Julie May's Blog

   I know it's been a hard winter, when I find myself getting excited about having a weekend that may get over 30 degrees!!  I've scheduled 3 open houses for my listings in the hopes that people will finally decide to leave their homes and come out into the relatively 'warm' temperatures that are supposed to be upon us this Sunday.
   Once it hits 50, watch out! 

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

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

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.