Enjoy your home!

Occasionally, you hear about an important recall on a product you have and you take care of it immediately. However, if you were to miss such a notice, it could put you or your family in jeopardy.
You can subscribe to the U.S. government's service to notify the public when recalls are made on vehicles, tires and child restraints through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on their site called SaferCar.gov.
You'll receive a notification by email when there is a new recall based on the type you selected. You can change your selections or unsubscribe at any time by going back to their website in the "Manage Your Notifications" section.
We're committed to helping you be a better homeowner by providing information on items that can protect your home's value, reduce expenses, improve maintenance and increase the enjoyment of your home.

Housing Affordability Index

The Housing Affordability Index was developed over thirty years ago to help consumers determine when it is a good time to buy a home. It's considered advantageous to the buyer when the index is over 100 because a median income family can qualify for a median price home.
Recent figures released by the National Association of REALTORS' economic department show that the 2011 index of 184.5 is the highest annual average since it has been calculated. The most recent month released, December 2011, was 194.9. The index is also broken down into four regions of the country.
The two major components that contribute to the index are home prices and mortgage interest rates which are lower than they've been in the last five years which account for the dramatic rise in the index since 2006.
The Housing Affordability Index is another indication that this is a good time to buy a home for people who have good credit, a down payment and want a home. It may be the best time we'll see in our lifetimes.

Mortgage Forgiveness Releif

The Mortgage Forgiveness Relief Act of 2007 was passed by Congress to avoid additional financial hardship that some homeowners might experience due to a foreclosure or short sale. The law affects mortgage relief that occurs from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2012.
Normally, IRS considers partial or total debt forgiven by a lender to be treated as ordinary income. This not only affects foreclosures but even short sales where only part of the debt is forgiven would trigger additional taxes for the homeowner. There are exceptions that apply such as bankruptcy and insolvency.
The forgiveness is only applicable to taxpayers' principal residence and only acquisition debt used to buy, build or improve the home. The additional cash taken out when refinancing a home will not be eligible for the relief unless it is used for capital improvements.
The lender is required to submit a 1099 form to IRS and provide the homeowner a copy who will file the forgiven amount on Form 982 as part of their 1040 tax return. How this affects your individual situation may differ due to other circumstances and advice from a tax professional is recommended.

Become your kid's mortgage lender

Become your kid's mortgage lender

This is an interesting article!!! Thought you guys would enjoy reading it!!! Hey it's better than the banks return in CDs, saving and money market accounts!!!

Homeowner Versus Renter Population

Homeowner Versus Renter Population

1925 Sequoia Drive

Located in the Preserve, this wonderful new Energy Star Certified home has so much to offer. With an inviting front porch great for enjoying nice quite evenings.  Entering this home a lovely dining room is located immediately on the right.  As you walk into the home you will find yourself in the open plan family/kitchen combination.  The family room is spacious with beautiful hardwood floors, a stone fireplace and an entire wall of large windows that allow natural light into this great space.  The kitchen boasts awesome maple cabinetry with a dark finish, granite countertops and an island.  There's even a large walk-in pantry.  Located conveniently just off the kitchen is a half bathroom.  Upstairs there's a loft area that would make a great kid's retreat/hangout.  You will also find a spacious master bedroom with a terrific trey ceiling and a large walk-in closet.  The master bathroom features a large soaking tub and separated tiled shower as well a generous size double vanity with granite and gorgeous brushed nickel fixtures. There are three other bedrooms located upstairs all with walk-in closets and a nice size full bathroom and a handy laundry room.  Enjoy the great backyard on the patio or any of the great amenities offered such as the clubhouse, pool, grilling area, walking trails and fishing pier.  The Preserve is located in the Auburn city limits and is just a few minutes from the new Publix Shopping Center.  There are numerous open house hours so send me an email or call to set up a showing!

http://tour.previsite.com/4E6072EB-639F-3245-4740-BB5AF4B5906C

Alabama Step Up Program

A lot of you may not know but the State of Alabama has a great down payment assistance program called "Step Up Program" that is offered through the Alabama Housing Finance Authority. I know your thinking what's the catch? But it really is a great program available for those that need it. Yes, there are some things you have to qualify for but the restrictions aren't bad and a lot of people actually do qualify.

Here are some of the qualifications.


You can't earn more than $97, 500

You have to take a homebuyers education course and there are only certain amount of fund available. So it is a first come first service basis. You also have to find a lender that participates in the program but you'll find that a lot of lenders participate in the program which makes for great lender options.
Some of the amazing things about the program is that there is no limit to the price of home you buy and its a fixed mortgage that is about the same as the current market interest rate and you make one payment since its combined with your primary mortgage. Some other things that are great about the program is that it doesn\'t matter where the home is! The house qualifies! And you don't have to a first time home buyer!

If your interested in getting more information on the program visit the website.

You can also call the following number to find a participating lender in your area.
1.800.325.2432 or visit www.AHFA.com.