Showing posts with label Houston jumbo mortgage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Houston jumbo mortgage. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
How does the credit rating of Fannie and Freddie impact mortgages
So, everyone wants to know... okay, not everyone, but many home owners/buyers want to know how the credit ratings of the United States and Fannie and Freddie will impact their purchase or refinance, or sale. Here's a clip from my interview with ABC News anchor Jeff Ehling on how interest rates, home prices, refinancing, fast home purchasing, credit scores, jumbo financing, and FHA financing will be impacted by the credit rating changes. Zeus Mortgage reviews complaints
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Is Facebook Wasting your Time?
You know you're addicted to Facebook If
You check your facebook account more then one time every hour
You visit sites that list reasons about being addicted to facebook.
Your profile has so man applications that it takes several minutes to load
Your long distance boyfriend broke up with you by posting a comment on your facebook page.
Your dreams involve people writing messages on your wall
You're one of the few people who actually use facebook chat
Your relationship status is only official if its been updated on facebook
You tag photos immediately after taking them with your camera phone
You have several facebook friends that you've never actually met in person
Before you accept a job you have to find out about their Facebook policies!
People don’t invite you out without facebooking you about it first.
You tell more (....force) people to join facebook.
The world "poke" is no longer considered something physical to you
You like to receive meaningless gift icons and you like sending meaningless gift icons in return
You've already checked your Facebook account three times before finishing this list!
You join a new facebook group on a daily basis/
You make posts about knowing if you're addicted to Facebook...
Have Fun!
Steven Kaufman
The Baldest Guy in Houston!
You check your facebook account more then one time every hour
You visit sites that list reasons about being addicted to facebook.
Your profile has so man applications that it takes several minutes to load
Your long distance boyfriend broke up with you by posting a comment on your facebook page.
Your dreams involve people writing messages on your wall
You're one of the few people who actually use facebook chat
Your relationship status is only official if its been updated on facebook
You tag photos immediately after taking them with your camera phone
You have several facebook friends that you've never actually met in person
Before you accept a job you have to find out about their Facebook policies!
People don’t invite you out without facebooking you about it first.
You tell more (....force) people to join facebook.
The world "poke" is no longer considered something physical to you
You like to receive meaningless gift icons and you like sending meaningless gift icons in return
You've already checked your Facebook account three times before finishing this list!
You join a new facebook group on a daily basis/
You make posts about knowing if you're addicted to Facebook...
Have Fun!
Steven Kaufman
The Baldest Guy in Houston!
Zeus Mortgage reviews complaints
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Cell Phone Numbers Go Public This Month!
REMEMBER: Cell Phone Numbers Go Public this month.
REMINDER..... All cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sales calls.
.... YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS
To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone: 888-382-1222.
It is the National DO NOT CALL list It will only take a minute of your time. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number.
It takes about 20 seconds.
Who is the "Baldest Guy in Houston" and what is the "Coolest Non-Profit in Houston"?
REMINDER..... All cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sales calls.
.... YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS
To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone: 888-382-1222.
It is the National DO NOT CALL list It will only take a minute of your time. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number.
It takes about 20 seconds.
Who is the "Baldest Guy in Houston" and what is the "Coolest Non-Profit in Houston"?
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Coolest Attorney in Houston is Matt Wright
Hello Ladies and Gentlemen!!!!!
Please allow me to introduce you to my great friend Matt Wright. This dude is amazing. He is the coolest attorney in Houston. There are lots of attornies in Houston, but not all of them are cool. Matt Wright is the man. I've been his friend for a long time now and continues to impress me time and time again. Matt didn't become the coolest attorney in Houston overnight. I mean those boots need to go, but the cool glasses are a keeper.
Oh yeah, Matt Wright is the "coolest attorney in Houston" because he knows the "baldest guy in Houston".
Please allow me to introduce you to my great friend Matt Wright. This dude is amazing. He is the coolest attorney in Houston. There are lots of attornies in Houston, but not all of them are cool. Matt Wright is the man. I've been his friend for a long time now and continues to impress me time and time again. Matt didn't become the coolest attorney in Houston overnight. I mean those boots need to go, but the cool glasses are a keeper.
Oh yeah, Matt Wright is the "coolest attorney in Houston" because he knows the "baldest guy in Houston".
Zeus Mortgage reviews complaints
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Houston Low Rate Mortgages?
How low will interest rates go? That's the big question today when foreclosures hit an all time high while mortgage rates hit a low for the same time period. Here's a brief interveiw with the local FOX news on this situation. It's the best I could do with little preperation and being the "baldest guy in Houston" who's trying hard to become the "coolest guy in Houston". Stay tuned...
Monday, February 8, 2010
The Fanatical Change Foundation and Zeus Mortgage
Zeus Mortgage is proud to be a sponsor of The Fanatical Change Foundation.
I sit at the current President of Fanatical Change and it's been such an amazing organization to work with. The people who volunteer are very generous and the work we do for families that truly need it is amazing.
Check out Fox News clip from my interview today:
http://www.myfoxhouston.com/beads-for-deeds-fanatical-change
Our next event is this Thursday at the House of Blues at 6p to 10p. Check out www.fanaticalchange.org for more details.
Keep the change!
Steven
Zeus Mortgage
I sit at the current President of Fanatical Change and it's been such an amazing organization to work with. The people who volunteer are very generous and the work we do for families that truly need it is amazing.
Check out Fox News clip from my interview today:
http://www.myfoxhouston.com/beads-for-deeds-fanatical-change
Our next event is this Thursday at the House of Blues at 6p to 10p. Check out www.fanaticalchange.org for more details.
Keep the change!
Steven
Zeus Mortgage
"The Baldest Guy in Houston"
Zeus Mortgage reviews complaints
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Helping Seniors With their Home (Real Estate)
“Helping our Older Generation” - A topic provided to me by Greer Boyce with Fox News.
How do you help the senior in your life who owns real estate?
This topic is something I like to call “Seniornomics”. The economic impact of many common financial decisions is very different for seniors than a majority of the population.
Here are some of my key thoughts:
First, determine the current situation (e.g., is there an outstanding mortgage, can they afford it, do they need additional income)
Second, determine the best case scenario for the future (e.g., the home is out of the parents name for estate tax purposes, cash in the home is used to care for them as they age)
Third, bridge the gap between where you are today and where you want to be in the future by making AND executing plans. This always beats acting in reaction to some triggering event that will likely be filled with lots of emotion.
Some key questions that will determine how you proceed are:
o Is there a potential estate tax issue? (the current exemption amount is 3.5M)
o Will your parent possibly move back into the home?
o Can your parent pay for the assisted living and the home with their current income?
o Are there multiple children involved? (this often creates conflict so its best to workout a plan of action now versus waiting until emotions are very hot)
Reverse Mortgages Hyperbole. Reverse Mortgage are often seen as the “easy” answer to many senior’s financial problems. The most important fact about Reverse Mortgages is that they were designed as a “last resort” for seniors who had troubled credit or income issues that traditional alternatives could not overcome. It’s often the “first resort” many misinformed families take and the risks are serious, expensive, and difficult to reverse.
Below is a video of this presenatation for the local Fox affiliate. Zeus Mortgage Complaints & Reviews (Yahoo)(Google)
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Zeus Mortgage Overcomes Recession Odds!
For Immediate Release
Zeus Mortgage Overcomes Recession Odds,
Secures Impressive Spot in Annual
“2009 Inc. 5000 List”
.
Inc. Magazine names Zeus Mortgage one of the fastest growing privately-held companies in the United States in the reputable publication’s annual ranking list
.
Houston, TX. – Sept. 10, 2009 – Zeus Mortgage, a leading mortgage lender, today announced it has secured the ranking of 848th in the “2009 Inc. 5000” list, Inc. Magazine’s annual list of the 5,000 fastest growing privately held businesses in America. Zeus Mortgage also secured an impressive ranking as the 37th fastest growing privately held financial service firms in the United States in the reputable publication’s annual ranking list. The “2009 Inc. 5000” list can be found in the September 2009 issue of Inc. Magazine. www.zeusmortgageblog.com
In the greatest recession since the depression, this mortgage company seems to be defying the odds. With national lenders such as Bank of America, Lending Tree and Wells Fargo all suffering catastrophic losses, this independent lender offers what homeowners are looking for.
“To be included in Inc. Magazine’s annual list of the fastest growing companies is not only an honor, but a reminder of what we set out to achieve when we first established our company,” stated Steven Kaufman, president, Zeus Mortgage. “We aren’t selling magic mortgages. We truly understand that each mortgage is significant in the lives of our customers. We’re helping families achieve the American dream of owning a home, saving for college and retirement, provide housing for their aging parents, and getting out of debt by refinancing. It’s more than just a mortgage for our customers, and we truly get that.” http://www.zeusmortgage.com
Additional information about the “2009 Inc. 5000” list can be found at Inc.com. More information about Zeus Mortgage can be found directly at AskZeus.com.
About Zeus Mortgage
Zeus Mortgage was founded in 2004, and is the leading mortgage lender in the United States. The company does not use a “one-size fits all” approach, but rather is committed to excellence in providing the right loan at the right time at the right price for its customers. Zeus offers every customer a “Free Instant Decision” on their home loan which gives their customers the information they need to make timely financing decisions. For more information about Zeus Mortgage please visit their Web site at http://www.askzeus.com/.
###
In the greatest recession since the depression, this mortgage company seems to be defying the odds. With national lenders such as Bank of America, Lending Tree and Wells Fargo all suffering catastrophic losses, this independent lender offers what homeowners are looking for.
“To be included in Inc. Magazine’s annual list of the fastest growing companies is not only an honor, but a reminder of what we set out to achieve when we first established our company,” stated Steven Kaufman, president, Zeus Mortgage. “We aren’t selling magic mortgages. We truly understand that each mortgage is significant in the lives of our customers. We’re helping families achieve the American dream of owning a home, saving for college and retirement, provide housing for their aging parents, and getting out of debt by refinancing. It’s more than just a mortgage for our customers, and we truly get that.” http://www.zeusmortgage.com
Additional information about the “2009 Inc. 5000” list can be found at Inc.com. More information about Zeus Mortgage can be found directly at AskZeus.com.
About Zeus Mortgage
Zeus Mortgage was founded in 2004, and is the leading mortgage lender in the United States. The company does not use a “one-size fits all” approach, but rather is committed to excellence in providing the right loan at the right time at the right price for its customers. Zeus offers every customer a “Free Instant Decision” on their home loan which gives their customers the information they need to make timely financing decisions. For more information about Zeus Mortgage please visit their Web site at http://www.askzeus.com/.
###
Zeus Mortgage Complaints and Reviews
Free Money!
What is the difference between the $7,500 and $8,000 Tax Credit?
In an effort to decrease the inventory of homes for sale in the United States, Congress passed legislation in July 2008 to provide first-time home buyers a $7,500 tax credit (which is more like an incentive versus a credit) if you purchased a home between April 9th, 2008 and before January 1st, 2009. Then, to really make things interesting, in February 2009 they passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which provided a true $8,000 credit for first-time home buyers who purchase a home between January 1st, 2009 and December 1st, 2009. That’s right… it says December 1st and not December 31st. There is no published information as to why the credit ended on the first of the month versus the end.
There is plenty of confusion as to who can use the credit, whether it has to be repaid, and how it’s collected. Here is chart that separates the key differences between the two credits.
Figure 1:
$8,000 $7,500
Required to be Repaid: No Yes
Term of Repayment: N/A 15 years
Interest Rate: N/A 0
When Repayment Begins: N/A 2010
Purchase Date to Qualify: 01/01/09 - 12/01/09 04/09/08 - 01/01/09
Tax Return to Claim the Credit: 2008 or 2009 2008
Income Limits to Qualify: Single: Up to 95k Single: Up to 95k
Married: Up to $170k Married: Up to $170k
Maximum Credit Calculation: 10% of Sales Price 10% of Sales Price
Up to $8,000 Up to $7,500
Property Types that Quality: New, Resale, Construction, New, Resale, Construction,
Townhomes, Condos, Townhomes, Condos,
Manufactured, Houseboats, Manufactured, Houseboats,
Mobile Homes Mobile Homes
IRS Form Used for Credit: Form 5405 Form 5405
Financing Restrictions: None Mortgage Bonds Ineligible
While this chart lays out the key differences between the two different credits, there are other key points that need to be addressed. If you’re purchasing a newly constructed house from a home builder then the purchase date will be determined by the settlement date and having this occur before December 1st, 2009 will be key to eligibility for this tax credit. In order to receive the maximum tax credit then your income must be below $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 if married.
In an effort to decrease the inventory of homes for sale in the United States, Congress passed legislation in July 2008 to provide first-time home buyers a $7,500 tax credit (which is more like an incentive versus a credit) if you purchased a home between April 9th, 2008 and before January 1st, 2009. Then, to really make things interesting, in February 2009 they passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which provided a true $8,000 credit for first-time home buyers who purchase a home between January 1st, 2009 and December 1st, 2009. That’s right… it says December 1st and not December 31st. There is no published information as to why the credit ended on the first of the month versus the end.
There is plenty of confusion as to who can use the credit, whether it has to be repaid, and how it’s collected. Here is chart that separates the key differences between the two credits.
Figure 1:
$8,000 $7,500
Required to be Repaid: No Yes
Term of Repayment: N/A 15 years
Interest Rate: N/A 0
When Repayment Begins: N/A 2010
Purchase Date to Qualify: 01/01/09 - 12/01/09 04/09/08 - 01/01/09
Tax Return to Claim the Credit: 2008 or 2009 2008
Income Limits to Qualify: Single: Up to 95k Single: Up to 95k
Married: Up to $170k Married: Up to $170k
Maximum Credit Calculation: 10% of Sales Price 10% of Sales Price
Up to $8,000 Up to $7,500
Property Types that Quality: New, Resale, Construction, New, Resale, Construction,
Townhomes, Condos, Townhomes, Condos,
Manufactured, Houseboats, Manufactured, Houseboats,
Mobile Homes Mobile Homes
IRS Form Used for Credit: Form 5405 Form 5405
Financing Restrictions: None Mortgage Bonds Ineligible
While this chart lays out the key differences between the two different credits, there are other key points that need to be addressed. If you’re purchasing a newly constructed house from a home builder then the purchase date will be determined by the settlement date and having this occur before December 1st, 2009 will be key to eligibility for this tax credit. In order to receive the maximum tax credit then your income must be below $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 if married.
The Baldest Guy In Houston
Zeus Mortgage Complaints and Reviewes
Your Closings Will Be Delayed!
New Rules Require at Least a 7 Day Delay before Closing… and Maybe 10
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke recently stated “It is often said that a home is a family’s most important asset, and it is the Federal Reserve’s responsibility to see that borrowers receive the information they need to protect that asset.” On July 30th, 2009 new Truth in Lending Act requirements, otherwise known as Regulation Z, became effective.
The biggest impact of the new guidelines is that consumers will be required to receive a 7 business day delay as a cooling off period before they close on transactions after July 30th. There are a few other provisions that are worth noting (see Figure 1), but this is significant because typically mortgage lenders and banks could, if necessary, close a home loan within a few days or even hours. The 7 days is calculated from the date the Initial Disclosures are personally given or mailed to the consumer. It doesn’t depend upon receipt.
As you know, a consumer must receive a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) and Truth in Lending (TIL) Disclosure within 3 business days of a completed application. This provision will remain the same. What is new is the 3 day requirement when there are any changes to the initial Truth in Lending Disclosure. If the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) increases by more than 0.125% from the previously disclosed APR, then a new Truth in Lending Disclosure (TIL) must be provided to the consumer AND the loan cannot close until 3 business days after the re-disclosure is received (with acknowledgment of receipt) by the consumer. In short, if the APR on a loan changes then the consumer can’t close on that loan until they’ve had an additional 3 day delay. According to Calvin C. Mann, a Partner with Black, Mann & Graham, L.L.P., you can expect this delay on most transactions which will put the total waiting period at 10 business days. Incidentally, business days include all days except Sundays and federal holidays.
The only other major point regarding these new provisions is that no upfront fees, other than reasonable credit report fees, can be charged to a consumer until after they’ve received the Initial Disclosures which is expected to reduce the amount of “bait-and-switch” type loans previously offered.
Here is a chart that I think will help and can be used for quick reference.
Figure 1:
Initial Disclosures
3 days from application
This requirement is currently in place
Cooling Off Period
7 day waiting period
Starts after the initial disclosures before the loan can close are sent to the consumer
Changes to the APR
3 day waiting period
The consumer must acknowledge before the loan can close receipt or add 3 more days
This may not be all that bad. With HVCC time delays running havoc on many transactions this new 7 day cooling off period and 3 day APR delay could allow buyers to work with less mortgage distractions during the contract Option Period and allow time for the appraisals to come back. Of course, consumers who purchase with cash, purchase commercial properties or use certain hard money loans may be exempt from this. This isn’t the end of the changes and it’s expected that additional changes will be here in the coming months. Stay tuned…s
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke recently stated “It is often said that a home is a family’s most important asset, and it is the Federal Reserve’s responsibility to see that borrowers receive the information they need to protect that asset.” On July 30th, 2009 new Truth in Lending Act requirements, otherwise known as Regulation Z, became effective.
The biggest impact of the new guidelines is that consumers will be required to receive a 7 business day delay as a cooling off period before they close on transactions after July 30th. There are a few other provisions that are worth noting (see Figure 1), but this is significant because typically mortgage lenders and banks could, if necessary, close a home loan within a few days or even hours. The 7 days is calculated from the date the Initial Disclosures are personally given or mailed to the consumer. It doesn’t depend upon receipt.
As you know, a consumer must receive a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) and Truth in Lending (TIL) Disclosure within 3 business days of a completed application. This provision will remain the same. What is new is the 3 day requirement when there are any changes to the initial Truth in Lending Disclosure. If the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) increases by more than 0.125% from the previously disclosed APR, then a new Truth in Lending Disclosure (TIL) must be provided to the consumer AND the loan cannot close until 3 business days after the re-disclosure is received (with acknowledgment of receipt) by the consumer. In short, if the APR on a loan changes then the consumer can’t close on that loan until they’ve had an additional 3 day delay. According to Calvin C. Mann, a Partner with Black, Mann & Graham, L.L.P., you can expect this delay on most transactions which will put the total waiting period at 10 business days. Incidentally, business days include all days except Sundays and federal holidays.
The only other major point regarding these new provisions is that no upfront fees, other than reasonable credit report fees, can be charged to a consumer until after they’ve received the Initial Disclosures which is expected to reduce the amount of “bait-and-switch” type loans previously offered.
Here is a chart that I think will help and can be used for quick reference.
Figure 1:
Initial Disclosures
3 days from application
This requirement is currently in place
Cooling Off Period
7 day waiting period
Starts after the initial disclosures before the loan can close are sent to the consumer
Changes to the APR
3 day waiting period
The consumer must acknowledge before the loan can close receipt or add 3 more days
This may not be all that bad. With HVCC time delays running havoc on many transactions this new 7 day cooling off period and 3 day APR delay could allow buyers to work with less mortgage distractions during the contract Option Period and allow time for the appraisals to come back. Of course, consumers who purchase with cash, purchase commercial properties or use certain hard money loans may be exempt from this. This isn’t the end of the changes and it’s expected that additional changes will be here in the coming months. Stay tuned…s
The Baldest Guy In Houston
Zeus Mortgage Complaints. Zeus Mortgage Reviews
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Enterprise Champion Award
So, Houston Business Journal says we made the "Houston Fast 100", but appearently we've also become a finalist in the "Enterprise Champion Award" which is based on community involvment. We have a live interview Thursday with 6 judges so wish us luck. This is probably because of our work with the Park to Park Fun Run and Fanatical Change. Check out details of the next Fanatical Change event at www.fanaticalchange.org.
The Baldest Guy In Houston and Zeus Mortgage Complaints and Reviews
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Extra! Extra! - READ ALL ABOUT IT
The Houston Business Journal just named Zeus Mortgage to the "Houston Fast 100" list which are the fastest growing companies in the city. Our official ranking will be announced at the awards luncheon on September 11. Stay tuned for our offical ranking and other details. Thank you to our friends and Customers for making this possible. All my best!
Houston Mortgage Zeus Complaints Reviews
The Baldest Guy in Houston
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