Times are frustrating. We have been in a changing real estate/mortgage market in the last 12 months. As a lender or realtor, you really need to think outside the box at times, but in good consciousness. As a consumer, you don't know who or what to believe or trust at times. Not everything written on the internet or in an advertisement is true or accurate. So then what? I have been reading a lot of blogs and watching some TV commercials that make me sick to my stomach. Hey, I am not perfect nor do I know everything. But I will shoot straight from the hip. One thing to be careful about our those that tell others that they are very honest and to trust them. Those writing about this in blogs and advertising it, I am not a big fan of. Just think of these words as Red Flags !!!!!       Th... 04/03/2008

Well, it's finally here. The new FHA loan limits are officially out, that they have been changed. This will definitely open up the doors to new purchase deals, because the credit guidelines are more relaxed than conventional mortgages. Especially with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac coming out with new appraisal guidelines in regards to ordering appraisals. Also, on a conventional mortgage, if you have less than a 680 credit score, you are penalized. Overall, I could be describing more than 8 reasons why FHA mortgages are that much better, no matter how you look at things. Unless you are putting 20% to 30% down and/or you have a credit score above 680, the pricing on a FHA mortgage will be that much better. For more reasons why FHA mortgages are easier to obtain and less expensive, please r... 03/06/2008

FHA mortgages, why are they still not talked about as much as they should be?Many mortgage companies are not FHA approved.Many loan officers do not truly understand the difference between FHA mortgages and Conventional mortgages. Overall, what a great time to purchase a home or to refinance your mortgage. Mortgage rates right now are the lowest that they have been in over 2 years.So, with that said, let's check out why many times, FHA financing is better than conventional financing..... Top 10 Reasons why FHA mortgages are better than Conventional mortgages 10. Your monthly MMI vs PMI (monthly mortgage insurance) is lower monthly with 10% or less down. 9. You can get 100% gifted to you from a family member for down payment and closing costs. 8. You can be in a Ch. 13 bankruptcy after 1... 03/01/2008

  Okay, so you have $200,000 sitting around and you feel like investing it in a home or two. Sounds like a wise investment, only if you plan on flipping the home.  Kent Simpson talks about the abundance of cash buyers in some areas. Read this for more info : If There's A Recession On---Why Are There So Many Cash Buyers Right Now? Personally, this is great for a realtor because they don't have to go through the headaches of waiting for the borrower to be approved for a mortgage. But is this the right decision for the person buying the property?       Let's take a quick look into fundamentals of basic financing. In my opinion, it would be common sense to pay for a property in cash if I was going to flip it within 1, 3, or 6 months. It does depend on where you have this money and what kind... 02/24/2008

 How many of you just pick who you want to do business with blindly? Do you do research? Were you referred to them? Do you go with the person that promises you the best rate or no costs? Someone that promises you the best price for your house? Or do you steer away from those that sound like a sales person....just going with that person that sounds sincere, genuine, yet knowledgeable.In my 15 years in the mortgage business, I sometimes wonder how people choose those to help them when it comes to their financing options. What do you look for when picking someone to help you with one of your biggest financial decisions in your life?     WARNING..... If I could give any advice that you would listen to, please pull up a seat and listen to this. Beware of those late night infomercials. Think ... 02/01/2008

How many of you at one time or another bought a house or refinanced your mortgage and ran into one problem or another. May it have been the realtor who was not able to give you the correct answer or the loan officer who strung you along and then changed things last minute. I have never said that I am perfect or that I know it all, but it does come down to honesty, integrity, knowledge, and very good service.   What about you first time homebuyers that have never experienced buying a home or refinancing for the first time. I truly believe that there are some key phrases that can sometimes be cause for concerns, known as Red Flags. And just because you have done this before, doesn't mean that it won't happen to you. If you hear some of what is mentioned below more than once, especially i... 02/01/2008

  Three months after my First Half Marathon in Fairfield with evidence of the run still visible on my toes I have decided to go for my second half. This afternoon a fall sailing adventure with a few colleagues from my office was finalized and the time does not conflict with  the 14th annual United Technologies Greater Hartford Half Marathon so I signed up for the race.This is a huge event compared with the usual 5k races I enter and my previous half marathon that drew about 3000 participants.  The Hartford Marathon brings an estimated 7000 runners from all 50 states and the route will be lined with about 30,000 spectators.  The economic impact offers a weekend boom for Connecticut's poorest city. Forecasts anticipate the combined spending from runners and visitors to top 3.3 million dol... 10/04/2007

Hello everyone, please fell free to post any question related to Real Estate in the Hartford County. 07/23/2007

"DISCOVER THE AVENUE" is on Saturday, June 9th, 12-5pm, rain or shine, on Farmington Avenue in Hartford.  This street festival is sponsored by the Farmington Avenue Alliance and celebrates the arts, culture, architecture, and history of our Farmington Avenue neighborhood.  There will be trolley rides, activities at the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, music at the corner of Girard and Farmington Avenues, architectural walks in the neighborhood, an exploration of the Park River, artists exhibiting their work for sale, clowns, plein air artists painting neighborhood sites, and more.  Here's an outline of the events:MAIN EVENTSNoon to 5:00PMHarriet Beecher Stowe Birthday CelebrationLocation: Forest & FarmingtonNook Farm Green Arts & Crafts Show & MusicLocation: Farmington & WoodlandCorner of G... 05/30/2007

05/18/2007

I live in the West End of Hartford and really love my neighborhood.  The houses are charming, unique, and have great history behind them.  We can walk to excellent restaurants and downtown Hartford is just a short bike or bus ride away.  The roses at Elizabeth Park are about to bloom and free evening concerts will be starting in June.  There are so many reasons that I love where I live.There is one group of neighbors though, that really celebrates their block and have a strong sense of community.  The first block of Kenyon Street created a website that outlines the history of their block and all of the fantastic activities that they participate in throughout the year.  It's a unique occurrence these days to see neighbors so involved with each other, and I think they should be commended.... 05/16/2007

If you love the historic architecture in Hartford, there is a great event for you to attend this weekend in the Asylum Hill district.  The Hartford Preservation Alliance is hosting a guided walking tour through the Ashley Street historic neighborhood on Saturday May 19, starting at 12:00pm.  On Sunday May 20, from 12:00pm-3:00pm, there will be an open house tour of vintage Victorian homes and gardens in the same area.  You can also enjoy local cuisine and performances by the Hartford Children's Theatre as they portray Victorian children from the 19th century.Tickets are $10 for each day or $15 for both days.  The events will happen rain or shine and the meeting spot will be Veeder Place at 20 Sargeant Street in Hartford.  You can get more info by calling (860) 570-0331 or emailing info@... 05/15/2007