New Listing: 1070 27th St, Marion, IA

Cedar Rapids First Time Home Buyer Program

In a nutshell… You can get a 0% interest loan for up to $6,000 for down payment and closing costs.  This loan is 100% forgivable if the owner occupies the property for 5 years.  To qualify, you must below the income limits in Cedar Rapids for your size family.  At the end of this article, there is a link to the City’s web site for more complete information.

Program Overview

• The purpose of this program is to increase the overall homeownership rate, create greater opportunity for homeownership among lower income and underserved households, and revitalize and stabilize communities, by providing $6,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. Funds may be used to pay the upfront costs of acquiring a principal residence, but not the entire cost of acquisition, and other reasonable and necessary costs incurred by the home buyer. These other costs may include: private lender origination fees, credit reports, fees for title evidence, fees for recording and filing of legal documents, attorney fees, and private appraisal fees. For more information about the First Time Home Buyer Program please contact our office. 

Applicant Eligibility

• Eligible participants (both applicant and co-applicant) must meet one of the definitions of First Time  Home Buyer described below:
  • Applicant(s) shall not have owned a home within the last three years prior to application of the program; or
  • A displaced homemaker who, while a homemaker, owned a home with his or her spouse or resided in a home owned by the spouse. A displaced homemaker is an adult who has not worked in the labor force for several years, has worked in the home to care for the home and family during that time, and is currently unemployed or underemployed and is having difficulty finding or upgrading employment; or 
  • A single parent who, while married, owned a home with his or her spouse or resided in a home owned by the spouse. A single parent is an individual who is unmarried or legally separated and has one or more minor children for whom the individual has custody or joint custody, or is pregnant.  
  • Eligible Applicants must provide a minimum 1% down payment, which cannot be a loan.
  • Prior to being accepted as a program participant (but not required prior to application for the program), applicant must successfully complete Homebuyer Education.  Contact Horizons for upcoming class dates at (319) 398-3943.
  • Applicants are responsible for obtaining their own mortgage financing. 
  • Eligible participants must have gross annual incomes at or below 80% of the median income for the City of Cedar Rapids, adjusted for household size (see Program Income Limits). Household incomes must include all forms of income from those 18 or older who reside or will reside in the home.  

Application Process

Complete a Confidential Application including all supporting documentation and submit to:  Housing Services Office, 1211 6th Street SW. 

Home Requirements

• The house must be located within the city limits
• The house must be owner-occupied or vacant.
• The house cannot be located in the 100 year floodplain.
• The house must meet minimum Housing Quality Standards inspection performed by staff.

Terms

• The City’s 0% loan is a deferred, shared appreciation, 5 year loan secured by a Lien and agreement for covenants and restrictions.
• No payments are required as long as the home remains the primary residence of the qualified buyer.
• The City’s note becomes due and payable when the homeowner sells the property, rents the property, adds someone to the title, or changes the use from single family residential.
• The City’s note becomes due and payable upon refinance, if the refinance is not approved by the Housing Services or the refinance exceeds the homeowner’s equity at the time of the refinance (see payment schedule).
• The Lien shall be for a term of five years, after which time, all unpaid principal and shared appreciation remaining will be forgiven if all requirements have been satisfied.
• The City of Cedar Rapids staff will monitor annually to insure the home has remained the program participant’s primary residence. 

Cedar R

http://heinbuch.com/cedar_rapids_first_time_home_buyer_program_2010.htm

 

How To Watch The Activity On Your Facebook Account

Good Article by Dave Taylor on How to watch the activity on your Facebook account.  December 6, 2010.

I’m becoming a bit paranoid, but I’m sure someone else is logging in to my Facebook account and messing with things, deleting some of my Wall postings, etc. Nothing obvious, but just weird things going on. Can I figure out if someone’s actually tapping into my account?

Dave’s Answer:

Before we do anything else. you need to immediately go and change your Facebook account password. See: How to Change Your Facebook Password. Done? Good. Now, the next emergency immediate change to make is to scan through and probably disable the vast majority of authorized apps that use OAuth (a security protocol) to access your Facebook account. Changing your password doesn’t slow them down. See: What Apps Have Access to my Facebook Account?

Done both of those? Good. Now you can take a deep breath because those should ensure that you have made the road to someone else touching your account quite a bit more difficult.

The third part, however, is the computer you’re currently using. Is it trustworthy? Are you sure there’s not a keylogger, spyware, or something else tracking what you’re doing? If you aren’t sure, switch to a different computer, use some antivirus software or even ask a geeky friend to check it all out, including checking for physical devices connected in-line on your keyboard cable. That’s very unlikely, too, so don’t get too paranoid.

Few people realize it, but Facebook actually keeps track of every location from which you log in to your account, whether it’s a mobile device or a laptop or desktop computer, and you can gain access to this information.

That’s another good place to check, needless to say.

Go to Account Settings (on the top right of your Facebook page):

Scroll down to find Account Security and click on “Change”:

Now you’ll find that there are some pretty interesting things you can request, including having Facebook actually send you a text message every time someone logs into your account. Perfect if you suspect something fishy is happening:

Scroll down just a bit further, though, and you’ll see information on what login locations have been identified and whether they’re still logged in (remember that “stay logged in for two weeks” option? Yeah, Facebook does too):

No worries there, that was me logging in from my MacBook Pro to test these security features. A bit further down, however, it’s a bit more interesting:

You have to read very closely to see “FacebookTouch” in the first one and “iPad” in the second, but they’re big clues: both are from my other devices, the first from my iPhone (though why it’s not identified as such is a bit disappointing) and the second from my iPad. Either way, I don’t really want to leave them logged in, just to ensure that every session requires the newly changed password, so I click on “End Activity” and they’re logged out instantly.

Between all of these steps, I hope you’ll be able to gain better control over access to your Facebook account, and I wish you good luck in your efforts.

Comments
About the Author: Dave Taylor has been involved with the Internet since 1980 and is internationally known as an expert on both business and technology issues. Holder of an MSEd and MBA, author of twenty books and founder of four startups, he also runs a strategic marketing company and consults with firms seeking the best approach to working with weblogs and social networks. Dave is an award-winning speaker and frequent guest on radio and podcast programs. AskDaveTaylor.com http://www.intuitive.com/blog/

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When Should We Start Looking for Short Sale Home?

Reprinted from Realtor.com, Ask a REALTOR®

Q: My husband and I are moving in about six months and would like to purchase our first home. We are also looking at a short sale home and have been told it would take six to nine months to close. Would it be wise to begin bidding on this home now? ~ Samantha

A: Hi Samantha! Thank you for your two questions. Typically, if you are planning to buy within six months, I would suggest that you begin looking within a month since it may take some time to find the right home. You can usually negotiate to settle within 60 to 90 days if you find a home sooner than anticipated.

In regards to the short sale home you mentioned, you really need to determine what stage the home is in for the short sale process. If the home has been approved for a short sale, the lender usually wants to close on the home within the next 30 days. If the short sale hasn’t been approved, I would plan on a 60 to 90 day process, but your REALTOR® could find out better by speaking with the listing agent.

Fall Home Maintenance Guide

Fall Home Maintenance Guide to help you avoid costly fixes and save money on utility bills

With the fall and winter months upon us, now is the time to do some routine maintenance around your home to prepare for the changing weather ahead. Taking the time to do some work now may save on some major expenses later on. Some of these tasks can be performed by you, and some may need to be done by a professional.

Outside the home

• Clear debris out of window wells, gutters, downspouts, and storm drains.
• Remove garden hoses from spouts. Drain and store for the winter. Wrap spouts in insulation.
• Drain in-ground sprinkler systems.
• Check windows, doors, and siding for holes and cracks. Caulk as necessary.
• Check weather-stripping on windows and doors for fit and condition. Replace as necessary.
• Inspect all soffit vents and other venting systems to make sure they’re clear of debris.
• Check painted surfaces for paint failure, water damage, or mildew. Repair or repaint if necessary.
• Check caulking where two different materials meet, where wood siding joins the foundation wall, at inside corners, and where the window and door trim meets the siding.
• Check for broken or cracked glass and damaged screens or storm windows. Check for loose putty around glass panes. Repair glass if necessary
• Insulate outdoor faucets, pipes in unheated garages, and pipes in crawl spaces with materials such as rags or newspapers.
• Run all gas-powered lawn equipment until the fuel tank is empty. In doing this, you are removing flammable liquid storage from your garage. Make sure you aren’t storing dirty, oily rags in a pile. They can ignite!
• Remove bird nests from chimney flues and outdoor electrical fixtures.

 

Inside the Home

• Have a heating professional check your heating system every year.
• Replace your furnace filter.
• Woodburning stove connector pipes and chimneys should be inspected by a certified chimney sweep at least annually.
• Make sure you have proper insulation in both your attic and basement. While checking your insulation, if you see any dark, dirty spots, it may indicate you have air leaks coming into your home.
• Remove hair from drains in sinks, tubs, and showers.
• Test all smoke alarms. Replace batteries as necessary.
• Check your home around windows and doors for air leaks. An easy way to check for leaks is to move a lighter around the window or door frame and see if the flame moves with a breeze. If you find a leak, you can caulk it or you may have to replace the wood frame. Repairing these leaks can save you money on your energy bill during the cold months.
• Check for water leaks in ceiling. Repair if needed.
• Make sure there are working nightlights at the top and bottom of all stairs.
• Protect your home from frozen pipes. See below.
• Test your emergency generator.
• Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Make sure the caulking around doors and windows is adequate to reduce heat/cooling loss.
• Make sure that the caulking around your bathroom fixtures is adequate to prevent water from seeping into the sub-flooring.
• All exterior doors should have deadbolt locks.
• All stairs of at least three risers should have a handrail.
• Make sure you have enough wood cut and stacked to burn during the winter months. This will prevent you from running out and having to pay a higher price for it later. Always make sure you have a small stack close to your home to have quick access to if there is a lot of snow on the ground. When buying wood, make sure it is not “green”. Green wood will not burn.
• Make sure your snow shovels and/or snow blower are in good shape. Check your shovel handle for possible cracks or breaks and replace if needed. Have the routine maintenance performed on your snow blower.
• Review your fire escape plan with your family. If you don’t have a plan, create one!

 

Steps to prevent your pipes to freeze

Before the cold hits

• Insulate pipes in your home’s crawl spaces and attic. These exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Remember – the more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.
• Heat tape or thermostatically-controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes. Closely follow all manufacturers’ installation and operation instructions.
• Seal leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes. Use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out and the heat in. With severe cold, even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.
• Disconnect garden hoses and, if practical, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.

 

When the temperature drops

• A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.
• Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to uninsulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.
• Before you go on vacation
• Set the thermostat in your house no lower than 55 F (12 C).
• Ask a friend or neighbor to check your house daily to make sure it’s warm enough to prevent freezing or Shut off and drain the water system. Be aware that if you have a fire protection sprinkler system in your house, it will be deactivated when you shut off the water.

 

If your pipes freeze

• If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber. If you detect that your water pipes have frozen and burst, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve in the house; leave the water faucets turned on. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water shut-off valve is and how to open and close it.
• Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame. You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe with the warm air from a hair dryer. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe. Do not use electrical appliances in areas of standing water because you could be electrocuted.

Myth Busters – Myths on Federal Health Insurance Reform Bill

Recently, there have been emails and articles circulating discussing the Federal Government’s Health Insurance Reform.
Make sure you understand the details as it relates to homes sales and taxation! The information below has been provided by the National Association of REALTORS®.

http://wp.me/pGaFy-y

5 Tips for a Successful Home Remodel

RISMEDIA, March 12, 2010—As spring approaches, many homeowners grow eager to start remodeling projects to update and refresh their surroundings. Before getting started, it’s a good idea to hire a professional remodeler for a workable plan and better results, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

“A professional remodeler knows how to translate a homeowner’s dreams and budget into a beautiful reality,” said Donna Shirey, CGR, CAPS, CGP, president of Shirey Contracting in Issaquah, Wash. and 2010 chairman of NAHB Remodelers. “They have the expertise and skills to satisfy a customer while keeping the budget in check.”

Here are five tips for planning a successful home remodel that you can enjoy for many years to come.

1. Compile a list of home remodeling ideas and draft a budget for the work.
You likely have some projects in mind, such as modernizing the bathroom, renovating the kitchen, replacing windows or repairing the roof. Prioritize your wish list: Maybe you don’t have the budget for your dream remodel, but professional remodelers can maximize your dollars by doing the work in phases, suggesting budget-friendly products and materials and implementing creative design solutions.

2. Look for a professional remodeler to help plan the project.
Start by searching NAHB’s Directory of Professional Remodelers at http://www.nahb.org/remodel. You’ll get a list of nearby remodelers to contact. Asking friends and neighbors for names of qualified remodelers will also help you find a match for your project.

3. Check the references and background of the remodeler.
After you start speaking with remodelers and find one or two who match your project’s needs, be sure to conduct some background research by checking with the Better Business Bureau, talking to their references and asking if they are a trade association member (such as NAHB Remodelers). Remodelers with these qualities tend to be more reliable, better educated and more likely to stay on top of construction and design trends.

4. Agree on a contract.
Talk over the details of the home remodeling project and begin reviewing the contract. You’ll want to check the remodelers’ insurance coverage, ask about any warranties on their work, know who is responsible for obtaining any building permits and understand the process for making any change orders after the contract is signed. Make sure that you and your remodeler see eye to eye before you sign on the dotted line.

5. Take advantage of the energy efficiency tax credits.
If your remodel includes replacing windows or doors, adding insulation, installing new roofing, upgrading heating or air-conditioning units, updating the water heater or installing energy generating products (such as solar panels, heat pumps or wind turbines) then you can take advantage of federal energy efficiency tax credits through 2010 that will help defray costs and maximize your remodeling budget while reducing home energy bills.

For more information, visit www.nahb.org.

RISMEDIA, March 12, 2010—As spring approaches, many homeowners grow eager to start remodeling projects to update and refresh their surroundings. Before getting started, it’s a good idea to hire a professional remodeler for a workable plan and better results, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

“A professional remodeler knows how to translate a homeowner’s dreams and budget into a beautiful reality,” said Donna Shirey, CGR, CAPS, CGP, president of Shirey Contracting in Issaquah, Wash. and 2010 chairman of NAHB Remodelers. “They have the expertise and skills to satisfy a customer while keeping the budget in check.”

Here are five tips for planning a successful home remodel that you can enjoy for many years to come.

1. Compile a list of home remodeling ideas and draft a budget for the work.
You likely have some projects in mind, such as modernizing the bathroom, renovating the kitchen, replacing windows or repairing the roof. Prioritize your wish list: Maybe you don’t have the budget for your dream remodel, but professional remodelers can maximize your dollars by doing the work in phases, suggesting budget-friendly products and materials and implementing creative design solutions.

2. Look for a professional remodeler to help plan the project.
Start by searching NAHB’s Directory of Professional Remodelers at http://www.nahb.org/remodel. You’ll get a list of nearby remodelers to contact. Asking friends and neighbors for names of qualified remodelers will also help you find a match for your project.

3. Check the references and background of the remodeler.
After you start speaking with remodelers and find one or two who match your project’s needs, be sure to conduct some background research by checking with the Better Business Bureau, talking to their references and asking if they are a trade association member (such as NAHB Remodelers). Remodelers with these qualities tend to be more reliable, better educated and more likely to stay on top of construction and design trends.

4. Agree on a contract.
Talk over the details of the home remodeling project and begin reviewing the contract. You’ll want to check the remodelers’ insurance coverage, ask about any warranties on their work, know who is responsible for obtaining any building permits and understand the process for making any change orders after the contract is signed. Make sure that you and your remodeler see eye to eye before you sign on the dotted line.

5. Take advantage of the energy efficiency tax credits.
If your remodel includes replacing windows or doors, adding insulation, installing new roofing, upgrading heating or air-conditioning units, updating the water heater or installing energy generating products (such as solar panels, heat pumps or wind turbines) then you can take advantage of federal energy efficiency tax credits through 2010 that will help defray costs and maximize your remodeling budget while reducing home energy bills.

For more information, visit www.nahb.org.

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Search for homes anywhere in the country!

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Frequently asked questions about the Move-up/Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credit

Here’s a great link that explains the details about the Move-up/Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credit.

http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/faq2.php#1

Home Buyer Tax Credit Details

Get the details here on the new tax credit for First Time Home Buyers and for Step Up Buyers. 

http://heinbuch.com/homebuyer_tax_credit.htm

The $8,000 tax credit for First Time Home Buyers has been extended to April, 2010.  There is also a new provision for a $6,500 tax credit for those wishing to sell and purchase a new home.