you may qualify for the H4H program.   The HOPE for Homeowners (H4H) program was created by Congress to help those at risk of default and foreclosure refinance into more affordable, sustainable loans. H4H is an additional mortgage option designed to keep borrowers in their homes.   The program is effective from October 1, 2008 to September 30, 2011. If you are having trouble making your mortgage payments, HOPE for Homeowners may be able to help you, by refinancing your loan into a new 30-year or 40-year fixed-rate loan with lower payments.   How the Program Works There are four ways that a distressed homeowner could pursue participation in the HOPE for Homeow... 03/04/2009