Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Zeus Mortgage is Giving Back to the Houston Community - More than Mortgages
Sunday, March 31, 2013
You Might be a Powerlifter if!
You Might be a Powerlifter if…
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
What are title company fees in Houston, Texas
www.zeusmortgageblog.com
Friday, August 24, 2012
Zeus Mortgage Reviews - Houston Mortgage 713-275-9387
Friday, August 3, 2012
Hollywood Halloween Costume Celebration
Monday, July 30, 2012
How Zeus Mortgage Can Use Refinancing to Get you Out of Debt
Will Mortgage Refinancing Really Get You Out Of Debt?
Summary:
When you're down and out and undeniably broke, there's nowhere else to turn to. You can humble yourself and ask for help from friends and family. You can take on a second, even a third, job. Or you can take stock of the properties you own and realize that they may just save your life. Mortgage Refinancing may be the last resort. The question is, is it the best? Could there be a better way?
Seeking debt relief?
Dealing with long term mortgage refinancing is no walk...
Don't complain about your financial situation before you review your mortgage situation...
Article:
When you're down and out and undeniably broke, there's nowhere else to turn to. You can humble yourself and ask for help from friends and family. You can take on a second, even a third, job. Or you can take stock of the properties you own and realize that they may just save your life. Mortgage Refinancing may be the last resort. The question is, is it the best? Could there be a better way?
Seeking debt relief?
Dealing with long term mortgage refinancing is no walk in the park. The prudent thing to do when you opt for mortgage refinancing is to compare costs of your current loan with the new mortgage over a given time. If the results show that the new loan gives a lower cost, then get mortgage refinancing. Most people overlook this precaution and jump eagerly into the bandwagon, only to later regret their hasty decision. Instead of getting some relief from their financial responsibilities, they find themselves sinking deeper into debt.
The Internet is your friend at this time of need. With all the mortgage refinancing websites available online, you can take a peek at your options without having to deal with pesky salespeople that are likely to talk you into making a bad decision in pursuit of the almighty dollar. If you are seeking debt relief through mortgage refinancing, use the online calculator available on all mortgage refinancing sites. The results will show how much you will be paying in a given period. You can compare results of the minimum loan period on the new loan to make refinancing profitable. If you see that the break-even period pays, then get mortgage refinancing. www.zeusmortgageblog.com
Understanding mortgage refinancing calculators
The calculator will require you to enter your loan balance amount, the interest, and the number of months to pay the loan. The calculator will then segment the costs into three divisions: upfront cost (new and old loan), monthly payments of principal and interest on the new and old loan, and the lost interest on both loans. Calculation will also factor cost offsets like tax savings on interests and points and show the break-even period. The results may show savings of thousands of dollars on the new loan.
For the average person, the online mortgage refinancing calculator is a life-saving device. They can immediately see the monthly payments they will make for a period of time, and the money they can save. The information they get will greatly help them in arriving at a decision.
Lock or float?
Lending institutions make money out of loans by charging interests. Your payment will go to the interests for the first few years. When you get a mortgage, you will be given the option to lock in or float your interest rates. In street parlance, you have a chance to decide on a fixed rate. This is an advantage for you when interest rates go up. You are safely locked in your going rate. When interest rates go down, you still stay fixed in your locked rate, which is a disadvantage. When you need to refinance your Houston, Dallas, or Austin FHA mortgage then let us help you.
The same goes for those who prefer to float their interest rates. When interest rates go down for several months, they can save a lot of money but when these rates stay up and go higher, they have to shell out more than the usual amount. Either way there are advantages and disadvantages. When you need to refinance your Houston, Dallas, or Austin FHA mortgage then let Zeus Mortgage help you.
Do you really need mortgage refinancing assistance? Log-on to www.askzeus.com for more information.
Your existing loan is drying up your resources and a second mortgage is tempting. Don't fall into the temptation. The interest rates in second mortgages are prohibitive and can even be thrice as high as the initial mortgage. Instead of the second mortgage, get refinancing. If you have a pressing reason to get refinancing, by all means, go ahead. But if it is only to indulge yourself in luxury, forget it. You must not trade your house for an expensive car. In the long run, as interest rates are escalating, you might lose that car and everything else.
Mortgage refinancing may or may not get you out of debt. It will all depend on you. If you are committed to stick to your budget and spend years paying off the loan, then you are a good candidate. Tread carefully when you are getting mortgage refinancing to pay off your debts. You never know what you'll step on.
Steven Kaufman
Zeus Mortgage, Ltd.
www.zeusmortgage.com
713-275-9387
ZEUS MORTGAGE GOES TO WORK FOR YOU
Friday, January 13, 2012
Zeus News!
Zeus Fun Factoids In December 2011, the average monthly payment on a 30 year mortgage in Houston, Texas for principal and interest was $1,046 which is down 9% year over year.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Houston Mortgage Professional Rated in the Top 40 in the US
Houston’s Zeus Mortgage CEO Secures Placement in “40 Under 40” List
National Mortgage Professional Magazine names Zeus Mortgage CEO one of the 40 most influential mortgage professionals under the age of 40 for the second year in a row
Houston, TX. – Jan. 11, 2012 – Zeus Mortgage, a leading mortgage lender, today announced National Mortgage Professional Magazine honored Steven Kaufman, CEO of Zeus Mortgage, with placement in the publication’s third annual “40 Under 40” feature. As the only Houston-based mortgage professional awarded, Kaufman’s inclusion in the annual list exemplifies professionalism and top production in today’s housing market, an industry known for its great uncertainty.
Steven Kaufman, CEO of Zeus Mortgage, has coordinated more than $1 billion in real estate financing for companies including American Express, Hewlett Packard and Exxon Mobil. Kaufman’s community involvement in grassroots organizations, plus his tenacious commitment to keeping team synergy as top priority of his Houston-based organization, has made him sought after by customers and competitors alike.
“To be so involved in an ever-changing field such as the mortgage industry, takes great risks; however, with that comes immense rewards,” stated Steven Kaufman, president, Zeus Mortgage. “Receiving this honor for the second year in a row is a great reminder of what perseverance is all about – leading your team by example and staying optimistic in wavering economic times.”
National Mortgage Professional Magazine receives hundreds of nominations for inclusion in the annual “40 Under 40” feature, a list honoring the top mortgage professionals under the age of 40, as voted on by their peers.
More information about the “40 Under 40” list can be found in the December 2011 print issue of National Mortgage Professional Magazine. Additional information about Zeus Mortgage can be found directly at AskZeus.com.
About Zeus Mortgage
Zeus Mortgage is widely known as one of the fastest growing private companies in the United States, and is comprised of a team of world-class experts who are skilled at providing up-to-the-minute market information, offering valuable knowledge and insight to their clients. With proactive communication and enthusiastic service, Zeus Mortgage delivers unsurpassed value to their customers, while making the mortgage process simple and smooth. For more information about Zeus Mortgage please visit ASKZEUS.COM or call 800-ASK-ZEUS.
###
Press Contact:
Steven Kaufman
Zeus Mortgage
713-275-9387
pr@askzeus.com
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Who's the Best Loan Officer in Houston?
As printed: “There are those who are making serious waves in the industry who could not be overlooked. They, like those on the “40 Under 40” list are the leaders of this industry for years to come, so keep an eye out as well for the following innovators and originators as they continue to shape the industry.” www.zeusmortgageblog.com
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Is it better to rent or buy? Houston Mortgage Loans
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
The History of Houston Real Estate Prices! - Zeus Mortgage Blog

Monday, August 22, 2011
Off The Coast of Zanzibar Book Reviews - The Baldest Guy In Houston (Zeus Mortgage Complaints)
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
How does the credit rating of Fannie and Freddie impact mortgages
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Is Facebook Wasting your Time?
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!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Getting Prepared for Hurricane Season!
Floods and flash floods happen in all 50 states.
Everyone lives in a flood zone. (For more information, visit our Flood Zones FAQs.)
Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.
If you live in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) or high-risk area and have a Federally backed mortgage, your mortgage lender requires you to have flood insurance. (To find your flood risk, fill out the Flood Risk Profile.)
Just an inch of water can cause costly damage to your property.
Flash floods often bring walls of water 10 to 20 feet high.
A car can easily be carried away by just two feet of floodwater.
Hurricanes, winter storms and snowmelt are common (but often overlooked) causes of flooding.
New land development can increase flood risk, especially if the construction changes natural runoff paths.
Federal disaster assistance is usually a loan that must be paid back with interest. For a $50,000 loan at 4% interest, your monthly payment would be around $240 a month ($2,880 a year) for 30 years. Compare that to a $100,000 flood insurance premium, which is about $400 a year ($33 a month).
If you live in a moderate-to-low risk area and are eligible for the Preferred Risk Policy, your flood insurance premium may be as low as $129 a year, including coverage for your property's contents.
You are eligible to purchase flood insurance as long as your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. Check the Community Status Book to see if your community is already an NFIP partner.
It takes 30 days after purchase for a policy to take effect, so it's important to buy insurance before the floodwaters start to rise.
In a high-risk area, your home is more than twice as likely to be damaged by flood than by fire.
Anyone can be financially vulnerable to floods. People outside of high-risk areas file over 20% of NFIP claims and receive one-third of disaster assistance for flooding.
The average annual U.S. flood losses in the past 10 years (2001-2010) were more than $2.7 billion.
When your community participates in the Community Rating System (CRS), you can qualify for an insurance premium discount of up to 45%. Read more about CRS Ratings.
Since 1978, the NFIP has paid over $36.9 billion for flood insurance claims and related costs (as of 12/31/10).
Over 5.5 million people currently hold flood insurance policies in more than 21,000 communities across the U.S.
For more policy and claim statistics, visit the National Flood Insurance Program.
The Baldest Guy in Houston
Sunday, December 19, 2010
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"?
Monday, November 1, 2010
The Coolest Non-Profit in Houston
The painting of Ali was something so incredible that I was inspired to paint! Okay, maybe not, but I was inspired. Martin is an incredible artist and his work is amazing. Everyone that came out loved the party and we raised enough money to help 6 families. I hope you'll check out the video below that was on Fox who was live at our event and the videos of us helping the families at our website at www.fanaticalchange.org. Thank you to every person who's ever supported this amazing cause. On behalf of the volunteers and the families... THANK YOU!
Keep the Change!
The Baldest Guy in Houston
The Coolest Guy in Houston
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Coolest Attorney in Houston is Matt Wright
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".
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Houston Low Rate Mortgages?
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
How do I become the Coolest Guy In Houston, Texas
Press Release Source: Zeus Mortgage On Tuesday October 12, 2010, 9:00 am EDT
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Zeus Mortgage, a leading mortgage lender, today announced it has been named by the Houston Business Journal as one of Houston’s 100 fastest-growing companies in the publication’s annual list. Honored at the Houston Fast 100 luncheon at the Westin Galleria Hotel, Zeus Mortgage ranked 37 based on the company’s percentage of revenue growth over the past two years.
As many companies are struggling to stay afloat during uncertain economic times, Zeus Mortgage has prevailed and continues to maintain a respectable name within the real estate industry. The company credits much of its success and growth to ensuring employees receive up-to-date industry information, resulting in great value and insight for each individual customer.
“We’re so honored to be named one of the fastest-growing companies in Houston for the second year in a row, and feel privileged to be in such great company,” stated Steven Kaufman, president, Zeus Mortgage. “Houston is full of highly-motivated businesses that encourage us to keep growing and educating ourselves to better serve our customers, and we are truly dedicated to being an asset to this remarkable community.”
Exclusively hosted by the Houston Business Journal, the “2010 Houston Fast 100” was attended by more than 500 guests from the local business community, and was presented by Calvetti, Ferguson & Wagner P.C. Co-sponsors of the event were G&A Partners, Pierpont Communications, Accountemps and IBERIABANK.
Additional information about the “2010 Houston Fast 100” can be found in the Houston Business Journal’s September 24 issue. More information about Zeus Mortgage can be found directly at AskZeus.com.
About Zeus Mortgage
Zeus Mortgage is widely known as one of the fastest growing private companies in the United States, and is comprised of a team of world-class experts who are skilled at providing up-to-the-minute market information, offering valuable knowledge and insight to their customers. With proactive communication and enthusiastic service, Zeus Mortgage delivers unsurpassed value to their customers, while making the mortgage process simple and smooth. For more information about Zeus Mortgage please visit ASKZEUS.COM or call 800-ASK-ZEUS.
Contact:
Zeus Mortgage
Public Relations
Steven Kaufman
713-275-9387
pr@askzeus.com
Who's the "Coolest Guy In Houston"? kidding!
Not bad for the "Coolest Guy In Houston" who happens to be the "Baldest Guy in Houston" too!
Friday, September 24, 2010
You're not too old for this Halloween Party!
Best Dallas Cowboys Jokes - For the Houston Texans
www.zeusmortgageblog.com
Schaub: Knock, knock
Romo: Who’s there?
Schaub: Owen
Romo: Owen who?
Schaub: Owen 3 bitch!
Tornado warning issued for Dallas. Residents are advised to go to Cowboy’s Stadium for shelter, as the possibility for a touchdown there is highly unlikely.
What’s the difference between Linsay Lohan and Tony Romo? Linsay Lohan has a good line in front of her.
What does Dallas and Brokeback Mountain have in common? They both have cowboys that suck!
How do you keep a Dallas Cowboy out of your yard? Put up a goal post.
The Baldest Guy In Houston
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Extending the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit
ABC Nightly News - Clip on Expiring First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit
Of course, you have until June 30th to close and fund on your new contract. There's always the lingering question about finding another house after the April 30th deadline because of repairs or option period reasons.
The 60 days you have close on the house is plenty of time for a fha or conventinal mortgage. Houston FHA loans at Zeus Mortgage are are taking 3 weeks and low rate refinances are taking about the same time.
The Baldest Guy in Houston - Steven Kaufman at Zeus Mortgage.
www.askzeus.com
Friday, April 23, 2010
HBJ Finalist for 2010 Non-Profit CFO of the Year
You already know we have the most incredible real estate investment club in Houston and in the country. Yes, I'm a little biased because I've spent a good part of my adult life within this great education providing power house of an organization. In fact, I've spent the last 5/6 years volunteering on the Board of Directors and in other areas.
What's my point? Well... I’m proud to share with you that the Houston Business Journal named me as a 2010 Finalist for the Non-Profit CFO of the Year.
The final determination is May 21st and I look forward to attending and representing our great organization.
The RICH Club is surrounded by many other organizations, such as Lifestyles Unlimited, The Wealth Club, The Newbie Club, Gordon Appleby, and several notable players in the Houston real estate market. Despite the various objectives of all of these organizations, the RICH Club has remained the pillar of single family real estate investing, subject-to, short-sales, owner financing, creative financing, apartment and multi-family property investing, and landlording education in the city of Houston for more than 30 years.
As a company, Zeus Mortgage, has been a vendor of RICH for many years. We've been proud to offer real estate investors, including newbies, non-owner occupied investor long-term loans. They requested hard money lending and rehab loans so we introduced our own hard money loan several years ago. We help home buyers also who need Houston FHA loans and Houston FHA lenders and Houston FHA mortgages to finance their homes. Lastly, we work with jumbo and super jumbo mortgages so investors who really want to buy big.
I hope to find out on May 21st if I'm more than a finalist, but I'm extremely honored either way. The Baldest Guy in Houston!
Here's the link for the story!!!
http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2010/04/19/daily24.html?page=2
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
HAFA - Short Sale and Loan Modifications that Work
I digress, the Federal government has just finished rolling out the HAFA program which will help families who are trying to sell on a short sale. In an earlier post I mentioned a few of the highlights and I was recently able to share my insights on CBS News with the awesome report Christine Haas. She's interviewed me, on behalf of Zeus Mortgage, for other stories on low rate mortgage, FHA financing, and cash-out refinancing. Here is the recent clip:
http://www.kvue.com/news/Government-program-offers-incentives-to-speed-up-short-sale-process-91699739.html
CBS has an amazing light (camera) guy... obviously, because he shaded the shinny bald head I have. If you haven't heard, I am the "baldest guy in Houston". That's not somethign I'm necessarily proud of but don't you think bald guys look smarter? Okay, not the comb over bald guys, but the shaved bald guys.
Back to short sales... they looks like the first government program in a long time that is designed to actually work and not just pretend to be a solution to a huge problem.
Until next time!
Steven Kaufman
Zeus Mortgage
AskZeus.com
"The Baldest Guy in Houston"
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Zeus Mortgage Tattoo TV Spot (Ask Zeus)
If you're looking for FHA, VA, and below market interest rates on super jumbo mortgages, 203k, 203(k), cash out refinances, rehab or hard money loans then call the experts.
Ask Zeus. We're Smarter.
The Baldest Guy In Houston - The Steven Kaufman
Funny Real Estate Jokes and Terms
In real estate advertising, as in any other, misleading statements abound. Some realtors try to put positive spins on home features that are somewhat less than positive. Please don’t misunderstand me. A conveniently located, cozy and charming home with easy highway access that needs a little TLC might be a great starter home for a family with a little bit of paint. Sadly, too many realtors use these words in other ways.
In fact, a leading real estate trainer actually promotes using “the term cozy instead of small” and “charming instead of old” as a method of attracting buyers. This practice is called ‘puffing.’ The following is a list of some of the best examples of inappropriately used words.
·Cozy – One of my favorite terms. It means the home is too small for human habitation. Remember the 19th Century when a family of six could live in a single room home? This is the home for them.
·Intimate – The only home smaller than ‘cozy.’ These homes are perfect if you’re roughly the size of a garden gnome.
·Charming – If you’re used to living without indoor plumbing, this home is perfect for you. It comes complete with old woodwork, wide molding, and kitchen cabinets that date before the Great Depression. The cobwebs are an added bonus.
·Conveniently Located – It is located at a busy intersection, where the traffic noise is so heavy, you’ll have to sleep with ear plugs.
Easy Highway Access – This is actually worse than “Conveniently Located”. Here you’ll have to sleep with pillows duct taped to your head.
·Country Living – We hope you like spending a lot of time driving because this home is located so far from civilization that you may have to raise your own animals in order to survive.
·City Living- Lock the doors with all three deadbolts because it’s not safe to go outside.
·Needs Some TLC – Beware. You might fall through the floor.
·Water View – If you stand on a ladder in the corner bedroom of the second floor and lean out the window, you might be able to see it.
·Water Front - Located in a flood zone.
·Not a Drive-By – Because the exterior is so hideous, you’re likely to drive by without stopping. You might even look over your shoulder to see if condemned signs have been placed in the yard yet.
·Must See The Inside – This is a variation of “Not a Drive-By.” The outside looks like it’s been decorated for Halloween, but it’s currently March. The Addams Family actually turned this home down.
·Handyman Special – So special that not even the walls are solid. The home is probably ready to collapse.
·Unique – This home is so unique that it will only appeal to a small percentage of the population. In fact, the number of buyers who would appreciate the architecture is so small that we’re still hoping some weird person from southern California takes a job relocation and moves to the area.
·Easy to Show – The prior owners vacated the home as soon as they heard the gunfire down the street. The doors don’t shut properly, so pretty much anyone can go in anytime they’d like.
·Only One Owner – And he didn’t make an update since the day he built the home forty-seven years ago.
·Freshly Painted – With a single coat of cheap paint.
·Cul-de-sac Living – A fancy way to say you’ll be living at a ‘dead-end.’
·Friendly Neighborhood – In fact, several busy bodies will watch your every move and the creepy guy across the street has a telescope trained on this home at all times.
(Excerpt from Loren Keim's Book - "Life Lessons... from the back seat of my car")
From the Baldest Guy in Houston - The Steven Kaufman
Monday, April 12, 2010
Short Sales and the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA)
Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program (HAFA)
A list of servicers (lenders) participating in HAMP (including HAFA) is available at: www.makinghomeaffordable.com/contact_servicer.html.
Key HAFA Provisions
*Complements HAMP by providing a viable alternative for borrowers (the current homeowners) who are HAMP eligible but nevertheless unable to keep their home.
*Uses borrower financial and hardship information already collected in connection with consideration of a loan modification.
*Allows borrowers to receive pre-approved short sales terms before listing the property (including the minimum acceptable net proceeds).
*Requires borrowers to be fully released from future liability for the first mortgage debt (no cash contribution, promissory note, or deficiency judgment is allowed).
*Uses standard processes, documents, and timeframes/deadlines.
*Servicer is required to provide a decision on a short sale price within 10 days.
*Provides the following financial incentives:
a. $3,000 for borrower relocation assistance;
b. $1,500 for servicers to cover administrative and processing costs;
c. Up to $2,000 for investors who allow a total of up to $6,000 in short sale proceeds to be distributed to subordinate lien holders, on a one-for-three matching basis.
For a complete list of the documents and disclosures for the program then please visit: https://www.hmpadmin.com/portal/programs/foreclosure_alternatives.html.
The website for generic information, but is the best place to start is: www.makinghomeaffordable.gov.
Program is effective April 5th, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Do you have Wal-mart Feet?
Wal-Mart Versus the Morons
1. Americans spend $36,000,000 at Wal-Mart Every hour of every day.
2. This works out to $20,928 profit every minute!
3. Wal-Mart will sell more from January 1 to St. Patrick's Day (March 17th)Target sells all year.
4. Wal-Mart is bigger than Home Depot + Kroger + Target + Sears + Costco +
K-Mart combined.
5. Wal-Mart employs 1.6 million people and is the largest private Employer,
and most speak English.
6. Wal-Mart is the largest company in the history of the World.
7. Wal-Mart now sells more food than Kroger & Safeway combined, and keep in
mind they did this in only 15 years.
8. During this same period, 31 supermarket chains sought bankruptcy.
9. Wal-Mart now sells more food than any other store in the world.
10. Wal-Mart has approx 3,900 stores in the USA of which 1,906 are Super
Centers; this is 1,000 more than it had 5 Years ago.
11. This year 7.2 billion different purchasing experiences will occur At a
Wal-Mart store. (Earth's population is approximately 6.5 Billion.)
12. 90% of all Americans live within 15 miles of a Wal-Mart.
I know what you're thinking... "they abuse their power with suppliers or don't allow unions into their stores", but remember, it's the only place you can go to get our oil changes, purchase a Big Mac, get your nails done, and make a deposit all in one trip!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
CEO Declared One of the Most Influential Mortgage Professionals Under 40
Professionals Under 40
National Mortgage Professional Magazine names Steven Kaufman, CEO of Zeus Mortgage, one of the 40 most influential mortgage professionals under the age of 40
Houston, TX. – Feb. 2, 2010 – Zeus Mortgage, a leading mortgage lender, today announced National Mortgage Professional Magazine declared the companies’ CEO, Steven Kaufman, one of the top 40 mortgage professionals under the age of 40. Voted on by their peers, those included in the influential list of mortgage professionals exemplify professionalism and inspiration in today’s challenging housing market.
Steven Kaufman, CEO of Zeus Mortgage, has coordinated more than $1 billion in real estate financing for companies including American Express, Hewlett Packard and Exxon Mobil. Kaufman’s community involvement in grassroots organizations, and his resolute dedication to keeping team synergy as top priority of his organization have made him sought after by customers and competitors alike.
“Working in the housing market during uncertain economic times is a great challenge I welcome every day,” stated Steven Kaufman, president, Zeus Mortgage. “I’m fortunate in that I’m surrounded by a team of highly-motivated professionals who are great reminders as to why I’m more motivated than ever to persevere through a difficult economic time, working to make a difference in the lives of others and impact the mortgage industry in whatever way possible.”
Additional information about the “40 Under 40” list can be found in the November 2009 print issue of National Mortgage Professional Magazine. 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 www.AskZeus.com.
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The Fanatical Change Foundation and 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
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!
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/.
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Free Money!
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.



