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Julie May
Agent
Omaha, Bellevue, Pap...

Julie May's Blog

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    The Great Nebraska Beer Fest!

    Written by Julie May  |  September 11, 2009 1:12 PM Entertainment & Nightlife in Papillion
    No comments | 115 views



    This Sunday from 1-6pm I am attending TheGreat Nebraska Beer Fest event at Shadow Lake Mall in Papillion.  It's put on by the Nebraska Brewing Company which is a restaurant/brewery at the mall.  I love to support local businesses, and I have to admit that I love the beer!   There is also an arts festival going on at the mall, so there should be something for everyone!
    Please join me!

    Here is the link with more information!  http://www.nebraskabrewingco.com/news.asp?id=130

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    Changes in the lending process

    Written by Julie May  |  July 14, 2009 1:10 PM Financing in Papillion
    No comments | 127 views

    As of July 30th, 2009, the mortgage industry will have to conform with new rules. 

    In 2008, amendments to the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act (HOEPA) and the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) were passed by Congress, and the Federal REserve Board published the regulations under the Truth in Lending Act.  These regulations require all mortgage lenders and morgage brokers to help prevent deceptive lending practices and protect consumers by helping them become more informed.

    Changes include:
    -new timeframes for when certain disclosures are issued and fees are collected
    -a minimum number of days for consumers to review loan options prior to closing
    -re-disclosure fo the Truth in Lending for any increase greater than .125% in Annual Percentage Rate (APR).

    These changes COULD impact loan closing dates, so it's imperative that morgage lenders, Reatlors, and title companies work together and communicate effectively.

    As these changes occur, consumers can use the tips below to help ensure a timely closing:
    -Get a credit check and pre-approval from a reputable lender before shopping for a home.
    -Review all potential ups and downs and the timeline of the loan with the lender right away.
    -Review the appraisal delivery disclosure and determine whether or not to waive the 3-business day review period prior to closing.
    -Understand that the interest rate on the loan or a change in fees or other products can impact the APR which means that until the rate is locked in, an exact APR cannot be determined, and this may affect your closing date.

    I'm optimistic about this, but we'll have to wait and see how this all plays out once it goes fully into effect.

    Here is a link for more information: http://www.wolterskluwerfs.com/info/resparc/changes.html


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    Papillion, NE...top 10 places to live in America!

    Written by Julie May  |  July 13, 2009 3:24 PM General Area in Papillion
    No comments | 157 views
    Once again, Papillion, Nebraska is ranked one of the top 10 places to live in America!  Papillion is ranked #3!!   A perfect place to buy YOUR new home!

    Here is the link:

    http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2009/snapshots/PL3138295.html
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    Finding the home you 'FEEL' is right

    Written by Julie May  |  June 27, 2009 8:24 AM Home Buying in Papillion
    No comments | 137 views
    I've been working with a lot of Buyers lately and it never fails to amaze me that the home most Buyers eventually choose is one that just 'feels' right to them.

    I recently took out a young couple just starting out as a family.  We looked at 12 homes the first day and nothing really grabbed them.  Yes, a home was functional or would do, but I could tell they weren't thrilled.   The 2nd day we went out and again, nothing grabbed them.  I was wondering if they would ever find anything they loved, but it happened on the 3rd day out.  We pulled up in front of a house and I could tell they were excited about it.  They talked about the pretty landscaping in front, the way the house looked from the street.  Once inside, I heard the wife say, "Oooohh", and I knew this was the one.  They started mentally placing their furniture in each room, saying that this was 'perfect'!   We didn't have to look anymore.  We wrote up an offer to purchase and got it accepted by that evening.  They are thrilled, and so I am I!  

    So many houses have the amenities Buyers are looking for, but only one 'feels' like home.
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    Tax credit used as a down payment

    Written by Julie May  |  June 4, 2009 10:19 AM Financing
    1 comment | 150 views
    OK, so FHA approved lenders can now initiate action to get the $8000 tax credit for your down payment!

    More information to follow I'm sure...  Here is the link from the article today:

    http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2009052901
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    High School Graduation

    Written by Julie May  |  May 19, 2009 7:26 PM General Area in Papillion
    No comments | 180 views

    My daughter graduated from high school this past weekend, and while I'm thrilled for her, it also brings on some bittersweet feelings...my sweet daughter (who I swear was just 4) is becoming a grown up.   After the ceremony we had an open house at my house with lots of food, drink and of course a big cake.  My daughter greeted the guests as they arrived as if she were the host of the party, not me!  Of course she was the guest of honor, but I had a glimpse of the adult hostess she would be when she hosted parties in her own home.  

    Within the week, she had written thank you notes and deposited her gift money in the bank, stating, 'she was saving it for college'.  What?  Where was my irresponsible teen?   She has since registered for college and declared that she wants to take some core classes at the community college this summer to 'get ahead'.  Again..what?   I feel like suddenly I am living with a new, improved daughter who suddenly has this amazing sense of responsibility!   It's going to be a fun ride as I watch her grow even more.  I just wonder if she'll feel that way when it comes to cleaning her room.





      

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    New Home Construction and Realtors

    Written by Julie May  |  April 21, 2009 9:19 PM Home Buying in Omaha
    3 comments | 252 views
    It's come to my attention that the two biggest so-called "mass' builders in the Metro Omaha area (we know who they are) have had a big influx of buyers knocking down their doors lately.   And most of these buyers are going there on their own.   Why?

    If you allow a Realtor, a Buyer's agent, to go with you on your first initial meeting with either Hearthstone or Celebrity, then you can have the peace of mind knowing that your agent is working for YOU.  The agents that represent these builders are working for the builders, not you.  Yes, they help you and have a set timeline and guide to help you through the process, but why not have an extra set of eyes and ears who have YOUR best interests in mind, instead of the builder's?  Best of all, it costs you nothing to have a Realtor working with you.  Why wouldn't you want that?

    The policy at both Hearthstone and Celebrity Homes is that you must bring your Realtor with you on your first visit to the model and get registered with them together.  If you don't, then you cannot be represented by a Buyer's agent throughout the process of building a home with them.

    So please...take me, or another Realtor of your choice WITH you when you go to check out these new construction homes.  Let our knowledge about the home buying process work for you.
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