• Due to the large number of foreclosures, many financial institutions have created mortgage modification programs to help homeowners in default modify their existing mortgage loans into fixed-rate, more affordable loans. Many banks are overwhelmed with borrowers applying for mortgage modifications, resulting in some private companies, real estate brokers, nonprofit organizations, and attorneys offering to serve as the liaison between the homeowner and the bank, sometimes for a fee. With the numerous options available to homeowners, it can be difficult to determine which consultants are reputable. Individuals and companies that charge a fee prior to providing the mortgage modification service must register with the California Dept. of Real Estate (DRE). Consumers can verify that a company’s contract has been approved by visiting www.dre.ca.gov or by calling (916) 227-0770. Individuals and companies that charge fees after the service is performed are not required to register with the DRE.
To read the full story, please click here:
http://www.mercurynews.com/realestatenews/ci_11034787
Fannie, Freddie halt foreclosures for holidays
• Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac recently announced they will postpone foreclosure sales and evictions on occupied single-family residences that were scheduled to occur between Nov. 26, 2008 and Jan. 9, 2009. During this time, the companies will streamline their mortgage modification programs, scheduled to launch Dec. 15. Foreclosure attorneys and loan servicers will continue to contact borrowers who have defaulted on their mortgage loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, and continue to pursue workout options.
To read the full story, please click here:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/20/AR2008112003309.html
Best Real Estate News
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Suddenly, Stricter Appraisals
• The rapidly changing real estate market has led many lenders to require “comps” – sales of comparable properties used to help determine a home’s value – that are no more than 60 to 90 days old, and within one mile of the property being appraised. In addition to searching multiple listing services, many appraisers are seeking fresh comps by talking to REALTORS® and reviewing public records of recently sold homes.
• Some appraisers determine the value of a property based on the neighborhood’s “absorption rate” – the amount of time it will take to sell that market’s entire housing inventory at the current sales pace. Absorption rates of six months or longer imply the demand for housing in that area is lower than the supply. In October, California’s absorption rate was 5.9 months, a substantial reduction from the 15.2 months’ supply of a year ago. The absorption rate can vary throughout the state, and in October, the rate ranged from 3.5 months in the Sacramento region to 6.9 months in the Orange County and Santa Clara regions. Traditionally, areas with a large number of distressed properties have larger volumes of inventory until the median price declines to a level that enables more home buyers to enter the market.
• Real estate markets are local and can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. It is important that consumers and REALTORS® work with local appraisers that have knowledge of the region. This will help ensure a more accurate appraisal.
To read the full story, please click here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/23/realestate/23wczo.html?ref=realestate
• Some appraisers determine the value of a property based on the neighborhood’s “absorption rate” – the amount of time it will take to sell that market’s entire housing inventory at the current sales pace. Absorption rates of six months or longer imply the demand for housing in that area is lower than the supply. In October, California’s absorption rate was 5.9 months, a substantial reduction from the 15.2 months’ supply of a year ago. The absorption rate can vary throughout the state, and in October, the rate ranged from 3.5 months in the Sacramento region to 6.9 months in the Orange County and Santa Clara regions. Traditionally, areas with a large number of distressed properties have larger volumes of inventory until the median price declines to a level that enables more home buyers to enter the market.
• Real estate markets are local and can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. It is important that consumers and REALTORS® work with local appraisers that have knowledge of the region. This will help ensure a more accurate appraisal.
To read the full story, please click here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/23/realestate/23wczo.html?ref=realestate
Earlier closings may be in home buyers’ best interest
• Approximately 95 percent of all real estate closings take place during the last week in the month because mortgage interest is collected in arrears, meaning the principal and interest payment is due for the interest accrued during the previous 30-day period. The fewer days that are left in the month when escrow closes, the less upfront interest the borrower has to pay at closing.
• The later in the month that a loan closes, the earlier the first full mortgage payment will be due. To avoid paying a large sum of money at closing and then paying a full mortgage payment a few days later, some real estate experts advise clients to close earlier in the month if possible. Providing the lender with additional time to process the paperwork also will help ensure that mistakes aren’t made that could jeopardize funding the loan on time.
• Cash flow can be a challenge for some borrowers; so many lenders offer a credit for the mortgage interest due at closing if the loan closes early in the month. The exact date differs by lender and is determined by the type of loan. If the mortgage is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or guaranteed by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, a borrower can receive a credit for closing by the 7th of the month. With a conventional mortgage, the credit is typically available if the borrower settles by the 10th of the month.
To read the full story, please click here:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-lew23-2008nov23,0,5616331.story
• The later in the month that a loan closes, the earlier the first full mortgage payment will be due. To avoid paying a large sum of money at closing and then paying a full mortgage payment a few days later, some real estate experts advise clients to close earlier in the month if possible. Providing the lender with additional time to process the paperwork also will help ensure that mistakes aren’t made that could jeopardize funding the loan on time.
• Cash flow can be a challenge for some borrowers; so many lenders offer a credit for the mortgage interest due at closing if the loan closes early in the month. The exact date differs by lender and is determined by the type of loan. If the mortgage is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or guaranteed by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, a borrower can receive a credit for closing by the 7th of the month. With a conventional mortgage, the credit is typically available if the borrower settles by the 10th of the month.
To read the full story, please click here:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-lew23-2008nov23,0,5616331.story
Monday, November 10, 2008
HEAD FOR THE DOORWAY DURING EARTHQUAKE???
An enduring earthquake image of California is a collapsed adobe home with the door frame as the only standing part. From this came our belief that a doorway is the safest place to be during an earthquake. True—if you live in an old, unreinforced adobe house. In modern houses, doorways are no stronger than any other part of the house. You are safer to lay down nearby a bulk item.
Indoors: Drop, cover, and hold on. If you are not near a desk or table, drop to the floor against the interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms. Avoid exterior walls, windows, hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture, large appliances, and kitchen cabinets with heavy objects or glass. Do not go outside!
In bed: If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow. You are less likely to be injured staying where you are. Broken glass on the floor has caused injury to those who have rolled to the floor or tried to get to doorways.
In a high-rise: Drop, cover, and hold on. Avoid windows and other hazards. Do not use elevators. Do not be surprised if sprinkler systems or fire alarms activate.
Outdoors: Move to a clear area if you can safely do so; avoid power lines, trees, signs, buildings, vehicles, and other hazards.
Driving: Pull over to the side of the road, stop, and set the parking brake. Avoid overpasses, bridges, power lines, signs and other hazards. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking is over. If a power line falls on the car, stay inside until a trained person removes the wire.
In a stadium or theater: Stay at your seat and protect your head and neck with your arms. Don’t try to leave until the shaking is over. Then walk out slowly watching for anything that could fall in the aftershocks.
Near the shore: Drop, cover and hold on until the shaking stops. Estimate how long the shaking lasts. If severe shaking lasts 20 seconds or more, immediately evacuate to high ground as a tsunami might have been generated by the earthquake. Move inland 3 kilometers (2 miles) or to land that is at least 30 meters (100 feet) above sea level immediately. Don't wait for officials to issue a warning. Walk quickly, rather than drive, to avoid traffic, debris and other hazards.
Below a dam: Dams can fail during a major earthquake. Catastrophic failure is unlikely, but if you live downstream from a dam, you should know flood-zone information and have prepared an evacuation plan.
Indoors: Drop, cover, and hold on. If you are not near a desk or table, drop to the floor against the interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms. Avoid exterior walls, windows, hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture, large appliances, and kitchen cabinets with heavy objects or glass. Do not go outside!
In bed: If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow. You are less likely to be injured staying where you are. Broken glass on the floor has caused injury to those who have rolled to the floor or tried to get to doorways.
In a high-rise: Drop, cover, and hold on. Avoid windows and other hazards. Do not use elevators. Do not be surprised if sprinkler systems or fire alarms activate.
Outdoors: Move to a clear area if you can safely do so; avoid power lines, trees, signs, buildings, vehicles, and other hazards.
Driving: Pull over to the side of the road, stop, and set the parking brake. Avoid overpasses, bridges, power lines, signs and other hazards. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking is over. If a power line falls on the car, stay inside until a trained person removes the wire.
In a stadium or theater: Stay at your seat and protect your head and neck with your arms. Don’t try to leave until the shaking is over. Then walk out slowly watching for anything that could fall in the aftershocks.
Near the shore: Drop, cover and hold on until the shaking stops. Estimate how long the shaking lasts. If severe shaking lasts 20 seconds or more, immediately evacuate to high ground as a tsunami might have been generated by the earthquake. Move inland 3 kilometers (2 miles) or to land that is at least 30 meters (100 feet) above sea level immediately. Don't wait for officials to issue a warning. Walk quickly, rather than drive, to avoid traffic, debris and other hazards.
Below a dam: Dams can fail during a major earthquake. Catastrophic failure is unlikely, but if you live downstream from a dam, you should know flood-zone information and have prepared an evacuation plan.
Finding an area with appreciation potential
Some real estate experts believe that home buyers who purchase a house during the current market will gain equity if they stay in the house for at least five years and purchase in a desirable neighborhood.
MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY FOR CONSUMERS
• Neighborhoods with strong employment bases, such as hospitals, universities, and government, tend to be recession-proof. People desire to live near their jobs, so housing that is in close proximity to these types of industries are generally in higher demand than those in other areas.
• High gas prices and roadway congestion have led many people to seek “walkable” communities – neighborhoods that offer both daily needs such as grocery stores and coffee shops to more specialty items like hair salons, all within walking distance. Walkable communities also provide public transportation, which is becoming more desirable to many home buyers and is increasing demand for housing in these areas. One Web site, walkscore.com, calculates the walkability of a community by locating stores, restaurants, schools, parks, and other attractions that are within walking distance. The scores are based on a 100-point scale with 100 points being a “walker’s paradise.”
• Home buyers who seek a new or nearly-new home should search in areas where the homebuilder is known for honoring warranties and building high-quality homes that are structurally sound. Homes in these areas are more likely to weather well and gain value in the future than homes in areas where the homebuilder is unknown.
• Homes in neighborhoods with sales momentum generally appreciate at a faster pace than areas where sales are flat. Some real estate industry consultants advise clients to pay close attention to the “list to sale” numbers, which reflect the difference between the asking price and the final closing price. Usually, if the gap in list-to-sale numbers is narrow, then the real estate market in that area is improving.
To read the full story, please click here:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/advice/chi-select-neighborhood_chomes_1oct31,0,5272949.story
MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY FOR CONSUMERS
• Neighborhoods with strong employment bases, such as hospitals, universities, and government, tend to be recession-proof. People desire to live near their jobs, so housing that is in close proximity to these types of industries are generally in higher demand than those in other areas.
• High gas prices and roadway congestion have led many people to seek “walkable” communities – neighborhoods that offer both daily needs such as grocery stores and coffee shops to more specialty items like hair salons, all within walking distance. Walkable communities also provide public transportation, which is becoming more desirable to many home buyers and is increasing demand for housing in these areas. One Web site, walkscore.com, calculates the walkability of a community by locating stores, restaurants, schools, parks, and other attractions that are within walking distance. The scores are based on a 100-point scale with 100 points being a “walker’s paradise.”
• Home buyers who seek a new or nearly-new home should search in areas where the homebuilder is known for honoring warranties and building high-quality homes that are structurally sound. Homes in these areas are more likely to weather well and gain value in the future than homes in areas where the homebuilder is unknown.
• Homes in neighborhoods with sales momentum generally appreciate at a faster pace than areas where sales are flat. Some real estate industry consultants advise clients to pay close attention to the “list to sale” numbers, which reflect the difference between the asking price and the final closing price. Usually, if the gap in list-to-sale numbers is narrow, then the real estate market in that area is improving.
To read the full story, please click here:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/advice/chi-select-neighborhood_chomes_1oct31,0,5272949.story
Sunday, November 9, 2008
New Writing for TV & Film class starting
Dear Writers,
I'll be starting a new Winter Trimester session on Monday, November 24 . I hope you will continue your writing studies with me. You'll have the chance to get feedback and support on your writing and film projects and continue building valuable networking contacts. Many students find the first time they take class, they're learning the basics and then they write more during the second or third session. It's also valuable to reinforce the screenwriting concepts more than once and within the context of what you're currently working on.
If you'd like to participate, please be sure to come to class to register no later than the second week as I'll need to show adequate registration to keep the class open. The class will have 10 sessions, from Nov 24--March 8 at the same amazingly low cost of $45. (No class: 12/22, 12/29, 1/5, 1/19, 2/16.) Please pass the word on to any friends who might be interested. Thanks so much for your continued enthusiasm.
I now have a website: www.jeanetteshelburne.com with information on all the classes I teach, start dates, holidays and links to valuable resources. I'm looking forward to adding more. Any suggestions are appreciated. Please keep in touch and let me know how you are doing.
Thanks!
Jeanette Shelburne
I'm attaching a flyer if you'd like to pass it along and also, below is a description of the class, in case you'd like to email it to others:
Writing for TV & Film:? Why pay $400+ for a writing class when you can receive the same high quality instruction from a publicly funded, low- cost class? How does $45 weeks for 10weeks compare? Class is offered by Westside Education & Career Center and the City of West Hollywood. Students learn story structure, character development, scripting format, and marketing and while getting supportive feedback on their original writing from a produced, WGA writer. Starts November 24, Mondays, 6:15-9:30 p.m. at Plummer Park Community Center, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, 90069. Register in class the first night. For information: www.jeanetteshelburne.com , (818) 702-8693 or Shelburne@aol.com
I'll be starting a new Winter Trimester session on Monday, November 24 . I hope you will continue your writing studies with me. You'll have the chance to get feedback and support on your writing and film projects and continue building valuable networking contacts. Many students find the first time they take class, they're learning the basics and then they write more during the second or third session. It's also valuable to reinforce the screenwriting concepts more than once and within the context of what you're currently working on.
If you'd like to participate, please be sure to come to class to register no later than the second week as I'll need to show adequate registration to keep the class open. The class will have 10 sessions, from Nov 24--March 8 at the same amazingly low cost of $45. (No class: 12/22, 12/29, 1/5, 1/19, 2/16.) Please pass the word on to any friends who might be interested. Thanks so much for your continued enthusiasm.
I now have a website: www.jeanetteshelburne.com with information on all the classes I teach, start dates, holidays and links to valuable resources. I'm looking forward to adding more. Any suggestions are appreciated. Please keep in touch and let me know how you are doing.
Thanks!
Jeanette Shelburne
I'm attaching a flyer if you'd like to pass it along and also, below is a description of the class, in case you'd like to email it to others:
Writing for TV & Film:? Why pay $400+ for a writing class when you can receive the same high quality instruction from a publicly funded, low- cost class? How does $45 weeks for 10weeks compare? Class is offered by Westside Education & Career Center and the City of West Hollywood. Students learn story structure, character development, scripting format, and marketing and while getting supportive feedback on their original writing from a produced, WGA writer. Starts November 24, Mondays, 6:15-9:30 p.m. at Plummer Park Community Center, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, 90069. Register in class the first night. For information: www.jeanetteshelburne.com , (818) 702-8693 or Shelburne@aol.com
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Security Alert From Computer Czech
Please be aware of the latest thread on the internet called Antivirus 2008 and Antivirus 2009. Antivirus 2009 is considered as one of the widely spread and most successful rogue antivirus to date. It had infected vast number of computers around the world. Antivirus 2009 pretends to be a security application but crated primarily to sell the rogue security product by using unfair method of fake scanning and detection to assure the victim of its importance.
While reading your emails or searching the web you may get a pop up window with a warning that your computer is infected and it should be scanned. MAKE SURE NOT TO CLICK OK. You can try to click cancel, if that pop up window will keep coming back close all your open programs and restart your computer. If you have not click on any of the pop up windows your computer should be safe at this point. We recommend running a full virus scan using your antivirus software.
Here are signs of Antivirus 2009 Trojan Family Infection:
· Each of the Antivirus 2009 variations will display popups or alerts stating that it has detected a violation or security issue within your computer. Of course this type of notification is fake and should not be clicked on or it may prompt you to purchase one of the Antivirus 2009 variations. XP Antivirus, XP Antivirus 2008 or XP Antivirus 2009 alert messages appear, for example:
1. System files modification alert!
Some critical system files of your computer were modified by malicious program. It may cause system instability and data loss. Click here to block unauthorized modification by removing threats (Recommended).
2. Privacy Violation alert!
XP antivirus detected Privacy Violation. Some program is secretly sending your private data to untrusted internet host. Click here to block this activity by removing threats (Recommended).
· You notice that your desktop has unknown or new desktop icons or desktop shortcut icons.
· C: Drive icon in the “My Computer” disappears.
· The Windows Start Menu no longer displays the normal items of “My Documents”, “My Computer”, “Search”, “Help” and other items that are normally found in the start menu.
· Desktop background switches to a red background that has an image set out to look like a toxic logo in the middle with the text “Privacy is in Danger! Download Privacy Protection Software Now” beneath it.
· Your screensaver settings are changed to display black bugs crawling on your screen or to an image of the infamous “Blue Screen of Death”.
· “VIRUS ALERT!” text on the system tray.
· Administrative privileges are removed or limited from the default administrator account.
· The performance of your computer is very slow or crashes during common operations.
Please feel free to contact us via phone or email if you need any advice how to deal with this thread or if you have any questions regarding any computer issues. We are here to help you and solve all your computer needs.
Have a safe internet browsing experience.
The Computer Czech Team
Computer Czech LLC
9050 ½ Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Telephone: 310-271-9771
Web: www.computer-czech.com
Email: info@computer-czech.com
While reading your emails or searching the web you may get a pop up window with a warning that your computer is infected and it should be scanned. MAKE SURE NOT TO CLICK OK. You can try to click cancel, if that pop up window will keep coming back close all your open programs and restart your computer. If you have not click on any of the pop up windows your computer should be safe at this point. We recommend running a full virus scan using your antivirus software.
Here are signs of Antivirus 2009 Trojan Family Infection:
· Each of the Antivirus 2009 variations will display popups or alerts stating that it has detected a violation or security issue within your computer. Of course this type of notification is fake and should not be clicked on or it may prompt you to purchase one of the Antivirus 2009 variations. XP Antivirus, XP Antivirus 2008 or XP Antivirus 2009 alert messages appear, for example:
1. System files modification alert!
Some critical system files of your computer were modified by malicious program. It may cause system instability and data loss. Click here to block unauthorized modification by removing threats (Recommended).
2. Privacy Violation alert!
XP antivirus detected Privacy Violation. Some program is secretly sending your private data to untrusted internet host. Click here to block this activity by removing threats (Recommended).
· You notice that your desktop has unknown or new desktop icons or desktop shortcut icons.
· C: Drive icon in the “My Computer” disappears.
· The Windows Start Menu no longer displays the normal items of “My Documents”, “My Computer”, “Search”, “Help” and other items that are normally found in the start menu.
· Desktop background switches to a red background that has an image set out to look like a toxic logo in the middle with the text “Privacy is in Danger! Download Privacy Protection Software Now” beneath it.
· Your screensaver settings are changed to display black bugs crawling on your screen or to an image of the infamous “Blue Screen of Death”.
· “VIRUS ALERT!” text on the system tray.
· Administrative privileges are removed or limited from the default administrator account.
· The performance of your computer is very slow or crashes during common operations.
Please feel free to contact us via phone or email if you need any advice how to deal with this thread or if you have any questions regarding any computer issues. We are here to help you and solve all your computer needs.
Have a safe internet browsing experience.
The Computer Czech Team
Computer Czech LLC
9050 ½ Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Telephone: 310-271-9771
Web: www.computer-czech.com
Email: info@computer-czech.com
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