Achieving Homeownership, Getting Started…

A Home Buying Workshop:  March 2, 2010 at 7:00pm

Is now a good time?
If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, attend our FREE seminar to learn the basics about the process and have your questions answered by experts in the field.
With everything you’ve been reading in the newspaper, its difficult to make sense of the chatter -we’ll help you figure out what the latest news means for you.
Join us!

Space is limited.  Email melinda@brandongreen.com or call 202-318-1623 x7015 to reserve your seat.

I recently noticed that my monthly mortgage payment had increased by a modest amount. I received a notice that they were adding about $15 a month as a “reserve requirement” for my escrow fund. As you are aware if you’re a home owner, the bank collects extra money from you each month for an escrow fund, which it then uses to pay your real estate taxes. A nice service, because you then don’t have to come up with many hundreds of dollars every six months to pay your taxes.

However, as I found in a recent post in a financial planning newsletter (http://www.ricedelman.com/cs/education/qa_questionable_reserve_requirement), this extra reserve isn’t a requirement at all! They’re simply holding onto your money, in case there’s an “unexpected” expense. That’s nice for them, because they can then pocket the interest on your deposit. A quick phone call, and they offered to remove the extra $15 “requirement”–I didn’t even have to argue with them! They even told me they had an extra $150 in my escrow account, and would I like that returned to me? Well, duh!

So the next time you see an unexpected charge, pay attention. Even if they say it’s required. Ask questions. And if you’re tired of dealing with the big banks, you have options: check out http://moveyourmoney.info.

A chance to soak in a little bit of Spectacular!

Presented by the Luxury Division of Brandon Green Companies.  This magnificent bungalow offers space galore with six fantastic bedrooms, four full baths, and two half baths all amidst glistening oak hardwood flooring, sleek granite counters, and custom recessed lighting.  The interior and exterior features a Klipsch AV system offering all encompassing entertainment.  The kitchen is spectacular with Viking and Sub-Zero appliances and granite countertops. In the lower level is a fully renovated au pair/in-law suite with a full kitchen and bath.  Don’t miss the double French doors leading out to the fabulous Flagstone patio which will accommodate all of your guests for an outdoor gathering.  California closets are found throughout this masterpiece as well as a pull-down attic for all of your storage needs.  Custom built-in shelving is highlighted in either of two library/office spaces.  Home is waiting for you!

Virtual Tour (just to warm you up)

Don’t miss this fantastic open house opportunity! 

This property is presented by the Luxury Division of Brandon Green.  A fabulous contemporary condo in the cosmopolitan neighborhood of Dupont Circle.  Space abounds in this 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath beauty.  You are welcomed by a striking foyer with stone flooring and rich hardwood.   And the gallery is simply spectacular.  The great room has an abundance of natural light and a handsome fireplace.  The kitchen is immaculate featuring granite countertops, hardwood floors, and stainless steel appliances.  The master suite space is substantial highlighted by the walk-in closet, storage room, and an entrance to the sunroom, where the view of Rock Creek Park is one of a kind.  Stone tile and a relaxing soaking tub are some of the exceptional traits of the master bathroom.  The unit is also wired with a Bose sound system, the amenities seem endless.  This property is a MUST SEE!

Virtual Tour (if you’d like, but it’s nothing like the real thing!) 

Contemporary Condominium in Columbia Heights~

This huge contemporary condo has one bedroom and 1.5 baths.  Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a stacked washer/dryer are only some of the features.  Natural light floods in through the large windows which highlight the exceptionally high ceilings.  The building amenities include parking for one car in the underground garage, a party room for larger gatherings, and a rooftop deck with a warm, bubbling hot tub to ease your tension away.  Approximately 800 sq. ft. of wonderful is awaiting your arrival!

Virtual Tour (just to tide you over until Sunday)

Don’t miss the opportunity to view this fabulous property!

Presented by the Luxury Division of Brandon Green Companies. Beautiful new condo. This is not a rehab but a ground up construction. Three blocks from metro, this four level home features sunlit drenched rooms, open floor plan, Italian kitchen, custom Pella windows, private balcony, parking, and much more!

If you must miss out…Virtual Tour

Columbia Heights condo just for you!

This is your chance to own a beautiful one-bedroom condo in Colvin House, just steps away from metro.  This brand-new condo feature European cabinetry, deluxe appliances, hard-wood floors, and beautiful tiled bathrooms all at a price you can afford. Parking is available for purchase.

Virtual Tour just in case…

Don’t miss this fantastic open house opportunity! 

This property is presented by the Luxury Division of Brandon Green.  A fabulous contemporary condo in the cosmopolitan neighborhood of Dupont Circle.  Space abounds in this 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath beauty.  You are welcomed by a striking foyer with stone flooring and rich hardwood.   And the gallery is simply spectacular.  The great room has an abundance of natural light and a handsome fireplace.  The kitchen is immaculate featuring granite countertops, hardwood floors, and stainless steel appliances.  The master suite space is substantial highlighted by the walk-in closet, storage room, and an entrance to the sunroom, where the view of Rock Creek Park is one of a kind.  Stone tile and a relaxing soaking tub are some of the exceptional traits of the master bathroom.  The unit is also wired with a Bose sound system, the amenities seem endless.  This property is a MUST SEE!

Virtual Tour (if you’d like, but it’s nothing like the real thing!) 

Foggy Bottom condo that you have to see! 

Recently renovated, this lovely 1 BR/1BA condominium features a Den/Study, beautiful hardwood floors, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a private balcony.  There will not be off street parking for you, as this condo also has garage parking!   The condominium fees are $693 per month and include the following:  Billiard Room, Concierge, Security, Exercise Room, Pool, Custodial Services Maintenance, Exterior Building Maintenance,  and much more.

Don’t miss this one Virtual Tour

Everyday I meet with people getting ready to jump into the housing market and the first thing I tell them is they need to know their credit score.  This way we have a sense of how a lender is going to view them.  Just last weekend, I had a woman tell me she was afraid to look at her credit report for fear of what is on it.

Fear?!!! Who would have thought a number could cause fear?  But that is what happens all too often.  It’s like you think you have a tumor but don’t go to the doctor to get a diagnosis because you’re afraid he’s going to tell you that you’re dying.  Worst part is that sometimes it’s just a boil he can lance off.  The situation is not helped because the credit reporting bureaus have held onto the secret of what affect credit scores like they were state secrets.  Oliver Stone should write a movie about it.

Well, FICO (Fair Isaacs Corporation) has recently released the secret and it’s like the Shroud of Turin was found all over again.  If you want to know how maxing out your credit cards for the holidays affect your numbers then go to the article posted below.  Want to know what that low credit score does to a mortgage payment get at it. 

The best part of this release is that you can now make informed decisions on how to repair past mistakes.  So lance that boil and get to work.  Homeownership may not be as far away as you think.

http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/108239/fICO-reveals-how-common-credit-mistakes-affect-scores?mod=bb-creditreports