It’s a week from the magical day of Christmas where we will all spend time with our family and friends. And, many of us are trying to tie up last minute errands so that we can enjoy next week without the hustle and bustle of the season. Although this is a time for family, many of us are still trying to finish up those last few 2009 transactions and getting ready for a much improved 2010.
This week we saw the Fed’s leave the short-term interest rate at zero to 0.25 percent even though we have seen a little good in the job market and housing arenas. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently released ‘Shopping For Your Home Loan, HUD’s Settlement Cost’ booklet. This publication explains the ‘Good Faith Estimates and HUD-1 settlement forms that must be used beginning January 1, 2010.
Also, don’t forget HUD’s FHA 203K, an FHA loan that enables home buyers to purchase and renovate properties. This week our Skirts’ feature is on Teresa Walsh, President of REB-uild USA, a designation/membership program that turns agents into 203k Specialists. Teresa and her husband Dennis have teamed up with home improvement retailer Lowe’s to make sure that Realtors and potential homebuyers learn about this great program. Take time to hear Teresa tell you about it.
